Diet
Beef has long been the staple of the Argentine diet. A favorite way to entertain is the weekend "asado" (barbecue). At such an event, friends and relatives will gather to eat grilled meat, share side dishes, and spend hours relaxing.
Other popular dishes include baked stuffed beef and "empanadas" (meat or vegetable pies). A preferred winter stew is "locro" (with meat, corn, and potatoes). More people are incorporating salads and other fresh produce into their diets.
Mealtime
The evening meal is lighter than the lunchtime meal. Dinner is frequently served later in the evening, even after 9:00 p.m. Argentines use the continental style of eating, meaning they hold a knife in their right hand and a fork in the left--using both utensils to eat. Hands should always be above the table, not on the lap.