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© 2007 Dan Perlman
Casa SaltShaker
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Chef: Dan Perlman
Host: Henry Tapia
November 29-30, 2007
When I was a kid I collected stamps. I remember Albania being one of the places that stood out, because there it was in my stamp album, under the “A”s, while the stamps all stated the country name as “Shqipëria”, or “Land of the Eagles” - hence the double eagle on their flag. How did we end up with a name so, so different? (There were others - Hungarian stamps said “Magyar Posta” or something close to that). The answer is actually unknown - there are several theories, all of which go back to around the 1st or 2nd Century and the Illyrians, and each theory seems, to me anyway, as plausible as the next one… but the name was passed down to us through Latin and Greek references. Back when I was collecting stamps I could have told you all sorts of trivial facts about the country, and pointed to it on a map with ease. These days, I doubt I could do either. Conveniently, Albania celebrates two holidays a day apart - Independence Day, from the Ottoman Empire, or Turkey, in essence, November 28, 1912; and Liberation Day, from the Germans and Italians, November 29, 1944. It made the country a perfect choice for this last weekend’s dinner at Casa SaltShaker.
Thoughts from some of our guests:
"It was terrific! Loved each course and absolutely loved the pairings." - P.S."Thanks so much for the photos and the memorable evening. We probably spoke too much politics, but there is a tendency for us Americans on the road to feel the need to explain ourselves to others lately. The meal was phenomenal and the wine list wonderful. It is a pleasure to find unique tastes that separate themselves from the daily restaurant grind when you are out of town." - A.K.
"Thank you for being such a kind and gracious host. I want to know how you pickled those white beans - two days later, mother and I were still talking about them! And the cheesecake - superb! I think you're doing a tremendous job, and will recommend for all of my friends who visit BA to try to get in to see you.... You should put out a cookbook next!" - C.B.
"Thanks so much for your mail, and your wonderful hospitality and delicious food. I had a really great time and look forward to coming back." - M.W.
