Locals Eat and Feast with Argentinian Flair

This local restaurateur has a touch of magic in his fingertips and the first Eat Local Wine Festival was a testimony to his wizardry.

Photo: Barry Bowditch

It was an evening of superlatives: Superb Wine. Tantalizing Tastes. Sultry Argentinian Vibes. The first Annual Eat Local Wine Festival set an exceptional standard of evening entertainment which already has Ballito locals clamoring for more.

Hugo Palacio has a knack of knowing what people like and want – and has a stream of innovative ways to give it to them. His latest dining success Eat Local Grill is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, but to add a little extra to the experience of traditional Argentinian style eating, Palacio and his team put together an evening of the finest wine tasting and a never-ending parade of sizzling food platters. A seven piece Manteco Afro Carribean band kept the mood warm and sultry.

Using only wines from the restaurant’s exceptional wine list, guests were invited to taste from some of South Africa’s top wine estates. The Meerlust Rubicon and L’Ormarins Brut MCC from the Antonij Rupert estate were just two which tantalized the tongue, and readied the palate for the gourmet buffet that waited…

Argentinian Dining Ballito

Palacio and his team held nothing back. The Argentinian style buffet was laden with perfectly grilled meats from almost all cuts and animal. The array of drooling desserts no less spectacular.

With the evening being such an unmitigated success, Ballito need only ask “When is the Next?” Although the wine tasting festival will be a once a year event, Palacio has already earmarked October for a Craft Beer and Champagne Event. We can barely wait!