It’s our last day in Peru! I guess we’d better eat some guinea pig!
We decide that we cannot miss the gastronomic experience of
Astrid & Gaston, considered to be one of the top 50 restaurants in the world. We think it’s within a reasonable walking distance–it’s way too scary to take a taxi! And we are going to lunch so that we’re a little safer than if we were to go at night. (You notice I say “a little safer.”) It’s a pretty hot day so we take our time.
The restaurant is beautiful! The plain building on a small side street gave no clue as to what was inside.
We start with absolutely the best Pisco Sour in South America! We are also served a basket with several kinds of luscious bread and toppings. I confess to Howard that I’m afraid that if I order the guinea pig it will ruin my meal. The image of little Shirley comes to mind and I just can’t do it.
So I order a first course of 3 kinds of seviches: a traditional seviche with rock fish; octopus with a milder, less acidic sauce; and scallop and langoustine seviche. Second course is suckling pig. It is served several ways: in a spring roll; in a tiny sandwich; and as tasty little hunks of meat. For dessert I have cannoli with peanut mouse together with an ice cream made from local fruit and apple compote. I love every bite of everything!
Howard is courageous and orders guinea pig as his first course. He says it tastes like duck and it is served just like Peking Duck with little pancakes made of blue corn. He loves it; I try not to look at it. His main course is goat with interesting potatoes and small onions. For dessert he has a chocolate orb filled with creme, raspbery and nuts. Our server pours hot chocolate over it so it melts. It is quite a show–and quite a dessert.
We both end our fantastic luncheon experience with espresso laced with Pisco and a dollop of whipped cream. We leave the restaurant knowing now that there is at least one good thing about Lima!
This has been the trip of a lifetime! We have met wonderful people; seen incredible sights; and experienced lovely new cultures. We hope to return to South America again.