Located in Coral Gables, we decided to dine at Pardos Chicken Peruvian Cuisine, a restaurant which prides itself with the Inca legacy in all their recipes. Modern but selective decoration makes this place a casual stop for lunch on weekdays or even a nice dinner on weekends. With top notch customer service from start to finish, at Pardos they make you feel like you’re the most important client every time.
Pardo’s Chicken
2312 Ponce De Leon Blvd
Coral Gables, FL 33134
We’ll start our trip to the ancient Inca civilization by trying the yellow and toasted corn with two different sauces: home made mayonnaise and a spicy yellow sauce made from Aji amarillo (yellow pepper found only in Peru).
My first obsession at Pardos is their amazing Ceviche, perfectly marinated in lemon and Peruvian spices. No wonder why Peruvian ceviche is known in many countries as being the best ceviche! I personally do not eat raw onions but the red onion in this dish make a perfect flavor contrast; sour and a little spiciness brings a carnival to the table that you will love! Remember to try the steamed sweet potato. Its sweetness transforms the dish completely. Try it and let me know if you agree. I also need to mention that the portion is perfect and the price is just right if you are looking for a light and healthy meal.
Secondly, the Aji de Gallina is delicious! Its a complex dish which is not easy to describe due to the particular ingredients in it. The shredded chicken is served with a milk based sauce mixed with Peruvian Aji (Peru is a country with a wide range of peppers and corn varieties which are not found anywhere else). In order to experience an original Aji de Gallina, I always take friends and visitors from all over the world to Pardos so they can witness the deliciousness in this yellow paste with their own mouth and eyes. The dish is served with white rice, an egg slice and a kalamata olive. Presentation is an important detail in Peruvian cuisine, making their food science an art to admire and to enjoy.
Are you craving something fried? You cannot go wrong with the fried Yuquitas or fried sweet potatoes. I love either of those dipped in a little bit of home made mayonnaise. Looking for a sweet ending? Go for the tres leches: made with three milks, cream and cinnamon powder on top.
Go and try Pardos the next time you get a craving for authentic Peruvian food. Buen provecho!
