Peruvian Cevicheria, Pisco and Grill, Pastuso have launched their new spring menu and invited us around to try it out. We can say honestly that indeed, we approve.
Start off with the classic Pisco Sour — smooth and creamy. While you're waiting for the food, snack on some Peruvian roasted Andean corn; the tasty morsels will remind you of a cross between a nut and popcorn. Second drink? Something to cleanse the palate? Go for the Cucumber Chilcano: the Peruvian gin and tonic (but with pisco of course).
If you're a fan of ceviche, you'll do well to come here. The Peruvian way is not to marinate their ceviche overnight, but dress it right before serving, resulting in a fresher-than-fresh, light flavour complemented by the tang of the sour orange dressing. To contrast with the melt-in-your mouth softness of the ora king salmon are crunchy plantain chips.
Alpacas are a large part of Peruvian cuisine. If you're not game enough to try alpaca heart skewers (if you've never had anything like it, its texture is quite different but not too confronting; they also have juicy beef loin skewers for the non-adventurous types) then opt for the grilled alpaca rack, served with silverbeet, carrot puree and Malbec jus — cooked wonderfully, with the accompanying flavours light enough to allow the smokiness of the meat to be the real hero. It goes well with the quinoa salad with butter beans, sugar snaps, baby leeks, radicchio, grilled zucchini and sweetcorn puree.
To finish, there is an array of Peruvian desserts to choose from: cake, meringue, pastry, doughnuts...
19 ACDC Lane, CBD
