El Tumi Peruvian Restaurant

With exotic smells wafting from the kitchen and pleasing Peruvian prints adorning the walls, El Tumi Peruvian restaurant is both warm on the eyes and the senses. I was seated by a congenial server, who quickly served chips and salsa. The salsa was not the type of salsa that most diners would expect; it was green spicy affair that had a consistency reminiscent of a light hummus. Made with Huacatay, a native Peruvian herb, it had a definite bite and zing with the zesty taste of mint and basil. I ordered a classic Pisco Sour ($5.95), which is a frothy blend of Pisco brandy, lime juice, egg whites, simple syrup, and bitters. It was an excellent cocktail to extinguish the fire of the salsa.

Taking a look at the extensive and reasonably-priced menu (a $4.95 kids’ menu is also available), Platano Frito ($3.45) seemed like a good entrada (appetizer). The plantains came with a side of fresh sour cream. Fried but not greasy, the fruit was like biting into a potato and then getting the sweet goodness of a yam.

Latin music played softly in the background while Pollo a la brassa ($5.95) and Pan con Chicharron with Camote Frito ($6.45) was delivered to the table. The Pollo a la brassa, a richly marinated quarter rotisserie chicken, was served with a house salad topped with a secret Incan dressing and hot fresh French fries. Presented with a Salsa Criolla (Peruvian onions, lime juice and vinegar), the Pan con Chicharron was served in a large fresh roll. The marinated deep-fried pork and slices of sweet potato made it an unexpected treasure to bite into. A combination bite of the succulent pork, soft bread, and crunchy onions was pure Incan gold.

Peruvian food is full of adventure and pleasant surprises, so get to El Tumi for an exquisite culinary journey.

Text and Photos by David Robert

El Tumi Peruvian Restaurant

585 E. Moana Ln.

775.827.5454