Pick Up The Fork

A Serious Eater's Guide to Buenos Aires and Beyond

About

That home video is of me, Allie Lazar, 4 years old, in 1989 at my grandparent’s 50th wedding anniversary (yes, I was a large kid). Ever since a young age, growing up in the mean streets of suburban Chicago, I’ve been a good eater — intensely devouring all things edible like a possessed chubby demon child. Since I’ve always spent my days eating, cooking, dreaming about food and travel, reading and writing about food, and planning my next meal, it was only fitting to channel this food obsession in the form of something a bit more socially acceptable: make it into a profession. Plus, working in food is a legit excuse for never going on a diet.

Here’s my story: I came to Buenos Aires in 2006 to study Political Science at the Universidad de Buenos Aires during a semester-long exchange program, and five ten fifteen (!) years later I’m still here, crazy enough to have fallen in love with this wonderfully chaotic country. I started writing Pick Up the Fork food blog in 2009 as a hobby to document my love-hate relationship with food in Argentina, attempting to liven up traditional restaurant reviews with a little bit of honesty and a lot of bit of silliness. Living far away from home isn’t always easy, but writing helped me work through my homesickness. My hobby turned into an obsession, which eventually transformed into a profession, and here I am, still on an endless quest to eat delicious things and find interesting stories behind those foods.

I have been grateful to see lots of hungry people enjoy and use the blog, and have received chubby praise for my Buenos Aires food expertise with features in publications like the New York Times, Rolling Stone Magazine, New York Magazine, Travel + Leisure, Bon Appétit, Condé Nast Traveler, The Travel Channel, The Food Network, BBC, and the Netflix show Somebody Feed Phil and Street Food.  I even helped President Obama and Justin Trudeau choose restaurants when they were in Buenos Aires! (I’m sorrynotsorry, but I had to throw in that humble brag because, well, it’s the OBAMAS!!)

Professional Experience:

For nearly two decades I’ve traveled around the world eating, drinking, writing, and telling stories about food and culture. I’m currently the Head of Content and Story Producer for YesChef, we make documentaries and cooking classes about great chefs around the world (think Masterclass meets Chef’s Table). My writing and photography have appeared in publications like The New York Times, Bon Appetit Magazine, Condé Nast Traveler, Eater, The Guardian, Food & Wine Magazine, Saveur, New York Post, National Geographic, Vice Munchies, Lucky Peach, Serious Eats, La Nacion, Clarin, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, Roads & Kingdoms, BBC Travel, New Worlder, Travel + Leisure, The Infatuation, among many others. I’m the former Food & Drinks editor of Time Out Magazine Buenos Aires (RIP), and back in the day hosted a TV series about restaurants in Buenos Aires. Sometimes I organize customized Buenos Aires food tours when food-obsessed travelers come to Argentina, work as a fixer when production companies come to film in Latin America, and offer consulting services for restaurants, hotels, and the travel and food industry.

From street food vendors to top chef tasting menus, I don’t think I’ll ever stop my endless voyage discovering the great foods in Argentina and around the world. I hope you enjoy reading my labor of love and find it useful, because I sure have a blast (most of the time) eating and writing. And if you don’t like it, go suck a chorizo.

Yours Truly,

Allie

George Napkin

P.S.

– All of the reviews are my honest opinion based on personal experience, even if you think they are wrong. You don’t owwwwwn me, restaurant owner, chefffff, Yelp elitist, or press dude.
– I took all of the photos on the site (unless otherwise noted), so please don’t steal them. Or if you do, give me credit for being the fab photog I pretend to be.
– I’m also one of THOSE PEOPLE who post photos of food (and maybe sometimes cats, dogs, and Seinfeld references).  So feel free to twatme, likeme, and insta-assme on da worldwide social media webz –> @pickupthefork
– Questions, comments, complaints, all welcome. Feel free to tell me if you want to be my new best friend…. or if you think my drivel is full of shit. I just may not respond.

Comment below or shoot me a fax —> imhungry@pickupthefork.com

EAT IT:

Comments

  1. I was going to share the site with my friends in Buenos Aires, but some of them don’t speak English. It’s a pity that there is no translation available, at least for the link to help the restaurants and local shops

    Reply

    • Imagine our surprise when Sandy and I decided to watch episode 1 of Street Food Latin America Buenos Aires and there, on screen, appears my beautiful 2nd cousin. Loved the episode and truly enjoyed your spirit and exuberance, especially at the Boca futbol game. Made us want to return to your city. Hope this finds you safe and healthy. Congratulations on a successful career.
      With love
      Cousin Ricky

      Reply

  2. Hi,
    I am going to Buenos Aires in January (2020) and I have read a lot about Puerta Cerradas but all articles are from 2018 and older. Is the concept still running?

    Reply

  3. I am a chef traveling through South America and will be in BA for the next few months. I would love any suggestions! Thanks

    Reply

  4. Me wife and i saw your videos in Contar Plataform Pick up The Fork, we really enjoy it ! You look trully and your comments are hilarious ! Keep that way :)

    Reply

  5. Allie,

    Your photos are fantastic, your food shopping guide gives me life, and I really just can’t with your videos. Thank you for doing what you do!

    But where can a girl get some good Mexican food around here!? I’m dying. Pls send help.

    Sincerely, a fellow escapee of the USA,
    Chelsea

    Reply

  6. A qué dirección de correo electrónico les puedo enviar información para que publiquen sobre el origen del asado de tira en Argentina?

    Reply

  7. Hi Allie,

    I’ll be in BA for 3 nights in May and I’ve been perusing your various articles on your site and others by you. I’m curious if you’d be able to narrow down my dinner options with some advice. I like new and exciting food with boundary-pushing formats. I am indifferent on price but I don’t need to go to the highest priced place just to say I did.

    – Must visit: Don Julio
    – Need to pick 2 of the 4: Chila, Mishiguene, Tequi, Aramburu
    – Or something else I’m missing?

    Really appreciate any advice.

    Thank you and Happy New Year!
    Mike

    Reply

  8. Hi there,

    Are you still actively updating pickupthefork or have you moved on to other endeavors? I’ve been reading your site for a few years now. I recently relocated to BA with my wife and daughter so I’m paying a bit more attention to your reviews. I’ve found pickupthefork to be quite helpful and also enjoyable to read.

    Cheers!

    Reply

  10. Hi Allie,

    Sitting down to a quiche and coffee at Cocu Boulangerie, Palermo. (Recommended by my Uber driver, Diana who brought me to my apartment from the airport. Reluctant to start off eating in a French patisserie in BsAs but it was a local recommendation.)

    Looked up at the menu and was completely out of my depth.

    Immediately began googling my way out of ignorance. Serendipitously came across your blog and saw Pizzeria Guerrin mentioned. (Which Diana also said was a spot not to be missed.)

    Safe to say “pickupthefork” is going to serve as my guide to eating out over the next couple of days before I move on to Puerto Madryn. Namely for this description of an empanada; “a doughy pocket of love filled with all your hopes and dreams”.

    Thanks for doing the legwork.

    Laura Ann

    Reply

  11. I appreciate your site. Found it referenced on baexpats.org. Chicago is probably a good training ground in which to experience a wide variety of cuisines. My own prior residences include NYC, San Francisco, Rio de Janeiro each for a minimum of 10 years.

    Back in 2000, I wrote a couple of survey articles for the now demised Bs As Herald about parrillas and tango cena shows. I look forward to trying some of your restaurant recommendations, however, I have no expectation of ever finding a decent Chinese, pizza or sushi place in Bs As. Hopefully, you can prove me wrong.

    I posted a link to your site in response to a request in a thread on tripadvisor.

    Unfortunately, when I attempte to submit I get blocked by a warning about “appears to be spam” so I am eliminating the link to TAdvisor You can find it at RIP Bs As tourism

    Reply

  12. Buenas tardes,

    Le escribo de la Agencia La Piña Comunicación, estamos llevando la cuenta del CAPRICHO en españa y me gustaria tener un contacto de la persona encargada, un e-mail y un telefono para futuros eventos que hagamos tanto aqui en España como alli y poder enviarles la información pertinente.

    Muchas gracias y un saludo

    Reply

  14. Hi allie!!!
    Im so so happy I stumbled upon your blog! I recently moved to Buenos Aires from Connecticut and Id simply love to meet up with you some day and chat. Im studying communications and I wanna make a blog of my own on vegetarianism and environmental issues and other social and cultural stuff that I go finding here, and Id love to ask you some questions and for some tips too! we could go to a vegetarian place if you know any… let me know!!
    Besos,
    Francisca

    Reply

  15. Hi Allie, you should try a new place in San Martín 969, Bao Kitchen Taiwan Bistro… truly delicious!!!!! I like your reviews, and I feel Bao Kitchen is worth a post on pickupthefork!!! :) regards.

    Reply

  16. A friend who used to lived in BA recommended your blog for tips during our week stay here. She said “this girl knows her food”. The blog has been a delight to read and your recommendations have been spot on. I already recommended it to other travelers we met. Keep living the dream!

    Reply

  17. The only thing I need in this world is to be your BFF and go out eating with you whenever you want, get drunk, and write all of those stories.
    I would die to have this oportunity at least once in my life, so please let me know if we can make this dream come true (???) lol.
    Nevermind, I just want you to know that you have one of the most cooler jobs in the world and I’ll die to be like you someday (I’m closer, now I just need to earn some money with that…………….we got a problem here.)

    Ok, no se porque escribí todo en inglés, supongo que quería practicar que tan bien podía expresarme en otro idioma (y me vi un poco limitada).
    Hablando en serio, no vivo en Buenos Aires pero estaré el mes de noviembre ahí tramitando mi VISA para ir a trabajar a Aspen este verano en los restaurants del Viceroy Hotel en Snowmass. Me gustaría mucho, de ser posible conocernos, comer algo y hacerte muchas preguntas sobre tu profesión y tus claves a tener en cuenta a la hora de describir los platos y lugares que descubrís entre muchas otras preguntas triviales que se me puedan ocurrir. Suena un tanto imposible mi pedido pero quien no arriesga jamás gana supongo.

    Buen provecho genia!

    Reply

  18. But I dooo want to be your new best friend!

    I too studied abroad in 2013, couldn’t get enough, finally made my way back seven weeks ago for good. I’ve been clinging to your blog in this awkward friend- and job-less period, and it’s served me damn well. Keep it up!! And let me know if you ever need another foodie to tag along :)

    Reply

  19. Hi Guys,
    I’m travel writer and author Nicholas Kontis from San Francisco. I’m mention you in my book.
    I am writing a book about local experiences
    The book will actually be called
    LOCAL – Experiences and Encounters on the Road

    I delve into
    Peer to peer travel
    Food travel , meal sharing , cooking classes, food tours
    Sustainable and reasonable tourism mention companies that do things right
    Volunteering
    Taking trip around the world
    Living overseas
    And key note interviews
    Tony Wheeler
    Richard Bangs
    Rick Steeves
    Patricia Schultz
    Judith Fein
    James Dorsey
    Don George
    David Noyes

    I’m asking all mentioned experts to help me add photos to the book

    Please email any photos with travelers with locals and any immersion into a local society, trips , food , encounters on travel
    Ect

    Best,

    Nicholas Kontis
    San Francisco

    Reply

  20. ‘Entertaining blog! i was researching coffee (houses) in BA (is it impolite to shorten it like that?!?); I hope to spend a few days in the city in very late March. I live in Cajamarca, Peru right now–originally from Missoula, Montana, though I spent a decade or two in Seattle. Hence, the coffee addiction.

    I was surprised and delighted to see Stumptown mentioned. My friend Dwayne (sp?) started Stumptown, in Portland, OR. I’ve been told–by someone who should know–that Dwayne sold Stumptown for a cool million or so after starting in Portland and expanding into both New York and Seattle. He was a roaster at Lighthouse Roasters (in Seattle) for several years–my home away from home when I lived there. Nothing beats FRESH roasted coffee and partaking of the same just 6 feet from where they roast. Of course, art on the walls helps. (‘D-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s coffee.) And, on Saturday mornings, when roasting was on a hiatus, a young lady (Gretchen) played cello next to the roaster. Ummmmmmmmm …

    I’ll have to work my way through more of your reviews, tips, suggestions, etc. Coffee, though. I miss it. We have a bit of coffee served here in Peru, and even in Cajamarca, but none of it is ideal. Though I did have an astounding coffee in Humachuco, of all places. I think it was cold-brewed coffee. ‘Was served in a glass beaker and it looked like brown oil! It had absolutely NO acid in it at all. And it was wonderful.

    Thanks for the insights! I’ll see if I can’t crowd in 8 or 9 of the coffeehouses during my short stay!

    ~ Michael

    Reply

  21. Yup. Totally want to be your new best friend. Thanks for having this blog. I’m here for a month visiting family and needed desperately to find something to do. Preferably food related…tada…your blog. The other ones were too stuffy. I like your ‘don’t-give-a-damn-what-people-think’ writing style. :)

    Reply

  22. Just want to thank you for all your work. My friends and I used your guide repeatedly here and you are responsible for a lot of our best memories in B.A! Thanks!

    Reply

  25. Fantastic blog that really drove our food decisions whilst in BA. Actually used it in a digital content training workshop, once I got back to London and real life, as my example of great engaging content ( we were all asked to bring one)

    Reply

  27. Love your blog, and I like the redesign. I clearly haven’t checked in a while.
    Two little things…
    1) You need to update the copyright at the very bottom of the page to 2015 :)
    2) no RSS feeds?
    I’m rounding up the favorite blogs I’ve found over the past few months to add to my newsreader so I can keep reading.. and I don’t see an RSS feed for yours. Unless you’re hiding it the RSS icon is usually tacked on next to the FB/Twitter/Instagram/email icons.

    Reply

  29. Allie, it’s Robert Draper at National Geographic. I’m in town doing a story, would like to get together. Pls email me & let’s grab a bite.

    Reply

  30. You are the first woman I could fall in love with. My Argentine boyfriend and I have been eating our way through your incredible recommendations. WOW. spot on. Just finished unreal dinner at Gran Dabangg. We’ve worked our way through L’Adesso (amazing), Tierra de Nadie, Bi Won, Beijing, Aramburu Bis, La Crespo and more. Our only disagreement: Doña Maria in Mataderos. On the RIGHT side. Keep eating and writing. Love your recommendations and your style.

    Reply

  32. Hi, great blog! I’m really glad I found you. I recently got back to Buenos Aires (soy porteña) after almost 7 years in New York and have been looking for places to eat and, more importantly, where to buy imported food, spices, sauces… Keep it up!

    Reply

  34. Living in Belgrano and being a food lover I just found your blog and it’s very interesting. I read the two last posts and I completely fall in love with the way you write about, posting prices, what seems to be an honest opinion and all the photos.
    Keep up with this, I just have to places to go and taste :)

    Reply

  35. Have you tried the burguers at Perez-H? They are definitely worth it. Burguer Joint in New York does not do such a good job as they do in this place. Cheers.

    Reply

  41. I love your blog, YUM! We went to Aldo’s on Saturday for brunch. I can’t believe you can sit there and eat and drink for 6 hours for only 160! Not sure you’re supposed to stay there that long, but…never mind.

    While we were there the girls in the group hatched a plan for a girls’ late lunch. My request is, please would you recommend somewhere light and airy for a late lunch perhaps stretching to dinner anywhere around San Telmo to Palermo? Excellent food a must of course. Not fussy about cuisine. It’ll be a Tuesday.

    Thanks so much, Caroline

    Reply

  42. Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the images on this blog loading?
    I’m trying to determine if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog.
    Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

    Reply

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  45. Normally I never comment on blogs, but I’m studying abroad here in Buenos Aires for the semester and am SO happy that I found yours! Otherwise I would be lost within the porteño labyrinth of mediocre parillas y cafes…I’ve only gone to El Peruanito Ray y El Nono Amigo from your list so far, but they were both great and I look forward to working my way down the list (especially for Cheap Bastards). Keep it up!

    Reply

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