The next big cuisine
A few weeks ago Andrew Knowlton, Bon Appetit magazine's food blogger, posted an entry entitled "Peruvian: The Next Big Cuisine, Finally?"
It's hard to imagine Peruvian food is going to be trendy in Baltimore any time soon, even though, as Knowlton says, Lima is considered one of the gastronomic capitals of the Americas. ...
I did not know Peru had over 2,000 species of fish, the most in the world, according to him. I did know that it has one of the most diverse cuisines in the world.
While we may not be seeing high-end Peruvian restaurants here anytime soon, I've noticed that our smaller, unassuming places frequently get very good press. Chicken Rico in Highlandtown and Salsa Grill in Woodlawn, to name two, always seem to get high marks from customers and reviewers.
If you're interested in a more upscale Peruvian restaurant, you'll have to travel to Washington, and Las Canteras.
I also think it's significant that other restaurants are mentioning their Peruvian connections. It's simply on more Baltimoreans' radar now, I guess. Most recently I saw that Los Amigos in Hamilton is not only advertising itself as a Mexican spot, but also Peruvian.
(Monica Lopposay/Sun photographer)
Comments
Don't leave out Rinconcito Peruano. Not high end, but cheap and delicious. It shows that Peruvian food is far more than just chicken (although that chicken is delicious).
Posted by: Jon Parker | October 2, 2008 6:54 AM
Where is that located, Jon?
Posted by: Rosebud | October 2, 2008 8:25 AM
It's on the corner of Ann and Lombard in upper Fells Point. Little family owned place. Don't miss the ceviche. My dining group has been there twice, and it was fantastic both times.
Posted by: Jon Parker | October 2, 2008 8:46 AM
I actually thought that picture was from Rinconcito Peruanao. Not only do they have great ceviche (looks just like the photo) but the grilled beef hearts, anticouchios (sp!) are amazing.
@ Rosebud: The restaurant is on the corner of Lombard and Ann Sts. I believe Rinconcito means "corner" in Spanish.
Posted by: baltoellen | October 2, 2008 9:11 AM
I discovered Salsa Grille about five years ago when I was working out in that area. Jay, the owner, is great about helping you figure out what things to try. The food is great!
Posted by: Pigtown | October 2, 2008 11:41 AM
just got back from lima/cusco a few weeks ago, the food was absolutely amazing, the the exchange rate meant that you could eat 5 star (and i do mean that to the fullest extent of the law) establisments for around 40 dollars per person. If anyone plans on hitting up Lima, they MUST eat at The Nautical Rose.
http://www.larosanautica.com/rn_homeing.html
it would be great to see peruvian food made a strong american push. if people are expecting a sad taco and beans, they are gravely mistaken with peruvian cuisine
Posted by: winston smith | October 2, 2008 11:57 AM
Rinconcito = little corner (place)
When I think of Peru I always think of stuffed guinea pig
Posted by: OMG | October 3, 2008 1:05 PM
Owl - me too (think of guinea pig). It's like their national dish isn't it?
And, along the same thought lines, although there are restaurants all over claiming to have real Mexican food, you just don't find the fried grasshoppers here do you?
Posted by: Joyce W. | October 3, 2008 4:31 PM