Order a steak in Argentina and nobody asks if you want wine. They ask which Malbec. Here in California, the question at the table is usually different: Malbec or Cabernet? Both are dry, full-bodied reds, both love beef, and both show up on almost every steakhouse list. They are not the same wine, though, and knowing the difference makes ordering a lot easier.

A parrillada is for the person who looks at a steak menu and wants to try more than one thing. A little short rib. A piece of entraña. Some chorizo, then another bite of beef with chimichurri.