British-born Paul Wilson is a Melbourne-based expert in new Latin cuisine. His Melbourne venues have included Circa at the Prince, Acland Street Cantina, Newmarket Hotel, and now Lady Carolina in Lygon Street and his cooking is all about highlighting lesser-known local produce. Wilson is the author of Cantina: Recipes from a Mexican Kitchen. See ladycarolina.com.au.
There is no menu and only one chef for this 50-seater venue. The legendary Javier Wong creates a Chifa-inspired (Chinese Peruvian) set menu based around what unique fish he can source that day. It's a no-frills joint where it's all about the produce and watching this ghost-like figure effortlessly feeding 50 spellbound patrons. This is a very unique experience that is all about the chef's craft and his food. Book three months ahead to watch the master at work. See facebook.com/ChezJavierWong
Maiz morado is a striking, deep purple strain of corn consumed for its health benefits. It's dense in antioxidants, and has approximately five times the antioxidants of a blueberry. It is also used to make desserts and a great drink called chicha morada, where corn is cooked with pineapple, lime and spices to make a refreshing tea. This food discovery led to some exciting new desserts and cocktails recipes for Lady Carolina.
The Peruvians only eat ceviche at lunchtime with fish caught that morning, so head to one of the many markets. My favourite is Mercado de Surquillo, where you can sample leche de tigre, a soupy chilled seafood cocktail made with lime, ginger, garlic, coriander, Amazonian cashew nuts and the unique-flavoured Peruvian aji amarillo or rocoto chillies which are very fragrant and savoury. It's so delicious and very invigorating, said to be an aphrodisiac and great hangover cure. (No website; Via Expresa and Colina Street.)
Sight seeing and shopping is a must in this city. The Plaza Major founded in the 15th century is largely the same as the original Spanish colonial architecture. Visit nearby markets with arts, crafts and street food. They're fun, affordable and a blaze of colour like nothing else you would have encountered. Incredible new flavours and history awaits you.
My best food experience was at Virgilio Martinez's restaurant, Central. It's easily the best place for ambience and service. The menu features produce I'd never seen before. Artfully plated with superb service and rare wines – a very special dining experience. See centralrestaurante.com.pe/en.
There are so many bars that are very colourful but Aura is a swish nightclub overlooking the stunning Lima bay, where the beautiful people dance till the wee hours, mostly to cool dance anthems and '80s Brit pop. It's a safe and stylish place where you can dress up and mingle with the locals. See aura.com.pe.
In September there is Mistura, a must-see food festival attracting the genuine world's best chefs. This mega farmers' market is the largest food festival of its kind in Latin America. It has ridiculously good new street food, cultural fusions, masterclasses, pisco halls and is a great way of tasting Peru at its culinary best and all the exciting cultural elements that underpin this amazing food culture. See mistura.pe.
I have to say nothing. But there are many weird and wonderful new foods to try, including anticuchos – grilled skewers of ox heart slathered in Panca chilli marinade which are surprisingly delicate and satisfying. Be brave and behold all the incredible flavours of my favourite food destination in the world right now.
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