Yeah, it tastes good as I wrote about in my post about Sandy's Cafe, but there's another country's cuisine that is very present here in Key West: PERU!
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| Incas Restaurant, located on White Street, close to Eaton. |
Because of it's location in South America, Peru is known for its fresh seafood, so many dishes contain octopus, squid, shrimp, and fish. Like cuisine in its neighboring countries Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil and Bolivia, Peruvian food has rice, yucca, pan-fried/sauteed meats with onions, limey-vinegary and unfamiliar (to Americans) yet delicious sauces.
Enough of the set up and lets talk dishes, and deliciousness! I've been there quite a few times and I love it!! As soon as you walk in you are greeted by the owner who is a wonderful, gregarious woman who makes you feel like you belong there.
The first two times I went, I got Jalea de Mariscos:
What is it, you ask? "It's delightful!" is my response. It consists of fried shrimp, fish, octopus and squid covered with a healthy sized mound of lightly sauteed onions sprinkled with cilantro. There are also lime wedges to squeeze on top for an extra zip of flavor and deep fried yucca, acting sort of as french fries. Sure, it looks simple: fried seafood with onions on top--big deal, right? NOT. It's scrumptious. It's the fact that it's so simple that makes it so good! See that little ramekin filled with a white sauce? It's tartar sauce and they make it fresh and delicious. Between that sauce, the onions and lime, the flavors are bountiful and work VERY well together.
Of course, The Hubs started eating a little bit before I snapped the picture, but this is the Ceviche Mixto. It's fish, octopus, and shrimp marinated in lime juice. There are sides of sweet potatoes and corn kernels prepared in two different ways.
What's there to drink?? Well there's the typical Coke, Sprite, Fantas, and cafe con leche. But there's also other delicious drinks with passion fruit, there's sangria, and there is also a delicious drink called Chicha Morada (pictured below). Also there's a selection of Peruvian Beer and some other cervezas that you're likely more familiar with.
Here are some more dishes that we've enjoyed:
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| Arroz de Mariscos - this dish is SO SO good! |
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| Tacu-Tacu con lomo Saltado |
I feel as though I have this need to tell you about the side sauces at this restaurant! There is this spicy sauce that is not only spicy but has such good flavor. It's not vinegary like any Texas or Louisiana hot sauce, it has it's own sabor, but provides the extra heat and flavor to just about any dish--just ask for the "salsa picante." The sauces with the yucca frita, and jalea de mariscos are also very, very tasty.
"But, Hailey.." you may be asking yourself, "what about the children?" They have by no means left them out. There's this wonderful dish called Salchipapas. Its basically grilled sliced hot dogs and french fries. We get one order for the boys to share and it's more than plenty.
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| Salchipapas |
Just like it's owners, the decor is inviting and it makes you feel like you've been going to the restaurant for years--or maybe it's just their aura.
Sooooo....
The Bottom Line:
Food: The food is simply amazing. Full of flavor and very, very authentic. These dishes haven't been changed to suit what Americans think Peruvian food should taste like--it's the real deal.
Price: The price is moderate. It's definitely not inexpensive for a family of four, but a full plate of delicious food is well worth the price.
Service: The service is unlike anything you'll experience, I promise you. It's a family run restaurant and you can feel the love and attention as soon as you step foot through the door.
Overall: This is just a great place to go all the way around. It's a good place to bring kids, its a good place to catch up with old friends, or just grab a bite to eat. I do highly recommend you go here no matter how long you're visiting--and if you live here, why haven't you been yet??
