The World Cup in My Tummy: Chile, Argentina, Brazil

David Swidler is eating, drinking, and cooking his way through all 32 World Cup countries, much like he does at his site cookingvssports.com.

When I planned this out a few weeks ago, the South American teams were excelling and the Europeans were disappointing. So, knowing very little about soccer (or anything really), I thought it would be fitting to end with South America.

Of course the final two rounds of the tournament were dominated by the Capri pants-wearing continent, so I am going to spin things this way: Since I started this project with the World Cup's host, let's end it with 2014's, the country of Brazil.

Many people think of South America as a haven for drug dealers, flesh-eating fish, and rich American students riding llamas up mountains. I don't know if this is true, as I've never traveled south of Holgate Street; however I do know there must be a lot of socialists, death panels, and Subarus down there, because the continent produces a ton of wine and cheese.

Argentina is one of the top wine-producing countries in the world, because their winter lasts from June to August, which confuses the grapes, creating a stronger flavor. I came up with that theory after a bottle of Gascon wine, which is produced at the bottom of the Andes. You can really taste the hint of rugby player. (Thank you.)

Chile, which I'm pretty sure exists soley to deny Argentina western beaches, also produces world-class wines. However I wanted to try their cheese, because the thought of American chili cheese makes me sick. I was very happy with Chile's panquehue, a soft creamy cheese that was perfect for a South American wine and cheese party.

Finally, Brazil, the Yankees/Lakers of world soccer, except that people seem to actually like this team. Probably because their followers are perpetually in a good mood. I've been around their dancing, singing, laughing fans a few times during games, and even I come away smiling. They are the opposite of frumpy Seattle arm-crossers. 

A few days after the Brazilian team was ousted by the Dutch, I had lunch at Tempero do Brasil and ordered the sanduiche de frango, basically a grilled chicken and mango sandwich. No wonder these people are so happy. Mango salsa needs to be on more things: meat, salad, other salsas. Unlike stopping the BP oil spill, this is something I feel we can make can happen.

Well, we've come to the end, 32 meals for 32 countries. I even have the photos to prove that. I'm heading back to my site; feel free to visit if not weekly, then hourly. I want to thank The SunBreak for letting me do this, and all of you for reading, and not pointing out the numerous grammatical errors.