The best meals aren't found on menus - It is a cardinal rule of travel that the best meals aren't found on menus, but in the flicker of a wood fire and the steady rhythm of a shared experience. In a city world-renowned for its Malbec, it is easy to get lost in the polished marble of high-end tasting rooms. But to truly understand Mendoza, you have to find your way to a rooftop at 8:30 p.m., just as the heat of the Andean sun begins to yield to a mellowing dusk. This is where we found Fede, a host who possesses that rare, enviable blend: the ability to turn a group of five Americans and two Germans into a local family before the first cork is pulled. The Ritual of the Flame An asado is not a barbecue; it is an invitation to talk against the backdrop of smoke and coals. Fede understood this immediately, greeting us with a warmth that felt less like a commercial transaction and more like a long-awaited homecoming. For my sons, the highlight wasn't just the eating—it was the apprenticeship. Fede stepped back, giving them fire duty, allowing them the primal satisfaction of starting the fire. In an age of curated "experiences," Fede offered something better: agency. He knew exactly when to provide direction and when to give us the space to let our own family conversation breathe against the backdrop of the city skyline. From Flour to Fire The evening unfolded in a symphony of many courses, beginning with the tactile joy of empanada making. There is a specific kind of laughter that only happens when a family sits around a table trying to master the repulge (the braided edge of the pastry). Remember, the best empanadas have 13 braids. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the rooftop transformed. The heat dissipated, replaced by a cool breeze and the glow of wood coals. Then came the meat—the centerpiece of the night. Prepared over a slow, deliberate fire, it was a masterclass in texture and salt, served with the kind of effortless perfection that only comes from years of tending the flames. Paired with malbec...chef's kiss. The Long Farewell No true Argentinian night ends early. We navigated the transition from bold reds to the polarizing, herbal complexity of Fernet-Branca. It is a "unique" taste—medicinal to some, essential to others—but by 1:00 a.m., under the Mendoza stars, it tasted exactly like the place we were in. The Logistics: Arrival: A simple Uber ride to a residential neighborhood reveals a hidden rooftop gem. The Pace: We arrived at 8:30 p.m. and didn't descend until 1:30 a.m. (The timing is up to you as the guest) The Vibe: Authentic, unhurried, and deeply personal. As we reflected on our time in Mendoza, we weren't just leaving a "tourist attraction." We were leaving a friend. Fede didn't just feed us; he invited us into the ritual of his culture. If you find yourself in Mendoza, skip the white tablecloths for one night. Go to the rooftop. Start the fire. Become family.

Authentic Asado Experience - Super experience with Fede who hosted 6 of us for a lovely traditional Asado on his rooftop terrace. The food was delicious and making empanadas was great fun! Highly recommend this to anyone visiting Mendoza and is looking for great food, great conversation and an authentic experience! Thank you Fede!

A lovely way to spend an evening in Mendoza - Thanks Fred, for welcoming us to your home. Now that we know how to make empanadas we’ll be making them at home! We enjoyed learning how to make the fire, and the explanation on how to cook on the asado. A pleasant setting on a rooftop terrace, an engaging host, good food and drink and a chance to chat with other travellers. Would definitely recommend!

Would do it again! - What an amazing experience! I would do it again. First off, Fede was great with communication, directions, and even help with other local questions. The dinner itself was also amazing. Fede was not able to be there, but his friend Nico hosted and was an excellent stand in. The food was so good and we had a lovely evening on the rooftop terrace with another couple. Wine and conversation flowing, learning about the traditions and culture of Argentina and Mendoza. I would highly recommend this experience - small, intimate, authentic.

evening and delicious food - Good option, very fatherly to enjoy a roast with a local, super host Fede, meat and very rich empanadas, plus we learned to prepare the light and empanadas, we met a couple from another country, so it was an epic and fun evening, with good company... A must-see. Thank you Fede, we look forward to seeing you in Mexico 🥰

Must-see experience! - An unforgettable experience. Fede is a wonderful host. He not only gave us a delicious Argentine roast, but also told us about the city with details that only a local could share. Recommended!

Asado 101 - A nice time on Fede’s rooftop with good conversation, drinks, learning how to make empanadas and build a fire. More food than you can imagine 😊

Amazing Argentine Asado - and more, hosted by Fede - Amazing Argentine Asado … and more! Our host Fede did make us really feel at home. We were taught how to properly light an Asado, how to make and bake Empanadas and how to enjoy the quintessential Fernet Cola experience - all accompanied by amazing local wines and obviously the wide variety of meats from the Asado. A thoroughly enjoyable experience with people who became friends as the evening progressed! Thank you so much, Fede!

An evening of warmth and delight - That was an extraordinary experience and just what we always hope for in our travels and rarely get. We spent an evening with a warm, genuine, smart, and funny host. He got us involved making the fire, which we enjoyed. Fede genuinely seemed to enjoy our company too. We two Canadians shared our evening with a couple we didn’t know from Norway and they were delightful. All around the highlight of our trip so far. Oh and the red wine he chose was fantastic.

Just book it!! - Must book experience! Fede is not only a grill master but is such a fun and genuine guy! This was by far the best night of our Argentina trip! Getting to experience a local asado (Fede’s cooking) was a once in a lifetime experience we will never forget!