Today I had lunch at El Patio, an Argentinean restaurant in Rockville, Maryland, which is a suburb of Washington, DC. During the week, this place has English and Spanish speaking patrons. However, on the weekend, the patrons mainly speak Spanish, and the restaurant tends to be a gathering of friends and family. I noticed that several people walking in greeted restaurant workers or other patrons like old friends. From this, I gathered that this restaurant had to be a special place for expatriates of Argentina who are looking to feel connected with their native country.
The restaurant offers a wide variety of homemade Argentinean delicacies such as traditional empanadas, steak platters, quiches, sandwiches and pastries. In addition, there is a small grocery section filled with Argentinean beer, wine, CDs with South American music and food such as pastas, sauces, juices and desserts.
When reviewing the menu, I noticed that several of the dishes come with eggs and onions. For example, there is a platter called Pique-a-lo-macho that comes with sautéed flank steak and sausage with jalapeños, french fries, eggs, olives and onions, and an empanada that comes with ham, cheese and hard boiled eggs. Not feeling super hungry but wanting an Argentinean experience, I settled on a cheese and onion omelet (tortillas espanoleas queso y cebolla) and a spinach, onions and parmesan quiche (tartas espinacas). For dessert, I had a cookie filled with a milk caramel spread (alfajores de maicena).
As I ate lunch, I had a great conversation with a man from Argentina who lives in Washington, DC. He told me that he found this place through a soccer buddy of his and continues to come to El Patio for authentic food that reminds him of home. We also talked about his vacations to Bahia, Brazil, a place I am dying to visit one day, and the wonderful people who live there.
All in all, the people were friendly, the service was great and the food was delicious. This small lunch experience gave me a taste of Argentina and has intrigued me enough to want to add it on my wish list of places to travel.
