Shireen's Favorite Things

Digging into some delicious Peruvian food & checking out the new umbrella installation in Coral Gables #ItLooksBetterInPerson ☂️

When I got an invitation to try authentic Peruvian food at “Divino Ceviche,” I jumped at the chance. Not only had I heard through the food vine it was a great local restaurant, but it also happens to be smack dab in the middle of the new #UmbrellaInTheSky installation on Giralda Avenue in Coral Gables. More on that in a minute, but first..

When I walked into “Divino Ceviche” last Sunday, there wasn’t an empty seat in the house which, of course, made me smile. I know it sounds a little crazy, but when someone wants you to eat at their restaurant to have an “experience” verses giving them “exposure,” it’s a different kind of feeling and I knew this was going to be one of those blogs.

“Divino Ceviche” — owned by Peruvian brothers, Frank & Christian Encalada — prides itself on food with a unique twist. While they specialize in Peruvian cuisine, it’s their contemporary take on it that makes it a must-try. In full disclosure, I haven’t had much Peruvian food in my lifetime, but I have done a few fusion blogs; nibbling on some ceviche, but for the most part, this was uncharted tasting territory.

Most people who go out to eat, myself included, like a little nosh right away, which is why the Sweet Potato Chips served with Yellow Pepper & Huacatay sauces really hit the spot. They’re light, sweet, crunchy and pair perfectly with a Pisco Sour. The Peruvian cocktail, which is fermented wine distilled in copper, is also blended with lemon juice and egg white. It’s #FrothyAndDelicious

If you’re gonna try Peruvian food, you may as well just dive right in and that’s exactly what I did with the restaurant’s namesake dish: “Ceviche Divino” (made with fish, avocado, mango and marinated in lime juice, chili and fresh cilantro.) Hmmm… it was fresh, tangy and had a little kick. It’s garnished with sweet potato and served with giant Peruvian corn called “cholo” which means maize, a British term for corn. I washed it down with the Passion Fruit Mojito, which was #TartAndFruity.

The Octopus Skewers, called “Pulp En Salsa Anticuchera” on the menu, had really great texture and taste. The seasoning, made with vinegar, cumin, garlic and chili, was pure magic, but it was the “Mini Tacu Tacus Con Lomito” that really stole my foodie heart. It’s basically cooked rice and beans mixed together, fried and served with beef tenderloin, quail eggs and Peruvian creole salsa. #WOWZA

If you like crispy squid, the “Ceviche de Mercado,” is worth trying. It’s described as the Chef’s Specialty, so you can’t go wrong there. Alongside squid, it comes with fresh fish marinated in mango and lime juice. If you prefer warm, hearty and flavorful, the “Arroz Con Moriscos” with shrimp, squid, mussels and scallops mixed with rice, red pepper, cilantro, and Peruvian panca pepper dressing, is a real showstopper.

I tried two desserts. “Suspiro de Limena,” which is a Peruvian staple that’s been around since the 1800’s, actually means “Sigh of Lima Lady” and was created by a famous Peruvian poet’s wife. After digging into the delicious treat for the first time, he described it as “sweet and light like a woman’s sigh.” It’s actually similar to #dulcedeleche and definitely worth the extra calories. The “Passion Fruit Cheesecake” was calling my name and so was a 4-Craft Beer Taster (all from breweries in Miami.) #NoShameInMyGame

As much as I love a good palette cleanser, there’s nothing like a great Pop Art Installation and “Divino Ceviche” is smack dab in the middle of the #UmbrellaProject in Coral Gables. The colorful set-up is a cool, new way to bring business to the already charming pedestrian avenue and it’s certainly done that, albeit for only a few short months. Similar pop-up’s have appeared in cities like Lisbon, Paris and Pensacola. It’s a #SelfieWaitingToHappen.

My recommendation? Make an afternoon of it. Dig into some true Peruvian cuisine and then take a stroll down Giralda. Not only will you burn off a few extra calories, the view is inspiring. I think it’ll make your day, I know it did mine and that’s why it’s one of my #FavoriteThings. Cheers!

Monday -Thursday: 12:00 AM – 09:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 AM – 09:00 PM
www.divinoceviche.com

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