In the early part of the 20th century, Argentina welcomed thousands of immigrants from Italy. And, as the Washington Post points out, Buenos Aires has been home to many great Italian restaurants ever since. The unusual tradition of eating gnocchi (potato or semolina dumplings) on the 29th of every month is rigidly adhered to in many Italian-Argentinian households and restaurants, so it's a great opportunity for visitors to sample this unique dish. Il Matterello restaurant in El Boca neighborhood serves up delicious plates of gnocchi with tomato sauce for about ten dollars, along with a great selection of handmade pastas. Salgado Alimentos is a former pasta shop turned restaurant that makes gnocchi with little knobs that scoop up a bit of sauce with every bite. La Juvenil is a pasta shop that has potato, ricotta, and spinach gnocchi all month long, along with squash, tricolor, and other flavors on the 29th. And why is the 29th of every month gnocchi day? Because, according to tradition, the end of the month is when the money runs out, and the only ingredients left in the cabinets are the ingredients for gnocchi: potatoes, flour, and eggs. Guests at the Park Tower, a member of Starwood's Luxury Collection, might enjoy a taste of great Buenos Aires gnocchi on the 29th of the month, or of excellent Italian food any time.

[image via the Washington Post]