At Japanese restaurants I usually end up getting ripped off. The problem is I really like the savoury, homestyle vegetarian dishes. That means natto (fermented soybeans), chawanmushi (egg custard), and nasu dengaku (grilled eggplant with a sweet miso sauce). These dishes should … [Read more...] about Miso and Balsamic Glazed Eggplant (Nasu Dengaku à la Peru)
Miso-Ginger Purple Peruvian Yams (or Sweet Potatoes) and Lemony Root Vegetables
"Como se cocina?" How do I cook it? When I find something strange at local farmers markets I usually buy it, just to figure out what to do with it. At the Bioferia organic market here in Lima there's a stall that only sells sweet potatoes, yams and these strange gnarly root … [Read more...] about Miso-Ginger Purple Peruvian Yams (or Sweet Potatoes) and Lemony Root Vegetables
Canihua Soba Noodles with Soy Dipping Sauce
Soba noodles are supposed to be made with a 4:1 ratio of buckwheat flour to wheat flour. I don't eat wheat flour, and buckwheat flour isn't available in Lima, Peru, so I made a local version of soba noodles with rice flour and the baby sister of quinoa - canihua. It's a seed, not … [Read more...] about Canihua Soba Noodles with Soy Dipping Sauce
Adventures with Batman: Rockclimbing in Huaraz
I'm in Huaraz now in the Cordillero Bianco, rockclimbing with a friend from Lima and some local friends of friends from PIRQA, the rockclimbing gym in Miraflores. We've had two days on the rock - first at Los Olivos, a short combi ride up a winding mountain road from downtown, … [Read more...] about Adventures with Batman: Rockclimbing in Huaraz
Rich for Two Weeks: My Traveling Tourism Article in The {Warehouse} Magazine
Check out my article on anticuchos, exchange rates and not being a heel,recently published in The {Warehouse} Magazine. … [Read more...] about Rich for Two Weeks: My Traveling Tourism Article in The {Warehouse} Magazine
Getting Around in Lima, Peru
When in Lima, Peru, keep in mind that you never have the right of way. Never. Even if there's a little green man on the traffic light indicating you can cross the street, don't dare stepping off the sidewalk without looking both ways. And don't move if there's a car coming … [Read more...] about Getting Around in Lima, Peru
The International Marimba and Vibraphone ‘Vibraciones’ Music Festival in Lima, Peru
Alonso Acosta and Amie Watson (Duo Mestizaje) ad for Vibraciones International Marimba and Vibrahone Festival The International Vibraphone and Marimba "Vibrations" music festival ended last week here in Lima, Peru. After a week of master classes, lessons and concerts the … [Read more...] about The International Marimba and Vibraphone ‘Vibraciones’ Music Festival in Lima, Peru
Seared Amazonian Paiche Fish with Huacatay Yellow Potatoes, Avocado and Coca Leaf Rice
Food is cheap in Lima, but quality food is not. So I finally got cooking to both save money and eat better. It's comforting to know exactly what I'm putting in my body instead of wondering if I'll be okay if I eat something at a restaurant. There's a fish called "paiche" - river … [Read more...] about Seared Amazonian Paiche Fish with Huacatay Yellow Potatoes, Avocado and Coca Leaf Rice
Almazen – Organic Vegetarian Restaurant in Lima, Peru
This did not happen at Almazen, but what do you do after being poisoned by dairy at a restaurant (I'm lactose intolerant. Maybe "poisoned" is too strong), a long argument with servers, being offered another meal after you tell the server you're going to throw up, and feeling as … [Read more...] about Almazen – Organic Vegetarian Restaurant in Lima, Peru
Climbing in La Escuela: Through an avocado and cherimoya farm
After Las Vinas, fjording a river to get to La Escuela climbing area outside Lima sounded like a cakewalk. It didn't hurt that to get to the river we walked through a rainforest micro-climate home to an avocado and cherimoya farm. "Lunch?" I asked one of my climbing friends. … [Read more...] about Climbing in La Escuela: Through an avocado and cherimoya farm