Living in Peru : your everyday companion

This week LivinginPeru.com begins a monthly series of articles that feature Peruvians, or Peruvian activities around the world.

This week's article is brought to us by Cindy Rodriguez.  Born in New Jersey to Peruvian parents, Cindy is a freelance journalist residing in New York City.

She had the delight of visiting a Peña event in New York this past month, and details the experience below.

If you are Peruvian, or have ever visited Peru, then you are more than familiar with peñas in Lima or Barranco, but what about New York City? Finally, the “Big Apple” can now rejoice with the vibrant music and traditions of Afro-Peru at Tutuma Social Club.

Feeling nostalgic after returning to New York from Peru, I started on my hunt to find a peña and was pleasantly surprised to come across a Peruvian Expat group on Meetup.com featuring Tutuma Social Club as their host venue. Tucked along the midtown east side of Manhattan is this Afro-Peruvian Jazz Club and Restaurant. Showcasing jazz and cuisine on a daily basis, with a surprising no cover charge and no drink minimum —this place is definitely in a class of its own.

Evening sets by established jazz artists from North and South America are presented Monday-Sunday at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. with “live” music also featured weekdays at lunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. On Sundays music is also featured during an Afro-Peruvian Jazz Brunch. Tutuma’s menu was expressly designed by internationally acclaimed chefs Rodrigo Conroy and Carlos Testino and its kitchen is open daily from 11 a.m.-2 a.m. A membership rewards program is available to repeat customers.

While the prices for the appetizers were a bit on the high end, it makes sense, as you are there for the free show more than anything. Portions of the food are somewhat small but without a doubt worth tasting. The mouth-watering ceviche included cubed fish, shrimp, mussels and octopus finishing the leche de tigre was a definite must! Excellent live music and original Pisco mixed drinks make for a memorable night that will make you feel like you are back, once again, in Lima.

Once the show begins, there is no room for talking or being pestered by waiters because everyone in the room is focusing on the rhythmic sizzling moves of the festejo and zapateo. Not only is it entertaining, but interactive as well. You are asked to get up from your seat and join the band in the festive dances of Peru. If you choose to not eat you can always take a seat at the bar in the back and enjoy the show with a delicious Pisco sour in hand.

Given the club’s growing popularity it is safe to say that there will be a wait for a table if you plan on walking in with a party larger than four without a reservation. The club/restaurant itself does not focus on ambience nor does it promise to make your eyes gawk at the décor. But, honestly, who needs ambience and décor, when you can dance and mingle with Peruvian expats and wanna-bees alike in true peña style?