Evenings at the Argentine Club

When Victor Torres and his wife Jaqueline left Buenos Aires for southern California, they imagined a life of ease. But what they found instead was a world of frustration. Victor owns a restaurant but his hard work has yet to yield the kind of success he craves. Jaqui has lived her whole life for her daughters, only to feel isolated and unappreciated now that they are grown. And Victoria, their eldest, is torn between trying to be the perfect Argentine daughter and an independent American woman.Antonio and Lucia Orteli had similar dreams when they came to America and now they have similar problems. Especially with their only son Eric, who left the family and their close-knit Argentine community years ago in pursuit of his own dreams.When Eric unexpectedly shows up one evening at the Argentine Club - the heart of their community--a series of events begins that will bring these two families closer than ever. New relationships are formed; old relationships are tested. In the end everyone will learn that it's possible to live the life you want without hurting the ones you love.

Julia Amante had the misfortune of growing up away from the extended family that is so valued in the Latin culture, but missed out on very little of what it means to be Argentine. Asados were sacred meals shared together on weekends. Cheering for the Argentine soccer team was a must, as were the weekly pilgrimages to the Argentine Club in Los Angeles where the young Americanized kids hid under the tables and watched the adults dance tango until the wee hours of the morning. Julia giggled right along with the rest of the kids at how "geeky" the parents looked, but secretly, was intrigued by the romantic culture and passionate music.