Someone just pointed out to me that in my previous post about the party hosted by FuBarrio and Golden Lotus and I completely focused on the cuisine and ignored the people. Perhaps I did get just a tad focused on the food…
The people at the party included a healthy mix of locals and ex-pats, with the locals outnumbering (though with me there not outweighing) the ex-pats two to one. FuBarrio’s parents and son were visiting from Washington state–they seemed to be enjoying themselves tremendously. I also met realtors, dentists, students, and maybe even “the butcher the Baker and the candlestick maker”. I particularly enjoyed a discussion I had with a medical student–I told him how important it was to me to have doctors who became doctors to heal the sick rather than become millionaires. I had a number of other very enjoyable discussions ranging from the humorous to the serious. I sincerely hope that I get to meet everyone that was there again.
It was obvious to the turn out that FuBarrio and Golden Lotus were well on their way towards integrating into Uruguayan society.
Now, did I tell you about desert?
The Southron is not exaggerating. Golden Lotus and FuBarrio were most excellent hosts. And the food! Wow! GL gets five stars. I think I’ll have to stop by there place later to see if there’s any tofu left over. Now there’s an ingredient that isn’t on ANY restaurant’s menu in Montevideo.
The people were truly a diverse group. The ages ranged from about 12 to some unknown number over 64. Also there were representatives from at least four continents.
GL’s helpers in black really did a nice job. Especially considering that neither one understands a word of English and there was a sizeable number of guests with limited Spanish skills.
A memorable evening for sure. I just wish I had taken a nap earlier in the day. I left at 2am and the party still had some life in it. It’s unusual when I’m not among the last to be kicked out of a good party! :-)
Thanks GL and FB!!
Left by IBMike on December 28th, 2006
thank you for the kind words, Southron and IBMike….
I had a long post on this but cut it down to the exec summary in case anyone visiting or new here was interested. I’m a complete amateur at wine picking, but this is what I’ve found is the best bet for getting something paletable here in Uruguay
To buy a good, inexpensive red wine in Uruguay stick to Uruguayan branded, Tannat (or Tannat blended with other grapes), roble, reserva, EVEN YEARs (2000, 2002, 2004).
Pinot Noirs and Cabs will not be as good as a good (expensive) California Cabernet — though the prices will be a LOT cheaper.
a 7 dollar (grocery store) or 15 dollar (restaurant price) 2004 Tannat can compete very favorably with a California Cab that could be 8-10x it’s price.
If you get a 2000 it seems to have to “breathe” a long time to take the edge off.
If you get an odd year over the even year cuz it’s “older” and thus “better” you’ll probably be disappointed. If you get an odd year at a restaurant even though the menu has an even year, send it back.
Of course, like everything, there are exceptions to these guidelines.
fuBarrio
Left by fubarrio on December 28th, 2006