Text by Chema Tovar (@chematovar)
Estación 329 is a coffee shop that has expanded into breadmaking; Miraflores now has two different stations to stop for bread and coffee.
Bread and coffee are the perfect combination; César Salazar has known this since before it became a trend. He is guilty of the abundance of coffee shops selling bread in Lima today. Cesar started very young in making others happy, first in cocktail bars that allowed him to pay for a degree in Hospitality and Tourism at the San Martín de Porres University. These bars became so popular that he sold the concept and furniture to anyone who asked.
I met him several years ago at his café @estación329cafe, in Miraflores. He is a tireless worker, and even though he is always busy, he never stops smiling or talking to his customers. I dare say that people don’t just go to his two cafes (there’s also a Station at 153 Bolívar Street, very close to Larco Avenue); we go as his friends because that’s how he treats us.
César talks about coffee and bread with such expertise that it’s always a pleasure to listen to him sharing his knowledge; most baristas in trendy cafes have trained in his bars and had an outstanding education. He knows that his staff is the most important asset of his company and cares for and respects them as much as his clientele.
About the Coffee
The coffee at Estación is on another level; whether pour-overs or espresso drinks, all are of a unique quality that César controls at every stage of the process, always making Peruvian coffee the protagonist.
The coffee menu is diverse, with many options, hot and cold, perfect for this hot Peruvian summer. If the list of names is strange and new to you, don’t hesitate to ask because all the staff is prepared to answer your questions and offer you the best.
About the Bread
Cesar tests his recipes multiple times before baking to make them as perfect as he can; the brioche is one of my favorites, a soft buttery crumb that you can eat as a sandwich or french toast. It’s fantastic, and they distribute it to many coffee shops in the city. However, the best place to enjoy a delicious croissant is in his stores, and if you’re lucky and arrive early, you can take them home.
The desserts are lovely, with the perfect amount of sugar, and always very fresh. The good vibes at Estación are so strong that you can spend hours sitting and talking to someone you’ve never seen. It’s a place that doesn’t tolerate pretentiousness or shyness. César and his team make it a friendly place where everything tastes delicious and is of top quality, but most importantly, the hospitality.
Constant Growth
Cesar is a visionary and continues to invest in the country; he has just moved production to a larger location in Surquillo and will soon bring us good news always associated with coffee and bread.
Go to Estación, order a coffee, and you’ll receive much more than that. People are always at their tables ready for a pleasant and selfless conversation, respecting different points of view, and laughter is frequent because good humor is present. Don’t worry if you feel like dipping something in your cup; do it confidently.
Being there is much like being in the kitchen of your own home.
IN THE KNOW: Estación 329 is located on the 329 Enrique Palacios Street in Miraflores.and also in Bolivar St. 153 Miraflores. Both locations are open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
