Many people believe that Malabar is the best restaurant in Lima – and we wouldn’t argue, not at all. The room itself is simple, with a bar-lounge at the restaurant’s front, and artwork on the walls – but you’re not here for the decor. You’re here for the artful creations, for the sublime cuisine, that is placed in front of you.
Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino might be known to you, thanks to his television appearances, or the articles that have appeared in numerous gourmet magazines – and yet, you don’t know Chef Schiaffino until you’ve dined at his table. Schiaffino is the man widely credited with creating nouvelle Andean cuisine – and Malabar highlights the chef’s Peruvian roots, albeit mixed with his Cuban grandmother’s influence, as well as the years Schiaffino spent in Italy.
One afternoon, a tasting menu produced a series of stunning creations that were as visually arresting as they were transcendent to taste. “Dazzle the spectator” is something of a maxim for Schiaffino – and that afternoon, there was ceviche with Andean caviar; Amazonian salad; cauliflower with coconut and coriander; amaranth with black olives, roasted tomatoes, and lemon basil; fingerling potatoes and pumpkin succotash; cherimoya and mandarins; and petit fours, all served with the sommelier’s wine tasting of Chilean and Argentine wines.
Dazzled, we were completely dazzled – and long before the meal’s end, we were conspiring as to how quickly we could return to Malabar for another magnificent meal.
LINK: Malabar
