Mark T.
Yelp
Peru Criollo was my second experience with Peruvian food (after Cabra) and my first experience with home-style Peruvian cooking. I could be way off-base, but I think this is as authentic as it gets.
To start, I had an opportunity to try the Empanadas De Carne (Peruvian Baked Turnovers), and the Choclo a La Parrilla Con Queso (Peruvian Grilled Street Corn). For a main, I had the Pollo al Vino (Chicken in Red Wine Sauce).
Empanadas = these were as fresh as could be. Even after spending a couple minutes on the plate, the filling was too hot to eat (how embarrassing!) The dough was tasty and in perfect amount and firmness; just enough to add some flavor and not fall apart. The filling was fantastic! The seasoned steak (with accompaniments) was scrumptious and brought great flavor forward. Just one question: why powdered sugar to create a fork outline? A little did make it to the empanada. Didn't hurt anything, just curious.
Street Corn = Excellent! The corn was Peruvian (Choclo) where the kernels are notably larger than the standard corn at the grocer. It was cooked to perfection with the grilling adding a perfect amount of smokiness and firmness to the texture. The cheese and sauce added some creaminess and savoriness also. Lastly, I loved that eating this wasn't nearly as messy as I was expecting (as things go for corn on the cob).
Chicken = This one is how I know this place is the real deal. The helping was large, the bird was hot and tender, and the sauce was a little sweet and very savory. The veggies were great to add some freshness, and the rice was cooked perfectly.
The large piece of potato did not really do it for me. It didn't really hurt, but with the rice already providing a starch element and having the benefit of soaking up any excess sauce, the potato felt like it was only there to add bulk.
Guava Turnover = A delightful dessert! The feeling was flavorful and reminds me of entenmann's pastries that I loved but were discontinued, only better! The dough meanwhile was fresh and somewhat flaky.
Chicha Morada = I'm finding it difficult to find the words to properly describe this drink. Only to say it is a little bit sweet, and has a little tang/slash funk from the spices added. I think it comes from the cloves. Trust me, this is worth getting.
Finally, I want to give some credit to the service that was kind, welcoming, and fairly attentive. I also enjoyed their vibe, and found a decor fun and not overdone.
Okay, now I have to justify why I am awarding four stars instead of five. There are two reasons, and very much a 'me' thing:
1. If someone asks me to recommend an authentic Peruvian restaurant, I would 100% share Peru Criollo. At the same time, if someone asks me where to eat in Chicago more broadly, it wouldn't make the list. I also can't say I am particularly drawn to return, not that I would be against it, I just don't feel the pull.
2. Bones. Look, I get that if I'm going to order chicken wings, for example, there's going to be a bone or two within. I also know that some chicken dishes will not be boneless. However, I must say finding random smaller bones throughout my meal wasn't pleasant. There I am, chowing down only to hit a bone. No teeth were broken, but I can't say it was pleasant, neither was pulling them out of my mouth in front of my friend.
