At Cura, dining is about creating moments residents remember. That spirit came alive at Longwood at Oakmont during our Argentinian BBQ-Patagonia Style, where the artistry of live-fire cooking captivated guests and turned an ordinary day into an extraordinary culinary experience at this Verona, PA senior living community!
The Art and History of the Argentine Asado
The tradition of the Argentine asado is rooted deep in the sprawling grasslands of the Pampas and the windswept wilderness of Patagonia. Historically forged by the gauchos (South American cowboys), this style of cooking relies on patience, wood-fire, and deep respect for the ingredient. Rather than rushing meat over intense, direct flames, true Patagonian open-flame cooking utilizes glowing hardwood embers and white-oak coals to slow-roast meats over several hours, sealing in rich juices and imparting a distinct, delicate wood-smoke flavor.
It is a communal celebration of food and fire—a gathering where time slows down, stories are shared, and every dish tells a story of tradition.
Scratch Preparation & Culinary Craftsmanship
Executing an authentic Patagonian live-fire grill requires an incredible amount of preparation, technical skill, and passion from the entire culinary staff. Every single item on our expansive menu was crafted from scratch by our dedicated team:
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The Fuego Live-Fire Grill: Our chefs tended white-oak coals and glowing embers to slow-roast bone-in short ribs, basted skirt steaks, hand-pressed artisan beef burgers, and masterfully brined beef brisket. We also featured classical rolled Chicken Pamplona wrapped in lace fat, flame-kissed flat iron whole chicken, heavily spiced house-made pork chorizo sausages, and tender, herb-marinated lamb kebabs.
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Small Bites & Master Sauces: Tables were set with hand-carved timber blocks holding scratch-made traditional Chimichurri, vibrant Salsa Criolla, Cumin Mint Aioli, and tangy Mustard Sauce alongside warm grilled flatbread. Residents enjoyed golden baked beef empanadas, blistered provolone with applewood bacon lardons, and chilled flame-licked shrimp alongside lime-cured sea scallop ceviche.
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Cast-Iron Sides & Sweet Endings: We caramelized whole heirloom burnt carrots with garlic chips, wood-smoked baby marble potatoes, crispy yuca fries, and slow-roasted peppers and onions. To conclude, we served fire-glazed peaches over melting dulce de leche ice cream, iconic layered Chocotorta, and rich croissant budín de pan.
Behind the Scenes & Resident Praise
The energy surrounding the event was palpable, from lighting the hardwood fires on the grounds to carving pristine cuts of beef to order right before our guests’ eyes.
A Note From a Resident Attendee:
“I took photos before bocce please send to them along with my compliments on an outstanding meal. I would’ve been very impressed if this same dinner was served in the highest Michelin rated restaurant in Argentina! Everything was perfectly cooked and presented and cut to order. Actually could taste and enjoy everything that was on the menu.”
Events like the Patagonian BBQ do more than deliver a delicious dinner; they elevate the everyday quality of life for our residents at Longwood at Oakmont. By introducing immersive cultural dining experiences, live-fire cooking demonstrations, and restaurant-quality hospitality, we foster a vibrant community atmosphere filled with excitement, discovery, and joy.
“I am immensely proud of our culinary staff whose hard work and mastery brought this vision to life. We look forward to continuing to push culinary boundaries and delivering extraordinary dining experiences across all of our Cura Hospitality communities,” says Cura Chef Jason Clark.
By Chef Jason Clark, Corporate Executive Chef, Cura Hospitality
