For a minute, it felt like the food world had moved on from Lima. Over to Mexico? Back to Copenhagen? I'm here to say with authority, Lima is squarely in the spotlight once again thanks to some of the best hospitality and dedicated chefs in the world.
THE SINGLE TABLE'S LIMA LINEUP
Central - World's #1
Maido - World's #6 (two dinners and a lunch)
Kjolle - World's #28
Mayta - World's #47
Merito - World's #59
Carnival - World's #43 bar
Lady Bee - World's #52 bar (2023 One to Watch)
It was great to see friendly faces at Central, my first visit since its move from Miraflores to Baranco. As expected, I was humbled, and blown away, by the combination of flavours and authenticity. There are too many "I will never be able to enjoy and have this again" to describe.
The final picture is cacao in its many forms and preparations.
After meeting Chef Micha at 50 Best, I promised I would return. I delivered, and so did Maido. Over two dinners, a lunch, and more than 20 courses, I enjoyed the best Nikkei in the world. There is no better. Yes, there will always be favourites like the lomo saltado nigiri or the achingly low-and-slow cooked short rib. But I also went for the, now discontinued, vegetarian tasting. Most of the team I encountered asked why I ordered it, knowing I'm not a vegetarian. I said, because I wanted to try something different and I knew it would be phenomenal. OK, the rocotto (meat over mushroom) is better in the original form, but not everything can be perfect. Oh yeah. I'm the one who ordered the ramen. Holy shit. Best ramen ever.
Then there's Kjolle, and what a shocker by Pia Leon. I had her food at a special lunch in Abu Dhabi and her "flowery" namesake restaurant was different than I was expecting. There was much more refinement, while still offering a burst of flavours. The highlight being squid and duck, not pictured because I devoured it (with apologies to Le Gabriel in Paris who also prepare a knockout squid and duck offering). The tartar is one of the best I've ever had. The greens and flowers adding notes to the sweetness of the beef.
Which brings us to Mayta and La Fiesta del Cochinillo with hoisin, purple corn crepes, beans, crispy cheeks, grilled mamry, pickled chili and demi glace. Yes. Please. Thank you. Again.
Then there's Merito. While they should fire their interior designer and whoever designed the staff uniforms (possibly the most depressing environment ever), the flavours were on point, especially this version of street corn. Cooking with fire baby!
And we move to the bars.
No pics here, but Carnaval is just a happy, fun-time emporium... with an ice-carving room you can take a tour of. The place reminds me of Maybe Sammy in Sydney. Inventive drinks and a show. The Christmas menu was on and it didn't disappoint or trend too sweet.
Which leaves use with the husband and wife team at Lady Bee. Just try and spot all the honeycomb touches. I'm told the food is great, so I'll have to go back for that. I was too stuffed, but loved the night breeze and friendly chats with the owners on my two visits. Sometimes they don't clear out until 6 am. Yet, they both have smiles on their faces and are happy to welcome you in and offer suggestions, or let you run your grubby little fingers over their amazingly-sourced spirit bottles.
Thank you Lima! XOXO with much love, The Single Table
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