Divas Do Peruvian

The weather is extremely cold for Floridians, but you still have to eat. So the Divas pulled up their collars against the cold and set out for the evening. That is, everyone but Darling Diva who couldn’t be coaxed out from under the covers, even with the promise of a little chocolate or Jack Daniels. Wandering down Beneva Road just north of Clark in one of those non-descript little plazas, we found a very small restaurant. Tucked away and over powered by car repair places, a smoky bar and a tattoo parlor sits Peruvian Grill. The majority of the 7 tables were occupied by their local following… folks anxious to tell us what their favorite dishes are.
Sounded good to us.. we quickly took a seat at the only remaining table.
The walls are decorated with wonderful Peruvian tapestries which brought out reminising stories from Detail Diva about her adventures in South America.
Jessica and her husband/chef Jorge, wearing cheerful chili pepper chef pants, are the proud owners of this tiny establishment and deliver giant tastes. Their son was our server but Jorge would come out of the kitchen in between his chef duties to help explain some of their dishes. Firstly he recommended an Argentinian and Spanish chardonnay which we enjoyed as we sat back to peruse the menu munching on corn kernals with their secret jalapeno dipping sauce. Such delightful decisions to be made! Soon our tastebuds were feasting on hearty Coriander Chicken Soup, a huge house salad with a yummy homemade house dressing, a Peruvian Tamale, and Calamari like no other served with a “relish”… a mixture of red onions, cilantro served ceviche with a tang of lime. The crisp lightly breaded calamari and bits of yucca were one of our favorites. How could the main meals be any better? Oh, just you wait Divas! The Pollo Saltado { chicken } and The Lomo Saltado, { strips of beef } both with sauteed onions, tomatoes, and sides of rice and plantains made our mouths water. Visiting International Diva had an incredible dish of Mahi Mahi and shrimp served with plantains and potatoes. A feast for two, yet somehow she managed to finish it all, much to our surprise. Aren’t you envious of those people who are sooo thin yet they eat everything in sight? Anyway……We also were thrilled with the Churraaco a la Parrilla, grilled beef sirloin in chimichurri sauce oh my ! Needless to say we enjoyed everything…
The food is full of yummy flavor and well priced. The restaurant is intimate and friendly.
Divalicious!

Peruvian Grill, 5769 Beneva Road, Sarasota, FL 941-923-8902Open from 11:30 to 9:00

If you are 4 or more during the peak dinner hours we advise you to call ahead.

And their second location, El Warike, 4226 26th St, W Bradenton, FL 34205 941-755-4222