Arismendi Restaurant

One of those unforgettable culinary experiences 

In "Los Alisos" neighborhood, minutes away from Tafí del Valle, on Provincial Route 307, Álvaro Arismendi opens the doors of his illustrious kitchen.

A room of grayish walls in which the green masonry and the neat arrangement of the tables stand out, with beautiful views of La Angostura reservoir and -in the distance- the lights of the surrounding villages.

In the background, testimonies of its history hang for the curious, framed with two guitars in the corners, as custodians of the whole scene, instruments that accompany Arismendi in his other passion, music.

The menu is complete. The chef offers different types of meats, pastas and "locros", in its red version with red chorizo and black with handmade black pudding with walnuts. The entire gastronomic proposal is governed by a venerable rule, since all the products offered are obtained at a maximum distance of one hundred kilometers. 

The wine cellar presents the best wines of local manufacture, from small wineries in Tucuman as well as a variety of distinguished wines from Mendoza, so as to accompany the culinary lesson with a drink to match.

For starters, @tripticity_'s choice is a steaming "empanada tucumana de matambre". Of course with the traditional lemon wedge to accompany it, in the local style.

The star of the main course is the "Costillita del Carajo", a braised pork breast with barbecue sauce and tarragon poblano potatoes. It is well worth its name. 

For pasta lovers, the beef ragu and tomato lasagna -dry and fresh- with "criollo" cheese, under a gratin of white sauce and aged "tafinisto" cheese.

While enjoying the banquet, a small opening in the kitchen allows to appreciate the master executing his skill.

At the time of the sweets, when the great chef approaches the tables one by one to share a cordial toast with his guests, his suggestion of tasting the regional degustation is honored, this is sweet cayote with walnuts and limes and figs in syrup, well accompanied by the duo of "criollo" and aged cheeses on one side, and sugar cane nougat ice cream on the other. A flash of flavor!

And to crown the seasoned experience, Arismendi returns with a very special treat, a triple-distilled vodka from Tucumán made from cereal alcohol and sugar. The sweet caramel flavor softens the 36 proof and the golden sparkles of the candy do the same to the eye. It is there when he confesses that the sparkles are really gold veins extracted from the Salamanca (the devil's cave according to tradition) and that first sip of the magical drink engages an enchanting kiss that bewitches the drinker, forcing him to return to the chef's table. @tripticity_ marvels with the story as much as with Álvaro's majestic cuisine, hoping that this enchantment will be fulfilled and that soon we will be able to visit him again.