Luis P.
Google
We went to Pisco Rotisserie & Cevicheria, in Carlsbad CA. Everyone in our party of four was excited to eat in a new Peruvian restaurant. Having had our ups and downs at Panca in Oceanside, more downs than ups, but never the less saturated with glowing reviews, we readily entered at approximately 12:30 PM on this Thursday. The area where it is located spells money, and that is exactly what their operation is going to need, because it was apparent the investment to open this place was significant. Just the personnel alone made this place the most ambitious Peruvian restaurant I have ever been to in Southern California. The location is prime, well thought of, because Carlsbad is the rich cousin of Oceanside, and the tourist trade is brisk, to say the least, plus countless enthusiasts near and far, that have a sweet spot for such particular Cuisine. When well prepared, second to none, perhaps. I did a little digging and discovered that the one Peruvian Chef behind this impressive establishment 🇵🇪 lives in New York City? where he has various eateries. That raised an eyebrow, for I also heard he does not cook at the place, which most likely means that the cooking staff are using a master recipe, without having to be born in Peru. That also would be fine and dandy, like a time when I walked into a Pick Up Styx location, and was mildly surprised there were no Chinese nationals doing the cooking, and kind of felt a little let down. I was optimistic when I saw the Pisco Rotisserie & Cevicheria. The term Cevicheria means a lot, for in Peru the Cevicherias are true meccas of delicious seafood plates, namely Ceviches. They seat a lot of people, and they are mostly packed. So with these pre conceived notions we were seated fast, and highly efficient Mercedes? made the occasion truly enjoyable. Following dishes were purchased:
2 Martini De Tigre, $15 each. Described as Calamari, Shrimp, white fish, bay scallops, octopus, spicy aji amarillo leche de tigre (this last part meaning the famous yellow chili from Peru that is part of the creamy sauce covering the Ceviche). Small serving, fresh, but not quite a memorable ceviche, probably having tried exquisite ceviches have spoiled us for life. Expensive for the amount, but that is nothing new. 3.5 Stars.
Chicken Empanadas, two for $8.50. Served filled with chicken, red onions, queso fresco and huacatay sauce. 3.5 Stars.
Papa a la Huancaina (chilled), $5.50. Fingerling, huancaina sauce, one slice of boiled egg. A little twist on the well loved original, decent enough. 3.5 Stars.
Arroz con Pollo, $15.75. Cilantro rice, Peruvian corn, peas, bell peppers, avocado chalca?, huancaina sauce. Lovely lady ate it with gusto, it tasted okey. 3.5 Stars.
Aji de Gallina, $16. Spicy pulled chicken, choclo (Peruvian corn), garlic rice, sweet potato, huancaina sauce. Very different from the delicious original version. Rice a sad disappointment, no skills for it. Did not like it, a really sorry effort, really. Boiled sweet potato? 2 Stars.
Half Rotissery Chicken with two sides. Rice and white beans, $16. This expensive chicken was moist, flavorful. Rice ja ja! White beans bland, but edible. Sauces on the side, one orange spicy, and a yellow one. Acceptable. 4.5 Stars for the chicken, 2 for the rice, 3 for beans.
Grilled Octopus, $12.50, with chimichurri potato and piquillo pepper. This one a joke on whoever orders it. Slimy, minuscule in size. 1 Star
For the sweet tooth: Alfajores, $5.25. The shortbread crispy, two to a plate, very easy to enjoy with the caramel (manjar blanco, supposedly), give credit where it is due. Nice treat. 4.5 Stars.
Churros, 3 to a plate, $8.50. Served with chocolate ice cream on the side. Churros filled with spicy caramel, not too big, but if you took a bite too soon, get ready to get burned. Another winner, an asset to their dessert line. 4.5 Stars.
Mercedes a true winner. Kind, respectful, and very efficient. Everyone, really, extremely nice.
