El Mercado (substantially diminished in quality)

Yesterday, we went for lunch to El Mercado (Unanue 203 Miraflores). It is a shame, but it has substantially come down in quality. It is full of tourists and lacks the energy of before. The dishes lacked inspiration. We shared the Tempura de Langostinos y Calamares as a starter: a great disappointment. Illuminata's Tuna was dry and the vegetables very greasy and full of butter. Mi Ceviche a la Parrilla was hard to eat because it was served on a tiny skillet and the fish was not fresh. Finally, the Camomile was served on a minuscule cup and we had to return it. The check arrived on a very dirty envelope.

Our previous experiences at El Mercado were extraordinary because of the attention to detail. It is critical for Rafael Osterling (the Chef) to take a good look at the place to put order again, because when the cat is not there, the mice play.... Rafael, don't risk your prestige in this way.

Salvador e Illuminata