Travel Time with Lorena Garcia

Venezuelan-born chef Lorena Garcia is many things, among them a restaurateur, TV host, published author, and avid traveler. It’s the traveling that begat her love affair with food. Returning to Argentina this year for a film production, Garcia shares he love of the country’s culture, people, and, of course, food. Garcia grew up in Caracas, where food and family were always a bountiful presence, but her decision to embark on a culinary career came after she obtained an associate law degree, completed her paralegal studies, and learned English. It took a trip to Paris for her to realize her true passion in the kitchen, and several trips to Buenos Aires, Argentina to keep it alive. 

“Travel has influenced my cooking immensely,” says Garcia, whose travels have taken her to Italy, Japan, Korea, China, and Thailand. “My family has also had an influence over the kind of chef I am. They are my biggest inspiration.”

However, after her latest stroll through the streets of Buenos Aires, the city is quickly becoming her favorite.

“I have been to Argentina about five times now, and every time I go, I find something new that catches my eye or an exciting place to explore,” says Garcia. Though busy filming, she says that she tries to leave time to take in the country. “Although I’ve been busy, I’ve enjoyed plenty of empanadas, media lunas, and a few good steaks, just to name some favorites. I’m still thinking about the ojo de bife and homemade lasagna that I had.”

While on the topic of cuisine, Garcia agrees, like many of her culinary colleagues, that Latin cuisine is the way of the future. “I think that Latin cuisine is the present,” she notes. “I see it more and more everywhere I go.”

Next up, Garcia’s top three must-sees in Argentina…

“Even though I grew up in Venezuela, I have found that some of the Argentinian influence exists in many of the restaurants in Caracas,” says Garcia. “You will especially find Argentinian inspiration in the steakhouses in Venezuela and there are some very delicious pastas there as well.”

While food is a priority, the chef notes there are also breathtaking sites to see. Garcia says that sightseeing is a must, even for an avid traveler like herself. She recommends first time travelers visit three places in Argentina. “You have to go to the cemetery in Recoleta, the galleries and restaurants in Palermo, and visit Puerto Maderos to enjoy their beautiful architecture,” says Garcia of her top spots to see.

Even though you should definitely trust in Garcia’s recommendations, she suggests that travelers make their own plan before visiting a country. “If I could give travelers one piece of advice, it would be that they do their research before going away and mix it up by going to places where the locals go,” she says. “Definitely visit the spectacular tourist places but really try and experience the country as a local. This is true for Argentina or anywhere else.”

Garcia has also been hard at work on her latest project, the Lorena Bella Kitchen Collection for HSN, which debuted on November 14. The collection is clean, simple, and refreshing, just like Garcia’s cooking, and is designed to save time and energy in the kitchen, while keeping your cabinets colorful and chic. On what makes the trip home to her kitchen, Garcia says she likes to “pick up ingredients or kitchen gadgets from where I am to bring back home.” When she hops on the plane to travel again, Garcia may pick up a new recipe or find a new favorite spot to eat but she will always be inspired by yet another successful trip to Argentina.

Want to know more about how Garcia travels? Check out our Travel Q&A.

What five essential items are always in your travel bag?

Sunglasses (3 options), iPad, iPhone, a baggy with all the charges of my electronic devices and earphones, and a baggy with all the little things I need on the plane (spray Evian, moisturizer, lip balm, perfume, mints, etc.).

Do you have any rituals or superstitions?

I always do my prayers before taking off on a plane.

What’s the one home-cooked meal that you crave on the road?

I miss my café con leche in the morning when I’m traveling. It’s just not the same anywhere else.

What’s been your best travel experience ever?

My best travel experience was attending the wedding of a dear friend in New York City.

What’s your craziest travel story?

The craziest I’m not sure, but heading north instead of south for 3 hours and not realizing it until later was not so fun.