Most of us have been to a Brazilian churrascaria, where meats are served on swords and carved by gentlemen in gaucho attire. How is Argentinean churrasco different? The theater of rodizio may not be a part of the experience and it’s not all-you-can eat, but there’s still plenty of meat. Want to see for yourself? Head to La Estancia Churrasqueria in Falls Church.
There, my dining partner and I ordered the half portion of the Parillada Argentina and still had leftovers. You see, Argentina is the world’s second largest per-capita consumer of beef. (Uruguay is number one.) The meat is a cultural touchstone. And there’s nothing wrong with sometimes eating more than your share.
At La Estancia, the sizzling platter is piled with a portion of short ribs, a flank steak, a New York strip, a pork sausage, a couple of sweetbreads, a black pudding and some crispy intestines. And yes, that’s the half portion, which also comes with two sides. At $47.50, it could almost qualify as a value meal.
My steaks, including the grilled short rib—which is cut cross-cut like Korean galbi, but thicker—were all cooked to my desired medium rare. They’re not luxury steaks, like you’ll find at a pricier steakhouse, but those places don’t include a soft, iron-flavored black pudding with their steaks, do they? Their steaks also don’t receive the benefit of a pair of Argentine steak sauces. Combined, they result in a garlicky, spicy slurry perfect for waking up a meat-weary palate.
La Estancia provides a tasting experience. It’s not fancy, but with a glass of Malbec and a section of pleasantly crisp-edged sweetbread, you’ll be as close to Argentina as you can get without leaving NoVA. // 7810 Lee Hwy. F, Falls Church
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