The Most Common Mistakes When Ordering Meat… and How to Avoid Them (with the Chef’s Help)
Because a great experience starts with a good choice
Good meat deserves respect. At Bodega Argentina, we take every cut that arrives at your table very seriously: its cooking, its origin, its flavor, and its presentation. But for a complete experience, it’s also important to know how to order it. Many diners arrive with doubts, expectations, or habits that can lead to the wrong choice. And that’s normal: ordering meat isn’t just about saying “medium-rare.” It’s about understanding what you want, how you prefer it, and what can improve your experience.
That’s why, with our chef’s guidance, we’ve rounded up some of the most common mistakes when ordering meat… and how to avoid them.
Choosing a Do-It-Yourself Cookedness
One of the most common situations is ordering meat to a certain degree because “that’s how everyone orders it.” But every cut has its sweet spot, and not all donenesses are equally suited to all types of meat. Besides, taste is personal. There’s no single correct way to order meat well, but there is a more informed way: let someone who knows each cut and how it behaves on the grill advise you.
At Bodega Argentina, we’re always willing to recommend the best option based on the cut you choose and the result you’re looking for.
Choosing cuts without knowing their texture or flavor
Another common mistake is ordering a cut without knowing its characteristics. Some have more marbling, others are lean; some are tender and juicy, others are more intense and fibrous. It’s common to choose by name, but that can lead to surprises. Therefore, one of the best decisions you can make is to ask.
Our team is trained to explain the differences between cuts, help you find the one that best suits your preferences, and suggest ideal pairings.
Forgetting the side dishes
The meat is the star, yes, but what surrounds it also counts. Choosing side dishes that aren’t in tune with your cut can completely alter the perception of the dish. A fatty cut can be nicely balanced with a fresh salad or rosemary potatoes, while a leaner one may need a sauce or a complementary texture.
One of our best practices for meat is to think about the entire experience: from the appetizer, to the wine, to the final accompaniment.
Not considering the cooking method
Not all meats are cooked the same. Some require direct heat, others slow cooking, and some reach their ideal point with specific techniques. At Bodega Argentina, we work with cooking techniques that respect each cut and highlight its natural flavor, but it’s important to know that sometimes what you see in a photo or remember from another experience may not match the cut you choose today.
Therefore, one of the most common mistakes is to have a visual expectation without considering that meat is a living, natural, and diverse product.
Confusing juicy meat with raw meat
There is a key difference between juiciness and undercooking. Many diners hesitate when they see a cut with a pink center, but that doesn’t mean it’s undercooked. In fact, many of the most intense flavors, softest textures, and most pronounced aromas are found in meats served perfectly cooked.
Our advice is to be open to trying different flavors if you’re looking for an experience closer to the original taste of the cut.
Make it a tailor-made experience
At Bodega Argentina, we don’t believe in strict rules. We believe in helping you choose the best for you. Each cut has its story, each preparation has its purpose, and each customer has their own taste. That’s why we’re here to guide you, explain, and recommend. Ordering meat doesn’t have to be complicated. You just need information, confidence, and curiosity.
And if you’re interested in learning more about how to pair your choice, we recommend reading our blog:
What Argentine drinks should you try if you visit Bodega?
Reserve your spot and let the fire do its work.
Avoiding mistakes when ordering meat can transform a meal into an experience. Our team is ready to advise you, our menu is designed to surprise you, and our cuts are prepared to be remembered.
Make your reservation through our website and check out the digital menu to see all the cuts and preparations we have available.
