Chow Down Atlanta

Stopped in for lunch and was a bit disappointed. I love roast chicken and the Peruvian version is up there on my list (although the grilled Mexican kind is king in my book when it comes to ethnic chickens). Somehow, the texture of their chicken is off — more like boiled instead of roasted. Weird. The papas fritas (fries) were the usual frozen variety but the salad was really, really fresh. Their aji verde (green chile) sauce, however, is divine and I wish they bottled it because I’d be ordering it by the crate every month. It’s the best I’ve had anywhere, with the perfect consistency and spot on taste.

I also ordered my favorite, the chicha morada, a cold drink made by boiling purple maize with pineapple rind, cinnamon and cloves then sweetened with sugar. Unlike at other places, theirs was a bit too sweet for my tastes.

Overall, I am not too keen about this place. I much prefer Contigo Peru on Peachtree Industrial Blvd or Mambo’s in Alpharetta.

By the way, did I mention that I saw my server go out and come back with 2 grocery bags full of half chickens brought from the grocery next door? Hmmm.

Insider tip:
Located inside the International Plaza on BuHi near the North Druid Hills intersection.

The scoop:
Pollo El Rey
3337 Buford Hwy NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
(404) 327-8819

Technorati Tags: Peruvian cuisine, roast chicken, pollo a la brasa, chicha morado, Buford Hwy

This is another favorite of mine. Mambo’s Cafe has been around for two years and packs a mean lunch crowd. Formerly named Mambo Jambo, it is located in the space that is used to be occupied by Ya-ya’s Rotisserie Chicken. It is also funny to note that the decor is very similar to Palomilla’s — down to the yellow walls, hanging iron grates, and wood-enclosed bar. But food is much, much better here.

Each table gets a basket generously filled with perfectly grilled sliced Cuban bread and a side or spicy Peruvian aji sauce. The bread is to die for. The aji sauce (made with tons of chiles and jalapeños) is spicily good. It has the perfect consistency — not too runny yet not too thick. Just perfect.

I love Hispanic and Mexican chicken soup and always order it whenever I see it on the menu. Theirs has lots of chicken pieces and noodles but the broth (that tasted like it was from a can) was a little too salty for my liking. A steal at $3 for a big bowl. But will not order this again.

My Chuletas De Puerco Al Adobo — two center-cut porkchops, marinated in garlic mojo, grilled, then topped with grilled onions — was simply superb. The porkchops were thick, juicy, and tender and the flavor of the garlicky, limey marinade was evident all the way through. They were perfectly grilled, too. I love this dish and can eat it everyday.

The Mojo-Grilled Chicken Breast was also fantastic. The flattened chicken breast was big and thick. It was very flavorful just like my porkchops. Definitely a winner.

There are so many things I’m coming back for. Especially the paella which takes 30 minutes to prepare, and the Cuban sandwiches. Prices are pretty decent given the portions you get. My entree was $13.95 and came with fried sweet plantains, rice, and a cup of beans. Sandwiches range from $6-7. Really, I can’t wait to come back.

Insider tip:
Peruvian menu (in Spanish) available upon request.

The scoop:
Mambo’s Cafe
11770 Haynes Bridge Rd.
Suite 601
Alpharetta, GA 30004
770-753-4352

Technorati Tags: Mambo’s Cafe, Cuban cuisine, Latin cuisine, Peruvian cuisine, Alpharetta