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| - I made a mental note about Inca's a couple of months ago while reading a local magazine. I like Peruvian food, but had not noticed any Peruvian restaurants in Phoenix. Like many things in our fine city, when you look for it, you will find it!
I suggested to Tom that we meet at Inca's for dinner. The restaurant has a good atmosphere -- the bar is co-mingeld with the dining area, the tables are covered with bright cloth, and there is Latin music playing in the background.
I had a Pisco Sour, which was great. Like the rest of the experience, the Pisco Sour was balanced and flavorful. There was just the right amount of Pisco, lime, simple syrup, and egg white froth.
Tom and I ordered Ceviche Mixto, Lomo Saltado, and Picante de Mariscos. We asked for medium spice. The ceviche was very fresh and flavorful. I initially thought the amount of onion on top would be overwhelming, but all of the flavors blended so well. The dish had a combination of 3 types of fish, peruvian corn, yams, and a sauce packed with flavor. Tom's Lomo Saltado was incredible -- the meat was very tender and flavorful. My Picante de Mariscos was equally flavorful and had an incredible sauce. I liked that the dishes are served with rice and/or potatoes that absorb the sauce from the dish. It wasn't until I was driving home that I remembered we ordered medium spice. I don't have any complaints about the flavor, but next time I will go with spicy just to see what that means for Peruvian food.
Tom and I split the Crema Volteada for dessert. It is similar to flan, but denser -- almost like cake. We are not really dessert people, but it seemed wrong not to try dessert. The appetizer and entrees were definitely the standouts, but dessert was not a disappointment. We are just not dessert people.
There was nothing boring or ordinary about this dinner. The portions were great for sharing. The dishes were flavorful without being heavy. I would say that the food could go easier on the salt.
We are definitely looking forward to going back to Inca's and bringing our friends!
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