Experience "Los Sabores de Argentina"

Luxury Hotel Guests Have an Opportunity to Savor the Flavors of Argentina
 
IRVING, Texas (October 23, 2007) — Wanted: Travelers seeking authentic Argentinean cuisine without a passport.  

Omni Hotels’ unique culinary experience, the Sumptuous Flavors of Argentina, will indulge the palate of its guests with a special brandwide program running from November 1, 2007 to February 29, 2008.  The offering spotlights the sophisticated flavors of Argentina, from succulent barbequed meat dishes, known as asado, to sweet dulce de leche, all authentically prepared by Omni Hotels’ chefs.  Guests will also savor the rich and robust flavors of wines, including the Malbec and Torrontés varieties representative of the vast and varied growing regions, such as Mendoza, the geographic heart and soul of Argentinean wine.

“The passion of the people in Argentina is evident in everything from grilling meats to drinking wine to enjoying the company of others – and it’s contagious,” said Stephen Rosenstock, senior vice president of food and beverage for Omni Hotels.  “From the majestic and extraordinary landscape of the Andes to its asados, Argentina offers an abundance of amazing experiences that we have brought home to share with our guests.”   

As the second largest country in South America and the world’s fifth largest wine producer, Argentina is a land rich in cultural, topographical and culinary diversity.  Argentina takes pride in sharing its food traditions and wines with the world, featuring asados, abundant fresh seasonal vegetables and incredible wines made from grapes which grow in the lush valleys along the base of the Andes.

In September approximately 40 of Omni’s executive chefs and food and beverage professionals visited Buenos Aires and Mendoza to learn the traditions of Argentinean cooking, wine and culture.  Omni Hotels’ professionals visited more than 14 wineries in Argentina to gain first-hand knowledge from grape growers and wine makers and then hand selected the wines guests would experience as part of the program.  The Sumptuous Flavors of Argentina was arranged in partnership with Wines of Argentina, a body that works with more than 100 wineries spread across every region of the country and that represents 95 percent of Argentinean wine exports.  This marks the fifth in an annual series of Omni Hotels’ Flavors of the World programs, designed to expose its chefs to various world cuisines in order to create unique global offerings for its guests.  Past Flavors of the World programs included foods and wines from Spain, Chile and Italy.  

“We are honored to share our wines in this special partnership with Omni Hotels and are pleased to know that their guests will experience our exceptional wines, around which our wonderful cuisine is built,” said Susana Balbo, president of Wines of Argentina.  “Our renowned and illustrious wines are considered by the Argentinean people as part of the identity of the country, comparable to our famous Argentinean beef.” 

Guests will be able to learn about the foods, wines and culture of Argentina by enjoying the following menu items (a sample menu selection):

• Delicious appetizers such as Empanadas de Carne (Beef Empanadas)
• The traditional grilled meats of an Argentinean asado, including Tira de Asado Braseada al Malbec (Malbec-Braised Beef Short Ribs), Entraña a la Parrilla (Grilled Skirt Steak) and Ojo de Bife a la Parrilla (Grilled Ribeye Steak)
• Sandwiches such as Choripan con Chimichurri (Grilled Argentinean-Style Sausage with Chimichurri Sauce) and El Lomo de la Parilla (Grilled Tenderloin)
• An assortment of side dishes such as Sopita de Choclo Andino con Mariscos (Andean Style Shrimp and Sweet Corn Chowder) and Escamas de Queso Regianito (Caramelized Squash and Arugula Salad)
• Sumptuous desserts such as Panqueques de Dulce de Leche (Dulce de Leche Crepes) and Budín de Pan Matizado con Dulce de Leche (Bread Pudding)
• Argentinean Wines: Reds include Malbec, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Bonarda; whites include Torrontés, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay

Guests will also be able to enjoy the “Discover Argentina” weekend package that includes an unforgettable private cooking lesson and wine pairing, culminating with a savory, traditional Argentinean dinner.  The package also includes a leather wine tote featuring Malbec and Torrontés wines, a CD with the romantic Tango music which originated in Argentina and overnight luxury accommodations.  The package is offered at various Omni Hotels with rates ranging from $350 to $700 based on availability.