Without a question, this continues to be the top restaurant in Lima. The food, service, and ambiance do not have comparison. The wine list has improved, and the selection of french and spanish wines is now much better. The Maracuya Martini and the Prado Rey Crianza 2005 were stupendous. It is so nice to be back!
Salvador
Showing posts with label Rafael. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rafael. Show all posts
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
El Mercado
Last Saturday, we were finally able to lunch at El Mercado (Unanue 203 Miraflores). Given that it is impossible to get an open reservation, we ventured into it at 2 PM and were quickly accommodated at the Bar. What a surprise, it was the best seat in the house because we had in front of us no other than Chef Rafael Osterling himself inspecting and sending the plates to the tables like a switchboard. It was an amazing experience to observe Rafael totally focused and with more concentration than that of a pilot landing a 747-400, and placing on every single plate, without an exception, a last touch: a tiny bit of rock salt, a drop of olive oil.....and on a couple of occasions, sending back plates that were not worth his name. Evidently, the Chef Profession is as, or more sophisticated, than that of a Surgeon.
Going back to the Restaurant, and regarding the "noise" generated by its inauguration, we are convinced that all the hype is well deserved. The decoration is excellent, with high quality but simple materials, such as wood and tile. The critical details are those that made Pescados Capitales the Seafood Cathedral of Lima: high and open ceilings, a rural feeling to the place. But El Mercado greatly improves upon Pescados..... The service, the ambiance, and the food quality do not have comparison in Lima. It is a level of sophistication that has never been seen before. Service was correct, despite some lack of coordination to be expected from a brand new place. Nevertheless, the attention to detail places El Mercado at a new gastronomic level. Our most sincere congratulations.
The Maracuya Sour was perfect. The wines by the glass were not that great, attention to the wine list by the glass please! But food was spectacular: we shared the Ceviche El Mercado (their Flagship). Before I die, please, I want to vividly remember this dish.... a ceviche with Fried Calamari designed to be served to the Roman Gods at the Pantheon. The main courses were also memorable: Tacu-Tacu for Illuminata, and Tuna for me, with sophisticated flavors borrowed from Rafael, but with a touch of El Mercado.
In summary, this is the type of innovations that improve Peruvian food. It is competition that makes the tide go up, and keeps competitors under check. Improve upwards, or disappear. Peru wins. And so do we, as well as our exclusive readers.
Salvador
Going back to the Restaurant, and regarding the "noise" generated by its inauguration, we are convinced that all the hype is well deserved. The decoration is excellent, with high quality but simple materials, such as wood and tile. The critical details are those that made Pescados Capitales the Seafood Cathedral of Lima: high and open ceilings, a rural feeling to the place. But El Mercado greatly improves upon Pescados..... The service, the ambiance, and the food quality do not have comparison in Lima. It is a level of sophistication that has never been seen before. Service was correct, despite some lack of coordination to be expected from a brand new place. Nevertheless, the attention to detail places El Mercado at a new gastronomic level. Our most sincere congratulations.
The Maracuya Sour was perfect. The wines by the glass were not that great, attention to the wine list by the glass please! But food was spectacular: we shared the Ceviche El Mercado (their Flagship). Before I die, please, I want to vividly remember this dish.... a ceviche with Fried Calamari designed to be served to the Roman Gods at the Pantheon. The main courses were also memorable: Tacu-Tacu for Illuminata, and Tuna for me, with sophisticated flavors borrowed from Rafael, but with a touch of El Mercado.
In summary, this is the type of innovations that improve Peruvian food. It is competition that makes the tide go up, and keeps competitors under check. Improve upwards, or disappear. Peru wins. And so do we, as well as our exclusive readers.
Salvador
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Rafael
We had dinner again at Rafael (Calle San Martin 300, Miraflores), where we arrived on a Monday without a reservation, but were quickly given a table. The whole experience was perfect from all perspectives, and it confirmed our previous impressions. It is not surprising that it has been chosen as the best Restaurant by Summum. Well deserved.
The wine Pere Ventura (Penedes 2005) was a nice finding, with good concentration of fruit, but excellent structure and balance.
Only one minor complaint: the menu shows in-distinctively either "hongos silvestres" or "hongos salvajes," both translations of "wild mushrooms." The first term is correct, referring to mushrooms picked from nature, without cultivation. "Hongos salvajes" on the other hand do not exist, and the term is reminiscent of Indians up in arms.
Salvador
The wine Pere Ventura (Penedes 2005) was a nice finding, with good concentration of fruit, but excellent structure and balance.
Only one minor complaint: the menu shows in-distinctively either "hongos silvestres" or "hongos salvajes," both translations of "wild mushrooms." The first term is correct, referring to mushrooms picked from nature, without cultivation. "Hongos salvajes" on the other hand do not exist, and the term is reminiscent of Indians up in arms.
Salvador
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Rafael
Dinner at Rafael (Calle San Martin 300, Miraflores). As always, full, but we were able to get a good table even though we did not have a reservation. Noisy, with a good atmosphere, and with a slightly better decoration because they have hanged more paintings on the walls.
The service has improved a lot, and now is more correct and less informal. The menus are well presented and the food is exquisite, especially the pastas. The deserts were also extraordinary. It continues to be one of the best restaurants in Lima.
Illuminata and Salvador
The service has improved a lot, and now is more correct and less informal. The menus are well presented and the food is exquisite, especially the pastas. The deserts were also extraordinary. It continues to be one of the best restaurants in Lima.
Illuminata and Salvador
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