Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

The Gnocchi Puzzle of Buenos Aires

The city dines on the pasta once a month—but why?

By Drew Nelles,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 2, 2008 10:39 AM CDT

(Newser) – Most restaurants in Buenos Aires only serve gnocchi on the 29th of the month—but why? Marisa Robertson-Textor scoured the city for answers for Gourmet, and uncovered conflicting accounts. Gnocchi day may be a Genovese tradition, one diner said—or perhaps Uraguayan. Another claimed it is meant to give people luck on payday. “Hardly!” a musician told her. “You’ve just been paid, so who needs luck?"

Miffed by the mystery tradition, Robertson-Textor vowed to swear off the gnocchi for good. Then the 29th came, and she went to a trendy hotspot for oysters or foie gras. And "there it was: Gnocchi. Was I mad? Did I just plain not know when to quit?" But she couldn't resist. "Laced with crisp bits of morcilla, or blood sausage, the gnocchi were phenomenal."

Gnocchi is a traditional Italian dumpling-type pasta.
Gnocchi is a traditional Italian dumpling-type pasta.   (KRT Photos)
A cook prepares gnocchi dumplings.
A cook prepares gnocchi dumplings.   (KRT Photos)
Buenos Aires's gnocchi tradition baffles locals and visitors alike.
Buenos Aires's gnocchi tradition baffles locals and visitors alike.   (KRT Photos)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Food and Wine Pairings? All Lies!

Thieves Tunnel Into Bank, Spend Weekend Robbing It

Americans Learn to Say 'Mmm, Rabbit'

Judge Blocks Latin America's 1st Gay Wedding

Buenos Aires Grants First Gay Marriage License


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne