Living in Peru : your everyday companion

Bar Mama Batata

# javier says :
21 March, 2006 04:36:56

The show
If the show has a lady singer who has short hair and wears glasses. She gives, by far, one of the best shows I have seen in Lima. She can sing, tell jokes and play the guitar very well.

The food
The food is good but if you are like me, this is not a place to eat but to drink. I guess that is what most people do there.

The service
The service is not that great. They tend to serve more people than they can handle. They are usually packed during the show. It is kind of dark inside, so if you are as blind as me, take a little flashlight to read the menu.

# Mike Mech says :
31 July, 2006 09:17:53

Service not very good. Music (Rock) is cool until up to 1am, then it changes to pachanga music which really sucks.

# Roxanna says :
7 August, 2006 09:45:16

The show is very good

# Jaime Ferreyra says :
30 August, 2006 09:05:34

Bad service, bad music and racism. It's embarrasing visit this place.

# MB says :
1 September, 2006 11:50:51

We believe we treat everybody with respect! Mama Batata its against racism!

# Mili says :
25 October, 2006 12:24:08

Racist place.. food sucks.

# George says :
6 November, 2006 16:30:23

Real fun place! Live music wednesday and thursday

# meriya says :
15 November, 2006 15:59:30

Good service, very good music and show. i didn't feel that place racism.

# Clara Kliros says :
26 November, 2006 19:57:28

Well, it is not the first time I've heard about this place being a racist one. So...too many people are saying the same...it must be true.

# MB says :
15 December, 2006 13:14:02

Again....Mama Batata is against racism....there are a lot of people who are trying to make us look bad for reasons that we cant figure out...more than glad to welcome everybody and see for yourselfs!

# Elmer says :
12 January, 2007 02:34:45

i dont know this place yet but everybody says this is a racist place anyway ill be there very soon to see whats going on there and if is true what people say im the one who will stand up with the others guys agains racism

# Clara says :
10 February, 2007 13:02:45

Ok...There are two types of people I simply can't stand...These are hypocrites and racists. If you take a look at the following link: click here  you will see that the comments about Mama Batata are not just because "there are a lot of people who are trying to make us look bad " according to MB (I assumed Mama Batata) The link is from the "Coordinadora Nacional de Derechos Humanos" (it does not need a translation...Human rights). A group of people wearing white T-shirts with the words "Stop Racism" walked in front of places such as Mama Batata and The Disco Gotica both owned by the wealthy Diez Canseco family, old family name that think that we are still living in colonial times and assume that they can do and act in Peru as they please ,think Peruvian Enron. The "pacifist protesters" were insulted by the Mama Batata personnel (Kill the niggers!) and the Larco Mar managment made sure that no tv cameras were allowed to film to report this disgusting, revolting incident. In other words if you are too dark or have African and/or indigenous features you are denied entry. I most certainly won't set foot in a place that not only promotes but supports racism.
Clara ( I choose to talk and not to be silent)

# MB says :
13 February, 2007 20:16:34

Please enter the public web site www.lima2night.com and check for yourselfs...whites, blacks, yellows etc etc....Clara.. get your facts right please!

# Clara says :
14 February, 2007 19:51:31

I entered that place a long time ago, nothing but white Peruvians and foreigners....the section with birthday pics  is the best, one foreign last name after another...is this what you meant as equal and multicultural?
Don't make me laugh.
Clara

# Clara says :
25 February, 2007 18:59:59

Ok this just happened last week to the husband of a friend of mine. My high school girlfriends went to Mama Batata to say good bye to a school friend returning to D.C. (I went to an all girls school) and my friends husband who went to pick up his wife, was denied entry because apparently the bar was too full (he is a lawyer and he is aware that bars have  limited capacity ) He was told that he had to wait for 25 people to leave so he could enter. He patiently waited and after the 25 people left he was still denied entry. Of course he was not wearing a t-shirt with a polo player or with the logo Benetton all written over the chest and does not have a foreign last name and he is not a white Peruvian. So, would this be considered racism in other countries? ABSOLUTELY!!! So to the people from Mama Batata don't come and tell me to get "the facts right" YOU ARE A BUNCH OF FREAKING RACISTS  and will NEVER, EVER set foot in your place and will keep talking about this. Everybody should be aware that how despicable your racial profiling is.

Clara

# Teresa Ramirez says :
4 April, 2007 13:01:26

Good Show, Excelent Music, good prices, good service

# Claudia says :
2 June, 2007 22:05:12

Clara, I frequent Mamá Batata and I have to disagree with you.  Mamá Batata, BY NO MEANS, caters to the créme of the créme of Lima.  Most of its clientele drinks beer.  It is a fun place where all types of people, both Peruvian and foreigners, go.
Cheers!

# Alberto says :
8 June, 2007 13:26:05

Mama Batata has just been sentenced to pay $69,000 by a court for a case of racism, totally probed and also to pay the medical expenses to the person the bouncer kicked and hit (cowards) I will never go to this place.

# Clara Kliros says :
12 June, 2007 21:12:03

Brilliant!!!!! There you go...finally something I'm a proud of.

# Alex Flores says :
13 June, 2007 01:28:08

The drinks are not so good, you will like the music is if you have plans for dancing, it's too noisy if you want to have a talk with your friends. It's a good place to have a good time in a saturday night.

# Claudia says :
23 June, 2007 20:27:58

Hmm Mama Camote....it seems to me that Mama Batata is very representative of the Peruvian population.  About 99% of the clientele is non white.  FYI.....caucasians are from the caucasus mountains...between Black Sea, Russia, Iran, Turkey and the Caspian Sea.  Not that many people like that (Russians, Georgians, Azerbaijanis, et al) in Peru anyway. The term refers to a people with a certain skull shape.  I can't imagine bar doormen discriminating due to the shape of one's head.   If you are referring to Anglo-Saxons, there are hardly any of those at Mama Batata.  If it weren't for the red shirts, it would be quite difficult to distinguish between the patrons and the employees.  I like to go there because of its relaxed atmosphere (unlike its chic counterparts around Lima).
Cheers,

# Mama Camote says :
23 June, 2007 21:50:27

Claudia, seems to me you´re a "calabacita".....I´ve read the Indecopi sentence. Please I dare you to invite your "chola" or servant at your home to go to MB with their own friends.....don´t give to the people that BS you said!. Racism in Larcomar is pretty OBVIOUS, specially in MB. "Cheers"....(or "Chaufis" in your language")

# Clara Kliros says :
23 June, 2007 22:42:18

Claudia
I would't be so sure to say that "mama batata is very representative of the peruvian population", Lima is not Peru or viceversa.
 According to anthropology we humans belong to one out of the 4 different groups: caucasoide, mongoloide, negroide or australoide. What is a caucasian exactly? Caucasian race (sometimes called the Caucasoid race) is defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as, "relating to a broad division of humankind covering peoples from Europe, the Middle East, South Asia and North Africa" or "white-skinned; of European origin" or "relating to the region of the Caucasus in SE Europe." In Peru you will consider yourself "white" if you are less dark then the majority or if you have a foreign last name. Now if you are a "white foreigner" you probably won't see the difference, we Peruvians do see it and make sure that everybody does.I believe this is what Mama camote meant by saying "White Peruvian caucasian pride".
Now, going back to you frequenting MB, great, good for you. Still we have the right to have an opinion and feel free to criticise what we don't consider right or do you consider Racism right?
 I have not been to MB (and not because I can not afford it) but it is enough for me to hear comments like the ones before to make me think that it would go against my believes and convictions to set foot on a place like that. If you see on the list of comments, most of the people that complained are males and a few females (like my case). My girlfriends have never had a problem entering that place, a not very bright one said that it is simply because : we don't look bad and end up attracting more customers. Does this means that this place besides being a racist one is also sexist? Have you thought about it? Particularly I don't enjoy being perceived as a sexual object, but this is how I was raised to believe.
By the way are you Peruvian? If you are not, then you need to be exposed to what the "real Peruvian population is" they are many shanty towns in Peru to visit, a little trip will give you sense of what is really important in life and especially what the "peruvian population is". If you are Peruvian, then it is time to pop your bubble and mingle with people outside of your sheltered district, Miraflores, San Isidro, San Borja, Surco are only a small part of Lima.
I live in a "very Caucasian sheltered area" in NYC but I am well awared that not to far away from where I live, just across the bridge you can see where the majority of the "real population lives".
Clara

# Clara Kliros says :
23 June, 2007 22:50:23

Mama Camote!!!
I agree with you. Is it Halloween already? The pumpkins are out.

Clara

# Mama Camote says :
24 June, 2007 16:20:59

This is for all the Little Pumpkins of Lima, a good one for the (sad) history of MB. Please see my "footnotes on bold blue.

PS. Clara, I agree in all you said, very deep knowledge of peruvian sociology, are you peruvian or a new yorker? (or both?). Kind regards.

MB says :
1 September, 2006 11:50:51

We believe we treat everybody with respect! [what about that guy you sent to the Hospital, whit a brain concusion and politraumatism?!?!, I would like to see one of these RACIST instead him] Mama Batata its against racism!  [really?!??!...now I want to hear one Cowboy´s Tales.....to say that BS reminds me when I heard some of my italian fellows says that "There´s no Mob in Sicily", LMAO!!!]

# Clara Kliros says :
24 June, 2007 20:25:19

Hi Mama Camote
I'm Peruvian, the Greek last name belongs to my "white skinned, American " husband hahaha . But I did keep my Spanish last name (These days I have a hyphenated last name...these days? haha)
I just try to keep my eyes open and my mouth too as you can read.
Take care MC, I like people like u, that choose to talk and not to behave like mice. And about the "calabaza"..once a pumpkin always a pumpkin haha.
Clara

# Mama Camote says :
26 June, 2007 17:36:19

Found this on the today´s online edition of Expreso (peruvian newspaper). FYI, each one get our own conclusions. Those MB people makes me sick

http://www.expreso.com.pe/edicion/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4467&Itemid=35

Regards.

# Katia says :
26 June, 2007 23:44:52

Well i try to be impartial, i went to Mb Two times, the first it was nearly 9 o´clock, i go with my friends, it was early to dance, but we enter to drink and eat something. The waitreses were very nice!!, the drinks and food good, i try better but it was ok. The other time i go, it was full of people, but the music sounds good, my friends and I want to enter, wait until people left. Then we enter, but the people of the door have a very bad attitude, theyre rude!, it´s true they have rules, and yes i know maybe is their work i thought, but in another time i go with my friends we seen one of the men of the door throw a men to the floor, and he scratched his head, we scared so much, this kind of violence is not justified!!, since then i didn´t go to that place. Many discos in Lima have rules thousand for some people and not for another, and yes there is racism!, their narrow mind didnt allow to them to treath people like people!. In other countries i didnt see it, or less, and people in these countries love Perú so much, and when they ask me and I answer im from Perú they are astonished about the culture! and that part of this culture is their people!!, Think about it!, try to make places that promotes this not that destroy it!. In the other hand, the visitors found many places to choise, feel free to decide, MB have good music and many interested people, the thing is the doormen and their owners that allow this kind of things.

# Katia says :
27 June, 2007 00:04:39

Ups there is my final note to the place. Left bad impressions, the place is not wow!, but its fine if u want to have a saturdays night without worries.

# JJN says :
30 June, 2007 15:07:24

ok food, music well if u like the party peruvian music then u can try it after 1 a.m., in another hand there are a lot of people that says that this place is racist and many places like this such as gotica, aura, etc... well i've been in all this places, i dont know if it is that i know the right people or what..but im not white...i did not feel racist..well i guess is just my comment...well i hope the racism stop if there is any.. 

# Mama Camote says :
30 June, 2007 18:41:17

Dear all: I´m really shocked to read this (posted by Katia): "...Then we enter, but the people of the door have a very bad attitude, theyre rude!, it´s true they have rules, and yes i know maybe is their work i thought, but in another time i go with my friends we seen one of the men of the door throw a men to the floor, and he scratched his head, we scared so much, this kind of violence is not justified!!...." Then when these MB RACIST identify a "non target client", I ask: MB, IS THIS YOUR STANDARD PROCEDURE!!!!!????? It´s a DISPICABLE, COWARD AND RACIST policy. I have read many of you using the following "logic" deduction:... "I´ve entered into this place. I am not completly 'white' nor 'caucasian'. So there´s no racism at MB..." Righ?.....WRONG! The fact that any RACIST of MAMA BATATA didn't "filtered" you, by no means is a "ISO9002 Certified" against THIER RACIST POLICY. I repeat, I dare to ANYONE of you guys to send to this place to your servants/home maid to go there whit THEIR OWN friends and see what happens. Don´t blind yourselves, RACISM is pretty obvious. Or are you saying that all the people (including myself) who complain about this facts are saying BS to everybody? Look what happened to Cafe del Mar. And for those who just mentioned AURA, that disco has already been sentenced to pay to the government 35 UITS (USD 40k), two years ago, and the charge was (guess what?) : RACISM. Please, my peruvian fellows, think about that, don´t think these are isolated facts. This is a standard procedure in the peruvian entreteirnment business, and is our dutty to change that. Don´t be a mice, don´t play others people game, JUST BE YOURSELF. Regards.

# Clara Kliros says :
2 July, 2007 13:27:18

Are all the Peruvian women writing all these comments operating on half a brain cell? Typical egocentric, selfish, self centered attitude. If I am not directly affected, it is not happening. Guess what...it could happen to your children one day. Maybe your son will be the next one hitting the pavement face first in front of Mama Batata...but I understand they have procedures.

I though that only bars a la Tony Montana (scarface) have those "procedures", but larco mar? De Barrrrrrrrrrrrrrrio.

Bimbos!!!!

# Antoinette Crowe says :
7 July, 2007 09:38:05

As a former club-goer based in New York, and married to a Peruvian-American, these postings definitely get my attention.  There are situations in which one will be denied entry to a club b/c of how that person is dressed (i.e. no hoodies, no sneakers, etc.), but denied entry because of the lightness (or lack thereof) of one's skin color is just outrageous!  If this is true (and, no I have not been to Mama Batata), then I am going to bring my cholo in-laws (who can trace their bloodline back to Atahualpa) and I would like to see how the door staff handles THAT situation.  Discrimination is not going to happen on my party time - this loud-mouthed New Yorker will see to that!

# Mama Camote says :
7 July, 2007 18:11:55

Antoinette, I support your idea. If Mamá Batata is an open place to go (and "WE ARE AGAINS RACISM"-MB DIXIT...LMAO) then ANYONE can go, despite its "dark" skin type. Lets give them a lesson: there´s no place for RACIST entrepreneurs here in Lima!!! Let´s put them in the same way of Café del Mar (closed last week by autorities b/c RACISM). Let´s show them we like to be peruvians!! No more RACISM in Lima, my fellows. Regards.

# jacob kenpachi says :
9 July, 2007 16:31:06

I am asian-american and I had no problem getting into MB. I went with my peruvian and american friends and no problems so everyone should quit their complaining. If you don't like the place, go elsewhere or open up your own place. The place is not racist. I saw people from all backgrounds there. The only thing I didn't like about the place was that half the girls there were prostitutes. I am surprised that people are so astonished by the racism in this country. Back home in DC and other places in Asia, it is normal as well. For the person who got beat up; learn to fight.

# Clara says :
9 July, 2007 20:01:47

Jacob
Someone said: If you don't have anything wise to say, just keep silent (I could use stronger words but it is not necessary) Probably things would be different if you were Indigenous/Peruvian-American, taking more after the first. And about, "learn to fight", that says a lot about you, only an ingnorant person would encourage more violence. Do you remember that during the Gold rushin Ca, Asians were also discriminated right and left, this is what is happening in my country and if  I protest is simply because I love it and what it to be better. Sad to think that you perceive racism as "normal". It would do you good to grab a book from time to time and by this I don't mean something a la Harry Potter.
Clara

# Clara says :
10 July, 2007 17:40:31

Well said Percy.
ASS  ian - American...haha funny.

# JK says :
11 July, 2007 08:14:06

I see you guys are very original with your wording. Aside from that, I never said it was an accomplishment in getting into the place as you assumed it was. My friends and I simply had no trouble getting in as with any other place we have visited across the world. You sure hell as know that the truth that reality is ugly and many of us really don't like it, don't want to tolerate it, but unfortunately we must. Have any of you ever tried walking into a redneck or black bar? They'll let you in, but you'll feel quite uneasy being there (another form of racism) so as stated before it is the norm in many places; albeit the ugly norm. You know it and I know it. In the end, we find a way to deal with things. Besides, you proved my point with your pun on words.

# DJ Relax says :
12 July, 2007 20:57:10

Hi guys, see wat I found on the web. Now these RACIST are exposed in youtube! And for the last person who posted....I don´t agree with you, you have a mice way of thinking....to go with the flow may lead you to the Nazi party. In fact, I have not read nothing as LOOSER as you just mention. I agree we have to stand against RACISM in all the world. Peace.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2fcueuny7s

PS. The folk that these racist hit is just look alike to the manager!!! Outrageous!

# Mama Camote says :
13 July, 2007 08:05:25

Dear all. I´m really satisfied to read so many post of people who understand what we are dealing with. Discrimination -in any way- is the best way to destroy a society. Glad to see the only a few ones who doesn´t have any sign of education or culture. Good luck to everyone!. SAY NO TO RACIST PLACES!

# Melissa March says :
16 July, 2007 15:21:43

I went to this location about a year ago and the bouncer did not allow is in because some of the people in my group were tan. It was horrible and I was disgusted. The color of one's skin does not determine class.

# DJ Relax says :
17 July, 2007 18:29:05

FYI. Wish there were more people like this guy.
http://www.peru21.com.pe/P21Impreso/html/ImP2EntrevistaIndex.html

# DJ Relax says :
17 July, 2007 18:29:50

Oops!....rate for MB: AWFUL

# DJ Relax says :
19 July, 2007 08:36:26

http://www.peru21.com/impreso/html/2007%2D07%2D17/imp2entrevistaindex.html

I mean THIS guy (the one who was hitted and stood up alone for his rights).

# Carlos A says :
30 July, 2007 11:32:11

I've been in MB a few times because of birthday parties from friends or relatives. But I must add that the boucers would come somewhat irrespetuous with their potential customers! (not only if they're 'pale skinned' or not, i guess it is more a matter of 'if it is okay for the bouncer so it is for the place'. I guess is there is a place on Earth where you should mistreat customers in order to be successful?. They say no but i've seen quite discriminatory tactics on their door personnel.

# Lucy Urban says :
30 July, 2007 20:57:39

Wow, this sound so really bad, I was dyng to know the name of this place , thanks to Alberto[ posted on June 8th] the name of this "cafe] Mama Batata , by the way, the name is ugly ! for what I hear, this is not a good place to be . It is about time people realize the RACISM is out of the question, even though Peruvians are used to this kind of treatment for too long ,[ unfortunately] it is about time to do some- thing, weak up, stand up for your rights !! Am sure the owner had his "COMPADRE" to resolved this incident and paid lots of money, so he or she comes 'clean' as a Peruvian am disgusted.

# Lucy Urban says :
30 July, 2007 21:00:22

By the way I couldn't or will, rate this !!!!!

# Gianfranco Bagletto says :
8 August, 2007 13:17:15

I went there more than once.  I didn't see many white skinned peruvians at all.  I don't know why Clara Kliros is so displease about that place she hasn't even been there and she is already judging it.  Typical peruvian who says she hates racism and she loves her cluture, people, music, food, etc and yet she marries a white guy.  Did your family said something like "casate con un gringo para que mejores tu raza"?  Why didn't you keep your last name?  Is it something like Quispe o Perez?  I don't believe in racism but to be honest with you you'll find that everywhere in the world.  There's racism everywhere so don't be blind and before you ask me where I'm from.  I'm from the beautiful place named PERU....and no I don't live in the states I live here in PERU.  Mama Batata will still be there in all of the discoteques as long as they have thier clientele so don't worry about it.  Another thing how would you like the idea of going to a bar in NYC and be seated next to rowdy black folks or latinos?  No wonder you married a white guy, right.  Chola acomplejada!

# DJ Relax says :
11 August, 2007 23:28:15

Now, THAT is an example of ('white?') racism in Lima. No matter how many serious Institutions (INDECOPI, Aprodeh, AI, newspaper ) and serious sociologist have said, there will be some RACIST and retrograde people in Lima-PERU who will figth for their 'ghettos'. FYI, there´s no such thing as 'white' peruvians, even with your 'italic' last name (if it is your real name). Go to europe and you will find out nobody think you are 'white'......turkey as much...(turco o PAVO, como quieras). You said (I quote):... "I don't believe in racism but to be honest with you you'll find that everywhere in the world.  There's racism everywhere so don't be blind...".....It seems to me you are agree BECAUSE you are HERE in Lima, where YOU are the perpetrator of the RACISM, but if you go to England or some other places in Europe, YOU will be the object of RACISM,...and why?!?!?....guess what, ...YOUR SKIN COLOR......yes!. You are another 'wanna be gente' in Lima, a pumpkin who lives of daddy´s money.....or a 'pituco misio'........

# Robert Schuler says :
13 August, 2007 21:36:09

You know.  I've been to Peru many times.  I believe one of the problems Peru has is there is no unity within themselves.  People try to be Italian because of their last names or Germans, etc.  There is no patriotism at all.  Peru is a lovely country without a doubt.  Gianfranco is right about racism I do believe you see it more in Latin America than in any other country.  Hopefully it will change for the better. 

# Silvia Lopez says :
14 August, 2007 22:10:40

I have been to MB several times and I think it is a great place, good music, fun and nice. I´m a tipical Peruvian, dark skin and black hair, never had a problem to come in, neither my friends. Some bars don´t allow some people because they are trouble makers or they are drunk and they must not allow them in because they bother other customers. It is important to keep a good atmosphere in the business you run in order to have the customers come again. Sometimes there are guys who cannot behave and it is ok if they are not allowed in. By the way, we "cholos" we are the most racist in this country, I have a close friend who is a dermatologist and most of his clients ask him how they can become "whiter", if they would be comfortable with their skin color they would never ask such a question. It is about attitude, I am a "chola" and I am happy with myself, and if someone does not like me, too bad for them, that does not affect me. Stop all this nonsense with racism, there is no racism if you politely give an inteligent answer to the person who might discriminate you!

# DJ Relax says :
17 August, 2007 22:03:25

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2fcueuny7s

Now, do you have anything to say about RACISM? OK, say it to Cafe del Mar or Mama Batata, both of them have probed charge of RACISM. To deny RACISM in Peru is kind of bad joke. And to deny RACISM in Larcomar....well, is not worth even to discuss it.

# Andres says :
21 August, 2007 12:07:37

Who the F*** cares!!!  If you don't like it there ,....then go somewhere else.  Nothing is going to change.  Looser......

What kind of name is DJ Relax....?  QUE FEO CHOLO!

# Marco says :
24 August, 2007 13:09:58

Andres, you are missing the point. Is not about the Mama Batata per sé: is about the racism and the dispicable policies of the peruvian enterteinment business. I see you are racist, so sad for you. The only certain thing in life is karma will gets you, no matter what, so don´t spit to sky (you could be speckled)....may be your son could outcome a little "brown", or maybe will be "gay"...or married you ended up married to a "chola" (or "cholo") .....I have seen too much people have to "swallow a frogg" (tragarse un sapo) because their way of thinking or saying. You don´t deserve to call PERUVIAN, ...huevonaso.

# Pedro says :
31 August, 2007 21:57:39

I`ll never back to that place because of the racism that I could see against other people.

# kath says :
20 September, 2007 19:36:26

I really like this place, nice people, good music, and funn place...but u have to go early because there´s a lot of people trying to get inside..

# Clara Vega-Kliros says :
22 September, 2007 15:42:25

Gianfranco
I haven't been reading these posts for a while so I couldn't answer sooner to your kind words. Just let me tell you that you are simply a miserable ... wanna be Italian, that probably hasn't been for a while and decided to attack somebody on the web because that's what cowards with ;do. I wonder why your Daddy or Mommy named you Gianfranco (a typical Peruvian name...does it make you feel whiter?) Do you call your grandmother Nonna? I'm sure you do. You must belong to one of those cheesy Peruvian families that have never set foot, have no idea about Italian history and neither speak the language but are PROUD to be Italian....Peruvian by mistake? isn't that how they called it? Do you carry 2 passports? Whay did your grand father did in Italy to end up in the third world? He was not doing that great in Italy I guess that had to come in a ship among rats and lice.....or even worst is he a war criminal?  Do you have any idea what I am talking about? I doubt it.
 My last name is Vega-Kliros and I did keep my last name because is has always been part of me and did not want to give it up. I believe that the Spanish style of calling yourself  Mrs.xxxx DE xxxxx is nothing but an old fashioned, male chauvinistic style..... so I kept my last name, it was my choice. On this post I signed only under Kliros, on others only under Vega and on others both (look and check "Ragazzo") so I am not ashamed of my last name why should I?.  And not my family never told me to marry a "gringo" to "better" my race... this is the most ridiculous thing I ever heard...my family would never say something so stupid like that but your comments are typical of a wanna be Italian/white Peruvian. Did your family told you ONLY marry a white girl so you keep our race pure and white or make sure that she is ONLY northern Italian...please never a Sicilian..? probably they did...WE ARE NOT THE SAME, DO NOT CONFUSE YOURSELF.
If I married a "gringo" like you said is because I fell in love with one and he happens to be white, had it been a black, asian, latino, cholo it would have been the same. I don't measure people by their skin color but for their values and education. I haven't been to MB that much is true but I keep my eyes and ears open and have friends that were denied entry and are educated people, lawyers but not white, yes I have "cholo" friends...what a crime!!!. I also read the papers and keep myself informed and have no tolerance for ANY kind of discrimination . Calling me a "chola acomplejada" (insecure chola) does not offend me at all,  but it does show your true colors and your education level....I am what I am, and very proud of it, you can call me chola, mestiza, china chola, zamba, etc....whatever you please, if you want me I will dance a huayno for you....would you dance one? I'm sure you would rather die than  to let somebody see you dancing  a huayno ... what do you dance? trance?.
 By the way I am considered "white" in Peru (but I DON"T call myself one because to me there is white and white) and had never had a problem getting into a fancy place with or without my "gringo" husband. I just don't go to places like MB because of their racist rep.
I never stated that racism ONLY exists in Peru, only an ingnorant person would say that, it exists everywhere with the difference that it is tolerated in Peru by people like you. I don't belong to the type of person that ONLY complains when they feel personally affected, I complain when I see injustice done and yes...to others too. So again we are not the same, don't confuse yourself.
If I live in NYC is again my choice and it will be only temporarily since I love my country I am moving back with my imported "gringo" husband that happens to love my country . But one thing is sure....my kids might be born "white" or "whiter" and with a foreign last name but they will be tought not to tolerate discrimination and NEVER EVER use words such as cholo, negro, zambo, I will make sure that they don't become part of the problem. Because people like you (racists) are a problem, parasites in a beautiful country with plenty of illnesses.
So....
 Ciao deficiente

# Fernando says :
28 September, 2007 19:50:40

The were fined for having racist attitudes. the news were all over the media, tv radio and newspaper. they are racists. period. besides.. the service, the food and the place is nothing out of the ordinary...

# Laura says :
8 October, 2007 13:56:26

It doesnt surprise much about the racism incidents....the other day i went into a departament store with my swedish hubby and the alarm rang....they stopped the peruvians next to us, not us...and it WAS us because they forgot to take away some alarm on our stuff....they assumed it was the peruvians and not us because we are gringo (i am white, my grandpa was english)...i got so mad io told the guy "hey its us dude" and he said "oh no problem, you may continue" i mean WTF? I am peruvian and i have lived more than half of my life away but this kind of episodes annoy the hell out of me....and reading this about Mama Batata doesnt surprise me.... I just hope that someday us peruvians start to assume that WE ARE ALL CHOLOS AND PROUD. Whiteness doesnt mean good and cholo doesnt mean bad.

I went to MB once and i liked the performance of the girl on wed night but i wont go again....bitches....thing is this happens almost everywhere so what to do...stop going everywhere? could anyone tell me a nice place where people is not racist? thanks....:)

# Pablo says :
18 October, 2007 17:50:29

jajajajajajajaja......I think this is what Peru's major problem is.  There is no unity between us.  That is why Peru is like it is.  Unfortunately Peru hasn't changed a bit I believe it is still the same old country that discriminates and are ashamed of their heritage and culture.  Gianfranco, DJ Relax, Clara, etc.... why do you guys argue?  You know I don't live in Peru so I don't know what is going on anymore.  But as I recall Peru has always been a country that discriminates about your skin and looks.  If you're white and poor you are welcomed everywhere but if your an indian and rich you're not and if you are the people around you are hypocrites.  Even the cholos discriminates other cholos.....I don't get that.  I just try to live life as happy as I can.  That is all. 

# Coset says :
15 December, 2007 17:54:38

personally I think that this bar isn't racist and is really cool and also if u are single u can cop off with whoever you want I noticed that,,!! hahaha, it reminds me very good times..!

# Russ says :
17 December, 2007 13:33:39

I was at this bar on the 11th of Dec. and heard one of the best rock bands in a long time.  This group was excellent.  I understand that they play every Tuesday night.  Can anyone give me the name of the group that played that night?  I'd like to get in touch with them.  Thanks.

# Russ says :
17 December, 2007 15:37:15

I found the name of the group that played last week "La hija del granjero"  They are great.  I recommend to see them.  The only problem is that the show is too short.  I could have listened to them much longer.

# AH says :
21 December, 2007 23:35:09

I live in US and visit Peru for business once a month. I ALWAYS go to MB and have a blast...nice music, drinks...but I only go on Thursdays just to see the most beautiful lady there is in Peru and that's the singer for the band (couple) that plays that day. She really kills me. If somebody can tell me her name or email or some' I'll appreciate it.  She is the only reason why I go to that place.
A.H.

# Jose Alejandro says :
25 December, 2007 17:15:50

Giancarlo....are you there.... where  are you hiding...? I am expecting a reply from you re. Clara's counter-argument....you should come forward by re-arguing that you are entitled to your opinion... that regardless of whatever position Clara might adopt to compromise her principles....Clara's statements do deserve all due respect as well as yours....C'mon..
show me that you are a warrior....that you are firm biliever of your personal convictions....whether they came from your ancestros or you acquiesed them on your own....through personal experience. After all, everything boils down to the same f....sh....which could be construed as the mega question: WHAT'S THE COLOR OF YOUR SKIN ? LIKE IT OR NOT....TAKE IT AS IT IS OR LEAVE IT 

# Diego Towers says :
8 January, 2008 00:49:42

C´mon guys! RACIST PLACE, period. Say no mare about this joint. It is embarassing to defend this place. As a peruvian, I´m very ashamed of those fellows citizens who talk about how great it is there. What an awful impresse of our country.

# Rocio says :
29 January, 2008 11:33:48

Hello,

First of all, let me just say WOW!!!! I had no idea things were still like this over there. I left Lima almost 10 yrs. ago and last time I went back was before MB got popular.

I am going back to Lima in the next few months and I am sure I will be going to MB with a very mixed group. I am darker skin than most of the people who will go with me, so I might just try to get in before and see what kind of response I get from the admin. people/bouncers. 

The comments trying to advocate for a society full of racism made me sick at first, hopefully by reading some of the more educated comments those people will learn something and have a different perspective. The fact that racism has many times been present in our country somehow does not make it acceptable to be allowed to continue. 

I shall return to this website, and hopefully with a positive comment.

Best,

Rocio

# Elena says :
30 January, 2008 21:58:50

Rocio, maybe the place is not RACIST anymore, who knows, but is general consensous among peruvians that racism has always been present in the enteteirment business, as far as we remember.

# Glenn Everett says :
5 March, 2008 17:42:26

I've lived here for 4 years and have been coming here for 20 with my Peruvian wife.  I love the country and the people but am amused by the racism, I understand it, the conflict between a dominant conquering culture over the conquered, but seeing it in action is quite sad. Especially considering that the "white" Peruvians (those of Italian descent) would be considered "Dagos" and "wops" in my native racist U.S.

# Matti Tenhunen says :
22 March, 2008 20:25:11

I'm a Finn married w Peruvian woman. We are living in America and I have visited Peru several times. I love it and hopefully we will move there soon. However, this racism is really bothering me there. Not saying there's no racism here or in Finland, but I have seen similar cases like this in different places in Peru. My solution to this is to refuse to go those so called "high class places" and go to have your Cristal in cheapest "cholo cantina" in the hood listening Vico. And belive me: I had my best time in those bars in Peru. MB and all of you: no gracias. Arriba Peru!

# antonio ascue says :
3 April, 2008 23:41:44

hey all you idiots simple if u think that mb is racist and this and that just dont fuking go there anymore ok theres plenty of other places better places in peru where you wont feel the racism so stop making publiciti for this place wich by the way is not a great deal and the people that goes there arent that kool either theres more ugly chicks than cute ones and why everybody including me write all this comments in english if we speak spanish>??..and we talk about racism??? ha no jodan!

# Stan Maldon says :
2 May, 2008 22:47:38

holy crap! I didn't think I would read every single comment that was posted here, but I did!!. this was better than a telenovela... But seriously guys what's going on with all this racism in Peru? I thought we were past this sh** I left Peru 18 years ago and this crap was going on then and looks like still does.. I love my country and my people.....and can't stand the fact that places like MB and those other "exclusive" public places and people like this guy Bagletto and many other pitucos misios o con plata.. try to get away with this type of sh** all they do is alienate our peple and create more division among peruvians rather than finding common denominators to unite and improve all equally. 
Fortunately, our country willingly or not has exported a lot of peruvians, a lot of cholos like me that have had the opportunity to be educated in the US and Europe and had the chance to live other socio-economic reality and now are willing to share our experiences and make a difference in our native country. Clara and others in this posting are a good example of this new surge of great peruvian minds yearning for social equality; I'm 100% with them and my stance is that we must unite to eliminate racism from our country.
For those interested send me a note to jons3000@gmail.com ; let's start a movement on the web to unite all our expatriate cholos, JUNTOS we put pressure to the peruvian government and help our country overcome racism.

# Manuela Sanchez says :
5 May, 2008 19:43:42

Mamá Batata is RACIST. This is what a reliable friend told me:

She and her group of friends decided to celebrate a guy´s birthday at Mamá Batata. When they wanted to enter, the guard said there was not space in the place, so they couldn´t enter. But at the same time, they saw that other people were entering in front of them!
This is not the worst: after some pressure, the guard finally accepted that SOME of them enter. And HE DECIDED WHO WERE THE "FORTUNATE" people!!! He chose according to their physical aspect!!!!!! My female friend was left out. Her skin was too dark for them.

This is only ONE of several stories I´ve heard all these years, in addition to what different newspapers and the CNDH have denounced.

Every time somebody invites me to celebrate something at Mamá Batata, I ALWAYS refuse. We, the costumers, need to be aware of this UNACCEPTABLE RACIST AND DISCRIMINATORY BEHAVIOUR, and we have to punish these people by not consuming anything from them.

# Rafa says :
7 May, 2008 12:44:00

Thank you for letting us know about that place. We will make sure to avoid it and relay the sad message to all our friends and acquaintances who visit Peru. I also have a couple of cousins that own travel agencies in New York and California- for sure they will help the cause.

# Fiorella says :
14 May, 2008 18:38:48

A mi me encanta Mama Batata... La unica discriminación que he visto ha sido por edad, nada mas. Yo voy desde hace 4 años y seguire yendo, es uno de los mejores lugares en donde la gente es chevere (y encuentras de todo tipo racil) y la pasas mostro, especialmente los miercoles.

# Mario says :
6 June, 2008 16:23:37

The comments I've seen here shows lots of interesting points of view about racism, even those being typical samples of the narrow minded thinking (?) of some tiny limeños kept by mummy inside fantasy bubbles.

Suggesting things like "if you don't like it or if you think the place is racist just go somewhere else and that's all" shows how poor brains can some people have. The suggestion, in terms of peruvian laws, means that if people at Mama Batata has money or contacts enough to break the law, the rest of people should stay shut about it and let them continue. Wrong. So low IQ, also.

The peruvian Constitution and the peruvian Civilian Code forbid strictly all kinds of discrimination, including racial discrimination, and considering it a serious offense against law. So, it is a must for any citizen to report any discrimination incident to the authorities. On the opposite, not reporting the incidents and just "going somewhere else" is a coward attitude.

There are lots of places in the world (and I am not sure if also in Peru) wher if someone witnesses a crime or an offense to the law and desn't report it, it is considered accomplice and guilty of covering the offense up for the criminal.

So yes, if you note discrimination in a place, not only stop going there, report it also!!!!.

Finally, by different reasons like friendship, work, personal contact, etc. I've known administrators of places like Gotica and Mama Batata (including Percy McKay, who was the administrator when the place was fined for discrimination acts) and YES, in private conversations, ALL OF THEM ACCEPT THEY DON'T WANT "CHOLOS" IN THEIR PLACES.

Of course, this is nothing I could prove on a court, but I've heard from them, and nobody will tell me it is a lie.

# AG says :
14 June, 2008 12:36:04

MB was one of my favorite places but after hearing about racism, sexism, and clasism and doing the research, I'll never go back.

# CLARA ESTA LOCA says :
17 July, 2008 17:44:00

RACISMO EN MAMA BATATA??? POR DIOSSSSSSSSSSSS!! ES IMPOSIBLEEEEEEEE, ENTREN AL LINK Q PUSIERON www.lima2night.com, yo ya no voy xq el ambiente ha empeorado terriblemente! igual q Embarcadero.. la vdd MAMA BATATA NOOOOO ES RACISTAAAA PARA NAAAAADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

# Sederis Ford says :
21 July, 2008 14:48:24

As an African-American that grew up in South Carolina, and after spending about an hour in Mama Batata, I saw no rascism what so ever. It shocked me to see the youtube versions of newcasts about the alleged discrimination going on in LarcoMar. While I was in MB, I believe I saw more gente de color than anything else, which was also a shock to me because I had been living in Santiago, Chile for a while and became used to being the only dark-skinned person for miles. My friends that are of European descent and have blonde hair and light eyes didn't experience any troubles at all either. We didn't have to explain our being there to anyone and no one asked. We all just had a great time and everyone I came into contact with was pleasant.

This is all not say that there isn't racism in Peru. There is racism EVERYWHERE and we all would be stupid to think that a racist person couldn't slip through the cracks and walk into Mama Batata. All we can do as human beings is promote behavior that puts down that type of ignorance instead of fussing and arguing over labels and dictionary explanations of "what this person is, what color they are, what ethnic background they come from and what origin their last name derives from".

p.s. I left that night after noticing that there weren't a lot of heterosexual men and went to Oita Noma in Barranco---GREAT PLACE. VIVA PERU....

# hulisocoed says :
18 August, 2008 11:21:20

Looking man

# Richard says :
30 November, 2008 16:49:35

This place is horrible, and the door staff are definitely directed as to the type of people they want or do not want. Boycott this place.

# Ñol says :
13 December, 2008 19:39:20

Escriban en castellano y  los que no entienden que aprendan no jodan !!

Que atorrantada todo esto, estamos en Perú !

Si te vas a otros paises tendras que amoldarte a su lengua, por que aca tenemos que dar todo facil....

# Patricia Fuentes says :
18 December, 2008 17:31:39

I'm writing this for my wife.  I am an American and my wife is a Peruvian and we took my brother just yesterday December 17 2008 to Larcomar and we were looking for a place to have some drinks and food.  We looked around and decided we wanted to try the Mama Batata, it looked like a nice, fun place.  So when we went to go in, the Bouncer asked my wife, who is 23 years old for her DNI so he could see how old she was.  He did not ask my brother who is 20 or me 23 for our ID's.  He looked at her DNI and then said that you are not allowed to enter unless you are 25 years old or over.  At first I thought it was rather strange, but the more I thought about it, the more it upset both her and me.  I have spent lots of time in Peru, and never found a place that had any restrictions on age unless it was 18, because that is the age of adulthood here.  SO, we have come to the conclusion that it was obviously race driven, because she is not the proper color/race/whatever for the MAMA BATATA.  I find this absoulutly absurd and disgusting.  You can not tell me that you must be 25 to enter a bar in Lima - Peru.  That is a horrible excuss and I wish I could do something to change this type of discrimination. 

MAMA BATATA is the worse place I have ever been to in Peru. 

# Richard says :
21 December, 2008 11:06:22

Nol- This is a english website targeting expats who want to read in and comment in english or peruvians interested to do the same.

# Brenda says :
25 December, 2008 16:36:43

Mama Batata is a very good place to go...great music and the best group there is Hija Del Granjero, it is excelent rock music.
It's not racist so stop talking shit....go to lima.2night.com select lima and see the pictures there....very diffrent people from all ethnic group and cultures. If you didn't get in..to bad for you...stop judging and see proof....ohh and get life. Because trashing about a place is stupid and seems desperate. Especially You Carla... and that "get a life" part was for you. =)

# javier rivera says :
25 December, 2008 20:09:36

went to mama batata, i did not see any white peruvian, most were dark people like myself in decent clothes, i think mama batata like most clubs discrimite on potencial revenue, for instance it is hard to enter most clubs in NY or miami if you dont look the part, if you want talk about racist places, just go to Asia were maids are not allowed to swin the ocean.

# Carla is a bitch...From M...,B...,V... says :
27 December, 2008 19:12:09

Carla you should get a life. Brenda is right i agree with her 100%.
If you dont like keep it to yourself. Who cares what you think. You want everyone on this page to hate Mama Batata but it's no gonna happen. So give it a rest! =)

# Juana says :
16 January, 2009 21:55:49

Asi como suena mi nombre asi soy yo chola 100%. He visitado mama batata y no he sentido racismo por ningun lado. Lo q si note es q el lugar es muy chico para taaaaaaaaaaanta gente. Mis hermanas visitan mama batata los fines de semana y no han tenido problemas y asi como yo, ellas son 100% cholas. El problema "creo" es q hay muchas prostitutas en Miraflores y los chicos de la puerta tienen q sacarlas al ojo y de seguro q algunas veces se equivocan. A mi no me gustaria tomar al lado de una chica q esta tratando de hacer su noche a mi lado. Si ven otras paginas q tienen fotos se pueden dar cuenta q Mama Batata es un lugar normal con muchos cholos, blancos, negros, gordas, flacas, chatos altos, feas, feos, siliconeadas, sin culos, maricas, etc, etc. Volveria a ir? Definitivamente la pensaria 3 veces por q no me gusta estar aplastada. Si pudieran recomendarme un lugar como este pero q sea mas amplio se los agradeceria muchisimo. If you want this comment in english use a translator.

# Brenda says :
18 January, 2009 17:31:42

Juana your 100% right. I agree with you very much. Yes it is crowded but an excelent place to be at.

# Brenda says :
18 January, 2009 17:34:55

Hey MB person,

If your reading this last Tuesday I attended Mama Batata and saw the Group Hija Del Granjero. I love that band. You should give them a rise and make them perform more the band is very good, but the singer you can tell she is not interested (Tati...i think that's her name).
Well

# Brenda says :
18 January, 2009 17:34:59

Hey MB person,

If your reading this last Tuesday I attended Mama Batata and saw the Group Hija Del Granjero. I love that band. You should give them a rise and make them perform more the band is very good, but the singer you can tell she is not interested (Tati...i think that's her name).
Well for

# Brenda says :
18 January, 2009 17:35:04

Hey MB person,

If your reading this last Tuesday I attended Mama Batata and saw the Group Hija Del Granjero. I love that band. You should give them a rise and make them perform more the band is very good, but the singer you can tell she is not interested (Tati...i think that's her name).
Well for the

# Ricardo M says :
29 January, 2009 15:29:21

Soy seguidor de MB desde años, este fin de semana como todos ví que en la puerta "filtraban", no soy racista para nada, en la puerta habia un sujeto que realmente daba temor verlo ingresar y sentarte a su lado, me parece muy bien que filtren de alguna manera a personas que puedan hacer sentir incómodos al resto. Esto no es racismo, esto es mantener el orden y seguridad dentro del local donde estoy. Me sentí protegido.
Por otro lado, también estan las "bricheras" (mujeres que levantan gringos) y "bricheros" (hombres que levantan mujeres gringas) que pretenden hacer sus negocios adentro, incomodando a los que estamos divirtiéndonos sanamente.
Cada quien debe estar donde su círculo social lo acepta y no resalta de manera desagradable. Y si quieren integrarse, pueden hacerlo pero acomoándose a los hábitos normales.

# Ricardo says :
29 January, 2009 15:53:15

# Ñol says :
13 December, 2008 19:39:20

Escriban en castellano y  los que no entienden que aprendan no jodan !!

Que atorrantada todo esto, estamos en Perú !

Si te vas a otros paises tendras que amoldarte a su lengua, por que aca tenemos que dar todo facil....

Definitivamente el que ha creado este thread tiene quiere hacerlo público fuera de Perú porque siente algún tipo de molestia.

# ricardo rivera says :
29 January, 2009 21:29:09

MB solo filtra a las putas y a los que parecen peligrosos, no filtra por raza, basta ver que la mayoria adentro son bien cholos como yo, lo que pasa es que a la gente le encanta sentirse no racista denunciando esto...

# brayan mamani says :
6 March, 2009 11:33:49

THAT PLACE IS SO CRAPPY RACIST!

# ricardo rivera says :
7 March, 2009 11:19:17

fui a mama batata el el viernes pasado, y observe la politica de la puerta, no dejan entrar a los menores de 25 años, en general, tampoco a las que parecen putas y van a trabajar alla, me imagino que los de la puerta ya las identifican, luego a la 1:30 el lugar esta lleno y se forma cola, en verdad no observe que no dejaran entrar cholos (las cosas por su nombre), en realidad la gran mayoria adentro eran o cholos o gringos, ademas como va cambiando el peru, a la mayoria no le interesa ya las razas basta ver las parejas de ahora, en dos generaciones creo que no queda ni un rubio en lima...

# Piero says :
25 March, 2009 23:26:08

Muy buen lugar para tomar unos tragos bien preparados y con excelente musica en vivo, al menos con la Hija del Granjero (Tati es una super artista). Vayan y se divertirán, salvo para leer la carta porque con la baja luz no se ve ni shit....

# jorge says :
26 March, 2009 01:11:59

racisistas

# Amo a Chayo Saldarriaga!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! says :
29 March, 2009 20:59:01

Write your comments in English please!
LiP staff

# Flaquis says :
2 July, 2009 17:35:31

I don´t understand why you complain so much about racism at MB if the most people that visit that place are "cholos" and "gringos". But if you love so much the "cholos" I invite you to their discos at the conos only to see how all of you were throw out with a kick in your with asses, because in case you didn´t know "cholos" are much racist as "white people", but how do you know that if you did´t live at Peru?

# Luis Khopper says :
14 July, 2009 16:47:58

I am a Peruvian with a "foreign" last name with blonde hair and blue eyes.  I often go to Mama Batata with a bunch of friends. Some are white peruvians and some are not.  By no means my non white peruvian friends have ever felt discriminated against at this bar.  Everytime I go there the place is packed of people of different backgrounds. Please do not give this place a bad name.  Feel free to go to the page on facebook and you will notice the diverse group of people that like to go and just have a good time.  And to my peruvians living abroad...stop with the racism stuff...in Peru and especially in Lima there are a great number of white Peruvians with FOREIGN last names.

# PEPE says :
26 September, 2009 14:04:05

I can't comment on racism in Peru at this moment because the last time that I was there was 1999, but lived there for a 15 months. I saw black friends of mine denied access to certain clubs, although people knew they were gringos. Due to the issue, we also left the establishment. However, once the money was shown by our black friends, they didn't have a problem letting in our darker bretheren. So, I found it wasn't so much racism based on color of skin, but amount of money.

I won't comment on whether this location is a racist organization. But, I will say that I have never seen many white Peruvians, although they claimed themselves to be. They usually changed their designation after having saw myself (Not Albino, but damn close). But, don't forget that pendilum swings both ways. I tried to enter an establishment that lower income people generally frequented. Although they let me in, the security asked my white a&* to leave. So, the racial divide works both ways. But, you'll never see a human rights report on the lower income racial locations. We only like to point at the one on the podium.

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