Raw-Dogging for Ice Cream: Is This Line Really Worth It?
A Scoop of Legend on Avenida Corrientes.
Located in the heart of Buenos Aires on the bustling Avenida Corrientes, you’ll find Argentina’s legendary ice cream shop Cadore. Renowned for its artisanal approach, Cadore stands as a testament to tradition, quality and the enduring love of gelato. Hailed by National Geographic as one of the Top 10 Places on the planet to eat ice cream, this family-owned gelateria has become a cultural landmark, blending Italian craftsmanship with Argentina’s unique flavors. So, yeah. Basically, there was no way I was leaving here without a scoop of Cadore ice cream running into my face.
One last treat before Brazil!
After a super-fun, jam-packed week of sightseeing in Buenos Aries, I thought a quick stop at Cadore would be the perfect nightcap before returning to my hotel to shower and pack. My flight to Brazil was scheduled to depart at 9:20 the following morning. Satisfied with my plans and brimming with exuberance, I checked my watch as I left the hotel. It was precisely 7:04 p.m.. and so began one of the strangest food-related experiences of my life.
The Line That Stopped Traffic.
Once I made over to Avenida Corrientes, it was impossible not to notice the line in front of the theater. It ran the length of two city blocks and snaked around part of the street five more times. “Good Lord”, I thought. “That must be a great show to have that many people waiting at the door.” I made a mental note to find out the name of the show.
Finally making my way past the multitudes, that’s when I saw it: A small sign noting the line for Cadore’s began to my left. Talk about your literal holy-cow moments! Those people weren’t waiting for a show. They were waiting for… ice cream?!?!
Two For One Madness.
There are lines, and then there are lines. You know, the ones so long that barely have a discernable beginning and no visible end. Staring in disbelief, I walked and I walked and walked some more. And then I walked some more. It was impossible to believe that all of these people were waiting in line for some ice cream. Yet, they were! urns out that once a year at precisely 6:00 p.m. Cadore offers their pints two for the price of one. THIS WAS THAT NIGHT!
Texts From The Trenches.
After successfully finding the end (of my sanity), I promised myself I would only give it an hour. About fifteen minutes into the wait, I had the bright idea to document my little adventure by texting pictures to my husband. I thought it was hilarious; he thought I was insane. Two things can be true at once, yes? Yes.
This handful of photos capture what, to me, are the Six Stages of Standing in a Line So Long I Aged Five Years: Optimism, Boredom, Hunger and Regret, Line Friendships, The Point of No Return and The Moment of Truth.
Midnight Victory: Fig & Walnut/Pistachio Run Into My Face!
Long story a little less long: I joined the line at precisely 7:24 p.m. I received my Fig & Walnut/Pistachio cone at precisely 12:15 a.m. the next day. By 12:19 a.m., the only evidence of my foodie adventure was the waffle cone dust on my fingers. Not only was the wait completely worth it, y’all, but I raw-dogged the whole thing! Look out, Rio, You’re next!
