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Carol & Joe Davis
Puerto 27 Peruvian Kitchen & Pisco Bar
Pacifica is just south of San Francisco on Highway One. It boasts beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and the San Bruno Mountains but we have never found great dining over the years and just kept driving to other beach towns to eat. Now Executive Chef/ Restaurateur Jose Calvo-Perez who with his family also owns Pasion (www.PasionSF.com) and Fresca (www.FrescaSF.com) in San Francisco have opened Puerto 27 Peruvian Kitchen & Pisco Bar, which features Authentic Peruvian cuisine and has given us a reason to come to Pacifica. The décor is fabulous with an exhibition kitchen, a Peruvian Amazon themed mural created by Michael Brennen, an Inca Head Sculpture, a large communal table, raised lovely Bar Area in the center of the restaurant with a White Caesar Stone Bar and a fantastic ocean view!
Pisco Cocktail
As we sipped on our Pisco cocktails, created by Mixologist Enrique Sanchez, we enjoyed Plantain Chips. We loved the Classico Pisco Sour made with Pisco Quebranta, key lime juice, simple syrup, egg whites and angostura bitters and the Punta Hermosa made with pisco infused hibiscus, lime juice, fresh ginger ale and old fashioned bitters. These cocktails were perfect!
Ceviche Sampler
Our first course was the Ceviche Sampler, which is excellent for sharing and a great way to enjoy many tastes. We loved the Ceviche Puerto 27, made with White Fish, Shrimp, Calamari, Scallop, Cilantro, red onion, and lime juice aji rocoto , the Ceviche Crocante, made with White Fish, aji Amarillo leche de tigre, cilantro, red onion and crispy calamari, the Ceviche Chifa, made with Bigeye Tuna, peanuts, wonton, scallions, sesame, avocado and aji limo ponzu leche de tigre, and the Ceviche Tradito Pucusana, made with Peruvian Style Sashimi ahi tuna, passion fruit leche de tigre, avocado mousse, black sea salt and sweet potato. All four of the Ceviches demonstrated Peruvian flavors, which have made ceviche so popular. Leche de tiger is the traditional Peruvian citrus based marinade which cures the seafood, and is also known as Tiger’s Milk.
Causa Masaki and Causa Gravlox
Next, we enjoyed Causa’s a traditional favorite in Peru which are a made with yellow potatoes similar to yukon gold. The Causa Masaki, made with Crispy Shrimp, Dungeness Crab, Avocado, crispy yam, and Nikkei aioli, and the Causa Gravlox, made with Pisco-cured salmon gravlox, Japanese cucumber, hijiki, crispy squid, and lime honey sauce, were both delicious. They were formed into a roll and sliced for beautiful presentation and excellent to share.
Arroz Con Mariscos
The Entrees are all very reasonably priced. Our favorite was the Arroz Con Mariscos Mixed Seafood and Shellfish Paella, made with aji panca spiced rice, crispy calamari, and salsa criolla. It was moist, with perfectly sized portions, and just amazing! We also enjoyed the traditional comfort food Aji De Gallina, which was tasty Pulled Chicken Stew, with aji Amarillo cream, botija olives, boiled egg, and spiced roasted walnuts. We added some hot sauce, as we prefer our dishes spicier, and it is perfect served over rice. The Yuca Frita fried yucca, with huancaina sauce, was a great side dish as well….because it is different!
Flan
The Wine List is International, and has a Latin Flair. We enjoyed the 2010 Casnati Pinot Grigio Mendoza, Argentina, which was crisp and well chilled, with our entrees. The Desserts are made by Pastry Chef Masaki Uyema. We enjoyed both the traditional Flan, with the blueberries and raspberries, and the more modern interpretation of the Tres Leches Cake. However, the Flan was our favorite because it was perfect, which is difficult to find.
Puerto 27 Peruvian Kitchen & Pisco Bar is a great addition to the Bay Area dining scene. You can enjoy fabulous cocktails, fresh, healthy, reasonably priced cuisine, and the spectacular Pacific Ocean view. They are open nightly, have Happy Hour from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and offer weekend brunch. Puerto 27 Peruvian Kitchen & Pisco Bar is fabulous and lots of fun!
Puerto 27 Peruvian Kitchen & Pisco Bar
525 Crespi Drive
(On Highway 1 adjacent to the Pacifica Beach Hotel))
Pacifica, CA. 94044
650-733-7343
www.puerto27.com
