Catching up on tourism: The gastronomic alley of Buenos Aires!

Remember the quick roadtrip I made to the province of La Plata a couple of months ago? Besides of getting away of the city for a while, my intention was to visit this peculiar alley I heard of. A "hidden" alley full of streetfood stands! Why do I say it's hidden? Well.. Let's just start with the fact that it's not located in the Capital per se, it's inmerse in a province (a couple of hours driving using the highway and you'll get there), also the fact that it's partially existing with "closed doors", the entrance look like a huge barn doors, and you have to knock to get in.

Talking to the food stand's owners I found out that at first it started as an illegal place, without any kind of permission, they just took an abandoned place and started forming the gastronomy alley secretly, then it got so popular that the government gave them all the permissions needed to have a small food business (what a relief to hear they are in good terms with the sanitary services). When it got to be popular, they openned the doors to the public and then everyone in the province goes there. My first impression: What an amazing place, there's art everywhere you look! Burger stands and Argentine roasts stands are the most popular here.

El Callejón, the new gastronomic proposal from La Plata has a different concept: a large courtyard full of murals and food stalls in the style of street food dedicated to satisfy the demanding palate of the clients.

In this new gastronomic space renowned chefs take center stage. There are brewery stalls, natural juices, specialty coffee, artisanal ice cream parlor, bar for drinks and gastronomic venues of great variety. All in an arty atmosphere, with artistic interventions from the small brick tunnel in sight that constitutes the entrance, to the large outdoor patio that dominates the scene of this kind of market. There, large streetlights, community tables, a staircase that takes you to a second floor and where you will find the bar, with a bar facing the patio and tables to sit and enjoy a good drink. All accompanied by good music.

Art is the signature of this place, mixed with good food and an incredible vibe, BUT this place has another ace up his sleeve to surprise you: no money is allowed here! As you read it, you can't pay a coffee with money. Don't dream, obviusly you have to pay everything, but with a card in hand (at the entrance they give you a card so you can load it with money to use it in each place) you can do it. The card is unique for this place, it makes the payment hour so easy and fast, that you almost never find a line in the stands.

For me, the most impressive and eye catching places of this alley were the bathrooms, I know.. It sounds ridiculous! But there was so much beauty in that place.. Not because you can relieve your soul there, you'll see what I mean when you get to see the photos; as I said: art is the signature of this place.

There is a craft beer stand with different styles and brands, a space for selling soft drinks or mineral water, another for ordering natural juices (including smoothies), and a bar on the first floor at the end of "callejón" with the particularity that, If you wish, you can prepare the drink yourself. Added to the best view of the gastronomic patio.

In short, well-known platens cooks who know how to do their work very well and who came together to dedicate a space in the city that was still absent so you can enjoy a different outing with family and friends, accompanied by the best cuisine and with a wide range of options.

With this beer and the promisse of getting back to this place to serve myself a drink, I say goodbye cordially. I have been distant but not absent from Steemit, until the next one. Cheers!