We've been looking after the PR for Ceviche for the last six months and I've eaten there maybe six times now. Last week I actually got a craving for it...For anyone who doesn't know about Ceviche it's a fantastic Peruvian restaurant in Frith Street Soho, London that anyone who has yet to visit and loves there food should make sure they visit. Not only is the food completely unlike anything you'll have in London except maybe the odd dish here and there - think the Yellowtail sashimi with the jalepeno pepper at Nobu off the tip of my head. But wait...It's not just raw fish it's all kinds of things: Quinoa salad with avocado, the chicken or cheese tequenos (like soft and mildly spicy spring rolls), the cancha - like huge un-popped edible popcorn kernals - awesome snack before the real food arrives. Then there's the beef heart on skewers with something called panca chilli anticuchera sauce - which is like a less viscous mayo/hollandaise sauce - and don't be put off by the word heart, I'm a bit squeamish when it comes to animal organs, but you really wouldn't know - it's sliced and presented so beautifully and tastes incredible.
No-one's going to believe this is for real as we do the PR for them but honestly I've not been this enthused about food and a restaurant since I can remember! The mac n cheese is out of this world - I always want to order another portion but know it's too greedy - when my mum used to make it really good it reminds me of this. Then there's the Don Ceviche which reminds me of the Nobu Yellowtail dish I mentioned earlier but this is miles better - not only cheaper but more fish and more flavour. I could honestly eat Don Ceviche every single day - it actually makes me feel a happier person! The last dish you have to try (there are loads of others but these are my own personal favourites) is the beef - Lomo Saltado a sliced, flame-cooked filet of beef with red pepper and onion that melts in the mouth and served with chips! Anyway...The fact I'm about 40 miles away from Ceviche right now is making me very sad as I want it to be next door so the only way I could deal with my pang was to write about it!
Almost forgot - if you've never had a Pisco (peruvian spirit) Sour (it's like the best margherita you've ever had) try one at Ceviche - there's no way you'll stop at one! Also for non-alcoholic choice - I always get at lunch - get the Superchaco: Guava, Maca, ginger, lemongrass cordial, sparkling water and lime. I always feel a bit crap after sweet drinks but this leaves me feeling great no matter how many I've had!
The reason I think I like it so much is that the food is healthy, delicious and satisfying and that's such a rare combo in this day and age. PLease try it if you haven't already. I'll stake my reputation, what's left of it on it!
Check out Martin making Beef Saltado on Saturday Kitchen last weekend here
and here is the recipe for Don Ceviche here
