A recent visit by the mayor of Florianópolis, Topázio Neto, to the beaches of his city ignited a controversy that quickly crossed the Atlantic. It was reported that the Brazilian official had a beachside lunch, which, when converted to Argentine pesos, cost a total of 10,500 pesos. The comment, which suggested a competitive price for eating by the sea in the city of Santa Catarina, was taken as a challenge by an Argentine tourism sector businessman, as investigated by the Argentine News Agency. The response from Mar del Plata did not take long. Augusto Digiovanni, owner of Balneario 12 in Punta Mogotes, picked up the gauntlet and launched a counter-offer aimed at proving that the Atlantic coast city can be more economical and offer better value. Digiovanni offered his star product: a 'giant' size complete milanesa sandwich, designed to be shared by two people, accompanied by a half-liter soda or water. 'If the mayor of Florianópolis ate and drank for 10,500 pesos, we offer him an abundant lunch for two on the beach for less money,' Digiovanni stated, appealing to the value and local gastronomic tradition. What can you eat for less? The price comparison highlights the difference in the offer: City Cost (Argentine Pesos) Menu Serves Florianópolis $10,500 Lunch and drink (Mayor Neto) 1 person Mar del Plata $9,800 Complete Milanesa Sandwich + Drink 2 people The Balneario 12 offer is $700 cheaper, and according to its description, is designed for double the number of diners, putting the alleged 'low cost' of the Brazilian mayor to the test. The debate is on: Does Mar del Plata offer a better price-quality ratio for beach tourism than the spas in southern Brazil? The gastronomy of Mar del Plata seems ready to defend its reputation.
