Saturday, October 3, 2015

* Eating 52 Countries In 52 Weeks - Week 20 - PERU

Both Rick and I have fond memories of Peru. We were there at different times long before we found each other and I stayed in Cusco and walked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu whereas he spent his time in Lima. So when we picked Eqeko, we were both excited about having another chance to experience the flavors of this beloved country.

Eqeko serves food tapas style so it was easy to order half the menu. While we waited for the food to arrive we sipped our very refreshing Chicha Moradas made from purple corn.


Cebiche Mixto surprised us with how many different food items were blended this very small dish. The fresh fish, shrimp & calamari marinated in a fresh lime, aji rocoto, garlic & ginger sauce were topped with julienned red onions, minced cilantro, choclo, sweet potato & cancha.


Then came the very pretty looking Causo made from amarillo seasoned potato terrine filled with home made tuna salad & rocoto aioli.


Arroz Con Mariscos a la NorteƱa was the next natural choice to try out the Peruvian style seafood paella seasoned with fresh cilantro and dark beer and served with salsa criolla.


When the server visited our table to check on us, we asked him what else he would recommend from the menu, he said Tacu Tacu was his favorite. So that was our next dish. This Peruvian bean and rice patty seasoned with aji amarillo & green onions came topped with a fried egg & salsa criolla.


We still had more to eat and needed more beverages to wash down the food. So I ordered the one thing I did not have the courage to try in Peru: Inca Cola! The only way I can describe this bright yellow drink is 'Juicy Fruit bubble gum in a can'.



Rick went with the classier looking choice of Passion Fruit Juice.


Since they ran out of their one dessert for the day, we indulged in one extra dish. Aji de Gallina was shredded chicken dish in a sauce made with Peruvian aji amarillo & walnuts and was the only dish served with a side of rice.



Once I was full, I started paying attention to other things than food and asked Rick if he knew what Eqeko meant. Instead of answering with words he pointed at the wall where the definition of the word was painted in giant letters:


¡Buen apetito!