Getting juice out of lime
And as a protagonist, as an almost obsessive presence: the kitchen, generator of avant-garde and agglutinating intellectuals and artists. Responsible for placing Lima on the international map of cosmopolitan and desirable cities. So much so that the Government has inaugurated the Gastronomy Boulevard, in the district of Surquillo, turning an old farmers market into an overwhelming gourmet market . Here you will find all the fresh products that you will later enjoy at the best tables in the city. And you can also try pisco, fundamental base of the famous pisco sour . Don't be fooled by its innocent appearance, it's explosive!
IN SEARCH OF THE BEST CEVICHE
Ceviche, raw fish and/or seafood tacos in vinaigrette, has a thousand variations and the best are in Lima. It is a living dish that evolves with the days and the ingenuity of the best restaurateurs in the city. We propose three restaurants for you to start preparing your particular ceviche route.
1) Astrid & Gaston, Miraflores. The classic: Founded in 1994 by Gastón Acurio and his wife Astrid, of German origin, these two chefs are synonymous with Peruvian cuisine in the best cities in the world . But this elegant and colorful restaurant is the origin of his dream, and therefore a must-see. Don't stop trying the ceviche of love, its star dish: fish and seafood ceviche with lime and various types of pepper.
2)Malabar, San Isidro. Flavor Lab. It always appears in the highest positions in the Summun guide, the Peruvian equivalent to the Michelin Guide. Specialized in Peruvian signature cuisine, you will discover how a dish can become a canvas and this in a gastronomic work of art that may even make you sad to eat.
3) Table 18, Miraflores. The magic of fusion: Designed by Jordi Puig, the national celebrity in architecture, between its artistic walls you will enjoy excellent Japanese cuisine created with the best Lima products. An exclusive and surprising mix that is a song to well-matched marriages. Don't miss the salmon, cream cheese and avocado sushi with chili-lime sauce. Unforgettable.
A ceviche from Gastón Acurio
PLAY THE CAJON
It would never have occurred to you, would it? This is your chance. In Peru, the cajon is almost the national instrument. Sit in one and let yourself be carried away by a rhythm that has already been adopted by the best flamenco artists. Every year Lima celebrates its International Cajon Festival and thousands of people sit down to write the soundtrack of the city in a record book. The Peruvian box drum crossed the pond and became international at the end of the 1970s , when the Afro-Peruvian musician Caitro Soto gave two copies to the Spanish Paco de Lucía, who without much thought immediately incorporated them into flamenco.
Bars in Miraflores
OF TASCAS (AND TASQUITAS) BY MIRAFLORES
Discover the night magic of the already lively district of Miraflores, socializing with the locals in its many taverns, wineries and designer bars.
1)Pisco Bar. If you are a lover of colorful cocktails with umbrellas, fluorescent straws and even a parrot hanging from the glass, this is the place. More than fifty cocktails to choose from, and the bartender knows them all by heart . With pisco as a flag, remember that quality is better than quantity (Pasaje Tello 215)
2)The Corner Wine Bar. Cornered, elegant, sumptuous and dark. A winery pampered by the owners, in charge of choosing all the wines on the menu one by one. The ideal place to discover the best American reds. And so that they don't go to your head, don't forget to order their delicious pasta dishes (Berlin 920).
**3)The Tayta **. It is an oasis of calm for the locals, who escape the noise of the tourists and choose the Tayta to discuss the day between comfortable leather sofas. Remember that every night there is live music starting at eleven o'clock, the perfect excuse to close with the parish inside and have a good private party (Avenida Larco 421-437).
**4) The Jealous **. Funky, sophisticated and barely furnished , in other words very artistic, but choose the time well, because if you find it without customers it can be vaguely depressing. Only be a moment. Then take the opportunity to order a gin and tonic and take stock of your life (Cz. Recavarren 315).
5)Ô Bar . Soft, sumptuous and wildly chic. A paradise for foodies and a good place to end the night if you don't want to spend too much time (Francisco de Paula Camino 298).
La Esquina Wine Bar: elegant and dark
Four. Get the perfect souvenir
Do not think that it is so easy to find him. In Lima, the range of temptations is so wide that if you plan to come home with gifts for everyone, you will have to dedicate a few hours to the matter until you find the perfect sketch. A good option is to bet on its interesting silver craft designs , but if you want a more unisex gift, we recommend an alpaca sweater . The alpaca is a small Andean camel that sheds extraordinarily soft hair. They will try to sell it to you very cheaply but it is easy for you to end up with an acrylic garment. If you want to be sure, try Alpaca 111, at Larcomar 1-07 in Miraflores and if you leave it for the last moment also at the airport. You will be sure.
SURRENDER TO THE ARTISTIC CHARM OF MARIO TESTINO IN MATE
The brilliant Peruvian photographer has opted for his land and thanks to the Association that bears his name, he has created an active, delicate and daring Art Museum in a florid colonial house. Despite his inevitable avant-garde spirit, the objective is to promote and help local talents and not letting Peruvian culture fall into oblivion, from folklore to elaborate regional costumes. The MATE is a trendsetter its temporary exhibitions are the most sought after and commented on. Do not forget to visit its cute cafe And if the weather allows it, which it most likely will, relax in its incredible interior patio.
The MATE now houses the largest collection of Testino