Endo Edibles

March 5, 2018
6:34 PM
by: Uhockey

Chicha, Cusco PE

Chicha

Bread – Red Pepper Butter

Dried Corn Lawa – Chicharrones, Cheese, Broad Beans, Ollucos

Alpaca Carpaccio – Borraja Flowers, Cipriani Sauce, Potato Chips, Andean Pesto

Peking Guinea Pig – Purple Corn Crepe, Rocoto Hoisin, Pickled Turnip, Carrot

Chicha Platter – Chicharrones, Beef Tequenos, Beef Heart Anticucho, Stuffed Potatoes, Uchucuta Sauce, Onion Sara Criolla, Gigante Corn

Double Espresso

Coca Fried Milk – Vanilla Cream, Quinoa Ice Cream

Chocolate Balloon – Crunchy Broad Bean Bomb, Clay Oven Apple Filling, Cinnamon Foam, Loche Ice Cream, Toffee Sauce with Maras Salt

Alfajors

Although his name might not be as well-known as many celebrity Chefs there is no doubt Peruvian food would not be where it is today without Gaston Acurio, he and wife Astrid Gutsche making their mark at Lima’s Astrid & Gaston before opening several other Restaurants including Chicha in Cusco.

Considered by many to be a more casual entry point to the couple’s globally-influenced Cuisine, the website’s proclamation that “Chicha is about regional food: the produce, traditions and culture from each location elevated with good culinary techniques” doing a fair job of describing local ingredients prepared in a variety of manner that embrace lands as far off as China, it is quickly upon entering the second floor space that guests are led to tables between Bar and Kitchen in a room decorated with dried vegetation.

Open from noon to 10:30pm daily, a bilingual staff essential as the vast majority of diners are travelers en route to Machu Picchu, it was without uttering a word that menus written in English were provided with sections labeled “Starters, Main Dishes and Desserts,” a basket featuring two styles of Bread soon brought out alongside balls of Butter blended with vibrant Red Peppers.

Not planning on a large meal after a full day of eating and traveling plus an early wake-up call to the Incan Citadel upcoming, the decision to partake in only Appetizers and Desserts allowing for a wide variety of tastes without being overwhelming, it was with the room less than 1/4 full that the kitchen quickly sent forth a creamy Corn Soup afloat with Pork Belly and Beans divided into two bowls, the flavors subtle but pleasant and a good lead-in to thinly shaved Alpaca Flesh dressed in traditional Cipriani Dressing plus local Potatoes, Herbs and Flowers.

Taking a second look at Cuy to follow, the Peruvian delicacy in this instance cooked crisp and served with housemade Pancakes plus Condiments akin to what one might receive with Peking Duck, those looking for something a bit less exotic would do well to request the “Chicha Platter,” an Appetizer suggested for sharing that includes traditional grilled Cow’s Heart, Crispy Pork and Potatoes plus Pastries stuffed with Beef.

Offering a wide variety of local Coffee drinks to finish, a Double Espresso over Ice apparently novel to the server, it was keeping in mind an advisory that the Chocolate Balloon “takes a while to prepare” that it plus another Dessert were requested, the tableside pour of Chocolate and melting dome that gives way to a treasure-trove of flavors and textures expectedly drawing the eyes of spectators but the fried Cream infused with Coca Leaves and complimentary Alfajors both holding their own with the former particularly delicate and the Ice Cream atop flavored a lot like toasted Oats with just a hint of sweetness.

http://www.chicha.com.pe/en/cusco

Posted in Bread Basket, Chicha, Chicha por Gaston Acurio, Coffee, Cusco, Dessert, Food, Ice Cream, pancake, Pancakes, Peru, Pork, Vacation Tagged Alfajor, Alfajors, Alpaca, Alpaca Carpaccio, Andean Pesto, Anticucho, Anticuchos, Apple, Apple Filling, Apples, Astrid Gutsche, Bean, Beans, Beef, Beef Heart, Beef Heart Anticucho, Beef Hearts, Beef Tequenos, Borraja Flowers, Bread, Broad Bean, Broad Beans, Butter, carpaccio, Carrot, Carrots, Cheese, Chicha, Chicha Platter, Chicha por Gaston Acurio, Chicharron, Chicharrones, Chip, Chips, Chocolate, Chocolate Balloon, Cinnamon, Cinnamon Foam, Cipriani, Cipriani Dressing, Cipriani Sauce, Clay Oven Apple Filling, Coca, Coca Fried Milk, Coca Leaf, Coca Leaves, Coca Tea, Coffee, Cookie, Cookies, Corn, Cow, Cream, Crepe, Crepes, Criolla, Criolla Salsa, Crunchy Broad Bean Bomb, Cusco, Cuy, Dark Chocolate, Dessert, Desserts, Double Espresso, Dressing, Dried Corn Lawa, endoedibles, Espresso, Flowers, Food, Foodie, Fried Milk, Gaston Acurio, Gigante Corn, Guinea Pig, Heart, Hearts, Hoisin, Ice Cream, Loche, Loche Ice Cream, Loche Pumpkin, Loche Squash, Maras, Maras Salt, Michael Uzmann, Milk, Ollucos, Onion, Onion Sarsa Criolla, Onions, Pancake, Pancakes, Pastries, Pastry, Pe, Peking Guinea Pig, Pepper, Peppers, Peru, Pesto, Pickled Turnip, Pig, Pork, Potato, Potato Chips, Potatoes, Pumpkin, Pumpkins, Purple Corn, Purple Corn Crepe, Purple Corn Pancake, Purple Corn Pancakes, Quinoa, Quinoa Ice Cream, Red Pepper, Red Pepper Butter, Red Peppers, Rocoto, Rocoto Hoisin, Rocoto Pepper, Rocoto Peppers, Rocotos, Salsa, Salsa Criolla, Salt, Sauce, Skin, Soup, Squash, Stuffed Potatoes, Sugar, Tequeno, Tequenos, Toffee, Toffee Sauce, Tomato, Tomatoes, Travel, Turnip, Turnips, Uchucuta, Uchucuta Sauce, Vacation, Vanilla Cream

March 5, 2018
4:29 PM
by: Uhockey

La Valeriana, Cusco PE

La Valeriana

Naked Unicorn Cake

Toffee Walnut Brownie

Tres Leches Cake

In need of a recharge after an early morning flight and hours wandering the streets of Cusco it was at La Valeriana that two guests stopped on Monday afternoon, the space popular with tourists from around the world proving well-suited in its role as a place to relax and linger over Coffee and Dessert.

One of at least two locations in the city that frequently acts as a base for travelers en route to Machu Picchu, the economy a mix of the poor and the privileged with visible disparity, it is at a distance that most will realize that La Valeriana makes no attempt to distinguish itself as a place offering local cuisine, the Pastries all stylish while white and wood décor is similar to what one might see in an advertisement for Pottery Barn.

Laid out left to right, counters and cases full of Pastries backed by bilingual service directing traffic towards a seating area where guests wait for their orders, it was after lengthy perusal that three items were requested in addition to an Americano and Double Espresso, the total of just over 40 Sol a veritable bargain when taking into consideration the size and presentation.

Using locally roasted Beans to their benefit for a Caramel-accented cup of Coffee, the smoothness making for easy drinking without any added Sweetener, it was at the request of the lady at the table that a “Naked” Unicorn Cake was first tasted and found to be moist yet not too heavy, the Buttercream Frosting lightly fruity and in good proportion while both the Brownie and Tres Leches took a less-subtle path to success, the former thick and rich with Toffee balanced by toasted Walnuts while the latter was wet but not soaked and layer-for-layer highlighted by Meringue on top and Manjar Blanco in between.

https://www.facebook.com/LaValerianaBakeShop

Posted in Coffee, Cusco, Dessert, Food, La Valeriana, Peru, Vacation Tagged 3 Milks, Americano, Brownie, Butter, Butter Cream, Buttercream, Buttercream Frosting, Cake, Cakes, Caramel, Chocolate, Chocolate Cake, Coffee, Cream, Cusco, Desserts, Desssert, Double Espresso, Dulce de Leche, endoedibles, Espresso, Food, Foodie, Frosting, Fudge, Fudge Brownie, La Valeriana, Manjar Blanco, Meringue, Michael Uzmann, Milk, Naked Unicorn Cake, Nuts, Pastries, Pastry, Pe, Peru, Rainbow Cake, Three Milks, Toffee, Toffee Walnut Brownie, Travel, Tres Leches, Tres Leches Cake, Unicorn Cake, Vacation, Vanilla, Vanilla Cake, Walnut, Walnuts

March 5, 2018
1:35 PM
by: Uhockey

Mercado Central de San Pedro, Cusco PE

San Pedro Market

Chancay Bread

Anise Bread

Anise Cookies

Marmalade Cake

Warm Rice Pudding

Not taking much time to get checked in at Torre Dorada it was by way of the hotel’s car service that Mercado Central de San Pedro was ready for exploration, its sizable footprint not evident from the exterior but unveiled just inside doors that harbor hundreds and hundreds of stands selling everything from whole Cow Stomachs to souvenir Llama Pens.

At this point a well-known tourist destination that remains equally pertinent to daily Cusqueña culture, the exchange of Legumes, dried Potatoes and fresh Vegetables or Bread for Sol taking place from early morning until late, those wishing to experience Sann Pedro for all it is would be well advised to allocate at least two hours for exploration and to equally set aside American ideas of hygiene or what is “safe” to eat.

Divided loosely into sections, clothing from handmade to cheaply manufactured allocated to the side opposite Food, it was after haggling for items such as a head-scarf that several fresh Juice vendors were passed en route to the aisle full of Breads, each old woman in traditional dress trying to out-holler the other in order to sell items such as traditional Chancay Bread or a flat Pastry not dissimilar to a Pop Tart but infused with the distinct taste of Licorice.

Spending just 1 Sol for three Cornmeal Cookies also perfumed in Anise before moving onward, several indigenous ingredients unidentifiable even to those who’ve done a fair amount of global dining, it was with eyes wide but a brain and stomach mindful of dinner that only a few items were tasted from cooked Food Stalls, a woman with Cakes on a cart convincing patrons in English that her Marmalade Cake was “delicioso” found to be correct while a kyphotic proprietor further along served up a heaping bowl of warm Arroz con Leche that was creamy and comforting for just $1.67USD.

www.theonlyperuguide.com/peru-guide/cusco/highlights/san-pedro-market-2

Posted in Central Market, Cusco, Dessert, Food, Mercado Central de San Pedro, Peru, San Pedro, San Pedro Market, Vacation Tagged Anise, Anise Bread, Anise Cookie, Anise Cookies, Arroz con Leche, Bread, Breads, Cake, Central Market, Central Market Cusco, Chancay, Chancay Bread, Cinnamon, Cookie, Cookies, Cusco, Dessert, Desserts, endoedibles, Food, Foodie, Market, Marmalade, Marmalade Cake, Mercado Central de San Pedro, Michael Uzmann, Pastries, Pastry, Pe, Peru, Prune, Prunes, Pudding, Rice, Rice Pudding, San Pedro Cusco, San Pedro Market, San Pedro Market Cusco, Travel, Vacation, Warm Rice Pudding

March 5, 2018
8:00 AM
by: Uhockey

Don Mamino (Miraflores,) Lima PE

Don Mamino

Chicken Empanada

Butter Croissant

Apple Danish

Walnut Brownie

Located almost directly across from Panaderia Carmelitas it seemed only logical to stop by Don Mamino en route to Jorge Chavez International Airport, the Bakery and Restaurant far larger than its nearby competition but the items ordered not on par with them, let alone the likes of El Pan de la Chola, Puku Puku Cafe, San Antonio or La Mora.

Apparently yet another of Lima’s multi-location Bakeries, at least nine stores turning out Breads, Desserts and Cafeteria-style Sandwiches according to the website, it was with several patrons already present that arriving guests were left to explore a collection of goods extending across racks and cases, many out of place such as Tiramisu and others obviously mass-produced based on appearance.

Not exactly the friendliest Restaurant in Lima, staff mostly huddled to one side excluding waiters serving the Café, it was after a few moments perusal that items were gathered from their various locations, the reheated Chicken Empanada first disappointing by being dry and mealy despite a pleasant spice profile.

Moving on to sweeter things, two Pan Dulce plucked from a countertop followed by one bagged Brownie, suffice it to say that those looking for Viennoiserie in Peru would be well-advised to walk right by unless they enjoy canned Apple Compote and flaccid Dough while the Brownie was not at all moist and dense but rather like a day-old slice of Cake.

www.donmamino.com

Posted in Breakfast, Croissant, Dessert, Don Mamino, Don Mamino Miraflores, Food, Lima, Miraflores, Peru, Vacation Tagged Apple, Apple Compote, Apple Danish, Apple Pie Filling, Apples, Breakfast, Brownie, Butter, Butter Croissant, Cake, Chicken, Chicken Empanada, Chocolate, Chocolate Brownie, Chocolate Walnut Brownie, Croissant, Danish, Dessert, Desserts, Don Mamino, Don Mamino Miraflores, Empanada, Empanadas, endoedibles, Food, Foodie, Lima, Michael Uzmann, Miraflores, Pan Dulce, Pastries, Pastry, Pe, Peru, Pie Filling, Travel, Vacation, Walnut Brownie

March 5, 2018
7:00 AM
by: Uhockey

Panaderia Carmelitas, Lima PE

Panaderia Carmelitas

Beef and Egg Empanada

Almond Citrus Bread Pudding

Orejas

Known by locals as Lima’s best spot for Pan Francés and Chicharron Sandwiches it was for Breakfast on Monday that a stop was made at Panaderia Carmelitas in Miraflores, an ordering area near the door, dearth of a menu and no English-speaking staff making the ordering process a bit laborious for visitors but a few minutes observation sorting things out to a total of five items including two duplicates.

Located near a large Hospital as well as Don Mamino Bakery, accolades dating back a decade still seeing a small queue plus several guests seated at tables as early as 7am, it was with less than 30 Sol paid that each dish was bagged or boxed separately, their subsequent consumption outside beginning with a piping hot Empanada stuffed with Eggs, Onions and nicely seasoned Beef that further benefitted from a shake of Confectioner’s Sugar atop the buttery Pastry.

Bound for Cusco at 11am, the other items enjoyed en route to the airport, it was largely a matter of Panaderia Carmelitas’ limited selection that saw two caramelized Orejas ordered in addition to the Empanadas and a square of Bread Pudding, the latter heavily saturated by Citrus and visible curls of Orange Zest with a faintly nutty finish.

https://www.facebook.com/panaderiacarmelitas/

Posted in Bread Pudding, Breakfast, Dessert, Food, Lima, Miraflores, Panaderia Carmelitas, Peru, Vacation Tagged Almond, Almond Citrus Bread Pudding, Almonds, Bakery, Beef, Beef and Egg Empanada, Bread, Bread Pudding, Carmelitas, Citrus, Cookie, Cookies, Custard, Dessert, Desserts, Egg, Eggs, Empanada, Empanadas, endoedibles, Food, Foodie, Lima, Michael Uzmann, Orange, Orange Zest, Oreja, Orejas, Palmier, Panaderia, Panaderia Carmelitas, Pastries, Pastry, Pe, Peru, Pudding, Raisin, Raisins, Travel, Vacation

March 4, 2018
7:05 PM
by: Uhockey

Chifa TITI, Lima PE

Chifa Titi

Iced Jasmine Tea

Deep Fried Boneless Chicken with Lemon Sauce

Stir fry Noodles with Smoked Pork

Vegetables Stir Fry in Soy Sauce

Kumquat Duck

Steamed Red Bean Buns

With the majority of Lima’s top dining destinations closed on Sunday it was in search of the city’s best Chinese Food that a taxi was bound for San Isidro, Chifa Titi at Av Javier Prado Este 1212 said to be the most impressive location for a style of Food that is quite similar to “American Chinese” in that it is the creation of an ancient culture adapting to local ingredients and palates.

Seeing the word Chifa on no less than a hundred Restaurants during a long day of walking, everything from hole-in-the-wall ten-seaters to elaborate two-story buildings included, the story of Chifa Cuisine apparently began in the late 1800s when a labor shortage after the termination of slavery saw Chinese immigrants cross the Pacific to harvest Sugar Cane, the subsequent centuries developing a fascination with Food that remains distinct though at the same time quintessentially Peruvian.

Not exactly located in Lima’s nicest neighborhood, the best route undeniably via highway as opposed to side streets, it was moments prior to a 7:00pm reservation made by phone that a table was found ready, polished black surfaces and mirrors giving the place a very modern feel while bilingual menus are thankfully provided as the staff speaks little to no English.

No doubt a popular place amongst locals, the clientele dining early largely Asian with a large table of Spanish speakers arriving around 8:30, it was after perusing a menu of 24-pages that decisions were made, a large pitcher of cold Jasmine Tea priced lower than bottled Water elsewhere and dining soon to begin with Fried Chicken that was sort of bland until dipped in a Citrus Sauce with light spiciness and a slightly bitter aftertaste.

Serving portions best suited for groups, each entrée better described as a platter, it was while sitting and listening to nondescript music overhead that three additional plates arrived simultaneously, both Stir Fries slicked in Soy and lighter in Oil than those found Stateside while a dish described as “Orange Duck” actually placed the crispy skinned Fowl beneath Kumquats with sticks of fried Yucca at the bottom.

Without doubt a better place for group dining than couples or solos, portion sizes and prices both considered, it was from a limited number of sweets that Red Bean Buns were selected as a fitting end to the meal, a thick Paste without much Sugar forming the sticky center to three Dim Sum favorites that were clearly homemade given their visible seams and textural heterogeneity.

www.chifatiti.com

Posted in Chifa, Chifa TITI, Dessert, Food, Lima, Peru, Pork, San Isidro, Vacation Tagged Bean, Beans, Bok Choy, Breast, Broccoli, Bun, Buns, Chicken, Chifa, Chifa Titi, Chinese, Deep Fried Boneless Chicken with Lemon Sauce, Dessert, Desserts, Dim Sum, Duck, endoedibles, Food, Foodie, Fried Chicken, Ice, Iced Jasmine Tea, Iced Tea, Jasmine, Jasmine Tea, Kumquat, Kumquat Duck, Kumquats, Lemon, Lemon Sauce, Lemons, Lettuce, Lima, Michael Uzmann, Noodle, Noodles, Orange Duck, Pastries, Pastry, Pe, Pea, Peas, Pepper, Peppers, Peru, Pig, Pork, Red Bean, Red Beans, Red Pepper, Red Peppers, Rice, San Isidro, Smoked Pork, Snap Pea, Snap Peas, Soy, Soy Sauce, Squash, Steam Bun, Steam Buns, Steamed Red Bean Buns, Stir Fried, Stir fry, Stir fry Noodles with Smoked Pork, Tea, Thigh, Travel, Vacation, Vegetable, Vegetables Stir Fry in Soy Sauce, Yucca, Zucchini

March 4, 2018
2:35 PM
by: Uhockey

Puku Puku Cafe (Miraflores,) Lima PE

Puku Puku Café

Cold Brew

Mocha Frapuccino

Keke de Maracuya / Alfajor de Café

Torta de Chocolate

Staying in Miraflores it was only a matter of time before daily walks would feature a stop at Puku Puku Café, the tiny storefront peddling Coffee and Pastries produced at a newer location in San Isidro proving a timely break after sightseeing on Sunday when a curly haired Barista rocking out to music overhead happily created a thick and creamy Frapuccino for one guest before pouring a glass flask of Cold Brew made that day over Ice for another.

Named after the word “Bird” and featuring its logo prominently on swag, a total of four locations in Lima each offering three single origin brews from micro-producers, guests entering the original Puku Puku Café will likely first be surprised by the close confines, though once a first sip of the brew is taken there is no doubt the place is big time, light acidity quickly melting away and replaced by smooth Caramel flavor that lingers.

Moving on to Pastries, a small midday selection at this location more than tripled in San Isidro where Sandwiches additionally join the menu, it was largely a result of not understanding Spanish that saw Passion Fruit Cake ordered alongside two other items, the “Maracuya” not as cloying as usual but still not fitting this palate as well as Coffee-infused Alfajors or Triple Chocolate Cake made with Cocoa from Cusco.

wwww.pukupuku.pe

Posted in Coffee, Dessert, Food, Lima, Miraflores, Peru, Puku Puku, Puku Puku Cafe, Puku Puku Cafe Miraflores, Puku Puku Miraflores, Vacation Tagged Alfajor, Alfajor de Café, Alfajors, Brownie, Cake, Cappuccino, Chocolate, Chocolate Brownie, Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Frosting, Chocolate Torte, Chocolates, Coffee, Coffee Alfajor, Cold Brew, Cold Brew Coffee, Dark Chocolate, Dessert, Desserts, endoedibles, Espresso, Food, Foodie, Frapuccino, Frosting, Frozen Cappuccino, Fudge, Ganache, Keke, Keke de Maracuya, Lima, Maracuya, Maracuya Cake, Michael Uzmann, Miraflores, Mocha, Mocha Frapuccino, Passion Fruit, Passion Fruit Cake, Passionfruit, Passionfruit Cake, Pastries, Pastry, Pe, Peru, Puku Puku, Puku Puku Cafe, Puku Puku Cafe Miraflores, Puku Puku Miraflores, Torta de Chocolate, Travel, Vacation

March 4, 2018
12:22 PM
by: Uhockey

Maido, Lima PE

Maido

T – Lychee Infusion with Black Tea from Cusco

Nissei Cebiche – Rock Fish and Tuna, Crispy Corn, Limo Pepper, Garlic, Ginger, Shoyu, Cilanto, Fried Squid, Leche de Tigre

Classic Gyoza – Classic Dumplings with Ground Shrimp and Pork, Spicy Ponzu Sauce

Chupe Tamale – Green Rice Tamale, Sauteed Shrimp, Creole Sauce, Chupe Reduction

Miso Ramen – Egg, Pork Belly, Aji

Snacks – Sushi Rice Cracker, Avocado, Trout Belly, Ponzu Gel / Regional Sausage, Roasted Banana, Sachatomate Emulsion, Crunchy Tapioca, Ponzu / Aji Negro Chawanmushi

Poda Cebiche – Sarandaja Cream, Mackerel, Shallots, Limo Pepper, Chulpi Corn, Nikkei Leche de Tigre

Dim Sum – Squid, Octopus, Limpets Cau Cau, Camotillo Cream, Crispy White Quinoa

Chicharron Sandwich – Steamed Buns, Pork Belly, Kimchee Emulsion, Creole Sauce

Sea Nigiri – Toro with Mustard Seed and Torikara Sauce, Scallops with Sea Urchin Cream and Negi

Lapas Cebiche – Chulpi Corn, Lapas, Avocado, Aji Amarillo Leche de Tigre

Cuy San – Guinea Pig, Cauliflower Cream, Garlic and Rocoto Cream, Torikara Sauce, Pachacamac Greens

Gindara Misoyaki – Cod marinated in Miso, crispy Bahuaja Nuts, Apple Gel, Porcon Mushroom Powder

Sudado – Grouper, Sudado Reduction, Three Seaweeds

Beef Short Rib 50 Hours – A5 Wagyu, Camotillo Pepper Cream, Crispy Rice, Cushuro, Purple Corn Powder, Black Garlic

Sea Urchin Rice – Chiclayo Rice, Atico Sea Urchins, Avocado Cream, Wan Yi, Baby Corn

Reef – Tofu Cheesecake Ice Cream, Bread Sand, Sweet Potato, Apple with Wakame, Camu Camu, Taperiba and Burgundy Grape Tapiocas, Soy Milk

Mussel – Granadilla with Mandarin Sorbet, Mucilage Foam, Cacao Nibs, Lucuma Ice Cream, Raspberries

Currently ranked eighth on S. Pellegrino’s controversial list, a move ahead of Central to Number One on the recent Latin America rankings leading one to assume that a promotion is coming in 2018 (or that Central is on the decline,) it was for lunch on Sunday that two seats were taken at Maido’s counter, Chef Mitsuharu ‘Micha’ Tsumura not present and service a bit sluggish while the Food was good, though not revelatory.

Self-described as “Fusion Cuisine,” the Japanese influence on Peruvian gastronomy dubbed Nikkei forming the backbone of a tasting menu served alongside several pages of a la carte options, guests arriving at Maido are encouraged to climb a staircase where each is greeted with “Maido,” the welcome coming from all directions including Chefs, servers and even guests seated below hanging ropes in the design of a Japanese flag when viewed as a whole.

Born in Lima and subsequently trained in both America and Japan, Tsumura’s return to Peru seeing him open Maido to little fanfare but subsequently building an empire extending all the way to Chile, it was after several minutes reviewing the menu that a decision was made to participate in the “Nikkei Experience” with supplements, Cocktails and Wine available but a drink named simply “T” proving a good fit to most plates.

A destination Restaurant that also features prominently in Miraflores power-lunch sector, Sunday reservations actually more accessible than those on Weekdays, it was after nearly thirty minutes of sitting and listening to countless Maidos that dining began with a collection of “Snacks,” the spicy Egg Custard most memorable while two types of Ceviche came after, the a la carte Nissei outperforming a Mackerel version served as part of the tasting largely on the strength of its fried elements.

Moving next to a trio of two-bite dishes, the Cephalopod and Snails bolstered by crispy Quinoa while Pork Belly Bao seemed somewhat ordinary despite being well executed, those looking for something more “Sushi” will be pleased to know Nigiri is offered both a la carte and as part of The Experience, the Toro decent but not as good as some while thinly Scallops atop lightly seasoned Rice proved that Peru also believes Uni, in this case emulsified and torched, can improve almost anything.

Receiving a latticed iteration of Gyoza with spicy Ponzu during a break in the tasting, each Dumpling nicely crafted and packed with ground Meat, it was for course six that Maido crossed over to Modernist Cuisine by way of frozen Ceviche featuring Clams, the follow-up offering crispy Guinea Pig Skin and Flesh stood upright in Cauliflower Puree awash in Garlic.

A traditional progression from light to heavy, Miso-glazed Cod given a facelift by way of Mushrooms and Apple faring well despite its familiarity, it was alongside the a la carte Rice Tamale with crispy Shrimp that course ten arrived in cast iron, the broth added tableside bubbling for the next several minutes and difficult to eat without burning one’s hand when spooning the Fish and Seaweed out of their vessel.

Convinced to order Ramen by a tablemate, the sizable bowl justifying its cost with silky Broth and plenty of springy Noodles plus Eggs and Pork Belly, it was as she slurped away that two additional plates rounded out savories, the 50-hour Short Rib taking diners in all directions from fatty to crispy and sweet to spicy while Rice cooked like Risotto with Uni and Avocado was a standout dish with immense depth of flavor and expected richness.

Continuing to embrace the landscape with Dessert, an a la carte menu never requested but two dishes concluding the Nikkei Experience, it was from the mind of Chef Dalila Arevalo that nitrogen-frozen “Bread Sand” was added to Tofu Ice Cream and textural elements, various Boba made from Amazonian Fruits refreshing the palate in preparation for a rock covered in foam that revealed a “Mussel” made of Chocolate atop a bed of Ice Cream and Sorbet made from indigenous Fruits.

http://www.maido.pe

Posted in Dessert, Food, Ice Cream, Lima, Maido, Miraflores, Octopus, Peru, Pork, Sushi, Tasting Menu, Vacation Tagged 'Micha' Tsumura, A5 Wagyu, Aji, Aji Amarillo, Aji Amarillo Leche de Tigre, Aji Negro, Aji Negro Chawanmushi, Aji Pepper, Aji Peppers, Apple, Apple Gel, Apples, Atico Sea Urchins, Avocado, Avocado Cream, Avocados, Baby Corn, Bahuaja Nuts, Banana, Bananas, Bao, Beef, Beef Short Rib, Black Cod, Black Garlic, Black Tea, Black Tea from Cusco, Bread, Bread Sand, Broth, Bun, Buns, Burgundy Grape, Cacao, Cacao Nibs, Calamari, Camotillo, Camotillo Cream, Camotillo Pepper, Camotillo Pepper Cream, Camotillo Peppers, Camu Camu, Cau Cau, Cauliflower, Cauliflower Cream, Cebiche, Ceviche, Charred Negi, Chawanmushi, Cheesecake, Chicharron, Chicharron Sandwich, Chiclayo Rice, Chocolate, Chocolates, Chulpi Corn, Chupe, Chupe Reduction, Chupe Tamale, Cilanto, Classic Gyoza, Cod, Coriander, Corn, Cow, Creole, Creole Sauce, Crispy Corn, Crispy Rice, Crispy White Quinoa, Crunchy Tapioca, Cushuro, Custard, Cuy, Cuy San, Dalila Sifuentes Arevalo, Dessert, Desserts, Dim Sum, Dumpling, Dumplings, Egg, Egg Custard, Eggs, endoedibles, Fish, Food, Foodie, Fried Squid, Garlic, Gindara Misoyaki, Ginger, Granadilla, Green Rice, Green Rice Tamale, Grouper, Guinea Pig, Gyoza, Ice Cream, Kimchee, Kimchee Emulsion, Lapas, Lapas Cebiche, Lapas Ceviche, Leche de Tigre, Lima, Limo, Limo Pepper, Limo Peppers, Limpet, Limpets Cau Cau, Lucuma, Lucuma Ice Cream, Lucumas, Lychee, Lychee Infusion, Lychees, Mackerel, Maido, Mandarin, Mandarin Sorbet, Micha, Michael Uzmann, Milk, Miso, Miso Black Cod, Miso Cod, Miso Ramen, Mitsuharu 'Micha' Tsumura, Mitsuharu Tsumura, Mucilage, Mucilage Foam, Mushroom, Mushrooms, Mussel, mustard, Mustard Seed, Mustard Seed and Torikara Sauce, Negi, Nigiri, Nikkei, Nikkei Leche de Tigre, Nissei, Nissei Cebiche, Noodle, Noodles, Nut, Nuts, Octopus, Onion, Onions, Pachacamac, Pachacamac Greens, Pastries, Pastry, Pe, Pepper, Peppers, Peru, Pig, Poda, Poda Cebiche, Ponzu, Ponzu Gel, Ponzu Sauce, Porcon Mushroom Powder, Pork, Pork Bao, Pork Belly, Pork Belly Bao, Purple Corn, Purple Corn Powder, Quinoa, Ramen, Ramen Noodle, Ramen Noodles, Raspberries, Raspberry, Reef, Rice, Rice Cracker, Roasted Banana, Rock Fish, Rocoto, Rocoto Cream, Sachatomate, Sachatomate Emulsion, Sandwich, Sarandaja, Sarandaja Cream, Sauce, Sausage, Sauteed Shrimp, Scallop, Scallops, Scallops with Sea Urchin Cream and Negi, Sea Nigiri, Sea Nigiri – Toro with Mustard Seed and Torikara Sauce, Sea Urchin, Sea Urchin Cream, Sea Urchin Rice, Seaweed, Seaweeds, Shallot, Shallots, Short Rib, Short Ribs, Shoyu, Shrimp, Snacks, Sorbet, Soup, Soy, Soy Milk, Spicy Ponzu Sauce, Squid, Steam Bun, Steam Buns, Sudado, Sudado Reduction, Sushi, Sweet Potato, T, Tamale, Tamales, Taperiba, Tapioca, Tapiocas, Tasting Menu, Tea, Tiger Milk, Tigers Milk, Tofu, Tofu Cheesecake Ice Cream, Torikara, Torikara Sauce, Toro, Travel, Trout, Trout Belly, Tuna, Uni, Uni Rice, Vacation, Wagyu, Wagyu Beef, Wakame, Wan Yi

March 4, 2018
9:08 AM
by: Uhockey

Manolo, Lima PE

Manolo

Churros

Chocolate filled Churro

Pecan Pie

Babarois de Guindones con Crema

With only a small Breakfast at La Lucha Sangucheria Criolla and several hours until lunch it was up Av Jose Larco that Sunday morning progressed, a stop at local–favorite Manolo by far the most disappointing stop on a trek through Lima’s gastronomy both in terms of the service and what was served.

Open since 1968 and best known for affordable Peruvian Sandwiches plus a wide variety of sweets it was just past 9:00am that a man standing behind the counter motioned for guests to take a seat at one of several open tables, he and his colleagues clearly more interested in discussing the day’s gossip than taking care of a few early guests or filling cases with a variety of Cakes, Pies or Churros.

Low priced and equally short on atmosphere, the longer-than-wide layout making seats toward the rear stuffy in Lima’s moist air, it was without much attention to the menu that three styles of Churro plus two slices of Pie were requested along with bottled Water, five sticks of fried Dough soon to arrive dressed in nothing more than a shake of Granulated Sugar that loosely clung to Oil that seemed a bit less fresh than one would expect in the morning.

More than a bit underwhelmed by the Churros compared to Mexico City or Barcelona, a version stuffed with Chocolate faring better while the Cream version requested never arrived, it was with two large slices from the Pastry case that things improved somewhat, the Pecan wedge almost 100% Nuts beneath a layer of Fruit Glaze far more subtle than those found in the United States while Meringue riddled with Prunes laid on its side beneath a ladle of Sweet Cream, the browned top holding up well and admittedly delicious though the bottom and center were a bit too soggy to be equally enjoyable.

http://www.manolochurros.com/

Posted in Breakfast, Dessert, Food, Lima, Manolo, Manolo Churrros, Miraflores, Peru, Vacation Tagged Babarois de Guindones, Babarois de Guindones con Crema, Bavarois, Chocolate, Chocolate filled Churro, Chocolate filled Churros, Chocolates, Churro, Churros, Cream, Dark Chocolate, Dessert, Desserts, Donut, Donuts, Doughnut, Doughnuts, endoedibles, Food, Foodie, Glaze, Granulated Sugar, Lima, Manolo, Manolo Churros, Manolo Lima, Meringue, Michael Uzmann, Miraflores, Pastries, Pastry, Pe, Pecan, Pecan Pie, Pecans, Peru, Pie, Pies, Prune, Prune Bavarois, Prunes, Sugar, Travel, Vacation

March 4, 2018
8:04 AM
by: Uhockey

La Lucha Sangucheria Criolla (Av Jose Larco 999,) Lima PE

La Lucha Sangucheria Criolla

Inca Kola Zero

Frozen Guanabana Juice

Chicharron Sandwich con Camote & Sarsa Criolla

Lechon a la Lena Sandwich

Papas Frita Huayro – Ketchup, Aji, Golf, Aceituna

If one walks around Miraflores or San Isidro for more than an hour it is likely they will happen upon a branch of La Lucha Sangucheria Criolla, the frequently 24-hour quick-service Restaurant with several locations including flagships at Diagonal 308 and Pasaje Marcelino Champagnat 139 often featuring a line but their new shop at Av Jose Larco 999 far more relaxed and the focus of breakfast on Sunday morning.

Part of a large Restaurant group and far younger than the likes of McDonald’s, Subway or other American imports, the eldest storefront apparently still less than a decade old, La Lucha Sangucheria Criolla focuses on Peru’s long tradition of a Sandwich style known as “La Lucha,” each franchise baking its own Rolls on-site and stacking them high with a variety of toppings.

Laid out with a counter up front and seating both indoors and out, the Spanish menu displayed boldly overhead, it was with warm smiles from a woman acting as a greeter that guests were welcomed just prior to 8am, fluency in the native tongue helpful but not essential in crafting an order consisting of two Sandwiches plus Fries plus a Soursop slushy and the Juicy Fruit flavored Soda seen throughout Peru, now offered with zero calories.

Taking a seat with a number in-hand, each Sandwich made-to-order and Meats visibly being roasted in a cleanly open kitchen, it was no more than ten minutes after approximately $16USD was paid that everything arrived along with a variety of Sauces, the “Golf” akin to creamy Cocktail Sauce standing out on crispy oiless fried Potatoes while Roast Pork was fine, though a bit bland, and certainly not as delicious as a fried version with crispy Skin juxtaposing melted Cheese and vibrant Criolla Salsa.

http://www.lalucha.com.pe/

March 3, 2018
6:33 PM
by: Uhockey

Fiesta Restaurant Gourmet (Miraflores,) Lima PE

Fiesta Restaurant Gourmet

2017 Sauvignon Blanc (Chile)

Pisco Sour

Marraqueta – Local Goat Cheese

Mero Murike Ceviche – Red Onion, Lemon, Salt from Cusco, Cerezo Chiles, Limo Chiles, Toast, Salsa

Sauteed Day boat Sea Bass – Red Onions, Fried Plantains, Tomatoes, Squash, Cocona Sauce, Crispy Rice, Green Peas

Chirimpico of Baby Goat and Loche Squash Stew – Goat Tripe Chiclayo Style

Organic Rancho del Conde Duck Chiclayo Style – Cast Iron Rice, Squash, Peas

Salad of Onions, Radishes, Limo Chile Cream

Picarones – Honey-Fig Sauce, Membrillo

The Earth Cycle – Loche Squash Ice Cream, Brownie “Soil,” Herbs and Flowers

Having spent the afternoon exploring Amazonian cuisine at ÁmaZ it was to another region of Peru that eyes turned for Dinner on Saturday, Chef Hector Solís’ Fiesta focusing on Moche cuisine from the North and reinventing traditional peasant plates into fine dining amidst modern environs in Miraflores.

Another restaurant focused on regionality of cooking as well as product, Hector’s roots in Chiclayo giving him a deep appreciation of the Food of his childhood where the Solis family first opened a place called Fiesta some three decades prior, 2018 now sees Fiesta Lima entering its 22nd year at Av Reducto 1278, the building basically hidden save for a small sign amidst a mostly residential neighborhood.

Largely empty at the start of business but soon to pick-up, the overhead soundtrack humorously flipping twice to Christmas songs throughout the course of a 140-minute meal, it was with a Glass of Chilean White plus tableside Pisco Sour and Bottled Water that the evening got underway quickly, an amuse described as Marraqueta not dissimilar to a Gougere in terms of flavor though more like a Dinner Roll in terms of texture.

Decorated in traditional artwork plus a statue of Jesus in contrast to the space’s contemporary Bar, though all four of the family’s Restaurants are reportedly quite different, it was after some discussion with pleasant bilingual servers that the decision was made to dine plate-by-plate, an opening volley of meaty Grouper served raw and ready to be bathed in Acid amongst the best Ceviche tasted during eight days in Peru thanks to an ability to customize one’s own Tiger Milk while the follow-up of Line-caught Sea Bass got a little lost in the rich Cocona Sauce, though a side of crispy Rice was great both on its own and with the accompanying Vegetables.

Clearly showing a passion for tradition by placing several Chiclayo home-style dishes at the menu’s center, the Goat Ribs said to be “very special” even as eyes wandered elsewhere, suffice it to say that those unafraid of something a little funky would be well-advised to order a portion of the dish titled “Chirimpico” featuring braised Goat and its Offal plus Loche Pumpkin in fragrant yellow Sauce while no one should consider leaving Fiesta without a cast iron pot of local Duck atop Vegetables and Coriander Rice that cooks crunchy like a Paella around the edges.

Turning the party over to Fiorella Vidal for Dessert, this menu too a mix of heritage and modernity, it was alongside feather-light Squash Doughnuts ready to be bathed in Honey that an elegant dish called “The Earth Cycle” was offered, subtle Loche Squash Ice Cream covered in painted White Chocolate offering a striking contrast to crumbled Dark Chocolate Cake and thin Candy squiggles.

http://www.restaurantfiestagourmet.com/index.html

Posted in Dessert, Fiesta, Fiesta Restaurant, Fiesta Restaurant Gourmet, Food, Ice Cream, Lima, Miraflores, Peru, Vacation Tagged 2017 Sauvignon Blanc, Baby Goat, Bass, Bread, Brownie, Brownie Soil, Brownies, Cake, Cast Iron Rice, Cebiche, Cerezo Chiles, Ceviche, Cheese, Chiclayo, Chiclayo Style, Chili, Chili Pepper, Chili Peppers, Chilis, Chirimpico, Chirimpico of Baby Goat and Loche Squash Stew, Chocolate, Chocolate Cake, Cocktail, Cocktails, Cocona, Cocona Sauce, Coriander, Cream, Crispy Rice, Dark Chocolate, Dessert, Desserts, Donut, Donuts, Doughnut, Doughnuts, Duck, endoedibles, Fiesta, Fiesta Miraflores, Fiesta Restaurant, Fiesta Restaurant Gourmet, Fiesta Restaurant Gourmet Miraflores, Fiesta Restaurant Miraflores, Fig, Figs, Fiorella Vidal, Fish, Flour, Flower, Flowers, Food, Foodie, Fried Plantains, Garlic, Goat, Goat Cheese, Goat Lung, Goat Tripe, Green Peas, Grouper, Grouper Ceviche, Hector Solis, Herb, Herbs, Honey, Honey-Fig Sauce, Ice Cream, Leche de Tigre, Lemon, Lemons, Lima, Limo, Limo Chile Cream, Limo Chiles, Local Goat Cheese, Loche Squash, Loche Squash Ice Cream, Marraqueta, Marraquetas, Membrillo, Mero Murike Ceviche, Michael Uzmann, Miraflores, Moche, Moche Cuisine, Offal, Onion, Onions, Organic Rancho del Conde Duck, Organic Rancho del Conde Duck Chiclayo Style, Pastries, Pastry, Pe, Pea, Peas, Pepper, Peppers, Peru, Picarone, Picarones, Pisco Sour, Piso, Plantain, Plantains, Quince, Radish, Radishes, Rancho del Conde Duck, Red Onion, Red Onions, Rice, Salad, Salsa, Salsa Criolla, Salt, Salt from Cusco, Sauce, Sauteed Day boat Sea Bass, Sauvignon Blanc, Sea Bass, Squash, Stew, The Earth Cycle, Tiger Milk, Tigers Milk, Toast, Tomato, Tomatoes, Travel, Tripe, Vacation, White Chocolate, White Wine, Wine

March 3, 2018
12:30 PM
by: Uhockey

ÁmaZ, Lima PE

ÁmaZ

Copoazu, Naranja

Coffee, Ungurahui, Haba Tonka

Yucca Bread, Tostones and Casabe – Wild Yucca Juice, Cocona Salsa

Churos Pishpirones – Wild Giant Amazonian Snails, Turmeric, Chorizo, Spicy Chili Peppers

Wild Boar Empanadas – Yucca Empanadas, Wild Boar Stew, Wild Yucca Juice

Ceviche ÁmaZ Style – Snakefish, Cooked Plantains, Charapita Chili Pepper, Onions, Leche de Tigre

Peking Duck Juane – Roasted Duck, Rice, Soy-Plum Sauce wrapped in Bijao Leaf

Lomo Saltado – Stir-fried Beef, Smoked Pork, Onions, Tomatoes, Sweet Chili Peppers, Refried Plantains

Lime Crème Brulee – Amazonian Lime Pie, Lime Cream, Lime Segments

Macambo Profiteroles – Pate a Choux, Macambo Brittle Ice Cream, Acai-Cacao Cahuana

Although Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino honed his skills outside of Peru, a formal education from CIA Hyde Park furthered in Italy at the likes of Dal Pescatore, there are few men who have done as much to advance the public’s knowledge of a region’s cuisine than he has the Amazon, first at Malabar and since 2013 at ÁmaZ.

Described by many as an ‘otherworldly’ sort of experience, a convivial atmosphere created by over one hundred seats surrounded by bright colors and jungle touches, ÁmaZ resides in Miraflores at Av La Paz 1079 toward the far end of a row of restaurants, guests entering its doors during daylight likely to find the vibe fairly laid back with bilingual menus and servers who seem as dedicated as Schiaffino himself to tell a tale.

To this day still the only restaurant of its kind, the Chef’s fascination with traditional ingredients and techniques rarely seeing him in the kitchen as opposed to foraging the jungle or working with his organization Despensa Amazónica in support of Peru’s indigenous people, it was shortly after ÁmaZ’s 12:30pm opening that a table was offered either in the bright lobby or secluded upstairs, bottled water poured quickly and non-alcoholic Cocktails soon to follow, both blending Amazonian Fruit with Ice and quenching thirst created by Lima’s humid air.

As much a passion project as a place to eat, both the menu and staff going to great lengths to speak of Schiaffino’s how’s and why’s, it was with jars of Peppers in Oil plus several dips that tables were soon laden, Breads made of mashed Yucca and Crackers of its “Tapioca” joined by flattened and fried Plantains plus tangy Salsa made from the tropical shrub Cocona that tastes something like Barbecue Sauce.

Esoteric but accessible, a few more ‘familiar’ dishes offered for every one like ÁmaZ ‘s signature “Churos Pishpirones,” anyone with an adventurous spirit would be well-advised to order one-each of the fist-sizes Snails simmered in Chorizo with Turmeric and Amazonian Chiles, the result heated but not “spicy” while Wild Boar folded inside fried Yucca comes across fairly similar to roast Pork, particularly when dipped in the accompanying Juice that yields a taste reminiscent of Cochinita Pibil.

Using the Amazon to update several Peruvian staples, ÁmaZ’s Ceviche pairing meaty Snakefish with cooked Plantains in Acid made lively by indigenous Onions and Peppers, those seeking something more hearty are encouraged to investigate either one of Schiaffino’s traditional Stews or the popular Lomo Saltado, the first unwrapped and brilliant with crispy Duck atop lightly sweetened Rice while the latter again modifies a classic by replacing Fried Potatoes with Plantains and balances the additional sugar with smoked Pork.

No less innovative with Dessert, a fusion approach presenting familiar dishes crafted from Amazonian ingredients, it was with a tableside presentation of large Limes and a football-sized Macambo that Pie and Profiteroles were served, the torched top of the former balancing assertive Citrus while next to it crisp Choux hugged three balls of cocoa-scented Ice Cream soon to be drizzled with thick Sauce featuring Dark Chocolate from Cahuana plus Acai, the more celebrated of the dish’s ‘superfoods.’

www.amaz.com.pe

Posted in ÁmaZ, Amaz, ÁmaZ Miraflores, AmaZ Miraflores, Bread Basket, Coffee, Dessert, Food, Ice Cream, Lima, Miraflores, Peru, Pork, Vacation Tagged Acai, Acai-Cacao Cahuana, ÁmaZ, ÁmaZ Miraflores, Amazon, Amazonian Lime, Amazonian Lime Pie, Amazonian Limes, Amazonian Snail, Amazonian Snails, Beef, Bijao, Bijao Leaf, Bread, Bread Basket, Brittle, Butter, Cacao, Casabe, Cebiche, Ceviche, Ceviche Amaz Style, Charapita, Charapita Chili Pepper, Chili, Chili Pepper, Chili Peppers, Chilis, Chocolate, Chorizo, Choux, Churos Pishpirones, Cocoa, Cocona, Cocona Salsa, Coffee, Cooked Plantains, Copoazu, Cow, Cream, Creme Brulee, Crust, Dark Chocolate, Dessert, Desserts, Duck, Empanada, Empanadas, endoedibles, Fish, Flour, Food, Foodie, Giant Snail, Giant Snails, Haba Tonka, Ice, Ice Cream, Juice, Leche de Tigre, Lima, Lime, Lime Cream, Lime Crème Brulee, Lime Segments, Limes, Lomo Saltado, Macambo, Macambo Brittle, Macambo Brittle Ice Cream, Macambo Ice Cream, Macambo Profiteroles, Michael Uzmann, Milk, Miraflores, Mocktail, Mocktails, Naranja, Onion, Onions, Orange, Oranges, Pastries, Pastry, Pate a Choux, Pate de Choux, Pe, Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, Peepper, Peking Duck Juane, Peppers, Peru, Pie, Pig, Plantain, Plantains, Plum, Plum Sauce, Plums, Pork, Profiteroles, Red Onion, Red Onions, Refried Plantains, Rice, Roasted Duck, Salsa, Smoked Pork, Snail, Snails, Snakefish, Soy, Soy Sauce, Soy-Plum Sauce, Spicy Chili Peppers, Spicy Chorizo, Stew, Stir fry, Stir-fried Beef, Sugar, Sweet Chili Peppers, Tapioca, Tiger Milk, Tigers Milk, Tomato, Tomatoes, Tonka Bean, Tostones, Travel, Turmeric, Ungurahui, Vacation, Vanilla, Wild Boar, Wild Boar Empanadas, Wild Boar Stew, Wild Giant Amazonian Snails, Wild Yucca, Wild Yucca Juice, Yucca, Yucca Bread, Yucca Empanadas, Yucca Juice

March 3, 2018
10:14 AM
by: Uhockey

Palettas (Miraflores,) Lima PE

Palettas Hecho a Mano

Arroz con Leche / Multifruita

Tres Leches / Blueberry Yogurt

With Lima’s humidity consistently hovering somewhere between 70-10,000% it seems fairly safe to say beverages like Chicha Morada and Inka Cola are as much a product of the environment as they are local tastes, so when an early morning mission led two visitors to Wong Supermarket a sign reading Palettas on the first floor of Calle Monte Bello 150 shined brightly, no less than thirty all-natural flavors available for approximately $2.50-3.00 USD each.

Advertised as a healthy treat loaded with Vitamins, Minerals and Antioxidants at just 90 calories in a handful of shopping centers around town, this specific kiosk manned by a friendly Spanish-speaking youth beginning at 10am, it was after several minutes of indecision that the first of two rounds were selected, an icy “Multifruita” not dissimilar to a Bomb Pop save for the embedded Citrus and Kiwi while Arroz con Leche offered a creamy mouthfeel and light sweetness underneath a lot of Cinnamon.

Impressed enough to go for seconds, a Chocolate-Raspberry Heart and Popsicles shaped like Smiles or Bears standing out for the ‘gram, it was instead in Pinkberry-esque Yogurt packed with Blueberries that the tasting continued, a follow-up of Tres Leches proving the best of all thanks to Condensed Milk and light Cream ribboned by Manjar Blanco.

https://www.facebook.com/PalettasPeru/

Posted in Dessert, Food, Ice Cream, Lima, Miraflores, Palettas, Palettas Hecho a Mano, Palettas Peru, Peru, Vacation Tagged 3 Milks, Arroz con Leche, Blueberries, Blueberry, Blueberry Yogurt, Caramel, Cinnamon, Citrus, Condensed Milk, Cream, Dessert, Desserts, Dulce de Leche, endoedibles, Food, Foodie, Froyo, Frozen Yogurt, Fruit, Ice Cream, Kiwi, Kiwi Fruit, Kiwis, Lima, Manjar Blanco, Michael Uzmann, Milk, Miraflores, Multifruita, Orange, Oranges, Paleta, Paletas, Palettas, Palettas Hecho a Mano, Palettas Hecho a Mano Miraflores, Palettas Miraflores, Palettas Peru, Palettas Peru Miraflores, Pe, Peru, Popsicle, Popsicles, Pudding, Rice, Rice Pudding, Strawberries, Strawberry, Three Milks, Travel, Tres Leches, Vacation, Yogurt

March 3, 2018
8:34 AM
by: Uhockey

El Pan de la Chola (Miraflores,) Lima PE

El Pan de la Chola

Mixto – Ham, Queso, Alioli Chola

House Toast – Avocado, Peruvian Salt, Olive Oil

Butter Croissant

Pecan Roll

Almond Croissant

Oatmeal, Chocolate, Pecan Cookie

Noted by almost every food-savvy person in Peru as Lima’s best place for Bread it was early Saturday morning that a stop was made at El Pan de la Chola, self-taught Baker Jonathan Day’s quaint space at La Mar 918 teaming with activity both at the tables packed with customers and in the kitchen where no less than a half dozen workers could be seen mixing, rolling, stretching and forming loaves in a wide variety of sizes and shapes.

Originally just a passion project while at school in England, a few Breads sold at local markets helping the young man pay some bills and build skills for a future not yet known, 2018 now sees Day as the owner of two locations and recipient of both local and international accolades including mentions in Vogue as well as Travel + Leisure, the long days peddling goods in the streets finally paying dividends but his enthusiasm still evident in a collection of items stretching across countertops and scrawled on chalkboards.

Open from 8a-10p Monday through Saturday and 9a-6p on Sunday, “La Chola” as Day is known to friends usually present with Flour on his hands, guests arriving at the flagship shop in Miraflores can expect to be greeted by a line at registers from which orders are taken, a number exchanged for cash or credit and a brief wait to follow during which Water, Coffee, Tea or Juice is available.

Dividing the menu almost 50/50 sweet and savory, large loaves of Focacccia for making Sandwiches and Seed Breads flanked by Viennoiserie, Cookies and Quick Breads, it was with a small table soon flooded with wooden boards that Breakfast began, the lightly cooked Avocado sprinkled with Sea Salt creamy atop hearty Cereal Bread served with Olive Oil while El Pan’s signature Mixto Sandwich was a beautiful creation featuring fluffy Focaccia around Ham, Cheese and Special Sauce with subtle heat and plenty of Herbs.

Clearly attentive to international trends, the Avocado Toast but one example, those looking for something else not seen commonly in Peru should strongly consider investing in one of El Pan de la Chola’s Pecan Rolls featuring tightly wound Brioche and restrained sweetness, the Oatmeal Cookie also featuring chopped Nuts and chunks of Chocolate good but a little over-baked which made it crisp from edge to center.

Going so far as to make his own Whole Wheat Flour on-site and creating everything from all-natural ingredients it should come as no surprise that Day’s Pastries also come across as something high effort, the Butter Croissant as good as many in France with arching lamination while the Almond version veers Peruvian by way of filling the twice-baked shell with Almonds in Manjar Blanco.

https://www.facebook.com/elpandelachola/

Posted in Breakfast, Croissant, Dessert, El Pan de la Chola, El Pan de la Chola Miraflores, Food, Lima, Miraflores, Peru, Pork, Vacation Tagged Aioli, Alioli Chola, Almond Croissant, Avocado, Avocado Toast, Avocados, Bread, Breakfast, Butter, Butter Croissant, Caramel, Cheese, Chocolate, Cookie, Cookies, Croissant, Croissants, Dark Chocolate, Dessert, Desserts, Dulce de Leche, El Pan de la Chola, El Pan de la Chola Miraflores, endoedibles, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Flour, Focaccia, Focaccia Bread, Food, Foodie, Ham, Herb, Herbs, House Toast, Jonathan Day, LE, Lima, Manjar Blanco, Michael Uzmann, Miraflores, Mixto, Mixto Sandwich, Nut, Nuts, Oat, Oatmeal, Oats, Olive Oil, Pastries, Pastry, Pecan, Pecan Cookie, Pecan Roll, Pecans, Peru, Peruvian Salt, Pig, Pork, Queso, Salt, Sandwich, Sea Salt, Seed, Seeds, Sesame Seed, Sesame Seeds, Toast, Travel, Vacation, Viennoiserie, Viennoiseries, Whole Wheat

March 2, 2018
7:03 PM
by: Uhockey

OSSO (San Isidro,) Lima PE

Osso Carnicería y Salumería

Pisco Capitan Negro

Smoked Cheese Bread, Fennel Bread, Compound Butter, Pork Rillettes

Housemade Charcuterie – Prosciutto, Lonza, Coppa, Roast Beef, Bresaola, Saucisson, Pork Pate, Chicken Liver Mousse, Tomato Jam, Toast

Bone Marrow Risotto – Canaroli Rice, Mushrooms, Chives, Bacon, Bone Marrow

French Fries

Chuleton de Res – 210 Day Dry-Aged Natural Grass Fed Peruvian Ribeye

Double Espresso with Ice

OSSO Mess – Meringue, Vanilla and Bacon Ice Cream, Strawberries, Whipped Cream, Bacon Caramel, Crispy Bacon

Carrot Cake – Orange Cream Cheese Frosting, Vanilla Ice Cream, Bacon Caramel

Arroz con Leche – Aquarello Rice, Cinnamon, Cloves, Caramel Brulee, Apple Sorbet

Currently ranked number twelve on Latin/South America’s list of best Restaurants it was just past 7:00pm that Osso Carnicería y Salumería in San Isidro was found almost empty, the Rolling Stones playing overhead for just six guests but Butcher-turned-Chef Renzo Garibaldi’s Restaurant quick to fill with locals, many enjoying Drinks at the Bar but several also taking a seat to experience what many consider some of Peru’s best Meats.

Originally opened in 2013 as a single table tasting in the back of Garibaldi’s La Molina Butcher shop but since expanding to a more central Steakhouse near Lima’s Swisshotel at Av Santo Toribio 173, the second space larger and adorned with an open kitchen, it was reservations confirmed that two guests were led to a comfortable banquet where Food and Beverage menus were presented with a lengthy decision making process soon to begin.

Trained stateside and celebrated for beliefs in sustainable butchery, the use of only Grass-fed Beef and ‘mature’ cuts a prominent theme across a list of items ranging from traditional Steaks to housemade Charcuterie and Sausages it was after a Pisco-based drink akin to a Negroni was served that an order was placed, the first round consisting of two types of Bread baked on-site alongside Rillettes and Compound Butter plus eight types of Charcuterie highlighted by Chicken Liver Mousse indistinguishable from Foie Gras plus thin slices of Lonza and spicy dried Sausage.

Offering ten cuts of Beef and five of Pork in addition to Burgers, Chicken, Pasta, Salads and Sides it was largely a matter of appetite that led to an order of the 725g bone-in Chuleton at a cost of about $52USD, the rich funk of dry-aging even more pervasive than usual given the protein’s leanness while Rezo’s famous Bone Marrow Risotto lived up to its billing of something anyone visiting Lima needs to taste, though the silky Rice with Mushrooms and Bacon may be too salty for those limiting their intake for health reasons.

Enjoying French Fries far more than expected, a common theme to follow throughout the trip, it was with all plates clean that the show was turned over to Rezo’s wife Andrea, 3/8 of her Desserts selected even though every single one sounded great, the signature OSSO Mess upgrading England’s classic with Bacon and Pork Fat Caramel while the stacked-to-order warm Carrot Cake and Bruleed Rice Pudding with refreshing Apple Sorbet almost made one forget they were eating in a place best-known for Meat.

http://www.osso.pe/

Posted in Bread Basket, Coffee, Dessert, Food, Ice Cream, Lima, Osso, Osso Carnicería y Salumería, Osso El Restaurante, Osso San Isidro, Peru, Pork, San Isidro, Vacation Tagged 210 Day Dry-Aged Natural Grass Fed Peruvian Ribeye, Andrea Garibaldi, Apple, Apple Sorbet, Apples, Aquarello Rice, Arroz con Leche, Bacon, Bacon Caramel, Bacon Ice Cream, Beef, Bone Marrow, Bone Marrow Risotto, Bread, Bread Basket, Bresaola, Butter. Compound Butter, Cake, Canaroli Rice, Caramel, Caramel Brulee, Carrot, Carrot Cake, Carrots, charcuterie, Cheese, Chicken, Chicken Liver, Chicken Liver Mousse, Chives, Chuleton de Res, Cinnamon, Clove, Cloves, Cocktail, Cocktails, Coffee, coppa, Cow, Cream, Cream Cheese, Cream Cheese Frosting, Creme Brulee, crispy bacon, Dessert, Desserts, Double Espresso, Double Espresso with Ice, Dried Sausage, Dry Sausage, Dry-Aged Ribeye, Dulce de Leche, endoedibles, Espresso, Eton Mess, Fennel, Fennel Bread, Fennel Seed, Food, Foodie, French Fries, Fries, Frosting, Fry, Housemade Charcuterie, Ice, Ice Cream, Iced Coffee, Jam, Lima, Liver, Lonza, Manjar Blanco, Meringue, Michael Uzmann, Mousse, Mushroom, Mushrooms, Orange, Orange Cream Cheese Frosting, Orange Peel, Orange Zest, Oranges, Osso, Osso Carnicería y Salumería, Osso El Restaurante, OSSO Mess, Osso San Isidro, Pastries. Travel, Pastry, Pate, Pe, Peru, Pig, Pisco, Pisco Capitan Negro, Pork, Pork Pate, Pork Rillette, Pork Rillettes, Prosciutto, Pudding, Renzo Garibaldi, Rib Eye, Ribeye, Rice, Rice Pudding, Rice Puding, Rillette, Rillettes, Risotto, Roast Beef, San Isidro, Saucisson, Sausage, Smoked Cheese Bread, Sorbet, Steak, Strawberries, Strawberry, Toast, Tomato, Tomato Jam, Tomatoes, Vacation, Vanilla, Vanilla and Bacon Ice Cream, Vanilla Ice Cream, Whipped Cream

March 2, 2018
5:10 PM
by: Uhockey

La Casa del Alfajor (San Isidro,) Lima PE

La Casa del Alfajor

Traditional Alfajor

Milhojas Con Caramel

Turrón de Doña Pepa

Bread Pudding

Making short work of a snack after touching down at Jorge Chávez International Airport it was en route to dinner that La Casa del Alfajor was noted, the Bakery chain with locations throughout Lima and surrounding provinces proving an enjoyable stop with pleasant service and plenty of options loaded with their famous Manjar Blanco, plus a few other surprises.

Originally opened in 1987 as a garage project and subsequently expanding by way of markets followed by franchising, a total of sixteen stores plus steady online sales spreading some of South America’s signature sweets far and wide, it was after perhaps five minutes of perusal that four items were selected, each plated individually and brought to a table with the modest tab to be settled later.

Located at Av Conquistadores 699 and apparently one of Lima’s first stand-alone locations, others positioned as kiosks inside of malls, it was with pictures snapped that first bites were taken of a wedge of crumbly Cake tinged in Anise and topped with colorful Candy balls, the Bread Pudding to follow textured exactly the opposite and moist like Flan but with a hefty note of sweet Citrus.

Saving signatures for last, both the Milhojas and Alfajor packed with Dulce de Leche, it was by way of a bit of Corn Starch that the late was crumbly yet smooth on the tongue with sweetness tempered by Coconut while the layered Cookies of the former remained crisp despite layers of Caramel, though the liberal application of Confectioner’s Sugar on top made La Casa del Alfajor’s version a bit sweeter than La Mora’s or others.

http://www.lacasadelalfajor.com.pe

Posted in Bread Pudding, Breakfast, Dessert, La Casa del Alfajor, La Casa del Alfajor (San Isidro), Lima, Peru, San Isidro, Vacation Tagged Alfajor, Anise, Bread, Bread Pudding, Candy, Caramel, Citrus, Coconut, Dessert, Desserts, Dulce de Leche, endoedibles, Food, Foodie, La Casa del Alfajor, La Casa del Alfajor (San Isidro), Lima, Manjar Blanco, Michael Uzmann, Milhojas, Milhojas Con Caramel, Milhojas Con Manjar, Orange, Orange Zest, Paastries, Pastry, Pe, Peru, Pudding, San Isidro, Traditional Alfajor, Travel, Turron, Turrón de Doña Pepa, Vacation

March 2, 2018
1:36 PM
by: Uhockey

La Mora (Miraflores,) Lima PE

La Mora

Frozen Cappuccino

Corn Pie with 3 Cheeses

Empanada con Pollo

Keke de Zanahoria

Milhojas Con Manjar

Alfajor Mediano

Triangulo de Nuez

Oreja

With three locations in Lima it was shortly after arrival by way of Panama that a stop was made at La Mora, the dramatic change in humidity and twelve hours transit time contributing to favorable conditions for a frozen Cappuccino consisting of little more than Ice, Espresso and Simple Syrup plus seven of the café’s baked goods, five sweet and two savory.

Undoubtedly a locals-only sort of place, the shop at Av. Grau 400 between Miraflores and San Isidro consisting of three rooms including the retail area, it was immediately upon seating that Water was presented along with menus, a truncated English version for one and the more expansive Spanish version for those to whom it was useful.

Mostly a grab-and-go operation, though apparently popular for a quick sit-down bite post-work for many, it was after some time waiting during shift change that a server approached to take an order, items subsequently brought out in two rounds and the Empanada immediately impressing with big chunks of Chicken in buttery Pastry while the Corn Pie was not as Quiche-like as it looked, but instead featuring sweet Kernels embedded in a melted matrix not dissimilar to Korean Corn Cheese.

Offering several Peruvian Pastries plus an array of French and German items, housemade Pretzels and Éclairs both tempting, it was instead with a sizeable Oreja sweetened by Honey that the tasting continued, its light layers an encouraging prelude to what would be found in the impressive Milhojas Con Manjar that cut perfectly with a knife or fork yielding smooth Caramel filling.

Moving next to the first of Peru’s many Alfajor Cookies, La Mora’s Alfajor Mediano lacking the traditional Coconut shavings but still quite good, it was after this that a Carrot Cake Muffin showed off with far more Pineapple than those found stateside while a dish labeled simply as “Triangulo de Nuez” was as delicious as it was novel with a texture almost like Marzipan but a far more natural and nutty flavor inside a Chocolate shell.

http://lamorapasteleria.com/

Posted in Coffee, Dessert, Food, La Mora, La Mora Miraflores, La Mora Pasteleria, Lima, Miraflores, Peru, Vacation Tagged Alfajor, Alfajor Mediano, Alfajors, Apricot, Apricots, Cappuccino, Caramel, Carrot, Carrot Cake, Carrots, Chicken, Chicken Empanada, Chocolate, Coffee, Corn, Corn Pie, Corn Pie with 3 Cheeses, Cream Cheese, Cream Cheese Frosting, Dark Chocolate, Dessert, Desserts, Dulce de Leche, Empanada, Empanada con Pollo, endoedibles, Espresso, Food, Foodie, Frosting, Frozen Cappuccino, Keke de Zanahoria, La Mora, La Mora Miraflores, La Mora Pasteleria, Lima, Michael Uzmann, Milhojas, Milhojas Con Manjar, Miraflores, Nut, Nuts, Oreja, Palmier, Pastries, Pastry, Pe, Peru, Pie, Travel, Triangulo de Nuez, Vacation, Walnut, Walnuts

February 24, 2018
7:41 PM
by: Uhockey

The Goodwich [2,] Las Vegas NV

The Goodwich

2016 Marisco Vineyards ‘The Ned’ Sauvignon Blanc

Harney & Sons Nitro Iced Tea

Cauliflower Sandwich on Marble Rye – Sweet Onion Fondue, Crispy Rice, Curry

Piggy Sue on White – BBQ Butt, Pimento Cheese, Fried Dill Pickles, Greens

Fish-O on Sesame Seed Bun – Crispy Cod, Kimchi Tartar, C-Weed Slaw, American Cheese

Kale& – Beets, Quinoa, Goat Cheese, Orange Caraway Vin

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Apple Pie

It seems hard to believe that The Goodwich has been around since 2014, a visit to the fledgling silver box in front of Dino’s Lounge in February of that year surprisingly the only experience to date with Joshua Clark’s Food, but on Saturday it was along with two others after Pizza at Good Pie that a trip was made to The Soho Lofts for a second look, the space fairly quiet at 8pm but a new seasonal menu nonetheless ready and full of good stuff.

Now occupying its current home since April 2016, the former kitchen briefly a “culinary incubator” to Justin Kingsley Hall’s SLO-boy, it was with greetings from Chef Hall’s sister Nichole that a party of three was offered a choice of seats in the space featuring an open kitchen and high ceilings, the Thunder and Warriors wrapping up on Television as a hip-hop soundtrack played at modest volume.

Sticking to the “STACKED-RITE” philosophy of local-seasonal ingredients and elevated concepts to pair with good customer service, a list of favorites from the Dino’s days still available in addition to the Pig o’ the Week, seasonal Sandwiches, Sides and Desserts, it was after perusing options and gauging appetites that an order was placed, The Goodwich’s liquor license now complete with Wine including a fruity Sauvignon Blanc while others may instead opt for Softdrinks from a Coke Remix machine, Coffee or fragrant Nitrogen-infused Tea.

Modestly decorated in hanging sculpture and Warhol wallpaper with a large swine overlooking the kitchen it was after a few minutes spent chatting that three toasted Sandwiches arrived alongside a sizeable “Kale&,” Salad, the additional ingredients including Beets, crispy Quinoa and Goat Cheese dancing in Citrus Vinaigrette with subtle hints of Licorice that helped make the ubiquity of everything else seem a bit more interesting.

Justifiably more expensive than the other assorted Sandwich shops around town and clearly catering to the “Superfoods” crowd with the aforementioned Salad and “Rocketproof” Coffee, it was moving quickly onto the Pig O’ the Week that Pork Butt unfortunately proved a bit dry despite great toppings including Frickles and a smear of Pimento Cheese, the all-new Cauliflower Sandwich a far more delicious idea that marries crumbled florets to crisp Rice in a fragrant Cheese sauce naturally sweetened by caramelized Onions.

Presumably not making Bread on-site, though everything from plain White to a golden Sesame Bun holds up well to the tooth, it was with good fortune that Chef Clark’s Fish-O had just returned to the menu a day prior, the fried Cod light and flaky beneath a pile of briny Slaw and funky Tartar Sauce plus a slice of Cheese melted to the Bun just as memory recalls from the Golden Arches.

Previously unaware that Good Pie’s Cookies were made from The Goodwich base, a big difference in baking temperatures making the version here a bit less crisp around the edges (or less ‘burnt’ depending on personal preferences,) it was with Peach Pie sold out earlier that dinner came to a conclusion with a slice of Apple made by Joshua’s mom, the all-Butter Crust still flaky even after re-heating and the flavor pure American Comfort Food in a town seriously lacking for good Pie outside of the high-priced Casinos

FOUR STARS: Not quite the novelty it was when serving Foie Gras from a shed The Goodwich has nonetheless earned its place amongst Las Vegas’ best original concepts, the focus on quality obvious even to laypersons and the well-culled menu still diverse enough to appease gourmands while not seeming out of reach to those looking for something more common.

RECOMMENDED: Fish-O, Cauliflower Sandwich, Apple Pie.

AVOID: Whether a result of the late hour or Meat itself the Piggy Sue Pork Butt could have been better.

TIP: 11a-11p daily with specials frequently offered in limited quantities on Social Media. Location Two coming soon to Buffalo and Warm Springs.

WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.

www.thegoodwich.com

Posted in Dessert, Food, Goodwich, Harney & Sons, Harney and Sons, Las Vegas, Nevada, Pork, The Goodwich Tagged 2016 Marisco Vineyards 'The Ned' Sauvignon Blanc, American, American Cheese, Apple, Apple Pie, Apples, BBQ Butt, BBQ Pork, Beet, Beets, Bread, Brown Butter, Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie, Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, Bun, Butter, C-Weed Slaw, Cabbage, Caraway, Cauliflower, Cauliflower Sandwich, Cauliflower Sandwich on Marble Rye, Cheese, Cheese Fondue, Chip, Chips, Chocolate, Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chips, Cod, Cod Fish, Codfish, Cole Slaw, Coleslaw, Cookie, Cookies, Crispy Cod, Crispy Rice, Curry, Dessert, Desserts, Dill, Dill Pickle, Dill Pickles, DTLV, endoedibles, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Fish, Fish-O, Fish-O on Sesame Seed Bun, Fish-O Sandwich, Fondue, Food, Foodie, Frickle, Frickles, Fried Dill Pickles, Fried Pickle, Fried Pickles, Goat Cheese, Goodwich, Greens, Harney & Sons, Harney & Sons Nitro Iced Tea, Harney & Sons Tea, Harney and Sons, Harney and Sons Tea, Iced Tea, Josh Clark, Joshua Clark, Kale, Kale& Salad, Kimchi, Kimchi Tartar, Las Vegas, Lettuce, LV, Marble Rye, Marble Rye Bread, Marisco Vineyards, Michael Uzmann, Nevada, Nichole Hegge, Nitro Iced Tea, NV, Olive Oil, Onion, Onions, Orange, Orange Caraway Vin, Orange Caraway Vinaigrette, Oranges, Pastries, Pastry, Pickle, Pickles, Pie, Pies, Pig, Pig o’ the Week, Pig o’ the Week Sandwich, Piggy Sue, Piggy Sue on White, Piggy Sue Sandwich, Pimento, Pimento Cheese, Pork, Quinoa, Rice, Rye, Rye Bread, Sadwiches, Sandwich, Sauce, Sauvignon Blanc, Seed, Sesame, Sesame Seed, Sesame Seed Bun, Sesame Seeds, Sin City, Slaw, Soho Lofts, STACKED-RITE, Sugar, Sweet Onion, Sweet Onion Fondue, Sweet Onions, Tartar, Tartar Sauce, Tea, The Goodwich, The Ned, Toast, Vegas, Vin, Vinaigrette, White Bread, Wine

February 24, 2018
5:05 PM
by: Uhockey

Good Pie [2,] Las Vegas NV

Good Pie

Cudduruni – Kale, Cipolla, Mozzarella, Pomodoro

Gluten Free Detroit Style That’s That Good Sh*t – Cream Sauce, Porcini Mushrooms, Truffles, Mozzarella, Fresh Mozzarella, Wild Mushrooms, Local Onions, Truffle Oil, Parsley

Grandma Style The Good Good – Mozzarella, Fresh Mozzarella, Grana, Tomato Sauce, Sausage, Artichoke Hearts, Oregano

Detroit Style A Good Time – Mozzarella, Fresh Mozzarella, Grana, Meatballs, Ricotta, Tomato Sauce, Basil

Grandma’s Chocolate Chip Cookies

Now open for two solid weeks and earning excellent reviews from almost everyone who has visited it was along with two others that dinner was planned at Good Pie, the group subsequently swelling to seven and lasting two hours while enjoying Pizza plus stories from Vincent Rotolo and Ismaele Romano plus Brooklyn Pizza Crew’s Nino Coniglio who has been taking time out of his busy schedule to help Chef Rotolo get business going.

Already visited on Day two, the Dough at that point very good but not as fermented as desired thanks to a sold-out Grand Opening, it was shortly after arriving at 5pm that the first of three Pies were ordered, Chef Romano treating guests to an off-menu Sicilian Calzone known as Cudduruni while the first one baked and impressing all who tasted it with an almost Puff Pastry sort of crunch that gave way to seasonal Vegetables and Cheese that were good on their own but better with some of Rotolo’s housemade Red Sauce.

Working in a small space with close quarters, comparison to a previous look showing little changed save for the addition of a few more Grandma photos as Led Zeppelin played overhead, it was as a few additional patrons came for Slices or whole Pies that Vincent discussed his first encounter with Truffles while living in New York, his reaction used to name “That’s That Good Sh*t” which features pureed Tuber melanosporum and Cream Sauce infused with Truffle Oil along with Cheese, Wild Mushrooms and Onions, the aromatics so intense that one knows instantly when it is baking and flavors bold enough to match.

Serving up the Truffles on a Gluten-Free Base, Chef Rotolo’s #2 finish at The 2017 International Pizza Expo again making one wonder how much better first place could have been considering the bold crunch and almost impossible levity, it was after more folks joined that two previously tasted selections followed, the signature Good Good in Grandma-style reportedly “undercooked” per Rotolo but pretty darn delicious according to everyone else while the three-day fermented Dough showed its true nature in a Detroit Style Good Time that sees Rotollo cleverly using Cheese to protect the Meatballs from drying out, plus a whole lot of flavor by way of creamy Ricotta and a bit of warm Sauce added after baking.

Still learning the ovens and waiting on special Ricotta from Brooklyn to make Cannolis up to Grandma’s standard it was with most well-sated that a few Chocolate Chip Cookies were ordered to round out the night, a recipe from The Goodwich cooked at high heat and deemed ‘burned’ by some, though in the eyes of others exactly as a Cookie should be with a crispy rim and gooey middle studded in partially-molten Chocolate.

FOUR AND A HALF STARS: Judged as it is intended, a neighborhood Pizza place built for the community and focused on high quality ingredients plus craft, Good Pie has already achieved stellar results less than a month in and will likely only continue to improve.

RECOMMENDED: Detroit Style Good Time and The Good White were highlights from visit one with the former even better on visit #2, though the Gluten Free Detroit Style That’s That Good Sh*t was undoubtedly a show-stopper this time.

AVOID: N/A, though be aware that once March’s Pizza Expo arrives the Gluten Free Pie will be even bigger thanks to new pans made special for Good Pie.

TIP: Open 11am daily with online or phone orders available, delivery available via Postmates within a 5-mile radius.

BONUS TIP: Sundays additionally feature one housemade non-Pizza Special from Chef Rotolo, last week an oven baked Lasagna available first-come-first-serve until sold out.

WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.

https://www.goodpie.com/

February 24, 2018
10:55 AM
by: Uhockey

Alexxa’s Bar, Las Vegas NV

Alexxa’s Bar

Coffee

Ol’ Fashioned Cola

Chill is in the Air Sangria – Chardonnay, Blood Orange, Seasonal Citrus

Cinnaroll Waffle – Cream Cheese Frosting, Cinnamon, Sugar

Carrot Cake Pancakes – Spiced Batter, Carrot, Walnuts, Cream Cheese Frosting, Syrup

Rolled Beef Tacos – Shredded Short Rib, Smoked Cheddar, Fire Roasted Salsa

Fried Chicken Sliders – Pickles, Spicy Aioli, Steamed Buns, Asian Slaw, Green Onions

Ahi Tuna Tacos – Spicy Ponzu, Toasted Sesame, Red Onion, Cilantro, Avocado

Chorizo Meatballs – Pickled Red Onions, Yogurt, Cilantro, Cotija

Baked Cheese – Brie, Gruyere, Spiced Fig Jam, Rustic Bread

Butternut Squash Flatbread – Spiced Caramelized Onions, Goat Cheese, Pine Nuts, Crispy Sage

Whipped Feta – Za’atar Spiced Pita, Honey, Fresh Herbs

Chicken Sausage Flatbread – Fig Jam, Goat Cheese, Fresh Herbs

Falafel – Yogurt Lebneh, Harissa, Spicy Greens

Chocolate Brulee – Hexx Chocolate, Blood Orange, Olive Oil Cake

Mango Spring Rolls – Sticky Rice, Coconut Cream, Toasted Sesame

Churro Bites – Whiskey Caramel, Hexx Chocolate

Trio of Pie Pops – Pecan Pie, Apple Pie, Lemon Meringue

Butterscotch Pot de Crème – Salty-Sweet Brioche Muffins

Chocolate Cannoli – Hexx Chocolate, Mascarpone, Toasted Pistachios

When HeXx boarded up the retail shop at the end of 2017 it finally shed any semblance to its Sugar Factory roots and with friends in town staying at Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino it seemed a perfect opportunity to check out Alexxa’s Bar, the food from Matt Silverman, Matt Piekarski and Carlos Buscaglia just as interesting and varied as HeXx’s while Pastry Chef Miranda Prince’s new Desserts are another welcome addition.

Officially opened on New Year’s Eve as a Bar and spill-over for HeXx during busy Brunch hours, the space virtually unrecognizable from its previous incarnation with a lengthy bar lined in housemade Sangrias to one side and a DJ booth to the other, it was minutes prior to 11am reservations that guests were seated at an oval table in the center of the room, music thumping overhead and the vibe a bit more ‘buzzy’ than next door despite a much lower volume of diners.

Seeing several familiar faces plus a few new ones over the course of a two-hour Brunch, items from the HeXx menu available inside Alexxa’s Bar but not vice versa, it was while chatting that Drinks were ordered including Coffee , two batched Sangrias and housemade Cola bright with Cardamom, the later probably not ideal for a ten year old and something the server probably should have made known, though her ability to gauge the needs of a table in terms of refills and share plates also appeared compromised throughout most of the meal.

Differentiating Alexxa’s Bar from HeXx by dubbing the former a share-plates or Tapas venue, the cuisine and atmosphere well-suited as a spot to grab a Drink before dining at HeXx or for light bites before a club or show, it was taking advantage of the cross-over menu that Brunch began with two favorites from HeXx before a baker’s dozen of Alexxa’s plates, the Cinnaroll Waffle and Carrot Cake Pancakes every bit as good as in the past but probably best saved until the end of the meal for most to avoid filling up.

Ordering in rounds to best gauge hunger and portion sizes, the plates ranging $8-$15 depending more on ingredient quality than quantity, first bites of Alexxa’s food were comprised of four Taquitos stuffed with Short Rib and Cheese plus a side of smoky Salsa alongside $7/ea Ahi Tuna Tacos and fried Chicken Bao, the latter an early highlight thanks to vibrant Slaw and Bird rich with spices while the Tuna seems a little overpriced and not particularly memorable save for, perhaps, the Taro Shell.

Dividing the menu into five sections, Warm, Cold, Dips, Flatbreads and Desserts, it was for round two that both portions and presentation grew to better match qualities exhibited by the kitchen at HeXx, Chef Buscaglia’s quartet of spicy Pork Meatballs tender and juicy atop cooling Yogurt while the Baked Cheese and Whipped Feta each embodied a different end of Dips, the former carefully sweetened and rich with thick Toast to match while the Goat Cheese was light and aromatic with soft Pita that makes it well-suited for smaller appetites.

Going one more round before an all-in approach to Dessert it was alongside two Flatbreads that Falafel a bit smaller than most were presented, the disproportionate surface area making them a bit too crunchy to be fully appreciated while deciding between Squash or Chicken Sausage Flatbread is largely a matter of personal preference, though a crisp Puff Pastry Crust and elegant balance of sweet and savory on both puts one of each into consideration at the expense of items from the menu’s other segments.

Turning the afternoon over to Chef Prince at this point, Alexxa’s Desserts priced similar to those at HeXx though at times a bit smaller, it was with a new Crème Brulee from next door that things got started, the intensely dark Chocolate playing well off Citrus segments and Cake slices while HeXx’s Chocolate was also featured as a dip next to feather-light Churros that fared equally well in Whisky Caramel.

Working slowly at this point as volume grew louder, both HeXx and Alexxa nearly filled to capacity by 12:30pm, it was with a bit of disappointment that $3/ea “Pie Pops” were served as half-dome Mignardises resistant to sharing while Chocolate Cannolis proved far better at less cost, though if one were forced to select just one Dessert at Alexxa’s Bar the coin-toss should come down to Mango Spring Rolls or the Butterscotch Pot de Crème, both excellent with the former mild yet complex in terms of taste as well as texture while the Pudding one-ups others in town as a spread for toasted Broche Muffins.

FOUR STARS: Just launching the menu last week and still a work in progress as relates to service, the primary servers and bussers simply not communicating enough it seems, Alexxa’s Bar adds another dimension to the HeXx experience that should work well in its intended role, though one does wonder long-term how the spaces will come to be differentiated given the ability for menu cross-over plus a shared entrance.

RECOMMENDED: Chorizo Meatballs, Fried Chicken Sliders, Baked Cheese, Butternut Squash Flatbread, Chicken Sausage Flatbread, Churro Bites, Mango Spring Rolls, Butterscotch Pot de Crème.

AVOID: Ahi Tuna Tacos and the Trio of Pie Pops both seem overpriced and are difficult to share past two persons.

TIP: Open 24/7, just like HeXx, fans of live music may also want to check out Soul Sundays and Country Mondays beginning at 8pm.

WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.

www.alexxasbar.com

Posted in Alexxa’s Bar, Breakfast, Coffee, Dessert, Food, Hexx, Hexx Kitchen + Bar, Las Vegas, Nevada, pancake, Pancakes, Pizza, Pork, Tasting Menu, Waffle, Waffles Tagged 24/7, Ahi, Ahi Tuna, Ahi Tuna Tacos, Aioli, Alexxa’s Bar, Apple, Apple Pie, Apples, Ari Stotland, Asian Slaw, Avocado, Avocados, Baked Cheese, Bao, Batter, Beef, Blood Orange, Blood Oranges, Brie, Brie Cheese, Brioche, Brioche Bread, Butternut Squash, Butternut Squash Flatbread, Butterscotch, Butterscotch Pot de Crème, Cake, Cakes, Cannoli, Cannolis, Caramel, Caramelized Onion, Caramelized Onions, Cardamom, Carlos Buscaglia, Carrot, Carrot Cake Pancakes, Carrots, Chardonnay, Chardonnay Wine, Cheddar, Cheddar Cheese, Cheese, Chicken, Chicken Sausage, Chicken Sausage Flatbread, Chicken Thigh, Chill is in the Air, Chill is in the Air Sangria, Chocolate Brulee, Chocolate Cannoli, Chocolate. Dark Chocolate, Chorizo, Chorizo Meatballs, Churro, Churro Bites, Churros, Cilantro, Cinnamon, Cinnamon Roll, Cinnamon Sugar, Cinnaroll, Cinnaroll Waffle, Citrus, Clove, Cloves, Coconut, Coconut Cream, Coconuts, Coffee, Cola, Coleslaw, Cotija, Cotija Cheese, Cow, Cream, Cream Cheese, Cream Cheese Frosting, Creme, Creme Brulee, Crispy Sage, Dessert, Desserts, Donut, Donuts, Doughnut, Doughnuts, endoedibles, Falafel, feta, Feta Cheese, Fig, Fig Jam, Figs, Fire Roasted Salsa, Fish Taco, Fish Tacos, Flatbread, Flatbreads, Food, Foodie, Fresh Herbs, Fried Chicken, Fried Chicken Sliders, Frosting, Fudge, Goat Cheese, Green Onion, Green Onions, Greens, Gruyere, Gruyere Cheese, Harissa, Herb, Herbs, Hexx, Hexx Chocolate, Hexx Chocolate Fudge, Hexx Kitchen + Bar, Hexx Kitchen and Bar, Honey, Jam, Las Vegas, Lebneh, Lemon, Lemon Meringue, Lemon Meringue Pie, Lemons, LV, Mango, Mango Spring Rolls, Mangos, Maple, Maple Syrup, Mascarpone, Mascarpone Cheese, Matt Piekarski, Matt Silverman, Meringue, Michael Uzmann, Miranda Prince, Muffin, Muffins, Nevada, NV, Olive Oil, Olive Oil Cake, Ol’ Fashioned Cola, Onion, Onions, Pancake, Pancakes, Paris Casino, Paris Hotel and Casino, Paris Vegas, Pastries, Pastry, Pecan, Pecan Pie, Pecans, Pickle, Pickled Red Onions, Pickles, Pie, Pie Pops, Pies, Pine Nut, Pine Nuts, Pinenut, Pinenuts, Pistachio, Pistachios, Pita, Pitas, Pizza, Ponzu, Ponzu Sauce, Pork, Pork Meatball, Pork Meatballs, Pot de Creme, Pudding, Raisin, Raisins, Red Onion, Red Onions, Rice, Rolled Beef Tacos, Rustic Bread, Sage, Salsa, Salty-Sweet Brioche Muffins, Sangria, Sausage, Seasonal Citrus, Seed, Seeds, Sesame, Sesame Seed, Sesame Seeds, Short Rib, Short Ribs, Shredded Short Rib, Sin City, Slaw, Smoked Cheddar, Spiced Batter, Spiced Caramelized Onions, Spiced Fig Jam, Spicy Aioli, Spicy Greens, Spicy Ponzu, Spring Roll, Spring Rolls, Squash, Steamed Buns, Sticky Rice, Sugar, Sugar Brioche, Syrup, Taco, Tacos, Taquito, Taro, Taro Shell, Tasting Menu, Thigh, Toast, Toasted Pistachios, Toasted Sesame, Tomato, Tomatoes, Tortilla, Tortillas, Trio of Pie Pops, Tuna, Vegas, Waffle, Waffles, Walnut, Walnuts, Whipped Feta, whiskey, Whiskey Caramel, whisky, Yogurt, Yogurt Lebneh, Za’atar, Za’atar Spiced Pita

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Alexxa’s Bar, Las Vegas NV

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