The village by the train tracks with 160 inhabitants that draws crowds for its country restaurant
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Dufaur, a small village in Argentina's Buenos Aires province with 160 residents, is drawing visitors for its rural restaurant, El Balcón del Arroyo.
- The village, founded in 1907, has a history tied to the railroad and retains a quiet, rural charm with a few local businesses.
- El Balcón del Arroyo, run by Liliana Oustry and Gerardo Bras, offers homemade comfort food and artisanal cheeses, revitalizing the local culinary scene.
Nestled in the southern province of Buenos Aires, Dufaur is a tranquil village of just 160 inhabitants. This small settlement, measuring three blocks by five, features a historic train station surrounded by large railway sheds, remnants of its more prosperous past. Located within the Saavedra district, Dufaur lies 50 kilometers from Pigüé and 100 kilometers from Bahía Blanca, cradled by the Ventana and Pillahuincó mountain ranges.
Founded on December 27, 1907, Dufaur's origins are intertwined with the Sud Railway station, inaugurated in 1884. The village bears the name of Silvano Dufaur, a French immigrant who donated the land for the station and subsequent urban development. Today, Dufaur maintains a simple existence with a bakery known for its traditional country biscuits, San Salvador. Many residents find employment at the Cerros Colorados quarry, 20 kilometers away, which supplies materials for asphalt and construction, with much of it transported via the local train station.
The heart of Dufaur's current appeal lies with Liliana Oustry and Gerardo Bras, the proprietors of El Balcón del Arroyo. What began as a cheese-making venture in 2013 has evolved into a popular restaurant housed in a 1930s building that once served as an inn, bar, and workshop. Here, patrons are treated to efficient service and warm smiles in a dining room adorned with flowers and checkered tablecloths. The menu features platters of local cheeses and cured meats, homemade pasta, and hearty meat dishes, including a notable honey-glazed pork shoulder. Their artisanal cheeses, such as sardo, gouda, and pategrás, are crafted with dedication, offering a taste of traditional flavors.
Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.