We spent Monday and Tuesday mostly just relaxing – picking a few avocados, going shopping and simply hanging out. Tuesday was Maty’s son’s birthday, so we passed the day in Chosica, stopping for celebratory lunch at the Fond Marino restaurant.
I have a Peruvian lady friend who took me to her local favorite, Genaro’s Rotisserie & Grille, located on Park Road. I had never eaten genuine Peruvian food before, so it was a treat. She introduced me to ceviche, papas huancaina and a Peruvian drink, chicha morada.
Ceviche is, essentially, marinated raw fish (or mixed seafood) – a tart, tangy and spicy dish. You’ll find some lettuce and onions and I don’t remember what all else. And you can order it non-spicy as well. The papas huancaina are boiled potatoes with a creamy sauce poured over the top. My friend ordered chicken. It came with yucca, fried like giant white french fries. And then there was the fried plantains.
The restaurant has the feel of a small diner. I really liked the low-hanging lamps, with their furled covers. I don’t always pay much attention to the lights in a restaurant, but in this case, I just couldn’t help myself. The tables and seats looked like they might be found in any restaurant in Lima. I’ve never been there, but they are certainly unique, and add to the character of the restaurant.
My friend suggested the food was fairly authentic, though not always to her taste. I suspect that this is probably because Peruvian cooking is a lot like ‘Southern’ cooking – it just depends on who’s Mama did the cooking. My own estimate is that I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to discover Peruvian cuisine – and think ceviche could easily find it’s way into my stomach on future occasions.
You really ought to visit Genaro’s and try out the food!