Argentine Chic

Buenos Aires is not known as the Paris of South America for nothing. Sweeping vistas down ten-lane avenues are hemmed by wide, tree-lined promenades where wealthy city-dwellers walk their prized chiens (or should I say perros?).

A grand opera house attracts world-class performers and wealthy South Americans flock here to purchase all the latest fashions. Add in a smattering of haute cuisine and phenomenal nightlife and you’ve got yourself a leading global city.

But to compare Argentina’s capital to Paris is simply to scratch the belle époque surface of this glorious port city (inhabitants are known as porteños). Buenos Aires has a fascinating cultural mix (the legacy of countless European migrations) and a vibrant Latin flavour that makes it irresistible.

Traditional barbeque restaurants serve tender, succulent beef from the cattle ranged on the vast grassy pampas; but you are just as likely to feast in a top-notch sushi restaurant or pick up the ubiquitous street snack, empanadas (sort of like a mini calzone stuffed with all sorts of delicious fillings).

Then, of course, there’s the ice cream. Oh, where to begin…the rich thick caramel flavours of dulce de leche are an Argentine special and their deliciously light ice cream (a benefit of the large Italian population in Buenos Aires), adopts it wholeheartedly.

Try dulce de leche with flaked chocolate or coconut flakes from the city-wide chain Freddo. Trust me, you’ll never look at ice cream in the same way again.

Then of course there’s fashion, something Buenos Aires has conquered with its own, special flair. The porteño style is cutting-edge with a fantastically laid-back tone (think sandals with low slung jeans and a truly out-there top rather than stilettos and black lace); and hair?

Well suffice to say the faux-hawk was popular there way before it hit the streets of London. The best place to find the newest and most original stuff is probably Palermo (read on) but if you’re looking for Argentine chic then don’t miss the malls; not only are they mammoth, but they house the country’s best designer boutiques, with cost levels dependent on the area (i.e.