A recent chat with my first client for Wingshootingcordoba.com, Dwight Jones, shares an interesting story of how he has grown from gentleman farmer and real estate developer to avid hunter and large land owner in Uruguay.  Dwight bought 1600 acres and is now commercial farming in beautiful and bountiful Uruguay as well as developing a new Duck lodge there.  Wingshootingcordoba.com hooked Dwight and his son up on a mixed bag shoot in Paysandu Uruguay and read what came of the trip here.  Just like Dwight, I am sure more of my clients will discover the incredible charms of Uruguay and Argentina while traveling and hunting the different countries.

From my perspective, you have quite an interesting story.  Tell us where you were born and raised and how you got involved in the farming and hunting world?

I was born in Middle Georgia and grew up on a small working farm that I worked with my father. We grew some limited row crops and raised about 250 head of cattle. We also breed and raised captive birds such as mallards, quail, peacocks, etc. My father was not a hunter, but for some reason I had a passion for it from my earliest memory. Like most, I started with a BB gun and moved up the ranks over the years hunting small game and finally large game (whitetails) and game birds. Deer hunting was new in those days and it was quiet a big deal to cut a track, much less see one. Quite different than today.

We were a historical commercial real estate development firm with an emphasis on hotels and shopping centers. In the late ‘90s, I grew concerned that our commercial portfolio was running its course and felt that agriculture would prove to be a long-term growth asset. I divested a considerable portion of our commercial assets and began selectively buying farms ranging from 300 acres to 3000 in the southeast, Midwest and recently South America. Since that time, agland has become a preferred asset class and I believe that we are well positioned for future growth.

Who had the biggest influence in shaping your interest in hunting and farming?

My father was born on a working farm, but the Depression era caused him to seek a career in real estate. He always had a hobby farm at home and we worked it together. It was just a natural interest to me and I guess it grew as I aged. As mentioned, for some reason I had the hunting bug as a small child. I had a first cousin (who succumbed to leukemia when he was 18) that was a big deer hunter. He was kind enough to take me under his wing and show me the ropes.

How many acres are you currently farming in Georgia and what corps does that represent? 

We work towards acquiring properties in our portfolio that have unique characteristics and with significant sources of water. We manage about 350 acres of private impounds and substantial underground water. We try to keep a 50/50 balance of merchantable timber and row crops. Between the southeast, Midwest and South America, we own about 11,000 acres, with about 5,000 in row crops. Out Midwest and South American crops are based on a soybean/corn rotation and our southeast crops are a mixture of soybeans, corn, peanuts and cotton. We also have several pecan operations in Georgia.

You have a quail hunting operation too, is that correct, tell us about that?

Quail hunting was once part of the primary social fabric in Georgia, but the decline of the bobwhite has caused a general malaise in our state. We run a horse back operation in Macon County and wild birds in Terrell county. We run a string of Elhew pointers and we raise our own birds in Macon county with a Surrogator system. Our Terrell county farm is in the plantation belt, with Abigail and Chickasaw Plantations as neighbors. This part of our operation is strictly wild birds and we manage both operations intensively to propagate quail habitat. Of course this also benefits our whitetail and turkey populations.

So you got hooked up with me and Wingshooting Cordoba through some mutual friends and went to one of my lodge offerings in Uruguay, tell us about your mixed bag hunting experience in Paysandú Uruguay?

We are fortunate to have and manage excellent dove hunting here in Georgia and I will usually log 50 to 75 limit hunts per year with friends and family. I have friends who have dove hunted South America, but the idea of pounding doves all day for 4 or 5 days just didn’t appeal to me as I like variety. As such, I never went. In 2012, my oldest son wanted to take a trip and through Wingshooting, we found a mixed bag opportunity in Uruguay (UY). I can’t say enough positive about San Juan in Paysandú. The hunting and the accommodations were excellent and we didn’t travel more than 30 minutes from the lodge for any hunting venue. Please see our YouTube channel “Closaway” for some highlights of the hunt.

What immediately stood out to you about Uruguay and the hunting?

In fairness, I never dove hunted Argentina, but have had a host of friends that have. Again, for a guy who wants to satisfy his ego and try to set a world record for dove in a day, it sounds like the place to go. On the other hand, for the discerning sportsman that wants to spend a little more for unbelievable accommodations and great variety. San Juan will not disappoint. While the dove are not as numerous, you will get all the shooting you want and there are more than one person can kill! Typically, you have a perdiz or duck hunt in the am will dove hunts in the pm. All meal service would equal or exceed the finest US restaurants.

While I love dove hunting, I’m an old school quail hunter and was particularly interested in the perdiz. In short, the perdiz hunting was some of the most challenging I’ve ever encountered, which is to say I was hooked immediately. These little birds put our bobwhite to shame and will fly a mile before they set down again. This is sporty hunting with a 20 gauge O/U and would be 12 gauge material for those who don’t shoot on a consistent basis. Even better, they also taste unbelievable. The worst part is now my quail hunting is somewhat of a letdown! I can’t wait to get back to UY!

UY is a great country and is very modern. There is a lot of psychographic variety just as there is in Georgia. While I have since traveled extensively in UY, I must state that it would be hard to get a sense of the country by simply hunting at San Juan. I would recommend at least a day in Montevideo and possibly another day along the coastline.

Now I hear you have actually fallen in love with Uruguay and recently bought 1600 acres?  How in the world did this come about so quickly and tell us your plans for the property?

I actually had been investigating South America for about 5 years and was planning on starting in Columbia with a small purchase. UY was not on my radar, but while there, I was impressed with the modernization of the country and the overall ag economy. UY has a very stable government and all ag commodities are traded on our Chicago exchange. The infrastructure is excellent, particularly highways. The port in Montevideo is larger than all others in South America combined and it is a safe country. In short, if you traveled to the rural areas of UY, you would think you were in South Georgia. UY’s similarities to Georgia are astounding and the people are very hospitable. This is a place you can take your whole family as there is something for everyone.

Our investment is in multiple parcels that border a 1,300 acre private lake (ducks are unbelievable). We are row cropping the vast majority of the land and we run a small sheep operation on the parcel that houses the lodge and barns. Perdiz are plentiful and we have a dove roost nearby. We may partner with a commercial operator to offer a companion operation to San Juan (with a duck emphasis) in the future or possibly host annual hunts with friends.

Why would a bird hunting enthusiasts want to travel all the way to Uruguay to hunt doves, ducks, perdiz and pigeons?

The question is, why would a true enthusiast not want to? While at San Juan, we had a British fellow and his son came the last two days. They had worked their way through the Argentinian lodges for the prior two weeks. According to them, San Juan was the best of their experience by far. I do understand that San Juan might be slightly more expensive, but when you factor in the shell cost in Argentina, I think it might be actually cheaper. A big part of the cost of the trip is the airline cost. I ask you, would you rather pound a 1,000 shells a day at just dove or have your socks knocked off with a great variety of game birds and first class accommodations? Honestly, I would go to UY for the perdiz alone. It should be on everyone’s bucket list.

You said you got your residency in Uruguay, tell us about this process, how hard was it and how long did it take?  Also, what advantages can you derive from the residency?

The Uruguayans are a very diligent people in their work, and as such they take immigration very seriously. As you might imagine, there is some paperwork and you will need to visit the Immigration Office and employ a notary to assist you. Tetanus shots must be up to date and you must undergo a short but thorough health exam. You must be able to demonstrate gainful employment in UY and provide a US apostleship background report. It takes a little time but is not that expensive or obtrusive. Residents enjoy the same privileges as citizens but they can’t vote. You can stay as long as you want and you can easily cross South American borders. You also have the one time right to import personal property into UY without paying any import tax.

At this time, many US citizens are establishing foreign residency as a backup to troubling times here in the US. While my residency is more related to the convenience of our business investment, if you are a hard core bird hunter and you want a plan “B”, just in case, UY is worth a visit.

Now that you actually own property in Uruguay, how much time per year do you plan on spending down there?

My wife is probably not comfortable with that question!  UY is an easy 10ish hour flight out of Atlanta and is overnight. As such, you can hit the ground running and the time difference is negligible.  By necessity, I will need to be in UY at least twice a year; however, as our children leave the nest, I hope that we can spend as much as a month at a time there. UY’s beaches are some of the best in the world, but they are not necessarily crowded (unless you want to be in such areas that are). Buenos Aries is only a 20 minute commercial flight from Montevideo and I’m confident your wife will be more than satisfied between the two. I’ve eaten all over the country from roadside cantinas and fine dining establishments. I haven’t had a bad meal yet.

What other investment opportunities do you see or plan to pursue in Uruguay?

While UY is a modern country by any standard, they are definitely behind the US is many ways. The sad part as that while you are in UY, it will be overwhelmingly apparent that us Americans are killing ourselves to leave a fast pace, extravagant lifestyle. The Uruguayans, while very diligent, move at slower pace and are a very happy people. Americans will find that they will be missing some conveniences, but these are more than made up with the significant reduction in the cost of living. For perspective, an established lawyer in UY would make the equivalent of $30,000 US, but would have a lifestyle of a US lawyer making $200,000 US.

I’m not sure it’s a place you can take $1,000 and strike it rich, but if someone wanted to divert some investment capital, I believe they could do quite well.  UY is devoid of chain and franchise concepts and I question if the same would work well. Bear in mind that you are talking about a population of 3MM with 1.5MM in Montevideo.

My sense is that the beach lot/house market in UY is similar to where the US was in the late 90’s. The beaches are recognized as some of the top in the world and there is opportunity for investment there. Also, the “original” part of Montevideo is undergoing a redevelopment and there is opportunity to purchase sound older buildings to convert to housing and office space.

In short, any enterprising US individual could spend a week in UY and probably come up with many investment opportunities.

Anything else you would like to add about your experience or advice for others interested in investing or retiring to Uruguay?

I would not want to portray myself as an expert or have anyone rely on my advice in this blog; however, I think the best thing for anyone having interest would be to make a one week exploratory trip to UY and drive around the country. If they feel some chemistry, the next step may be to rent an apartment in Montevideo, a beach house along the coast or a farm house in the country for a period of time that allows them to “test the waters”. English is spoken in UY, but I’m told it’s easy to pick up Spanish in a period of 6 months or so if you are immersed in the culture.

It’s not hard to do business or live in UY, but there are restrictions and requirements that you would need to be versed.  I would recommend engaging a lawyer to help you in these matters and would be glad to recommend some to your readers should they need assistance. We have a website, Closaway.com, where I can be contacted. Thanks for the opportunity to share about UY and San Juan. I hope to run into some of your clients in the near future. Take care.

Visit our website at www.wingshootingcordoba.com or contact me directly at pwilson@wingshootingcordoba.com for details on booking your dream wing shooting adventure to Argentina,Uruguay or South Africa.  Wing Shooting Cordoba represents 9 luxury lodges and four outstanding guides services for dove, duck, pigeon and perdiz in both Argentina and Uruguay and over 18 species on offer in South Africa.  Also, I have fly fishing adventures along with Red Stag, wild boar and Quail hunting opportunities in Argentina.

Wingshooting Cordoba LLC is extremely excited to add our first high quality wingshooting experience located in South Africa.  Graham Jones and his wife Ananda have been guiding and offering luxury lodging and wingshooting in exotic South Africa since 1989. Graham agreed to do a short interview with us to discuss his operation in South Africa.  There are over 18 different species on offer on this shooting adventure.  Additionally, this trip looks to price out a bit less expensive than traveling to Argentina and with the ability to match up with a photo safari, this is truly a trip of a lifetime.  Thanks to Charlie Jordan of Atlanta for providing the fantastic photos.

Interview with Graham Jones of The Safaris of Graham Jones

I have to ask you, how did you come up with Properly Done^TM as your company’s slogan?

Since 1989, we have been conducting safaris for all those wishing to experience how it once was.  Over the years, we have seen an enormous influx of new operations and self-appointed experts who have been “short cutting” the vital fundamentals crucial to an ethical and well-planned experience.  As a result, many visitors are being offered experiences less than authentic and customers are realizing this more and more.

It was a good thing that Ananda and I promised ourselves, almost 30 years ago, to safeguard the art of a genuinely conducted safari by simply doing all things The Proper Way ^TM .  This has overwhelmingly been what our guests have cherished most.

Where did you grow up and how did your environment affect your career choice?

Ananda & I were both born and raised in South Africa. We both had families that worked and spent as much time as possible in the great outdoors. We had the opportunity to be exposed to Nature at an early age having family that had hobbies like hunting , shooting, bird watching and bird egg collecting. It felt only natural that after our studies we would venture into a professional career in the African Bush.

How long have you been offering this variety of bird shooting to clients?

Ever since 1989, whether here at home in South Africa or across other African countries such as Botswana,Kenya, And Tanzania.

 In a sea of big game hunting, how did your wing shooting business evolve? 

Well, since we started, our Dangerous & Big Game & Plains game safaris guests expressed much interest as they saw the game birds in the bush.  Being a passionate wing shooter myself, I formalized the service and made sure it would always be properly offered.  Eventually, triggered by word of mouth, more people started looking for us and today, we continue to offer our Wing Shooting Safaris; always limiting the number of wing shooting safaris we offer.

 What makes bird shooting in this part of the world special?

The views and the variety! We have over 18 different species of waterfowl and upland game birds.  It is truly extraordinary.  The dog work is always an art to witness and experience.

Tell us about your accommodations and what the discerning bird hunting traveler can expect when lodging with The Safaris of Graham Jones?

Our camps vary from colonial “Hemmingway” Tented camps to game lodges to ranch houses. All our camps have been inspected and approved by Nature Conservation Agencies.

Our luxury canvas Camp accommodations at Kifaru consists of six tents furnished with fine antiques; each named after a “legendary White Hunter”.

Each tent is privately and spaciously positioned with its own private viewing deck on an elevated plinth with an en-suite sunken bathroom and dressing room linked to a private inside and outside shower. Laundry is done daily.

Can you tell us a bit about the basic cost per day and what a typical day wing shooting with Graham Jones is like?

Our All Inclusive day rate for our Wing Shooting Safari US $ 500/Gun.  We also require a minimum of 4 guns.  Of course, all of our birds are wild and there is no charge per bird.  This price includes all transfers between areas.  Ammunition and gratuities are not included in this ALL Inclusive price. A detailed quotation will be written out for each client with “No Hidden costs”

What city would a client fly into and how far a drive to your lodge?

We recommend our clients fly into Johannesburg, our capital city.  There are direct flights in from Atlanta on Delta Airlines.  It is a 3 ½ hour drive to Kifaru Camp.  We always greet all clients at the airport. Other areas are within 2 hours from the Airport.  There are also daily flights from Washington DC& NY – JFK.

Are the various hunting fields close to the lodging?

All our bird hunting is never more than 1 hour away from where we are staying. At our Kifaru Camp,  (Base camp), you can hunt right outside your tent.

What species could a hunter expect to bag while on a wing shooting safari?

From having morning or afternoons of challenging and migrating Rock pigeons and doves (where during the right time of year, up to 1000 shots can be fired), to mornings or afternoons of wild upland game birds; such as Swanson’s Spur Fowl, Crested Francolin, Helmeted Guinea Fowl, and Natal Spur Fowl, among others. In addition, our guests can also chose mornings for Egyptian geese and late evenings for ducks. Some duck species include Red-Billed Teal, Yellow Billed African Duck, Southern Pochards, and Fulvous Whistling Ducks.  All in all, a truly mixed bag journey that offers quality over quantity.

 With recent political events in South Africa, what can you tell clients about the security of the area?

In nearly 30 years of entertaining clients, we have never had a dangerous incident, but as is the case anywhere, it is always advisable to be cautious. We recommend to all our clients to be aware and to spend as little time in major cities as possible.

 If clients come for the wing shooting, how easily can they transfer to a big game hunt or photo safari?

Very easily as most bird areas have plains game available. We highly recommend to “ Delay your Departure “  & let us plan you a photo safari, a South Africa considered to be a “World in One Country” !

What is your favorite part of the job?

Seeing the satisfaction of our clients have when they experience things The Proper Way ^TM    

Having Happy Clients wanting to return and share their experiences with their friends! Meeting and learning from so many interesting people we meet from around the world. Waking up and spending time in Nature knowing that each day will be different.

Visit our website at www.wingshootingcordoba.com or contact me directly at pwilson@wingshootingcordoba.com for details on booking your dream wing shooting adventure to Argentina,Uruguay or South Africa.  Wing Shooting Cordoba represents 9 luxury lodges and four outstanding guides services for dove, duck, pigeon and perdiz in both Argentina and Uruguay and over 18 species on offer in South Africa.  Also, I have fly fishing adventures along with Red Stag, wild boar and Quail hunting opportunities in Argentina.

Wing Shooting Cordoba, LLC is proud to announce a new partnership with Rance Rathie of Argentina Doves Unlimited (ADU) and Patagonia River Guides (PRG).  I had the pleasure of interviewing Rance regarding his background and eventual migration to Patagonia to be a professional river guide.  He is now one of the largest fishing and hunting guides in all of Argentina and has put together exceptional programs for fly fishing, dove hunting, quail hunting, pigeon and perdiz hunting along with Red Stag and Wild Boar.  I think you will enjoy learning more about Rance and his programs here.

Rance showing his talent.

You are from Montana; tell us about growing up there.

Growing up in Montana was the best.  Back in those days, I hunted, trapped, and fished year round from my first memories.  The outdoor activities were limitless and kids were free to be kids.  I can remember taking my bow and rifle to school and running out the door to hunt almost every day after school.  Things have certainly changed and I’m fortunate to have lived a “more free” childhood.

 Who had the biggest influence on you becoming a full time guide and lodge owner?

My Mom and my Uncle had the most influence on me becoming a guide as they owned a fly shop in Montana and gave me the opportunity just out of high school.  My father and his father were both hunting and fishing outfitters so genetically I guess I was born to be an outfitter.  So from nurture and nature both.  As far as lodge owner, that was a dream that my partner and I had from the beginning back when we were kids and knew that we wanted to be in the hunting and fishing business.  I can remember sitting on the bank of the Ruby River in Montana and talking about the lodges we would have, the fish we would catch and the animals we would hunt.

 Besides the obvious, what brought you to Argentina?

I was looking for a winter break after finishing college.  I looked for fly fishing guide jobs in Chile, New Zealand, and Argentina.  I was able to get my first job in Argentina and heard the women were better looking in Argentina and have never been disappointed about my decision in any aspect.

Did you establish the bird hunting or the fishing services first?

Patagonia River Guides was started first and Argentina Doves Unlimited later when my family and I decided to settle in Argentina permanently.  The hunting is a perfect compliment to the fishing season and offers year round business and pleasure.

 Tell us where your lodges are and a little about them?

We fish in three regions in Patagonia and own one lodge in the Central Zone near the town of Esquel.  We host guests south of Esquel three hours in Rio Pico at another lodge and also host guests at one of about seven lodges in the San Martin Area (north of Esquel) with PRG North.  All the lodges are different and vary from rustic luxury, to 5-star luxury, to authentic estancias.  Our hunting lodge in Northern Argentina is colonial style and offers wonderful accommodation and northern charm and is the perfect base for hunters wanting to see the new frontier.

You married an Argentine; do you have a family there now?

Yes, I am the proud father of four children from newborn to 7 years old.  My oldest was born in Montana and the youngest three in Argentina.  Everyone in my family is bi-lingual and my oldest children really love the business and enjoy “hosting” the clients.  My job takes me away from home and my family for months during the busy seasons, so that has been the hardest thing to adjust to as my family grows and grows up.

 What is the biggest difference living in Argentina vs. Montana?

The biggest difference of living in Argentina is the lack of equipment, supplies and small business support.  Many things that we need to operate need to be imported and prices of quality equipment is very expensive.  The government also is not as business friendly as they are in Montana and everything is much more of a challenge.  It is hard enough for the Argentines that were born in the system.  I still struggle to make sense of a system that really doesn’t make sense!  It is impossible to get a loan and even buying a truck takes upwards of four months.  Our hunting license alone took 2 years.   The system is not set up to succeed but rather fail and I have had to adapt in order to survive and thrive.  Basically it comes down to enjoying what you do, surrounding yourself with good people and concentrating on the things that make you and your clients happy.  I try to stay out of politics and have a great staff to handle the “Argentine” details that drive me crazy.

Tell us a little about your various trip offerings and what a hunter or fisherman should expect hunting with Argentina Doves Unlimited or fishing with Patagonia River Guides.

We have a sophisticated system of booking, organization, and a commitment to providing absolutely the best service, lodging, guides, equipment, and the activity itself.  We book every trip, we host every trip, and we never sell anything that we can’t deliver.  Our guests have come to know that we are prepared and ready to provide them with the ultimate hunting or fishing trip and that we are always shooting for a trip of a lifetime and repeat business or referrals.  It is impossible to stay in business these days if you don’t provide the absolute best.

 What makes you unique and what do your clients like about your trips the best?

Our attention to details and experience in knowing what the US sportsman wants and needs sets us apart.  Our employees are 100% Argentine so our programs remain authentic, but our system of organizing and execution is just different than most other operations.  I guess our clients like our attention to details and the efforts we put forth to provide the most variety and the best sporting adventures.  We also run exquisite lodges and provide guest with every comfort possible so that they can enjoy the “down time” as much as the time in the field or on the river.

What is your favorite food to eat in Argentina, and why?

Barbeque….because the meat is really great and the Argentines know how to cook over coals and how to have fun!

Did I hear you have a combo hunt/fish that includes big game, fly fishing and Quail hunting? 

Yes, from mid-March to the end of April guests can take advantage of the season to hunt Red Stag, California Quail and trout fish too.  It is a wonderful cast and blast trip and everything is possible.  The “Ultimate Cast and Blast Trip” is actually Trout/quail/Stag and then Doves/Pigeons/Dorado.  It is a two part program from Patagonia to northwest Argentina and is a great way to spend a couple of weeks experiencing the best of Argentina.

What is the biggest misconception about Argentina you hear from adventure travelers?

It’s too far away!  From Atlanta it is 9-hours.  To get toMontana, it is almost the same due to plane changes and most international flights are around 9-hours overnight and you’re here.  Just because you have to fly over the ocean and to another hemisphere, it isn’t much longer than going to some parts of theUSAorCanada.

I hear you get tired of being surrounded by the beautiful Argentine landscapes and the beautiful Argentine women, please tell me that ain’t so? 

Argentina is certainly one of the most beautiful places on earth and the women that fill this country are no different.  From the glaciers to the tropic jungles in the north and from the desert to the productive pampas, each place is unique.  There are the most beautiful women in each and every environment and something to hunt or catch too.  There is no place like it on earth!

Visit our website at www.wingshootingcordoba.com or contact me directly at pwilson@wingshootingcordoba.com for details on booking your dream wing shooting adventure to Argentina or Uruguay.  Wing Shooting Cordoba represents 8 luxury lodges for dove, duck, pigeon and perdiz in both Argentina and Uruguay.  Also, I have fly fishing adventures along with Red Stag, wild boar and Quail hunting opportunities as well.

Before launching my hunting expeditions site www.wingshootingcordoba.com, I was a resident of Buenos Aires for nearly two years.  I was lucky enough to meet some amazing fellow expats from the US and none more impressive than New Orleans raised Liza Puglia.  We met soon after she arrived at an expat event and I immediately realized I was in the presence of whirling dervish of high energy and magnetic personality that I had only encountered a few times before.  I learned she was an accomplished chef having trained in NY and would soon attend her famous New Orleans night “Pop-Up” style events she was putting on.  Liza is a wonderful person with a bright future and I was lucky enough to interview her for my blog. You can follow Liza on her blog at www.NOLAchef.wordpress.com and her restaurant site is  NOLAbuenosaires@gmail.com.  Here are the highlights from our conversation and I hope you enjoy.  Oh, by the way, she is in Argentina and, of course, no longer a vegetarian.

 

Liza scoring her next cooking gig!

You grew up in New Orleans, how much of an influence did that have on your career choice? Honesty, none. I was living in Southern California when I decided I wanted to cook for a living. I had become a vegetarian, quit smoking and started researching/experimenting with how food affects our body and mind. I am completely fascinated by this! Then I began to realize how poorly the majority of the country eats and how people have so many dietary restrictions and therefore have an overall negative experience with food. I thought if I could change that for them they would be a happier healthier person. However, the fact that I was exposed to such great food for the majority of my life definitely helped encourage me to stick with because I LOVE TO EAT.

 

When did you know you had a love affair with food? My dad once smoked a brisket for 24 hours during Hurricane Andrew in NOLA. I was like 14 and people were amazed at the amount I ate. It was only the beginning….

 

What inspired you to move to New York? What did you do there? I actually moved to NY because of Hurricane Katrina. My sister (who lives there) and I had plans to go to the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament and it happened to be the weekend before Katrina. She re-routed my ticket from Texas where I had evacuated to and once I got there I never left. I started working at a bar instantly and made fast friends and lots of cold hard cash. After a couple years I moved to Cali to try out the West Coast which is when I decided I want to go to culinary school. NY has the best schools so we packed up the jeep and drove cross country. I enrolled in the French Culinary Institute and began working in the kitchen at Hecho en Dumbo where my love and knowledge of Mexican food grew tremendously. I also started catering film sets for a small production company in Brooklyn.

 

How did you make it to Buenos Aires? I went backpacking all over Central & South America and met a spicy Argentino while in El Salvador. We traveled together for 5 months and ended the trip in BA. I was looking for a major change in my life and a new start outside of NYC. I had always wanted to live abroad and had no strings attached so I just went for it.

 

What were your first impressions of the food in Buenos Aires? Dull, under seasoned, lots of carbs, overcooked meat, and salt. And where’s the vegetables?! The verdulerias are full of them but no one seems to cook/serve them! I did fall deeply in love with choripan and empanadas. I also ate lots of ice cream at the beginning.

 

Profiteroles stuffed with dark chocolate ganache.

 Tell us about your current projects in Buenos Aires and your food blog. I work as a private chef. That means I go into peoples homes and cook for them. Sometimes I go in and cook food to stock in the fridge to munch on throughout the week and sometimes it’s more formal such as a 5-7 course dinner party. I also do Pop-Up events once a week where I sling Mexican food in a cafe in Palermo Soho. Come mid-July I will be starting a puerta cerrada which is a ‘closed-door restaurant’. Imagine going to a chef’s house and him/her cooking you dinner. There are no menu options and it’s a very intimate setting. It’s open to the public but a reservation is required. My food blog, NOLAchef, began…. as a way to digitize my foods. Whenever I cook I take a picture of it. Whenever I was unsure of what to make I’d flip through the photos and get inspiration. My cool nerdy (and blog obsessed) sister convinced me to start a blog and pushed that it was a good way to stay in touch with people back home.

 

Cactus sopes, one of her many great Mexican specialties.

What is a “Pop-Up” restaurant or event, tell us about yours? A Pop-Up is when a guest chef takes over the kitchen at a cafe-bar-restaurant. The chef has their own menu and calls all the shots. Mine is every Thursday at Tout le Monde on Gurruchaga 1417. It’s a small menu of Mexican antojitos (small plates) and EVERYTHING is made from scratch- tortillas, cheeses, juices, breads, salsas, margaritas. We open the doors at 3pm and close them around midnight. It’s a great place to meet and for Argentinos to try real Mexican.

 

Is the rumor correct, you are opening your own private restaurant in Buenos Aires? YES. It will be called NOLA and will open in July. It will be a rustic meets modern seasonal menu with many French, Mexican, and Creole influences. I would also like to incorporate some of the local dishes but with an ‘outsiders spin’. Reservations can be sent to NOLAbuenosaires@gmail.com

 

A New Orleans inspired BBQ Shrimp pasta.

How has the internet impacted your business? Good question, Pitts!! I would have very little business without the internet. Online forums is what started it all, hence my username NOLAchef. Life is all about connecting with others. The internet made is so simple.

 

What makes Argentina such a great place to travel and live in your opinion? Argentina is a BEAUTIFUL BIG country. There’s mountains, lakes, waterfalls, glaciers, beaches, lots of farmland and a huge metropolis. The people are also incredibly kind and the culture is so rich. I think what I like most about it is people don’t live to work, they work to live. It’s not so much about possessions and status, it’s more about spending & connecting with the people you surround yourself and enjoying the smaller things.

 

What is the biggest misconception about the food in Argentina? That it’s the best meat in the world. Who cares how good the quality is if you’re going to over-cook the shit out of it!!

 

Do you plan to have a permanent home in Buenos Aires? Maybe. BA has so much opportunity, especially in the food industry. It all depends on how the next 3-5 years pan out. I wouldn’t mind a nice corner building in Palermo or Colegiales…

High volume Dove Hunting in Cordoba, Argentina

Booking agent: Wing Shooting Crodoba, www.wingshootingcordoba.com

I recently had the privilege of an amazing high volume dove hunting adventure as the owner of www.wingshootingcordoba.com to visit two luxury shooting lodges called Pica Zuro and La Dormida just north ofCordoba.  The outfitter, David Denies, has developed two beautiful luxury lodges with an amazing attention to detail and service.

Our first day we arrived at La Dormida, the newest lodge in the collection, we were greeted warmly and enjoyed a hearty lunch before embarking on our first half day hunt. The lodge holds up to 10 hunters in a modern cozy environment.  I was impressed that each lodge has its own dedicated chefs providing excellent meals and even a menu for selections of different entrees for dinner.

The first half day was spent shooting the beautiful hills area near Macha or an area about 30 minutes north of Jesus Maria, a short 15 minute drive from the lodge.  I was provided with a nice Beretta over-under 20 gauge and a dedicated bird boy for the afternoon.  The shooting was incredible.  Every possible shot presentation was afforded me in rapid fashion and I was quickly consuming shells at a furious pace. I was so excited, I must have burned through 20 boxes before I realized what was happening.  I paused to grab a coke and a quick rest then probably burned through another 15 boxes before calling it a day.  The sheer number of doves cannot be described but has to be experienced to believe.  I was getting into a nice rhythm and bringing down many birds.

We loaded up in the nice air-conditioned vans and headed back to the lodge for a wonderful Argentine Steak dinner coupled with a fantastic selection of Argentine wines.  The next morning we headed to a new destination in the hills area for more fast action shooting.  Again, I used a 20 gauge Beretta and enjoyed the beautiful views as I again burned through 25 to 30 boxes during the morning hunt.  Some say it is best described as shotgun porn, or the most fun you can possibly have with a shotgun, and I will have to agree.  We broke for lunch to enjoy the traditional Argentine asado that included several cuts of prime Argentine pork, beef, sausages, a great salad and dessert.  Of course, we had our choice of beer or wine and soft drinks constantly at our disposal.   The English speaking guides and the staff at La Dormida were simply first-class.  I wanted to see the other lodge nearby, so, I loaded up and transferred over to enjoy another luxury lodge on offer, Pica Zuro.

Pica Zuro is what you would think of as the traditional Argentine Estancia.  The lodge is incredibly inviting with nice warm environs, large rooms and expansive private bedrooms.  The lodge can host 14 hunters and is my favorite of the many I have visited in Argentina.  This is a place you want to stay for a while and relax for sure.  However, I was here to enjoy the food and hunting and we did plenty of both.  Again, we enjoyed exquisite meals along with several bottles of high-quality Malbec wine from Mendoza.  The shooting was again other-worldly as we enjoyed another of the 55 different shooting areas on offer through the outfitter. The next full day, I shot with a group from Missouri and another group from Iowa.  Everyone raved about the beautiful shooing areas, the daily grilled lunches and the attention to detail constantly provided with this organization.

From the minute you land in Cordoba to the very last minute of your trip, this hunting adventure is first-class all the way.  A mind boggling number of doves, amazingly good food, first class wines and luxury accommodations, what more could you possibly ask for.  Visit our web site at www.wingshootingcordoba.com or contact me directly at pwilson@wingshootingcordoba.com for details on booking your dream wing shooting adventure to Argentina or Uruguay.  Wing Shooting Cordoba represents 8 luxury lodges for dove, duck, pigeon and perdiz in both Argentina and Uruguay.

Pitts Wilson

Wing ShootingCordoba

www.wingshootingcordoba.com

pwilson@wingshootingcordoba.com