Chapter 440 – South America
Argentinian food.
Basically, there is no big difference from Western diet.
‘The history of the country itself.’
Different from other South American countries.
Because it is made up of European immigrants.
“Europeans who were starving during World War II came here with the Argentine Dream.”
“The Argentine Dream?”
“It might be awkward now.”
It was a good country until just a few decades ago.
5th largest economy in the world.
‘Buenos Aires, the capital, is called the Paris of South America.’
It was a developed country in name and reality.
It’s funny that you can’t even imagine now.
“There are four types of countries in the world. Developed countries, underdeveloped countries, Japan, and Argentina.”- Simon Kuznets (1971 Nobel Laureate in Economics)
Harsh criticism from economists.
It is cited as an example of a developed country becoming a developing country.
“Why Japan?”
“Developing countries have become developed countries.”
“Oh~.”
“I would have said Korea now.”
Even at the time, it was absurd.
Now, it is not just a developing country, it is on the verge of bankruptcy.
‘No, I’ve already been ruined several times.’
State bankruptcy occurred eight times.
In terms of Korea, it has been through the IMF 8 times.
Argentinian currency, the peso, has been around for a long time.
It is embarrassing to even call it currency.
Percussion!
But eating still eats well.
The waiter brings the pre-dinner bread.
“Why did you order the bread like this?”
“I’m just giving.”
“Is this a lot?”
Sora is surprised.
That guy who is more expensive than rice in Korea.
‘Because it comes out like a mountain in a basket.’
In Argentina, this is normal.
Because bread is so cheap.
99% of the cost of bread is labor.
The labor cost is cheap, and agricultural products are even cheaper.
“In fact, Korea is insanely expensive. Bread is one of the typical human foods.”
“It’s delicious food.”
It is also famous for having more cows than people.
Good quality butter is available at a very affordable price.
Munch!
Spread plenty of butter on bread and eat.
That alone explodes the savory and umami flavor.
‘It’s a combination that can never fail.’
It would have been better if the bread was toasted and served, but since it’s not a restaurant, you can’t ask for that.
“But this place is delicious, right?”
“Why?”
“There are no other guests besides us.
Sora also came up with something to notice.
I found something unique about this restaurant.
But I can’t stop already.
After the bread is a plain salad.
“What kind of salad is this? Nothing was sprinkled on it.”
“I eat it with olive oil and salt.”
“This restaurant is unique.”
Cabbage, onion, and tomato mixed.
Drizzle a little olive oil.
‘If it’s not enough, season it with salt.’
It’s literally just a regular salad.
Many western-style neighborhood restaurants come out like this.
Percussion!
The main arrives soon after.
The fact that there are many cows means that beef is also common.
“Wow, that’s huge!”
“Beef is very cheap.”
“How is this steak worth 10,000 won?”
As Sora said, it is very cheap.
However, Argentina is a country that has been recognized for its quality.
‘Each country has its own characteristics.’
Cattle breeds, feed, breeding methods, slaughter methods, etc.
Affects the taste of meat.
———————————————+
『Rearing methods by country』
Korean Cattle: Narrow Barn + Grain Feed
Japanese Cattle: Narrow Shed + Grain Feed
American Cattle: Spacious Barn + Grain Feed
Australian cattle: large barn + pasture (grazing)
Argentinian Cattle: Spacious Barn + Pasture
———————————————+
Grain feed has better marbling than pasture.
There is no smell, so it suits the Korean taste well.
“So, are American products better than Australian ones?”
“It’s a difference in taste rather than who’s better.”
“Does the smell taste good?”
That’s why the evaluation of American beef is high among imported beef.
But in terms of quality.
‘It’s not a bad thing just because the lamb smells sour.’
In the West, they don’t really care.
Meat quality is more important than marbling.
Write!
Nonetheless, Argentine cattle are considered a luxury item.
Not because of the breeding method.
“You don’t smell any smell?”
“Yes.”
“It’s delicious. Very soft.”
It is at the age of a cow.
Just as young chickens are delicious, young cows are more delicious.
‘It’s an uncultivated cow.’
It refers to cows under 30 months of age that have not given birth.
Basically, as for animals, females are delicious.
Such heifers are slaughtered the most.
This is why Argentinian beef is delicious.
“You’re an untrimmed cow too.”
“Should I really squeeze it?”
“It was delicious.”
It offsets the disadvantages of pasture raising.
Marbling is at least tender.
Steak sliced with a spoon.
The owner has eyes to see the ingredients.
“But eating only meat is a bit…”
“Isn’t it bad?”
“I choked.”
“That’s why Koreans prefer marbling.”
Only the quality of the meat is great.
The cuisine is really at the level of locals eating kkuyeokkku.
Clumsy~!
Then eat like the locals.
Add dark brown drink to Coke.
“Drink.”
“What it this?”
“Argentina’s national drink.”
Fernet Branca.
It is the most popular alcoholic beverage in Argentina.
‘It’s a taste that would make the grassroots go crazy.’
The strong scent of herbs and herbs stings the nose.
After drinking, you can feel the sweet taste like silver.
To put it simply, it is Ssanghwatang + Mincho flavor.
Drinking it raw is bound to be burdensome.
“Oh~ This is delicious? It’s like mincho cola.”
“You’re a minchopa too.”
“Mincho is justice.”
It goes well with Coke.
It’s like drinking a cocktail like a highball.
Munch! Munch!
The refreshing taste covers the steak’s toughness.
Not a bad dining spot.
“Guests~~ Are you enjoying your meal?”
Except for one thing.
When it’s almost time to cut the steak, a man appears.
A clumsy type dressed in ordinary everyday clothes.
You can’t be a restaurant employee.
“The food tastes good.”
“That’s very fortunate~.”
“The service sucks.”
“Ohh…, It looks like our staff did something rude.”
Not even the boss.
I know the owner of this restaurant because I know him.
‘I was told to bring the boss.’
If you hit the restaurant, the manager level came.
They don’t have the mindset to treat guests.
“I don’t think it’s a substitute, but today’s meal is free, including drinks. When you’re done eating, just leave quietly.”
So give it away for free
At first glance, you may think that you have made a fortune by traveling.
“What do you say?”
“They said they’d give you free food and drinks because the service was poor.”
“Wow, really?! You don’t have to.”
Sora is just playing around.
There is no one in the world who doesn’t like freebies.
‘I wonder if there’s a free lunch.’
A proverb that every investor should always remember.
Although he is just a child who is not exhausted by his body.
“You.”
“What’s left to see, sir?”
“Our boss says he’ll tear this store down if he doesn’t shut up his filthy mouth right now.”
“?”
It doesn’t matter as much as the looks.
The small face, high nose, and inversely proportional breasts create a sense of distance.
She is a strong-willed older sister who does not have the courage to speak up.
With a light tan and even henna, there is no gangster wife.
The man who was stunned jumped back in surprise.
He immediately corrects his posture and tries to intimidate him.
“Hey, older brother. I’m not joking…”
“There’s no time for fooling around. If time is delayed, either our boss or Fernando will surely turn a blind eye.”
“Pe, Fernando?!”
Take a decisive blow
His attitude is completely different, and he can’t even raise his voice.
Momentum, intimidation, and information gaps.
It’s an easy thing to do with a mafia.
“What do you say?”
“The owner says he will come out and explain the cooking process.”
“Hmm…”
Feeling suspicious, Sora glared at the man, and things went smoother.
It’s not just the chest that’s big.
‘It would have been crucial to know the name of the boss.’
This is a mafia restaurant.
No, it is both an employee rest area and a front business for money laundering.
The locals don’t even come close.
Sometimes, only tourists hear it without knowing how cool it is.
“Are you bothered by the lack of guests?”
“Well, maybe.”
“Steaks are fine.”
Even from the mafia’s point of view, it’s a bit like touching.
That’s why they feed and send for free.
‘Not knowing is the medicine.’
Sora should have a pleasant trip.
‘Cause I’m the only one to see
Wait a little bit and you will arrive.
He is the boss of the mafia that is using the Mendoza area as a bridgehead.
“There were many examples of poor subordinates. You say you have something to do with me?”
Age in the early 40’s.
The black all-back hair that looks like it has been coated with pomade is impressive.
It’s different from the bluff before.
It is a real mafia with a bloody force.
‘This should be enough.’
Argentina is a lawless land.
To do business here.
“Did you receive the USB I sent you?”
“Of course. But that alone doesn’t seem to explain the reason why the guest came here… And the reason to leave.”
You need a reliable partner.
The same goes for the Mafia.
‘It’s not necessarily a good thing to act like a gangster in such an underdeveloped country.’
Everyone who will rip off the money is gone.
The money that can be ripped off is the Argentine Peso, which is no different from toilet paper.
Business feasibility (?) Is not stable.
Because I know such a situation.
“Have you had any problems lately?”
“It’s difficult… I’m not a guest, am I?”
“For example, that the value of currency is likely to collapse.”
“?!”
I don’t mind a little threat and continue the conversation.
Fernando is an intelligent type of mafia.
The words speak well enough.
Beyond that, they even collaborated in previous lives.
‘When I was in private equity.’
Argentina’s exports are very attractive.
Beef and wine, etc.
To import it?
It’s not just about creating paperwork related to money and income.
“As a good citizen of Argentina, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t interested. But how do I trust you? I.”
“I’m not asking you to believe it.”
“Then?”
“I mean, wait and see. What will happen to the currency hedge of about 1 million dollars in that USB.”
You need local contacts.
Among them, the best is the mafia line.
Because the crime rate is so high.
It works much cheaper than buying insurance.
‘It’s good to understand the flow of funds here in South America.’
Even after leaving the private equity fund, it was useful.
Even in this life, I make connections.
