Picadas at the Pedestrian Beer Road

The City of San Carlos de Bariloche has a new urban attraction on weekends with fine weather: Paseo de las Picadas. Juramento and 20 de Febrero Street are turned into pedestrian roads and an outdoor stage is put up to present various art shows. In the past, this spot used to be known as Rincón Cervecero (Beer Corner), as several pubs would serve craft beer along with delicious regional snacks. Today, in addition to the gastronomic proposal, there is a new attraction made up by street artists, including music in charge of rock and folk bands and a great deal of stalls selling handicrafts. Once we got there, we went around the different stands in order to buy some handmade souvenirs we could take home at the end of our vacation. Though we did not intend to, we found ourselves staying longer and getting amused by a group of local comedians who entertained us with humor, wit and cunning. As the show finished, a couple of mimes prepared their presentation and we resolved to stay even longer.

After that, we made ourselves comfortable at a table located near the stage and ordered some draft beer and a well-prepared German specialty. It was then that we learned that different bands are presented every afternoon and night, according to a program organized by the municipal Culture Office. This has created a space where several rhythms and performers show off. The name of the attraction turned out to be funny for us. “Picada” stands for a tray of assorted products usually accompanied by beer. However, the same word is used to refer to a mountain trail that may be covered on foot, by bike or on horseback, typically in the woods. “May I recommend that you taste our four kinds of beer and then choose the one you liked best to accompany the picada?”, asked the waiter. We ordered a tray of assorted regional smoked products, including venison ham, wild boar salami and trout patê, crowned by freshly baked rolls. The offer continued and that made us feel even more enthusiastic about staying a little longer and ordering some exquisite tenderloin sandwiches with dry tomatoes and a warm somewhat spicy sauce. San Carlos de Bariloche has incorporated this urban circuit to the wide variety of long-established entertainment options it offers year after year. We happened to find this nook where the magic of street performances and the traditional craft beer specialties can be found together within a pleasant and relaxing environment.