Day 140: February 16, 2025 – Buenos Aires, Argentina

Frenessì, a multisensory immersion gastronomic capsule that combines haute cuisine with technology, travel, theater and multisensory experiences —Buenos Bares

I’m not exactly a foodie. I’m most excited when I spot a Dunkin’ Donuts. But when I heard my shipmates were planning an excursion to Frenessi restaurant in Buenos Aires that was billed as a “multisensory immersion gastronomic capsule” I couldn’t resist joining. And boy, was it ever!

We were seated at a long white table surrounded by blank white walls. With each dish, we were transported to a new dimension projected onto the walls, ceiling, and tables.

I lost track of the number of dishes, but I think there were at least 10. Each was matched to the theme. I had the vegetarian version, which was delicious, but half the time I had no idea what I was eating. I ate more strange food at this meal than I have all year! Here are a few examples of the menu:

• Volcanic stone of provolone and truffle oil, with chutney or lactofermented fruits, and fresh peaches acevichado
• Fresh oyster, accompanied by Patagonian trout gravlax, lemon granita, shuzu and basil, nitrogen raspberries, with passion fruit nikiri sauce.
• Cashew frog, on creamy edamame, crispy herbs, Gremolata, and false caviar of apple, cucumber and juniper.
• Grilled prawns, with chive oil, panther milk, edible sand, crunchy coconut and seeds, and coconut foam and honey.

There was dancing, singing, and celebrating.

The grand finale was a series of chefs “painting” abstract desserts on the table. One brushed on colorful syrup, another added a confection sprinkle, another dribbled chocolate.

The whole thing was gAstronomically expensive but crazy fun! It may turn me into a foodie after all…