In the more than 2,000-year history of Catholicism, the religion has stretched its tentacles all over the world. Today there are about as many Catholics in Central and South America as in the rest of the world combined. With the installation of Jorge Mario Bergoglio as the first pope from the Americas, there's a focus on all things argentino.
"We've actually had longtime costumers call to congratulate us [on the Argentine pope's election]," says Graziano manager Armando Mon, a native Mexican who has adopted the Argentine culture in 14 years of working at the family-owned original location in Coral Gables. "It's really something to be proud of."
"It was time for a big change," adds Las Vacas Gordas owner Luis Gajer.
You too can be a proud Argentine for a day, or at least eat like one, at one of these five best Argentine restaurants in Miami.
5. Patagonia
This is what Argentine food is all about, tons of different types of butchered meats and a bunch of cuts. Patagonia doesn't stop with beef, though; it also offers an extensive chicken and fish menu that rivals some of the best seafood places in Miami. With locations in Key Biscayne and Doral, Patagonia has been showered with awards by Trip Advisor and received a mention in New Times' Best of Miami issue. The skirt steak, the most popular item on the menu, is cooked to perfection and served with generous portions.
4. Doma Polo Bistro
The Buenos Aires-style bistro-lounge borrows spices, flavors, and styles from the Spanish Mediterranean and blends them with a Latin American influence, specifically the Argentine obsession with meat. The restaurant, which opened in August of 2012, also celebrates the unique Argentine interest in the majestic sport of polo. They even recently held a Doma Polo polo competition and did a pretty decent job of engaging the local Miami community.
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3. New Campo Argentino
Claiming to have a kitchen "made with professionalism and dedication," New Campo Argentino calls itself an Argentine steak house with an Italian touch. You can also get some delicious specialty pasta and chivito at this quaint eatery with just about two dozen tables. In addition to the traditional Argentine meat-centric menu, New Campo might be the only place on this list that offers vegetarian fare. It's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day of the week, but get there early if you want to beat the crowd.
2. Las Vacas Gordas
There is a big difference in the vibe of a restaurant when its owner is also its head chef. Most owners would rather pay someone else than get their own hands greasy. For Luis Gajer, the past 15 years of manning the kitchen at the sleek Las Vacas Gordas ("the Fat Cows") have been too rewarding to give up. The best thing about this restaurant is simply the owner/chef himself. His dedication to and passion for the art of cooking, along with his talent for operating a restaurant, make LVG hard to beat.
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1. Graziano's
In this case, the first Argentine restaurant in Miami is also the best. "We had to change our name to Graziano's from Parrilla Argentina because you started seeing parrilla on every corner," says manager Armando Mon, a 14-year veteran of the now four locations in West Dade, Coral Gables, Brickell, and Hialeah. "Those places you see are all franchises, not family-owned." The family-owned atmosphere provides a great place to work for Graziano's employees, according to Mon, because all the workers are an extension of the family. Combine that quality with fair prices and consistency in service and flavor, and it's no wonder Graziano's has enjoyed continued success in every venture.
Want access to our Best Of picks from your smartphone? Download our free Best Of app for the iPhone or Android phone from the App Store or Google Play. Don't forget to check out the full Best of Miami® online at bestof.voiceplaces.com.
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