#21: Seeking comfort

I’ve been staring at the blank screen for longer than I’m willing to admit, wondering where to begin after an unintended and nearly two-month break. In the spirit of full transparency, the last eight weeks have been a veritable whirlwind of the good, the bad, and the ugly. Happy 2025, everybody! 😭

I wrapped up a busy travel season, packed up my apartment (not for the faint of heart), spent Christmas with my family in London, managed the move, dealt with some gut-wrenching curveballs, and tried to stay sane in the process.

Needless to say, it’s been ~ a lot ~ and I’m cautiously wondering what the rest of the year has in store.

In these trying times, moments of uncertainty, and seasons of heartache, I find myself in need of comfort more than ever. Moments of respite, glimpses of hope. I can’t control everything that’s happening, but I can proactively seek out pockets of joy that will see me through.

Naturally, that takes the form of things I can eat and drink while I process my feelings.

🥲 My Go-To Buenos Aires Comfort Foods

Can’t-fail classics that have been keeping me company as of late.

🥪 Sandwich de Miga from Dos Escudos

Few things are as soothing as a tea sandwich made with the fluffiest, lightest bread and filled with egg salad or turkey and tomato. Perfect for some quick post-cry fuel, as a pseudo-meal replacement if you can’t manage to eat much more, or as a little treat to lift your spirits just because.

Take care; if you’re feeling extra-fragile, try to avoid panadería rush-hours when the fight to place an order is hectic and the mean old ladies from the neighborhood extra-bitchy.

Dos Escudos - Montevideo y Quintana - Recoleta

🇮🇳 Matar Paneer from Delhi Mahal

Wanna talk loyalty? Delhi Mahal has never let me down, not once. It’s open every night, even on holidays, and is the only place that I can get my matar paneer fix on the regular. While I love eating at the restaurant (once they finally got a/c after years of relying on two dinky ceiling fans), ordering delivery feels a bit more indulgent.

As I use the pillowy naan to scoop up some spicy gravy, I’m invited to forget about whatever it is that’s plaguing me. Also once I’m done, I’m then busy getting curry stains out of my cloth napkins, which keeps my hands busy and my mind quiet.

Delhi Mahal - Av. Córdoba 1196 - Retiro

☕ Café con Leche from La Rambla

In case of emergency, head to La Rambla. The breezy corner of Posadas and Ayacucho is a port in a storm. When getting out of bed feels like a monumental task or the constant barrage of change triggers a need for predictability, this is where I go. An extra-milky and sweet café con leche is enough to bring me back from the brink, just like that.

Being greeted by the career waiters who already know your order is a well-timed reminder that you’re not alone in this world. The gentle dose of low-stakes social interaction doesn’t hurt, either.

La Rambla - Posadas y Ayacucho - Recoleta

🍨 Coffee Ice Cream from Helados Italia

Anyone in the mood for a sweet treat? Working from home means I can satisfy my capricious cravings at any hour of the day; living in Buenos Aires means I’m never more than a few blocks from some seriously good helado. My new apartment is just around the corner from a Rapa Nui (yum), but I find myself preferring to go a bit further to reach Helados Italia.

Not only can I go in with Pocho (+ bonus points, of course), but I find the longer stroll helps better calm the mind. The giant scoop of coffee ice cream provides a necessary sugar rush and hit of nostalgia required for ultimate (and instant) soothing.

Helados Italia - Juncal 1760 - Recoleta

🍷 Any XL-Sized Glass of House Wine from… Anywhere

Listen, I love a funky, low-intervention, unfiltered natural wine as much as the next child-free millennial hipster, but in times of strife you might need to kick things up a notch. A generous pour of a mid-range wine from Catena, Alamos, or Escorihuela tends to do the trick.

It will most likely be served at a less-than-optimal temperature, but we’re not here to nitpick, OK? This is a no-frills, emergency intervention to take the edge off and fuel cathartic conversations. Have a few sips and boom, 15 minutes later you’re able to catch your breath, slow things down, and give yourself a break.

This is also now a good time to pick up your phone and start replying to every Instagram Story you see with heart and/or fire emojis.

Cualquier lugar, cualquier esquina, literally any which one

🐬 New In Town: Acuario

After what felt like months of waiting, Acuario is finally open for business! I selfishly love that it’s nestled deep in the bosom of my beloved Retiro and can’t wait to partake in many a sunset martini moment on its sea-blue corner. If you’re keen to join, just give me a shout and I’ll save you a seat 🍸

Acuario Bar - Paraguay 900 - Retiro

📚 Comfort Read: Café Contado II - Flor de Lujo y de Placer

Keen to add to your Summer reading list? Have I got the recommendation for you! The latest from coffee and culture connoisseur (and beloved friend) Carlos Cantini is a portal to the history of Buenos Aires as told through its coffee shops - and the characters that inhabit them. This book belongs on the bookshelf of any porteño worth their salt so I highly suggest you head to your local librería and get yourself a copy.

📽️ Escaping Reality at the Cinema

Awards season is upon us, and between the oppressive heat and my general malaise, it’s the perfect excuse to go to the movies as much as possible.

I’ve still got loads of films to see, but my recent favorites include Nosferatu and A Real Pain. If you’re an avid TikTok scroller like I am, hopefully you’ve stumbled upon the corner of your fyp that’s full of ridiculous Nosferatu content. This one stands out above the rest, if you ask me.

That’s all for today, folks. It feels good to resume our regularly scheduled programming! Thanks for the patience and the understanding. We’re really all just doing the best we can, right? I have lots of ideas and plans for this space, so don’t worry if you’re not keen on the 24/7 livejournal vibes of it all right now 🙃

Until next time,

Paige

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