Argentina is world-renowned for its fine wine and meat, offered to visitors at bargain-basement prices unimaginable in the north of the Americas or in Europe. While the quality of traditional Argentine foodstuffs is high throughout the provinces of this vast country, there are other items which vary dramatically with geographical location. For example, European visitors spending extended periods of time in Buenos Aires tend to lament the lack of tasty chocolate on offer in the city (although it should be said that the Argentine sweet and cake alternatives are numerous, often filled with lashings of dulce de leche similar in flavour to caramel but slightly richer as an alternative to chocolate!) Furthermore, Quilmes, the ubiquitous Argentine staple where cervezas are concerned, whilst extremely cheap, leaves lovers of beer and ale decidedly underwhelmed.

For these reasons, lovers of chocolate and beer shouldn’t bypass the opportunity to sample the gastronomical delights on offer in the south of Argentina and the region of Rio Negro specifically. The city of San Carlos de Bariloche (more commonly referred to as just Bariloche) is famous for its chocolate in particular, and the main avenida is jam-packed with shops selling freshly-made chocolates, some of which can only be described as cocoa supermarkets! The chocolates come in all shapes and sizes with a mind-boggling array of flavours and fillings to choose from (the ice cream here is also not to be missed!). While the quality of the products in all the shops is generally excellent, favourite brands for many include Mamuschka (www.mamuschka.com) and Abuela Goye (www.abuelagoye.com.ar).

One might be tempted to ask why this specific region has such a tradition in chocolate, distinct to any other in Argentina. This is largely attributed to the immigration of Germans, Austrians and Slovenians in the late nineteenth century, which marked the beginning of Bariloche’s modern establishment, and which was characterised by the traditions and architectures of these central European nations. Thankfully, the very best of these traditions remain firmly in place and their fusion with Argentine culture and cuisine, particularly the partiality to all things sugar-coated, means that you’ll more than likely leave Bariloche needing to adjust the belt a notch or two.

The picturesque destination of El Bolsón, popular with travellers heading south from Bariloche, offers little respite. The town itself is perhaps most famous for its friendly hippy vibe and thrice weekly craft fair which is held in the central plaza (on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays), but the cervezas artesanales (locally produced beers) are also well worth trying. There are several breweries in and around El Bolsón, the largest and most famous of which is Cerveza El Bolsón (www.cervezaselbolson.com). Most of the breweries have good restaurants and offer a varied menu of cervezas which are produced at different periods throughout the year. These come in a range of different flavours, from more traditional cervezas to those with hints of chilli, honey and raspberry (although be sure to check the strength of the respective beers you try as some can be potent!)

It’s most unlikely that you’ll be short of culinary ideas in Argentina, a country replete with delicious food and drink, but if you do find yourself craving something covered in cocoa and a good drop to wash it down with, then be sure to head south.