Janet W. wrote: >>I found one surprise in the listings: Estampas Peruanas, the >>small Peruvian restaurant on El Camino in Redwood City! It's >>a hole-in-the-wall I've been meaning to try -- and will >>definitely visit in the near future with this recommendation. >> > > I have also wanted to try Estampas Peruanas - even before I saw it > on the "list." I'd like to hear comments from those who have been > there, especially regarding what they particularly liked there. > I've twice recommended Estampas Peruanas in ba.food, but I don't recall seeing more than one reply from anyone else. I've been there at least 4 times, and each time was convinced it couldn't possibly stay in business, given how few customers were there. But somehow it's managed, and I'm very pleased to hear it is on the Chron's list (without judging whether it or any other place belongs there - how should one compare the best Peruvian with, say, the tenth best French?). It is certainly the opposite of the trendy places which other posts have complained make up an excessive part of the list. I won't try to repeat details, except to note that seafood soups/stews are a Peruvian specialty, and are available in a good variety - just see what seems most attractive on the menu. And the Arroz con Pollo is excellent, very filling, and completely unlike Mexican versions. (Their dipping sauce is also unlike anything I've encountered - I believe they said it's made from jala- penos and peanut butter!) I've only been to about four other Peruvian res- taurants (various places in CA), and this one is the best I've tried. Anyway, I hope more people will at least try it, and the Chron. rating can only help. Al Eisner ([email removed]) San Mateo County, CA
San Francisco Bay Area, CA