A Hidden Gem of Peruvian Greatness
By Minna A in Food on Mar 25, 2011 7:00PM
Quite possibly the most unassuming of Chicago’s 2011 Bib Gourmand restaurants also touts one of the zestiest, most vibrant menus. Taste of Peru, in Rogers Park, has been a Chicago favorite and Peruvian staple for nearly half a decade. Taste of Peru has a distinctly Peruvian menu with fresh seafood and meat entrees, and is well worth the trip to the far north side.
Taste of Peru is an unexpected as you going north on Clark Street, as it’s sandwiched between a nail salon and laundromat in a small strip of stores. This doesn’t deter patrons from going to this charming BYOB on weekday nights. Taste of Peru hosts live music two nights a week, and on Wednesdays it draws an unexpectedly large number of couples and groups. A simple two-man band softly plays a guitar and zampoña, or panpipe, as diners revel in their meals.
Each table is given a small loaf of bread and an tangy aji chili sauce. Don’t let the mild-looking green color fool you-this small bowl of green sauce is an incredibly spicy mixture of jalapeno and mustard spices mixed with salt until a creamy texture emerges. The appetizers are predominantly seafood and of these, the ceviches are a great choice. There are a variety of ceviche choices. Each ceviche is plated in the shell of a large clam, and bright colors from red onion slices, sweet yellow corn and savory sweet potato make this dish look as vibrant as it’s zesty limey flavor.
Peruvian classics like seafood paella and lomo saltado (beer-braised ribeye steak with vegetables and rice) are menu favorites, with bold Peruvian flavors balanced by savory rice and vegetables. Every dish at Taste of Peru seems to cry “go big, or go home!” as portions fill every corner of the large plates and is usually toppling over with either full-sized crab legs, hearty portions of vegetables or both.
While their grilled seafood and meat entrees make great options, but a must-try dish at Taste of Peru is the sopa de viagra soup. Albeit a pricier order ($25), this creamy soup with mixed seafood is truly unique in it’s broth filled with Peruvian spices. This dish with the funny name has serious flavor, and although it has no connection to the drug, it’s hearty portions of vegetables and nutritious seafood (known aphrodisiacs) combined with the romantic ambiance of live Peruvian music might just kick your libido into gear.
Taste of Peru is located at 6545 N. Clark St. Live music on Tuesdays and Wednesday nights.