Central: Corto Tasting Menu

by Nico on February 12, 2015 in Degustation

Corto Tasting Menu at Central, Lima, Peru

Last December, I had the privilege of dining at Central, the No. 1 restaurant in Latin America, and was proud that for another year, Lima was home to this honor. In a previous trip, Astrid + Gaston held that position, and their tasting menu The Journey was an unforgettably beautiful experience — a story, told in courses, of food and travels between Peru and Italy. The Corto tasting menu at Central, however, was something completely different. Earthy, raw, textural, and almost primal, the dishes prepared by Virgilio Martinez were about a pilgrimage across Peru, from the Pacific Coast, over the Andes mountains, and into the Amazon jungle. Dining here was a truly creative experience that connected me to the land in a profoundly intimate way.
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Peruvian Pot Pie

by Nico on January 29, 2015 in Recipes

Peruvian Pot Pie

Inspired by the British mince pie and classic American pot pie, this version could only come from deepest, darkest, Peru — made with Seco de Cordero spicy lamb stew filling, and a warm and flaky Empanada crust, ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, the Peruvian Pot Pie.
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Chicha Morada Sorbet (Purple Corn Sorbet)

by Nico on January 23, 2015 in Recipes

Chicha Morada Sorbet (Purple Corn Sorbet)

There is no denying that there is a very sweet connection between Italy and Peru. They say that the Chilcano de Pisco cocktail was invented by Italian immigrants. And it’s rumored that the Panettone is more popular in Lima than it is in Milano, the place where it was born. Two years ago, Astrid & Gaston even did a tasting menu, “The Journey,” to honor the Italian immigrants in Peru. And in the Andean Negroni, a classic Italian cocktail was infused with the spirit of the Andes. All which prepares us for this dessert — Chicha Morada Sorbet, a traditional Italian sorbet, with the vibrant colors and flavors of Peruvian purple corn.
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Peruvian Dinner at MHBB February 5

by Nico on January 19, 2015 in Events

Peruvian Dinner at MHBB

One of my favorite bakeries and lunch spots North of San Francisco is M.H. Bread & Butter, and recently they’ve added some special dinner events, such as popular Taco or Pizza nights. And now, it’s my pleasure to announce that Pisco Trail has been invited to collaborate on a special Peruvian Dinner on Thursday February 5. This dinner is à la carte, first come first served, starting at 6PM. Stop by for some traditional Peruvian bites and discover why Peru has been named the world’s top culinary destination!
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Andean Negroni (Negroni Andino)

by Nico on January 15, 2015 in Cocktails

Negroni Andino

What makes a Negroni a Negroni? Is it the ingredients that are used to make the drink? Or is the history behind its origin? No matter what your perspective, there is no question that the Negroni is a classic cocktail. Now, how can you infuse the Negroni with the spirit of the Andes? This cocktail answers that question. Presenting, the Andean Negroni, or Negroni Andino — a drink that is both smoky and bitter, part Old World and part New World, and which combines Campari and Sweet Vermouth with infused Pisco and Singani to give it the unique taste of the Andes.
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