Hola! It’s been a while. Okay, nearly three years to be exact. And before that? Like five years. But who’s counting?
Recently, I wrote an article for SAVEUR Magazine about the essential dishes of Buenos Aires and where to eat them. Sounds straightforward, right? Wrong. Writing these kinds of pieces is a labyrinth of late-night second-guessing and existential crises… classic Libra behavior (decision-making isn’t our strength). I started with 36 dishes (too many), whittled it down to 18 (still too many), and finally agonized my way to 12 (too few). Then came the ultimate challenge: Choosing just one restaurant recommendation per dish. Naturally, I begged my editor for more space. His response? “No.”
So where was I going to write about the 14 other essential dishes in Buenos Aires I couldn’t mention in the article? Where could I elaborate on the city’s great empanada shops, my favorite pizza spots, or the often-overlooked parrillas I think deserve more love? And what about all the dishes that didn’t make the list but still deserve to be shared and explored?
Cue my downward spiral into the frustrating reality of food media: shrinking opportunities, influencers dominating the space, and the decline of thoughtful storytelling—because, let’s be honest, who even reads anymore? I have no shortage of content or ideas, but there’s only so much Buenos Aires coverage paying mainstream outlets are willing to accept from freelancers.
Then it hit me: I have a blog! Or, well… I had one. Pick Up the Fork has been gathering dust for years, so what better time than now to revive it?
Or maybe that’s a terrible idea. Should I blog? Start a newsletter? Dive into the Substack world? Try condensing my chaotic thoughts into an even more chaotic Instagram reel? These are the questions that keep me up at night (alongside “What’s the best restaurant in Buenos Aires?”).
So, instead of overthinking myself into oblivion, I’m starting here. Back to the blog I launched in 2009, when the only person I thought would read it was my mom. It’s VERY out of date, probably hard to navigate, and my aesthetic screams 2014 food blogger. But you know what? I’ve been paying for this web hosting for over 15 years, and for better or worse, I’m putting it to use.
Because here’s what I still believe: Beyond TikTok trends and viral videos, there are still people like you— although a very specific niche—who actually care about good old-fashioned, written word Argentina food content. So, I’m here to share stories, lists, and musings, just like I did when this blog first began.
Is this a promise to write regularly? Not exactly. But it is my intention—and a 2025 resolution I’ll try to stick to. And please, if you’ve got useful advice—whether it’s about blogging, newsletters, or WordPress plug-ins—feel free to share. Unless it’s discouraging or patronizing. In that case, kindly keep it to yourself.
Thanks for sticking with me. Let’s pick up the fork again… even if, as I’ve matured in my career, I find myself leaning more toward the spoon as my utensil of choice.
gutes says
Welcome back Allie, we are here reading you!
Vic says
SEEEEEEEEEEEEE
Toberto says
Oh my god! I am so happy you are back!
Alan Hirsch says
There is no one who blends passion, solid information and humor together better than Allie. I’m so glad you’re back. I’ve never laughed harder alone and out loud from your classic Night Before Christmas abuelas poem. Hilarious.
Please more and thank you,
Alan Hirsch
Pablo b says
Go for it
You are a darling food writer
AB says
Love to see you back in this format Allie, after all, isn’t BA the city of nostalgia?.
Also, way too many aesthetic-driven Palermo/Zona-norte ig-only influencers around. The true BA-food lover knows no boundaries.
Looking forward to your next post!
Valéria Fillipin says
FINALLY SOME GOOD NEWS
maryella marie says
yesssssss!!!!!
do it do it!
pick up the spooooooon! version 2.0 of pick up the fork!
so happy to read this!
(so many exclamation marks!!!)
be free and share your story as a blog or wev floats your boat.
just bring it back 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
how can i support?
much love.
xx
mm
Mark Kruse says
Glad you are back – I’ve missed you food photos and love of Baires. We are leaving the cold Chicago suburbs for BA on the 25th – our 4th visit.
Julita says
Ah, now that’s a comeback we’ve actually been waiting for :)
Nancy Roth says
Sounds good to me😀
Daniela says
Yes! I will read your blog.
Gracias!
Lina says
I love your writing and restaurant guide. Looking forward to seeing your work again.
E. says
Welcome back!