Argentine cuisine may be described as a cultural blending of Mediterranean influences (such as those created by Italian and Spanish populations) within the wide scope of livestock and agricultural products that are abundant in the country. Argentine annual consumption of beef has averaged 100 kg (220 lbs) per capita, approaching 180 kg (396 lbs) per capita during the 19th century; consumption averaged 67.7 kg (149 lbs) in 2007. Beyond asado (the Argentine barbecue), no other dish more genuinely matches the national identity. Nevertheless, the country's vast area, and its cultural diversity, have led to a local cuisine of various dishes.

Argentinian people have a reputation for their love of eating. Social gatherings are commonly centered around sharing a meal. Invitations to have dinner at home is generally viewed as a symbol of friendship, warmth, and integration. Sunday family dinner is considered the most significant meal of the week, whose highlights often include asado or pasta.

Another feature of Argentine cuisine is the preparation of homemade food such as french fries, patties, and pasta to celebrate a special occasion, to meet friends, or to honor someone. The tradition of locally preparing food is passed down from generation to generation, and homemade food is also seen as a way to show affection.

Casey Thompson is a Dallas chef who competed on Top Chef season 3 and was one of the two runners-up to Hung Huynh. She also won fan favorite. Thompson competed on Top Chef season 8 and was eliminated fifth. She currently is the executive chef at the Brownstone in Fort Worth, TX.

http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef/bio/casey-thompson

Henry Parsons Crowell (1855–1943) was an American businessman, founder of the Quaker Oats Company and a philanthropist.

At the end of the 19th century, steam engines, telegraph and telephone systems, electricity and typewriters were part of the explosion of technology in America.

Henry Parsons Crowell knew how to listen, persevere and address the challenges these new inventions were creating, and mediate the conflicts between those who wanted to keep the traditions of the old century and those who pushed for the ways of the future. A book was dedicated to him written by Joe Musser, called Cereal Tycoon.

Henry Parsons Crowell had a dramatic impact on the lives of millions of people. As the founder of the Quaker Oats Company he helped change the eating habits of Americans, and in the process helped to create entirely new methods of marketing and merchandising that are still revolutionary, even by today's standards.

One of the wealthiest men of Chicago when he died in 1943, Henry Parsons Crowell, gave away nearly 70 percent of his earnings for more than 40 years. Born into a wealthy family in 1855 and endowed with a large inheritance after the death of his father, Crowell had the opportunity to live well and do little. He chose to work hard, never compromising, even when doing so would bring him more prosperity. His shrewd business sense and marketing genius brought him to the highest levels in business as the founder of the Quaker Oats Company and other major enterprises. Crowell viewed all things as a stewardship from God.