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Living in Peru
Melanie Bayly

This is not the Café 21 one might remember in Av. Pardo, this is the new and improved Café 21 restaurant owned by Thunderbird Hotels. They still have the one in Pardo but we went to the one in Alcanfores, by the Fiesta Casino, soon Café 21 will be in all Thunderbird Hotels.

We met with Sous chef Franco Ferreyra and he toured us around the casino, the different dinning areas and the kitchens. We first visited the Café 21 Restaurante. It has a minimalist decoration with browns and colorful neon yellow lights. There are two sections if you go down some stairs there is the smoking section which has the bar and the seating area has booths. If you go upstairs it has a more restaurant feel there are more tables and has a nice view of the casino, without the noise. The food served here is gourmet and even though the menu is small the dishes have been thought through and are made with skill.

Then we went to el Puente, this is a bar with live entertainment, you will defenately need to make a reservation, a nice thig is that you can get food from both restaurants, Café 21 and Salsa’s. The tables are tall and have red velvet chairs. Here you get a full view of the casino. The next one was the Salsa´s Bar and Grill, a restaurant full of life which serves more American style food. This part also serves an executive menu during lunch time. Here you get to see the Puente area with the live concert and if you don’t get to sit near the balcony there are several televisions where the concert is shown.

The most impressive room is the Bamboo. This room can only be used if reserved for special parties, and it seats 50 people. It is decorated with bright red leather sofas and huge TV screens everywhere. There is also a full bar at the entrance which will cater to you’re every need. The best part is there ias a Nintendo Wii and a Playstation, This is a fun way to spend one’s birthday, anniversary or any work celebration.


The Food

Once we finished the tour we went back to the restaurant where Franco delighted us with the dishes he had prepared for us.

We first ate the Rocoto relleno with oxtail. A spicy dish, a bit too spicy for my taste, but the oxtail glazed with malbec and the potato gratin made with cream. Even though this dish has potato and cream it is not a heavy one. Then came the Causa Gratinada, not you’re usual causa, this is as light as a soufflé. The potato is mixed with the diablo fish and a bit of aji Amarillo the texture is light and airy, served with ají Amarillo sauce. Another difference with the usual causa is that this is a dish served warm. The last entre we has was the ceviche. Served in a stylish martini glass made with delicious fresh corvina, it has a soft lemon taste and is garnished with a small camote ball, some sea weed and a gallette made with cancha serrana. At the bottom of the glass there is a nice surprise, a smooth rocoto gelatin.

As a main course Franco served us a Lomo Saltado, made with demi glace. Demi glace is the reduction of beef stock until it becomes thick and filled with flavors. This gives the sautéed beef a unique flavor. It is made with artichokes and asparagus. As usual it is served with rice and Peruvian style French fries. Then we tried the Lomo de pescado estilo Norte, served with soft yucca and a side of rice. The fish is made with chichi de jora and cilantro. It has a unique fishy taste, not too strong but present. I suggest dunking the rice in the sauce and enjoying every bite. Last but not least is the Red Quinoa Lasagna. The Red Quinoa is brought from Cuzco. This is and unusual dish one has to try. I can’t quite describe the taste of the quinoa it is different from the regular one which tastes like nuts, however they do look like mustard seeds on the plate.


For dessert we enjoyed the popular Bread pudding made with chancay bread. Served with a delicious vanilla prune sauce and vanilla ice cream, we also enjoyed a nice crema quemada with camotillo served with a crunchy pecan gallette. A good combination, however I would rather have it a bit warm.

Cafe 21 has been open for only two months, and will soon become a favorite to lunch at for people working in the near by area, and at night time for the young crowd who can just dine or dine and then have a go at the casino. I think it is worth the try and since it is just beginning remember to always leave you’re suggestions so it can improve those small details, help them make this you’re restaurant.


The Facts

Café 21



Address: General Borgoño 116, Htl Thunderbird Hotels Pardo, Miraflores
Phone number: 616-9900
Hours: Monday through Sunday 11:00 am to 02:00 am
Valet Parking: Yes
Terrace: No
Reservation recommended: Yes, with large groups
Cards accepted: ALL major cards.
Business friendly: Yes.
Handicap accessible: Help available
Catering for special dietary needs: Yes.
Full bar: Yes
Expect to spend: $20.00 - $30.00
Service Charge: included in the price
Descorche: free