It seems that Peruvian Cuisine is going thru a bit of a renaissance here. In the last 7-8 months three places have opened; Chimpum Callao, Mama G's (that post is coming up), and just last month The Peruvian Spot in the strip mall by Mesa College that houses Homestyle Hawaiian and Cuscatlan Salvadorean Cuisine. In checking out the hours; I really liked that the shop opens at 8am during the week and 830am during weekends. Because that parking lot can be a bit crazy and I like early lunches these days.
On my first visit; I arrived at 945 am and easily found parking. I believe this used to be a Boba - Tea place if I'm not mistaken.
Walking in I noticed how large the space is. There are just 5-6 tables, a sofa, and an area with children's toys (more on that later). The process is "fast-casual"; you order at the counter. I quickly noticed this sign as I walked in.
Whoa...well, that's interesting since I've not been a big fan of the Sanguches de Chicharron I've had in San Diego.
The woman working the counter was so nice and friendly. As was the gentleman, her husband who was working on some signs and tables. I had a blast talking to them; they were living in Lima and we had a fun chat about places that were favorites of ours.
I decided to try out the Sanguche de Chicharron ($14.95). And also got a Chicha Morada, which was a bit too sweet for my taste.
As for the sandwich...my goodness, this was huge!
First thing I noticed was that the roll did resemble a Peruvian Pan Frances, the appropriate roll for a sanguche, slightly yeasty, with a touch of saltiness. Places like Sangucheria uses a Mexican Telera style roll. There was basically a huge amount of hog in this. Various different cuts as well; tender, juicy, gelatinous "porky" belly; also some leaner, slightly crunchy, even more "pork forward" cuts as well. While my arteries were perhaps having a bit of a mild protest, I enjoyed the pork flavors.....this tasted like swine; not the typical "other white meat" that is prevalent these days.
I was provided two different aji; a rocoto and an amarilla. Both were fairly weak and more mayonnaisey.
Both were too mild in my opinion.
As for the large sandwich. Well, that roll didn't make it intact for the entire meal.
There was a layer of camote, which added some starchy sweetness and some salza criolla, which I wish was a bit more spicy like the version I make at home. Still, this was all about the pork....a lot of pork. I really did enjoy it, but obviously my Cardiologist would recommend that I not have it too often. Still, it's a nice guilty pleasure.
And I really enjoyed chatting with the wonderful owners. I did look over the menu before I left.
It's not very large; but since it had lomo saltado on it; you know I had to return to try it right?
So, a week later I returned. This time the couple introduced me to their lovely 1 1/2 year old son....no wonder they had a little children's play area! Can you imagine running a restaurant with a little one in tow?
I ordered the Lomo Saltado ($18.95) and it arrived in a takeout container.
Some Aji Verde was provided, which was much better than the other two I tried on my previous visit; somewhat creamy, tangy, some decent spice.
The rice was on the drier side, but accepatable. This version had quite a bit of beef; on the chewier side, but nicely seasoned, and quite beefy. Decent acidity from the tomatoes...more on that later. The papa fritas were quite large and on the dry side.
Speaking of acidity; man, this version was on the sour side. At least it wasn't overly salty. I think it could have used more onions for an added sweet-pungency.
Overall, not bad, but I'll stick with the Sanguche de Chicharron.
I really like the warm and friendly folks here; loved talking to them about places we know in Lima like El Veridico de Fidel and Dona Paulina. They were also quite interested to hear about my experience at Maido. It really makes me miss Peru!
On an interesting note; I was going to do my post on Mama G's before this one; but they were out of their Sanguche de Chicharron when I last visited; so I think I'll need to try that one before doing a post.
The Peruvian Spot
7510 Mesa College Dr.
San Diego, CA 92111
Current Hours:
Tues - Fri 8am - 330pm
Sat - Sun 830am - 4pm
Closed on Monday
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