Pisco y Nazca, you’ve stolen my heart.

My first stop for Restaurant Week did not disappoint. This Peruvian eatery transported me back to the streets of Miraflores instantly. I started off with a passion fruit pisco sour, my absolute favorite drink from Peru.

Pisco sours are a tangy, HEFTY (read: strong) drink made of pisco (a type of liquor) syrup, bitters, and egg white. The use of egg whites in cocktails dates all the way back to the 17th century. This unusual ingredient imparts lots of richness to the drink.

Now, on to course one.

The empanadas mixtas,

And the tostones.

(Side note: can I take a picture or what)

The empanadas mixtas offered one beef filled and one chicken filled, gently stuffed in a flaky, delicious, crust. Both options were seasoned perfectly and were filling enough to satisfy that pre-main course hunger.

For the tostones, my friend was kind enough to let me have one of hers. Delectable pulled pork, piled on to a fried plantain. Coupled with the fresh slice of ripe avocado hidden under the meat, this appetizer was a winner.

Now, on to the main event. The only dish I ate in Peru and what drove me to try Pisco y Nazca.

The lomo saltado.

Though not the most picturesque meal, it was the most delicious. Lomo Saltado is considered to be an Asian fusion dish, due to the meat being cooked on soy sauce, and occasionally oyster sauce. This dish is traditionally served with rice and French fries, as potatoes are considered a vegetable in Peru. Tomatoes and onions tie it all together with savory goodness.

Last, but certainly not least, DESSERT.

I present to you, the suspiro. Dulce de leche custard, meringue, and passion fruit glaze. The custard has a spiced flavor reminiscent of pumpkin pie. The meringue was soft and subtly sweet. The passion fruit glaze was light. The culmination of flavors and textures made the perfect dessert after a heavy meal.

This place is definitely worth the trip (they have great happy hour deals btw). I’ll be making another trip to try more of their menu and to pretend like I’m back in Cuzco ☆