When I am in the Carolinas, I usually look for barbecue or for Southern comfort food (frahd chicken and banayna puddin', in particular). Although I am aware that Charlotte is a major city and home to several global financial institutions, I still was not expecting to be so deeply enamored with a Peruvian restaurant in North Carolina.
Viva Chicken is somewhat of a local chain that serves up a fantastic pollo a la brasa (tender, moist, tasty, honest-to-goodness, rotisserie chicken rubbed with a mildly spicy seasoning). The arroz chaufa (China Peruana fried rice) with pulled pollo a la brasa is another hit. What takes all this deliciousness to the next level of awesomeness is the house made sauces. The roasted rocoto sauce is the spiciest but also packed with the most flavor. The aji amarillo is smooth and creamy with a slight kick. The huacatay is basically a blend of jalapeƱos and cilantro; spicy, but not that special.
The alfajores (chewy shortbread cookies with dulce de leche - caramelized milk - sandwiched between them), are a great way to finish off the meal, and the passion fruit juice and chicha morada are instant refreshment in the North Carolina heat.