La Huaca Peruvian Cuisine: A Fresh Take on Peruvian Favorites
By: Nancy Esteves
La Huaca Peruvian Restaurant is one of the seven wonders and you don’t have to travel to Machu Picchu Peru to enjoy it.
Conveniently located on Harrison Street in downtown Hollywood, the recently- opened modern Peruvian Restaurant will take you through a delectable gourmet dining journey bringing you flavors from 500 years of fusion from not only different regions of Peru and Spanish culinary traditions, but also Arab, West African, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, French, German, and English.
Peruvian-born Sisters Ynes Soua and Aida Montoya have taken the former Sage French Café and have transformed into a stunning restaurant and full bar. But don’t let its upscale look scare you into thinking upscale prices come along with it — they are actually one of the most reasonably priced restaurants in downtown Hollywood, and in most of South Florida.
Ines, who juggles her busy schedule as a mother of two small children, has poured her heart and soul into this gastronomical success. She has taken the typical Peruvian dishes and given them a modern twist with international flair featuring a wide variety of different flavors for every discerning palate. It’s a lovely place to dine alfresco, inside or even enjoy a traditional Peruvian brandy drink -Pisco Sour at the bar. They even validate your parking if you park for the garage across the street.
La Huaca’s Chef, Daniel Huambachano, originally from Lima Peru definitely gets a thumbs up! The beautiful ambience this restaurant affords doesn’t match up to the exquisite food that will definitely have you coming back for more. Great food, large portions, elegantly presented, matched by great service. A treasure revealed, like the meaning of its name “La Huaca”.
DEL MENU/FROM THE MENU:
CAUSA MAKI DE CANGREJO:
Softly mashed yellow potatoes rolled stuffed w/crab meat or Causa de Pescado Nikkei a La Huaca- prepared with fish instead of crab meat.
SOLTERITO DE QUINOA: Quinoa mix w/avocado, black olives, tomatoes, Peruvian corn, w/cheese citron sauce.
LECHE DE TIGRE : Classic Peruvian citrus based marinade for seafood and , yes, they even have shots made of this with splash of tantalizing spice.
PULPO ANTICUCHADO: Grilled octopus marinated in anticucho panca pepper sauce and spices, that is citrusy and garlicky .
CONCHITAS A LA PARMESANA :Peruvian scallops marinated w/white wine and topped w/parmesan cheese gratin
CHICHARRON DE CALAMAR :Crispy calamari ring, served w/fried yucca and tartara sauce
CEVICHE FUSION A LA HUACA:Fusion ceviche fish and seafood in three pepper sauces
TUNA ACEVICHADA:Grilled tuna topped w/fusion yellow ceviche sauce
TIRADITO NIKKEI DE SALMON: Sashimi-like sliced salmon covered w/oriental ceviche sauce.
LASAGNA CON AJI DE GALLINA :Lasagna filled w/shredded chicken on a creamy Peruvian yellow pepper sauce, (the owner’s special).
CHAUFA DE QUINOA : Exquisite organic quinoa w/sautéed vegetables .
DELICIOUS PERUVIAN ROTISSERIE CHICKEN WITH THE SPECIAL MARINATED HOMEMADE SAUCE.
COSTILLA DE CORDERO CON TACU TACU:The chef’s signature grilled rack of lamb tacu tacu and delicious cilantro sauce (tacu tacu: rice made into a patty with delicious seasonings).
LOMO SALTADO CON RISOTTO A LA HUANCAINA :Stir-fry tenderloin tips in traditional sauce, served with a creamy Peruvian huancaina risotto which has a creamy sauce of cheese, chile, garlic and lime juice.
NEW YORK STEAK CON SPAGHETTI PESTO :Grilled New York steak w/traditional spaghetti pesto sauce.
PAICHE A LA HUACA :The Chef’s signature grilled amazon fish w/mashed yucca and escabeche sauce (Escabeche (es-kah-BECH-ay) is a classic Spanish preparation in which you sear meat or fish, then marinate it in a vinegary sauce loaded with herbs and spices, then serve it cold or at room temperature).
JALEA A LA HUACA :The Chef’s signature marinated in secret recipe, assorted deep fried seafood.
PAPA A LA HUANCAINA, ANTICUCHO DE CARNE, CHAUFA DE POLLO:Potatoes served w/huancaína sauce, beef kebabs marinated in panca sauce.
ARROZ CHAUFA CON MARISCOS :Peruvian style fried rice w/octopus, shrimp and squid.
PESCADO A LO MACHO :Traditional fish covered by a seafood, hot creamy sauce, served w/white rice.
SALTADO DE MARISCOS A LA CRIOLLA :Peruvian style sautéed seafood served w/fries and white rice.
The Greek Joint Gets Bigger and Better
By: Nancy Esteves
If you haven’t been to the Greek Joint in Downtown Hollywood lately, it just got bigger and better.
Now you can enjoy their amazing authentic Greek-style food in a much larger location, yet still in the same relaxed atmosphere as before.
Brothers Jimmy and Chris recently relocated the Greek Joint from Harrison Street to Hollywood Boulevard where they can now offer dining “Alfresco” and a full bar for Greek Joint lovers to enjoy drinks and then a great meal in their much larger dining room or outdoor cafe. What hasn’t changed is their oversized portions and reasonable prices.
Here are some of my absolute favorites from the Greek Joint fare:
The Greek Joint’s “Souvlaki”, a “kebob,” with chunks of chicken or pork seasoned and grilled to perfection on a skewer. Platters of pita sandwiches and souvlaki include fries and a small salad. Juicy chunks of grilled chicken breast, with onions, tomato and a yogurt-based tzatziki sauce, stuffed generously into a soft and warm pita loaf.The Greek Joint’s Gyro meat is actually made by them so it’s as fresh as it gets and is the best I tried.
Other favorites are: Spanokopita, a spinach pie with a light blend of Feta cheese in layered paper thin sheets of filo dough, their “Moussaka,” an eggplant and beef casserole with a tomato sauce and light custard topping; and of course their bold “Greek Salad” made without any lettuce, consisting entirely of large chunks of tomato, and cucumber, along with peppers, Feta cheese, and tangy Kalamata olives—to die for.
Their Filet Mignon Kebabs, Kebabs of filet mignon and vegetables seasoned and grilled to perfection served on a bed of rice is an all time favorite.
There’s only one thing to say about their Putine, French fries topped with mozzarella cheese and gravy –“addictive”. If you are a stuffed pepper lover, it’s a must try when they offer it on their special menu.
Some other great things on their menu aside traditional Greek fare:
Fava, Split pea and olive oil spread topped with capers and chopped red onion; Taramosalata, Caviar mousse with extra virgin olive oil, lemon and onions; Humus, Chick peas, garlic and extra virgin olive oil spread; Tirokafteri, spicy feta spread with peppers, onion, garlic and extra virgin olive oil; Mussels,In a garlic white wine sauce; Fried calamari; Saganaki, falotiri cheese pan seared in extra virgin olive oil drizzled with fresh lemon; and Shrimp Saganaki, shrimp sauteed in garlic, white wine and diced tomatoes served with seared Manouri cheese (a light goat cheese).
For main entrees you can enjoy a delicious Grilled Mahi served over spinach and roasted red peppers tossed in Greek vinaigrette, Grilled Pork Chops or Grilled Lamb Chops.
They also offer the traditional burger, chicken sandwiches, and Greek-style chicken wings.
And yes they have Baklava, among other amazing desserts like banana & caramel Fried Cheesecake.
The Greek Joint serves lunch, dinner, and late night meals. And what’s best is that you can actually have this authentic “Mama’s Cooking” delivered right to your door. They are located at 1925 Hollywood Blvd. tel: 954-929-9966.
The Greek Joint Ahora es “Más Grande y Mejor”
Por: Nancy Esteves
Si no han pasado por el Greek Joint últimamente, ahora podrán visitar su nuevo local en downtown Hollywood que es mucho más grande y completo.
En su nuevo local podrán disfrutar de su increíble y autentica comida Griega en un ambiente más amplio pero con la misma atmosfera acogedora de antes.
Los hermanos Jimmy y Chris recientemente trasladaron el Greek Joint a Hollywood Blvd. donde ahora ofrecen la oportunidad de cenar “Alfresco” y tienen una barra completa para que los amantes del Greek Joint puedan disfrutar de unos tragos, y después de una buena comida en un ambiente más cómodo. Lo que si no ha cambiado son las raciones grandes y los precios razonables.
Aquí les cuento de mis favoritos del menú:
El “Souvlaki” del Greek Joint es un “Kebob” de trozos de pollo o cerdo sazonado y cocinado a la perfección en un pincho, con cebolla, tomates y yogurt con salsa de tzatziki, sobre de un pan de Pita caliente. Los sándwiches de Pita con Souvlaki lo pueden acompañar con papas fritas y una pequeña ensalada. La carne del Gyro del Greek Joint es preparada en casa así que es súper fresca y la mejor que me he comido.
Otros favoritos son: Spanokopita, un torta de espinaca con queso feta cubierta con una laja muy fina de harina de filo, su “Moussaka”, una cacerola de berenjena con carne con salsa de tomate y por supuesto, su deliciosa “ensalada Griega” hecha sin lechuga que consiste de grandes trozos de tomate, pepinos, pimientos, cebolla, queso feta, su aderezo especial y aceituna Kalamata que es espectacular.
Su Kebab de Filet Mignón viene con vegetales sazonados y cocinados a la perfección y servidos con arroz es un favorito de siempre. Pero les tengo que contar que su acompañante llamado “Putine”– papas fritas rociadas con queso mozzarella y salsa de carne, ¡es totalmente adictivo!
Para los amantes de los pimentones rellenos, deben probar los que ofrecen en su menú especial.
Algunos otros platos deliciosos de su menú son:
Fava, garbanzos aplastados y rociados con aceite de oliva con alcaparras y cebollas rojas. Taramosalata, mousse de caviar con aceite de oliva, limón y cebollas; Humus, garbanzos, ajo y aceite de oliva extra virgen; Tirokafteri, mantequilla de feta picante con pimientos, cebollas, ajo y aceite de oliva virgen; Mejillones con una salsa de ajo y vino blanco; calamares fritos; Saganaki, queso Kefalotiri braseado y rociado con aceite de oliva y limón fresco; langostinos Saganaki , sazonados en ajo, vino blanco y trocitos de tomates servidos con queso Manauri en pedacitos (Un queso de cabra ligero).
Para el plato principal, pueden disfrutar del delicioso Mahi a la parrilla servido sobre espinacas y pimentones rojos asados con una salsa vinagreta griega, costillas de cerdo o cordero.
Ellos también ofrecen las hamburguesas tradicionales, sándwiches de pollo y alitas de pollo a la Griega.
Y sí tienen el Baklava, como también otros postres increíbles como el banano y queso frito con caramelo.
El Greek Joint sirve almuerzos, cenas y comidas hasta tarde en la noche. Lo mejor es que puede comer esta autentica comida “cocinada como Mama” lo preparaba, y puede ser enviada a la puerta de su casa…
Ellos están ubicados en 1925 Hollywood Blvd.Telefono: (954) 929- 9966.
Argentango Grill Downtown Hollywood boasts a 28-oz. char grilled steak
If you’re in the mood for a great juicy steak, Argentango Grill’s steaks will certainly hit the spot.
Excellently located in the heart of downtown Hollywood, the self-designated “Home of the World’s Largest Steak” boasts an amazing 28-oz. char grilled skirt steak.
Here you can Indulge in a mixed grill sizzling with succulent renditions of Entraña (skirt steak),Vacio (flank steak), Beef de Chorizo (Sirloin/NY Strip), Rib Eye, Filet Mignon and even Steak Marsela. If you are one of those with petit stomachs, they have portions just for you.
The chimichurri sauce (a garlic and parsley sauce) served with the steaks, which is the same used as a dipping sauce for breads chicken breast, chorizo, black sausages, and veal sweetbreads, is a staple in any Argentine fare. As a great side you should try the Provencal fries — French fries sautéed with garlic, parsley, and also the asparagus with homemade hollandaise sauce.
Additional menu items include traditional Italian pasta dishes like gnocchi (dumpling), lobster, seafood, salads, soups and weekday lunch specials that include an entree of the day served with soup or salad and the vegetable of the day. Argentango’s Grill’s 100-plus wine list includes selections from Argentina, France, Germany, Italy and the U.S.
You can dine inside the spacious and rustic, yet elegant ambiance or opt for dining al fresco.
If you come for lunch, they serve a stellar Tango steak sandwich.
Some popular items to try aside from the steaks:
Appetizers: Beef Empanadas, Argentinean Chorizo, Shrimp Ceviche, Ensalda Caprese with Heart of Palm, Mussel Provencal, Steamed Garlic Clam, Grilled Shrimp Bruschetta, Tango Combo, Beef tidbits, empanadas, chorizo and calamari.
Steak Salad, Romaine lettuce, red onions, tomatoes and crumbled bleu cheese, tossed with ranch dressing, topped with skirt steak.
If you’re in the mood for pasta, Shrimp Fra Diablo, Linguine Frutti di Mare, Shrimp, scallops, mussels and calamari served in house special red sauce.
FROM THE GRILL: Rack of Lamb, Pollo Alfredo, Chicken Piccatas, Grilled Shrimp Brochetta, Mixed Grill For One or Two, which includes: Skirt steak, flap meat, sirloin steak, chicken, sausage, blood sausage, veal sweet bread and intestines. Served with soup or salad, choice of side, bread and butter.
Fish lovers: Salmon Pina Colada, Grilled Atlantic Chilean pink salmon topped with coconut rum sauce, fresh pineapple and sweet peppers, served with mashed potatoes and vegetables. Blackened Tuna
Seared rare drizzled with spicy Cajun herbs, served with guacamole sauce, salsa Criolla, mashed potatoes and vegetables.
DESSERTS:
Dulce de leche pancake which are flambéed right at your table.
Argentango Grill gets a thumbs up!
SPANISH
Entraña de 28 – oz en Argentango Grill Downtown Hollywood
Si le provoca un bistec jugoso, Argentango Grill sin duda le va satisfacer su paladar.
Excelentemente ubicado en el corazón de Downtown Hollywood, es el sitio donde encontraran el “Bistec Más Grande del Mundo” donde sirven una deliciosa entraña de 28 onzas.
Aquí puede disfrutar de una parrilla mixta y suculentas bistecs de todos tipos y tamaños para los diferentes apetitos– Entrañas, Vacios, Bife de chorizos, Rib Eyes, Filet Mingón y hasta Steak Marsela.
La deliciosa salsa chimichurri nunca falta para los bistecs (una salsa de ajo y perejil), y es la misma que sirven para mojar el pan la pechuga de pollo, el chorizo , la morcilla y mollejas de ternera y es un elemento básico en cualquier mesa argentina.
Como acompañante, deben de probar las papas provenzales – Patatas fritas salteadas con ajo, perejil, y también los espárragos con salsa holandesa hecha en casa.
El menú además incluye tradicionales platos italianos de pasta como el Gnocchi, langosta, mariscos, ensaladas, sopas y especiales de almuerzo de lunes a viernes, que incluyen un plato principal del día con sopa o ensalada y la verdura del día. La carta de vinos incluye más de 100 de selecciones de Argentina, Francia, Alemania, Italia y los EE.UU.
Usted puede cenar adentro en un ambiente espacioso y rústico, pero elegante o bien optar por comer al fresco.
Si viene durante el almuerzo, sirven un sándwich de biftec estelar. Algunos platos populares para probar aparte de las carnes:
Aperitivos: Empanadas de carne, chorizo argentino, ceviche de camarón, Ensalada Caprese con Palmito, Mejillón a la provenzal, almeja al vapor con ajo, Brocheta de Camarones, Tango Combo– exquisiteces de carne, empanadas, chorizo y calamares.
El Steak Salad– lechuga romana, cebolla roja, tomates, trocitos de bleu cheese con aderezo ranch, y encima la entraña.
Si le provoca pasta, debe de probar los camarones Fra Diablo, Linguine Frutti di Mare– camarones, vieiras, mejillones y calamares servidos en una salsa roja casera.
DE LA PARRILLA: Carné de Cordero, Pollo Alfredo, pollo Piccatas, brocheta de camarones, Parilla Mixta para una o dos, que incluye: entraña, solomillo, pollo, chorizo, morcilla, molleja e intestinos de ternera. Se sirve con sopa o ensalada, un acompañante y pan.
Los amantes del pescado: Salmón Pina Colada– salmón rosado Chileno del Atlántico a la parilla con salsa de ron de coco, piña fresca y pimientos, servido con puré de patatas y verduras. Blackened Tuna
braseado con hierbas picantes Cajún, servido con salsa de guacamole, salsa criolla, puré de patatas y verduras.
POSTRES:
Dulce panqueques de leche que se flambea en su propia mesa.
¡Le va ha encantar!
Contact Us