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Gastronomy

Mexican Restaurant: Como Agua Para Chocolate

By Ben Jonjak

For some time now, people have been telling me that the best Mexican restaurant in Peru is Como Agua Para Chocolate, and I have to say that after dining there last Friday, I'm inclined to agree. Occupying a bright yellow, two-story building in the center of San Isidro, Como Agua Para Chocolate offers a delightful mix of Mexican, Peruvian and even Dutch traditions. If you're a fan of margaritas (and who isn't) this is a definite must-see location.
The first floor is the restaurant of Como Agua Para Chocolate, and the decor is rustic and charming. The heavy yellows and orange colors create a soothing yet playful ambiance for dining. My group came during the early afternoon, but I think this is the type of restaurant that would really come alive in the evening hours. Hanging just inside the entryway is a sombrero playfully decorated with the colors of the Mexican flag. In fact, sombreros abound throughout the establishment, and I was told by our host Alejandra van Sprang that, should your party require it, there are plenty of sombreros to go around!
Upstairs is a Dutch bar which offers games such as darts and backgammon. They also strive for a wider than average (for Peru) variety of beers and even have Guinness on seasonal occasions.

Returning downstairs, Alejandra wasted no time starting us out with a couple margaritas that certainly lived up to their reputation as among the best of Lima. These were accompanied by some chips with tomato, onion and guacamole dip. Now, I've always been a huge fan of guacamole, and it constantly amazes me how that singular dip can have such a wide variety of flavors depending on how it is prepared. I've sampled guacamole from all over the world, and that served by Como Agua Para Chocolate was among the best in terms of flavor and texture.

Next came a plate of quesadillas (the second best guacamole accompaniment, after margaritas) and "Flautas" (finger thick rolls of beef in tortilla shells).

The appetizers disappeared with remarkable velocity and we were quickly on to the entrees. The first was a plate of fajitas which were among the best I've ever sampled. Although chicken and beef fajitas are common throughout the world, Alejandra saw fit to serve us beef and shrimp fajitas which had, for me, a new and delightful flavor. I've often said that when it comes to fajitas, the tortilla makes the meal, and let me assure you that their tortillas were light and delicious.

After the fajitas came a plate called "Pollo Borracho" (drunk chicken) which Alejandra explained was similar to a Belgian dish but which replaced traditional European beer with Corona. The chicken on this plate was extremely tender and filling.

After the Pollo Borracho came a remarkable plate called Acapulco Mixto. It was a mix of beef, shrimp, and fish but was exceptional in how it used its spice. After a couple bites, you could feel the heat rising on your tongue. However, it never got too hot or overpowering, and the spice provided the perfect backdrop to the flavor of the dish. Alejandro assured me that the items on the menu were all mild, but if a client were to request a hot dish, the kitchen would be able to accommodate them (we've all got a few friends who constantly crave "hot" food, hopefully a few of them will read this article and take Como Agua Para Chocolate up on their offer...and then write us a report).

To finish, we were served a plate called Mole Poblano (chicken in chocolate sauce), and a strawberry and cream dessert.

The entrees at Como Agua Para Chocolate are in the S/. 25-30 range, and the restaurant also offers a daily menu for S/. 24.50 (S/. 21.50 for the "light" version). Operating hours are Monday to Friday 12-4, 6-10 (although they can be open as late as 12 if the clients are still there), and on Saturday from 6-10 as well. Additionally, they have begun to offer a wine and cheese special two weekends a month which includes a bottle of wine and 250 grams of cheese for S/. 50.  For fine Mexican dining, Como Agua Para Chocolate is the place to go! Como Agua Para Chocolate Pancho Fierro 108 San Isidro, Lima Telf: 222 0297


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6 comments

Graciela Bareiro says :
16-06-09,08:50:47

Your comments about Como agua para chocolate sound great!  "Se me hace agua la boca", and I can't wait to try the guacamole there.

Luis says :
17-06-09,12:28:32

Not bad, but it's not really "truly Mexican" food...  

Elena ter Haar says :
17-06-09,04:57:09

We had our 'despedida' party at this great place, it was a blast even when all the lights and music went of because there was a total 'apagon' in San Isidro! The owners, who are really great people, solved the problem by putting candles everywhere... and the party just went on as nothing had happened. Are you looking for a relaxed place to give a party, with all kinds of drinks and snacks, this is just the right place to do it!

Jair says :
17-06-09,09:35:22

I am sorry budy but this food is no for me ,if I don´t have another food maybe am going to trying , I was living in florida 10 years and tryed two or tree times never more ,pisco sower  is a long better to margarita. Thanks your information ,,

jaimejimmy says :
18-06-09,11:36:55

For the few gringos here I can tell you that we REALLY miss our out west TEX MEX. I have no doubt that the food you are writing about tastes absolutely wonderfull, as all of the food here explodes with taste in your mouth. It's just that, take chifa for example, through evolution, it barely resembles Chinese food. I enjoy them both equally but it is not the same.  When my wifes family would visit the states, they did not like the Chinese and it took several forced trips to my Mexican hotspots before they started to enjoy this food.As for mexican, the guacamole (wacky as they say in my La Frontera) anywhere can be absoulutely great and follows a basic recipe for the most part. Fajitas also follow a general recipe and are always a favorite. For me it is the smothered burrito that hasn't been recreated here, perhaps because of the refried beans and the cheddar cheese. I take full advantage of every chance I can to have a couple of bricks of sharp cheddar brought over.  Don't get me wrong, I would NOT trade my life here for anything, maybe I shoud just invite you over to MI COCINA so you can fully understand what I CRAVE FOR............

Kassandra nunez says :
17-11-09,08:44:22

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