After my first few visits to Musetta Café, I was pleased to receive a kiss on the cheek from the owner when I walked in. I supposed that I had become a familiar face.
10 weeks later: I find myself seated around a table—my table, as the waiter calls it—with the members of the tango group, who I now call my friends. Their show has just ended and we’re all enjoying dinner together, catching up on the week’s events as the time passes and the rest of the customers trickle out of the restaurant.
The memories I have from Musetta are innumerable, but here are some.
· Flying through Palermo Soho on the cellist’s motorcycle, through the back streets because it’s illegal to have a second passenger AND a cello strapped to the back of the bike. Only one is allowed.
· Playing pictionary on a napkin with the waiter, Francisco, because I didn’t know that “hongo” is the Spanish word for “mushroom.”
· Being repeatedly scolded by the pianist, Nico, because every week I forgot to bring him the mix CD he requested: "the most popular songs in New York City last year."
· Sitting alone with the owner, Cristina, listening to her story about arriving in Buenos Aires from Italy 3 years ago and deciding to open a restaurant with literally no background experience…totally shocking.
Me and the owner of Musetta Café, Cristina
If you ever travel to Argentina, ignore the guidebook that tells you to go see a Milonga in one of those tourist traps near 9 de Julio. Go to Musetta Café for cheap but delicious food, incredibly friendly people, and music that is like wine to the ears…or maybe that feeling actually is from all the wine. (sorry mom and dad, it’s $5 per bottle and I’m only human!)
Amanda: So, you're riding a motorcyle with a guy and a cello? I suppose you don't have a helmut on? Can you please do your Mom a favor and try not to tempt fate.
ReplyDeleteOtherwise, I love reading these posts and seeing how much you have immersed yourself into the life of the city. You obviously love it down there; that passion comes through your posts. Can't wait until the next one.
Love you and this blog. Mom
Very nuanced and sensitive. Makes me wish I were back there. I second Mom's take on the helmet: I was thrown from a motorbike once and the helmet saved my life.
ReplyDeleteLove the photos and the Cuarteto clip.
dad
Still best blogger.
ReplyDeleteThat dessert makes my banana cream pie from tonight look like dog food.
ReplyDelete-zwy
why didn't we order the Chocotorta when i was there??! this makes the alfajor look like dogfood!
ReplyDeletekeep up the writing! your entries are great.
xoxo, swimfan
Hi Amanda,
ReplyDeleteThe chocotorita looks good. Have you tried the empanadas? What a great experience! Have fun but be safe, wear a helmet!
Love, Aunt Lisa
Hi Amanda!
ReplyDeleteBeing that I know you're not watching "Dancing with the Stars", could you please do me a favor (and probably yourself) and go and see an Argentine Tango. It is one of the most seductive dances going with tremendous style and passion. Then, let me know what you think while you're sipping your delicious wine! You know we're all envious of your adventures!
Thanks for setting up this blog, I'm enjoying it immensely and quite interested in your escapades. As Uncle Jack would say, "She's getting an education of the street"! It sounds like you're doing very well with the language and mores of the country. More importantly, you're embracing a whole new culture in every aspect! Congrats! Rather than tell you to wear helmet, I'll just say "Stay safe"....You know what that means! Love and kisses from us all in California - Aunt Ami