I jus bought and just received a book I bought, based on someone's recommendation in this forum, called Saltshaker Food and Wine Dictionary.

I was hoping to find a book to help me navigate through Argintine menus to order food.

Boy, was I wrong. Looks like $28 down the drain. The book is larger both in Width and Length than a Fodor's guide book and 300+ pages long.

This is not a book for a tourist. I'm hoping that it was written specifically for an Expat; becaue there's no way I'm carrying this puppy to Argentina.

If you want to know the Spanish food word for such things as... porcupine, Bordeaux, bubblegum, rooster (sorry av), jell-o, alligator or popcorn, then this is the book for you.

However, I'll take a Marling Menu Master (poorly written) or a Rick Steve's (folksily poorly written) over this book.

What the heck is out there that a tourist can take with him/her that is compact and easy to read?

This posting is not just for food translations, but for any specialty book you think you need to go to Argentina.

ps - I've got an almost new book for sale, hardly read. Make me an offer.

do you have a pocket dictionary? they contain food sections. We found these usually helped us figure out most items on a menu, and if they didn't we either were surprised at what came out, or the waiter would actually carry out something from the kitchen to show us.

No offense to Fodors, but I don't find their guidebooks that useful, particularly for food and lodging. Their options are pretty limited.

I left behind whatever guidebook I used because it was too heavy to bother keeping. I think it may have been a Moon guide. It did seem to have more hotel options and specifics about activities in the areas I was visiting.

have you discovered the website that lists restaurants, like a Zagats? It's guileao something; I'm sure someone else can chime in with the link.

Probably best to scour here, TA and Chowhound and bring down copies of the ideas.

"Some one else chimes in":

http://www.guiaoleo.com.ar/

Avrooster has been kind enough to post several links to restaurants and restaurant guides, particularly near where I'm staying, on the Recoleta - Palermo boarder.

Unfortunately, my Spanish is limited to not much more than una cerveza por favor.

The problem that I see with the pocket dictionaries is that they don't have some of the subtleties that I would like to see, such as being able to say "medium rare"; or to know what the different cuts of meat actually are. I was hoping to find some compromise between a 5 pound book and a book that doesn't let you say much more than hello - good bye.

A.V.

You posted as I was composing.

Thanks again.

Medium rare = Jugoso

Argentine grills may tend to overcook meat.

I e-mailed you this morning, Rastaguytoday, as soon as I saw this thread. No reply, yet.

Avrooster,

The only email address that seems to work for you and me is my work address, and I work M-F.

I'll pick it up on Monday.

I have a great little book someone gave me, it has just what you want, it is small enough to fit in a purse or pocket and it lists all the food and drinks, the different cuts of meat, chicken, fish, and how they are cooked, very easy to use. I Actually haven't used it yet...but will in 10 days!

.http://www.amazon.com/Food-Drink-Arg.../dp/9872064202

susanna,

Thanks for the tip on the book.

I read a small review and bought it online. $12.59 delivered.

I just returned and used the Lonely Planet guidebook (has a great section on food and vocabulary...so you don't eat intestines!) and a small book called "Latin American Spanish." I speak very little Spanish and got by beautifully. If you want to hike in any parks make sure to purchase Lonely Planets guide to trekking. Hiking trails are not marked as in US National Parks. Loved it and want to go back!

Best restaurant for meat in BA is La Cabrerra! All the Malbec's from Mendoza were great!