You thought you knew Peruvian food?
At least I did. Yep, I’ve been to a lot of Peruvian restaurants. And, for some unknown and inexplicable reason Sarasota is a hotspot for them.
Sure, I’m like everyone (or most everyone) else. I like ceviche. There’s not a lot that compares to a bite of fresh, clean, citrusy goodness. I mean after all, it is the national dish of Peru. It had better be great. Most of us have also had some version of Pollo a la Brasa. That delicious, flavor packed, rotisserie chicken. But, there is SO much more to explore…
Above, that’s Cancha. It’s a Peruvian snack food. Kind of like a hybrid of popcorn and corn nuts. Really it’s like that. It’s served with a green dipping sauce (Aji Amarillo Sauce). This toasted corn treat is weirdly addicting. I mean, to the point of, “get that bowl away from me”, addicting. You get it. You’ve been at that point.
Where exactly can you get started on your very own cancha addiction? Great question! We’ve got a brand new place in Sarasota to quench your thirst for all the edible (and drinkable) Peruvian delights you can imagine. If you haven’t heard of Brasa & Pisco yet, you will soon.
Newly opened at the corner of Lockwood Ridge Road & University Parkway, this converted CiCi’s Pizza store will be blowing every notion you’ve had of the cuisine of this South American country. This is Peruvian food re-invented and re-imagined.
Colorful, no doubt. Delicious and beautiful too. The plates that roll out of the Brasa & Pisco kitchen scream FOOD ART! Dazzling to be sure. All skillfully plated and well thought out. But, not too pretty to eat! That’s the Trio Causa. Spinach, beet and yellow pepper potato terrines topped with octopus, chicken salad and shrimp. All finished off with a savory sauce. See, I told you, re-imagined.
You’re familiar with traditional Peruvian ceviche. Well, how about Tempura Ceviche? It’s ceviche dipped in a beer batter and flash fried. Super delicious. The ceviche in the center stays nice fresh. While the outside is crispy and flavorful. All topped off with a yellow pepper aioli. WOW!
There’s your Traditional Peruvian Ceviche. See, we got to it. That’s a very straightforward presentation . All of the elements you would expect to find. Including two kinds of corn.
This is where the poultry magic happens. Roasting some Pollo a la Brasa. Look at that flame! You can get a whole chicken ($20), half ($12) or quarter ($6). Served with a side salad and fries. That’s a deal! Brasa & Pisco’s version has been getting rave reviews from everyone who tries it.
Brasa & Pisco is a work in progress. And, so far, the progress has been pretty great. There’s just a ton of restaurants opening their doors in this part of Sarasota. The folks at Brasa are going to have to stay on top of their game if they’re going to keep those seats filled. But, if their start is any indication of what’s to come, we’re all in for a delightful and delicious ride!
Planning a trip to Peru? Check out this list of The 7 Best Restaurants in Peru.
Brasa & Pisco
8347 Lockwood Ridge Rd.
941-360-0300
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