Jerry C.
Yelp
One of my friends lives across the street from the new Casa Playa. Three of us decided to check it out for dinner on a Thursday night. It's a full block off the A1A, so very few tourists would stumble upon the spot unless they knew about it.
The restaurant ambiance is upscale (from the A1A spring break tourist row) beautiful with a large open bar, outdoor and indoor dining tables, and private room. It gives off a very "airy and breezy" vibe.
The cuisine and cocktail focus is Peruvian. Their on the rocks margarita variations are fabulous! Of course they also serve Piscos.
Most of the menu appeared to be classical or clasico dishes with acknowledgement of the ethnic diversity of Peru.
We shared a Tuna Ceviche Nikkei, a Japanese-Peruvian fusion ahi tuna ceviche. We gobbled it up and wished for more.
Ric N went for a traditional Peruvian Fried Seafood Jalea, lightly breaded, deep fried calamari, mussels, shrimp, scallops and clams. It was delicious, especially with the lime salsa criolla.
Rick L ordered Lomo Saltado, a classic Cantonese-Peruvian fusion wok stir-fried dish of steak strips, red onions, tomatoes, French fries and soy sauce, served over rice. It did taste like an excellent Chinese takeout.
I jumped at my favorite Peruvian dish, Lechon Asado, slow-marinated roast pork with the usual black beans, sautéed onions and sweet plantains. Except for not getting any roasted skin on high I love, it was as very tasty.
Service was great, possibly because except for a small office dinner party at one table finishing up, we were the only ones dining inside. Regardless, we will definitely be back.
Casa Playa is a hidden gem in the quiet neighborhood section of the beach, behind the A1A and huge hotels. What a find.