Brian's Table

06/06/2026

Traveling through Argentina, one thing you notice pretty quickly—there are “Chinos” everywhere.

That’s what locals call these Chinese-owned supermarkets that have become part of everyday life here. They’re known for being convenient, affordable, and stocked with everything from pantry staples to (cheaper) wine.

But it also tells a bigger story.

Across regions like Latin America, Africa, and beyond, China has been expanding its presence—not just through infrastructure, but through everyday retail and community-level interaction. It’s their kind of soft power you don’t always notice at first… but once you see it, it’s everywhere.

06/05/2026

Link: https://youtu.be/qNPpP0rpEXU (Meta is blocking links again, sorry.)

Before heading to Argentina in March 2026, Marcelo's mom (Maria in other reels here) heard about Aráoz de Lamadrid Hotel & Bodega (winery) and suggested we visited. Of course we were going to take Maria's advice! In a previous video I talked about the wonders of this property and here we get intoBefore heading to Argentina in March 2026, Marcelo's mom (Maria in other reels here) heard about Aráoz de Lamadrid Hotel & Bodega (winery) and suggested we visited. Of course we were going to take Maria's advice! In a previous video I talked about the wonders of this property and here we get into the wine.

This turned into a true masterclass about the art of making wine. Tasting fresh fermenting GSM, Malbec, Ancellota and a 2025 Chardonnay straight from an Argentinian winery and experimental barrels — their winemaker, Gabriel, shares details about his decision making process. Tag along as we taste fermenting GSM, young Malbecs and a 2025 Chardonnay, explore tanks and whole-cluster fermentations, and hear the winemaker explain choices that shape flavor, texture and age-ability.

I will add, this bodega's wine isn't exactly the cheapest from Argentina. But what you get for the $$ is a thoughtful approach and intricate care in making Rhone Valley/NE Spain varietals alongside popular local grapes in a unique wine growing region in Argentina. That alone make this bodega well worth a visit.

This video is truly for wine lovers, aspiring winemakers and sommeliers. For example, questions people search:

What does fermenting wine smell like?
How does whole-cluster fermentation affect tannin?
Why use neutral oak instead of new oak?
How long should you age a young Malbec?
What the hell is Ancellota?

Subscribe for more wine winery tours and tasting deep-dives.

06/03/2026

Step inside the kitchen for a true piece of Argentine living history. 🇦🇷🥘🍷

While enjoying the hospitality of Marcelo's home, his mom Maria opened up a family treasure: an almost 100-year-old cookbook. She was showing me a host of dishes whose recipes she still follows, and this Easter weekend she took the time to share Argentina's ultimate national dish—Locro.

Every single ingredient and step follows a century of tradition, creating a rich, hearty corn-and-meat stew that tastes like absolute comfort.

To honor a historical meal like this, you have to pair it perfectly. We poured a deep, robust Argentine Malbec to match the complex, savory layers of the dish. As we say, what grows together goes together. Sitting down to enjoy this was pure magic.

If you want to understand the real soul of Argentina, you have to look at the secrets passed down through generations. And I am thankful

05/25/2026

Here’s a simple tool that can seriously level up your kitchen game — a ruler. More that just useful in the workshop and doing geometry homework!

Precision is everything in cooking and baking. From measuring teaspoons, tablespoons, and scales to making pasta or fitting ingredients into specific containers, a ruler helps you get it right every time. It’s one of those underrated tools that can make a huge difference, helping you cook more accurately and look like a pro in your own kitchen. Just look at how they are used in some of the top kitchens around the world.

And every step towards more precision will help you be a better cook!

05/24/2026

Argentina’s Ice Cream Culture Is Different 🇦🇷

One of the coolest little surprises traveling through Argentina is ice cream. But beyond being sold by the scoop, it’s sold by weight.

You’ll walk into a shop and order a half kilo or even a full kilo of helado, which sits somewhere between gelato and traditional ice cream—rich, smooth, but not overly heavy.

And it’s not just about the dessert. Ice cream here is part of the culture. Delivery has been a thing for years, and it’s one of those staples people grab when they’re watching football or just hanging out with friends and family.

Simple, social, and honestly… a pretty great system. And signs of a society that take their food and leisure seriously.

05/23/2026

Here's part of my visit to Tunis, Tunisia, exploring one of the most important ancient civilizations in history — Carthage.

I managed to finagle a routing back to London from Batumi in business class with a low redemption of points (via Istanbul (because I had to check out the magnificent lounge at the recently opened Ataturk Airport)) so that served are deciding factor to satisfy a life long fascination. Back in 1975 when I started high school in Trinidad, Form 1 History was an introduction to world history. And one of the topics we covered was the famous port of Carthage in North Africa. Carthage, which means “new city” in Phoenician, was founded over 3,000 years ago and grew into a powerful hub of trade and agriculture. Its rise eventually led to conflict with the Roman Empire, culminating in the famous Punic Wars. Being impressed by the state of Phoenician society and trade with other Mediterranean societies at the time clearly lingered with me. And now, with the routing via air point, I now had the opportunity to satisfy my near 50 year intrigue.

Starting out in Tunis, staying in a hotel that feels like a colonial time capsule, I headed out with a local guide to dive into the story of this incredible place.

It’s a powerful reminder of how civilizations rise, fall, and leave their mark on the world.

Here's part of my visit to Tunis, Tunisia, exploring one of the mos...

05/08/2026

Hey folks!

Video: https://youtu.be/Nf_iC7DorzE

Prior to heading back to Argentina to learn about asado, Maria (Marcelo's mom) heard a story on the radio about this winery in San Javier (just over the mount from La Cruz, BUT A LONG DRIVE AROUND!). Being a bit adventurous to sample wine from a a little known wine region, I jumped at the opportunity. When you think about wine regions and Argentina, Mendoza is what comes first to mind. And its no surprise. They make excellent wines and they have the bodega stay experience dialed in. But there are many other regions producing excellent wines throughout the country. And San Javier was no exception. And these folks, are making excellent wines and have created a magical wine-culinary-relaxation experience.

Most hotel tours are just about the room. Today, I’m giving you a site tour of Aráoz de Lamadrid Hotel & Bodega () in San Javier, Córdoba—and it’s more like exploring a living work of art. And their wines are masterpieces too.

From the second I looked out my window at the winery nestled in the forest surrounding my room, I knew this place was unique. In this tour, we’re exploring:

• The Massive Art: Including a giant metallic lizard that defies scale.

• The Vineyard: Netting, soil, and techniques that make their wine unique especially from the varietals they are raising.

• The Secret Map: I’m breaking down the check-in map so you can find every hidden spot.

But most of all this is a hidden gem that is worth the effort going off the beaten track to discover. The experience here was fantastic and wines worth the adventure.

This is the side of Argentina that major cities nor Mendoza can show you.



cc: Aráoz de Lamadrid Hotel & Bodega

05/04/2026

Argentina Utility Bills Explained 🇦🇷 | Power, Water & Costs in La Cruz

Today I’m looking at something you don’t usually see when traveling — a utility bill in Argentina, and how they actually work in a small town like La Cruz.

What really surprised me here is the community-based system. Utilities like electricity and water are often managed by local cooperatives, not large private companies. In fact, I even saw a worker going door-to-door delivering paper bills — a very different model from what we’re used to in North America.

Breaking down the bill for a two-bedroom, two-bath home with a pool, you’ll find it includes more than just usage:

• Capital reinvestment
• Civil defense fund (infrastructure protection)
• Contributions to local healthcare, including the Eva Perón hospital
• Support for municipal services like policing

And the total? Just over $60 CAD for both water and electricity. Quite reasonable by Western country standards.

It’s a fascinating example of how local governance and shared services can shape cost of living and community life.

In more rural areas, natural gas is still expanding — so many homes rely on propane, which is another factor to consider.

05/01/2026

From Asthma to Revolution: Inside Che Guevara’s Early Life , Che Guevara’s Childhood Home in Argentina | Beyond the Legend

Video: https://youtu.be/TOZEBkXA5Ls

Hey folks! On my most recent trip to Argentina, I went to one of the childhood homes of Che Guevara in Córdoba Province—a place that gives a very different perspective on a figure most of us think we already understand.

So being being near Alta Gracia, I knew I had to visit. In the video, I walk through the house where he grew up, originally chosen by his family because the dry air helped with his asthma. Inside, you’ll see his childhood belongings, from toys and clothes to the inhalers he depended on. But what really stood out to me was how early his curiosity and drive started to show. And how that was fostered by his parents. While it was evident he was from a moneyed background and somewhat elitist, the family remained a community centre of collective learning and ongoing dialogue of what was a more just society for Latin Americans, let alone the entire Global South.

We get into his early travels across Argentina, his time as a medical student, and the journeys that took him across Latin America—experiences that clearly shaped how he saw the world. From there, his path took a turn that would eventually make him one of the most talked-about and debated figures in modern history.

The museum also highlights his role beyond the revolution—his travels, meetings with world leaders, and efforts to connect different parts of the world. At the same time, it’s impossible to ignore how differently his story is told depending on where you hear it.

This visit wasn't about giving a final answer—it’s about seeing another side, asking questions, and understanding that history is often more complex than it seems. And sharing that with viewers.

Let me know what you think after watching.

04/30/2026

Don’t Flush This in South America | Travel Tip

Hey folks! Here’s a travel tip that might surprise you — in Argentina and many parts of South America, you don’t flush toilet paper.

Instead, it goes in a bin beside the toilet. And no, it’s not random — there are solid reasons behind it.

A lot of the infrastructure in countries like Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador is older and not designed to handle paper waste in the sewage system. Flushing it can lead to blockages and expensive maintenance issues.

By keeping toilet paper out of the system, communities are able to maintain more efficient and affordable water services.

Also, in many parts of the world — from Southern Europe to places like India, Pakistan, and Japan — people rely on bidets or water-based cleaning methods, which are considered more hygienic.

It might feel unusual at first, but understanding these differences helps you travel smarter — and respect how local systems actually work.