The term quincho is used in several South American countries with reference to the structure used for outdoor dining . It is a rustically built shed that usually has a thatched roof.
Although there are different types of barbecue, it generally consists of an enclosure with wooden, brick or stone walls, or even just columns. Usually the barbecue is used for preparing and consuming barbecue , although it can also be used for social gatherings .
The wood can be from different trees, and this largely depends on the region in which the barbecue is made. In Uruguay, for example, the eucalyptus stands out for being a very abundant, relatively economical and rigid tree. The trunks that are chosen for this purpose are the straightest, which are stripped of their bark as soon as they are cut. In addition, they receive a treatment to protect them from fungi and insects.
It is estimated that the origin of this term so widely used in Latin American countries is found in the native Quechua language, and that it can be translated into ours as "barrier" or " fence ." It is likely that the material used for the first was straw, which is why over time this word has been maintained to refer to the roofs made with this material.
In this way it is possible to say that ranches , which are very common buildings in rural areas and are characterized by their walls made of mud, have quincho roofs, since they are made of straw. Far from being a simple technique , it went through several generations until it reached the level of precision achieved today. In this context, experts in the production of thatched roofs are called quinchadotes , and it was thanks to the fact that they transmitted their experiences and the tricks of their trade from generation to generation that today the quality standard is very high.
We should not underestimate the great popularity that the barbecue has in Latin America, nor think that it is a type of construction typical of humble homes ; On the contrary, in certain upper-class spas they are the most sought after. There is, however, a peculiar reason in these cases, and that is that wealthy people from cities tend to feel a strong attraction to the countryside, a space where they go to rest from the stress of the sidewalk and the smoke.
A typical Argentine barbecue , for example, has a grill ( asador ), chairs and a table . Thus, the person who prepares the barbecue is in charge of cooking the meat while the diners wait in the place, often enjoying an appetizer (starter). When the food is ready, you simply have to remove it from the grill and serve it on plates, being consumed at the table in the barbecue itself.
Sometimes the barbecue area has other rooms or annexed sectors to provide more comfort when cooking and eating. In this sense, it often has a sink or basin where it is possible to wash the dishes , cutlery and the rest of the utensils used.
In the colloquial language of Argentina , on the other hand, the notion of quincho is used jokingly to refer to the wig , toupee or toupee that some men use to hide baldness. For example: "When I saw my grandfather with the barbecue, I couldn't help but laugh," "Rather than use a barbecue, I prefer to stay bald," "If I lose my hair, I'm going to buy a barbecue."