Christmas in Bariloche, Argentina

On December 14, 2009 we crossed over the Andes from Chile into Argentina via the international pass, Cardenal Antonio Samore Pass.

Paso Internacional Cardenal Antonio Samore © Spaswinefood

Argentina © Spaswinefood

The crossing from Chile into Argentina went smoothly. After entering Argentina we drove around Lake Nahuel Huapi and on to San Carlos de Bariloche in Rio Negro Province, Patagona. The Bariloche area is quite beautiful.

Lago Mendez in the front, with Lake Nahuel Huapi in the background © Spaswinefood

Posing in front of the lakes © Spaswinefood

Since we had a reservation in Bariloche at Club Hotel Cerro Catedral for the holiday season we needed to arrive early to find accommodations for our pets. Everyone in Bariloche was most helpful and I started to make phone calls to inquire about pet boarding.  In the mean while adjusting to the Argentine accent we were greeted with kisses and hugs by everyone we met, so we felt at home.

Our second stop in Bariloche was at Camping Petunia and we happened to encounter Juan at Puerto Petunia Restaurant. Juan is one of the best fishing guides in Bariloche and soon John was set up to go fishing. Our dog, Ewok was hanging out at Juan's place until we found boarding for her at a doggie spa for the holidays.

Puerto Petunia © Spaswinefood

From Puerto Petunia to  © Spaswinefood

From Puerto Petunia to  © Spaswinefood

Views of Lake Nahuel Huapi from Puerto Petunia © Spaswinefood

Lake Nahuel Huapi, Puerto Petunia © Spaswinefood

Sunset, Lake Nahuel Huapi © Spaswinefood

Discovering Puerto Petunia was wonderful because Juan immediately welcomed us. We were also accepted into Puerto Petunia circle. We had great food cooked by Alejo. This chef is great and always prepared a vegetarian dish for me. Check out this music on YouTube video  from Puerto Petunia.

Alejo and Juan at Puerto Petunia © Spaswinefood 

Alejo and Juan, Puerto Petunia © Spaswinefood 

We stayed at Camping Petunia (Cabañas) for three wonderful days.

View of the lake from the cabin window © Spaswinefood

View of the boat dock from the Cabin © Spaswinefood 

During our stay at Camping Petunia (Cabañas) we got to view Lake Nahuel Huapi from our cabin window.

The boat dock © Spaswinefood 

The boat dock © Spaswinefood 

Puerto Petunia © Spaswinefood

View from the boat dock © Spaswinefood 

View at night fall © Spaswinefood 

While at Puerto Petunia we ate many memorable meals in the restaurant.

Puerto Petunia © Spaswinefood

Puerto Petunia © Spaswinefood

Time to i-phone © Spaswinefood

Time for pizza © Spaswinefood

We returned Puerto Petunia Restaurant for an excellent Christmas Eve dinner.

Puerto Petunia to . . . © Spaswinefood

Puerto Petunia Xmas © Spaswinefood

Puerto Petunia Xmas © Spaswinefood

Alejo prepared a wonderful Christmas Eve dinner for over 30 guests.

Setting for Xmas Eve dinner © Spaswinefood

Karla © Spaswinefood

Waiting for dinner © Spaswinefood

Brie appetizer © Spaswinefood

Mushroom dinner and Elementos wine (El Esteco Vina) © Spaswinefood

We were especially thankful to the wonderful staff at Puerto Petunia Restaurant for a wonderful Christmas Eve dinner. I got to enjoy an awesome mushroom entree while Gary, Karla and John had great fish entree.

The next day, we had Christmas dinner in our studio apartment at Cerro Catedral ski resort.

Argentine champagne and wine with trout © Spaswinefood

A little Bariloche chocolate with ..... © Spaswinefood

Fondue for dessert © Spaswinefood

While in Bariloche we also explored a number of restaurants both in downtown and surrounding area. Bariloche has a wide range of restaurants. We were particularly drawn to ice cream parlors because Bariloche has some of the best ice cream in the world. It also has awesome chocolate!! Now that the 2010 holiday season has arrived, I think back to that wonderful time a year ago in Bariloche, Argentina. I so much miss the Argentine warmth. Thanks for the memories!

I invite you to join me in my travels in Argentina and elsewhere at Spaswinefood. 

Sharon

Tasting Memories From The Las Américas Trip

December 2010

© Spaswinefood

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