I've been putting off writing this, because every time I look at the photos of this market in the north part of the city of Lima I want to cry. Editing them was very difficult for me. I see mangoes and I can taste their juices. I see heaping piles of dark purple yams and I … [Read more...] about Walls of Watermelon, Aisles of Potatoes, Bushels of Chili Peppers and a Lifetime Supply of Mangoes in Lima, Peru
Restaurant Reviews
Natto and Lime-Sauced Sole Sashimi at Izakaya Restaurant, Lima, Peru
I don't think I've ever seen sashimi served with a lime dipping sauce before in North America. In Lima, though, this is a non-spicy variation of tiradito, which is essentially ceviche smothered in a lime-based puréed chili pepper sauce. In this Izakaya restaurant (small plates, … [Read more...] about Natto and Lime-Sauced Sole Sashimi at Izakaya Restaurant, Lima, Peru
Interview with Chef Henry of El Almazen Organic Restaurant in Lima, Peru
Almazen is the only organic vegetarian restaurant in Lima, Peru. It's been open for four years, and is run by Henry Vera and his wife, Mariella Matos. But it's really a 30-year old project in the making. Henry is the kind of chef that leaves his kitchen to walk individual diners … [Read more...] about Interview with Chef Henry of El Almazen Organic Restaurant in Lima, Peru
Curich Cremolada in Lima, Peru
I hung out with a friend down by the Malecon in Lima one day. That's the seaside boardwalk overlooking the Pacific. It felt a lot like being in Montreal, but with a dramatic ocean view. Okay, so maybe it felt more like being in St. John's, NL, but, you know, hot... Hot enough … [Read more...] about Curich Cremolada in Lima, Peru
La Canta Rana
I get a little upset at bad ceviche for a few reasons: 1. It's dangerous. Under-cooked or under-marinated fish causes anything from indigestion to...well, worse. 2. It's so simple. It's an art to do really, really well. But if the fish is fresh and you don't add a bunch of extra … [Read more...] about La Canta Rana
Edo Sushi in Lima, Peru
Why is all sushi in Lima just "fine"? Why is not extraordinary? Why does everything need tempura and cream cheese? And why are the sushi options always the same (it's not because only local fish are served)? These were the questions running through my head after every sushi meal … [Read more...] about Edo Sushi in Lima, Peru
My First Alpaca at Creperie Patrick in Huaraz, Peru
I splurged on the better cut of alpaca, because you kind of have to when you only have one chance to try to meat. At Creperie Patrick in Huaraz, Peru, Maureen and I really wanted the cuy special, but it was breaded. It ended up being two tiny pieces of deep-fried leg or … [Read more...] about My First Alpaca at Creperie Patrick in Huaraz, Peru
Two Gringas, One Combi and the Chancos Thermal Baths
"Just our luck. Two gringas," says a man squished into the front seat of a small public transport van with his wife, the driver and a dog. In the back, 20 field hands, bank workers, grandmothers/herb and grain sellers, and children fill three rows of seats meant for 3 people each … [Read more...] about Two Gringas, One Combi and the Chancos Thermal Baths
13 Buhos in Huaraz and Lucho’s Beer
No, I didn't drink it. Gluten-free me had a rum and ginger ale and lime at 13 Buhos in Huaraz, Peru. Fortunately Peru makes a lot of rum and it's not bad. Boy is it strong, though. Especially when your body hasn't completely adjusted to the high altitude. 3000 metres up is an … [Read more...] about 13 Buhos in Huaraz and Lucho’s Beer
Lima’s Best Cevicherias: La Mer and Pescados Capitales aren’t the only places for quality, sustainable lime and chili-marinated fish
I ate a lot of ceviche in Lima. In the name of research and pleasure, of course. I sought out sustainable options, but Lima doesn't always know what sustainable means in the first place. Farmed fish fed wild fishfeed? Not so sustainable, especially if it's laced with antibiotics. … [Read more...] about Lima’s Best Cevicherias: La Mer and Pescados Capitales aren’t the only places for quality, sustainable lime and chili-marinated fish