I had another amazing meal in Boston 🇵🇪

🍋 Celeste: Somerville’s Hidden Peruvian Gem—Fresh Flavors and a Side of Mystery After too many casual meals, I craved something special. A friend in Dallas raved about Peruvian food—especially the intriguing drink chica morada—and suddenly, my weekend plans were set. Celeste, a tiny Peruvian spot I’d had on my list for ages, finally popped up with a 5 PM reservation. We bolted after work, and it was worth the rush. 🌟 The Standouts Ceviche: 🦑 A revelation. Peruvian-style raw fish, but unlike any I’ve tried—less tangy, with a spicy mayo-like sauce (medium heat, but barely spicy). The fish is pristine, but the squid? Game-changing. Tender, almost creamy, with zero fishiness. Served with sweet potato and giant Peruvian corn (crunchy, starchy), it’s a bright, refreshing starter that wakes up your taste buds. Lomo Saltado: 🍛 A win for Chinese palates. Peru’s take on beef stir-fry: juicy steak (cooked like a tender steak, not braised), tomatoes, onions, and fries, all coated in a rich, savory sauce. It’s like an elevated version of home-style tomato-beef—umami-packed, slightly sweet, and so good, you’ll want to soak up every drop with bread. (No shame in mopping the plate.) Scallop con Pasta: 🍝 Seared scallops so tender, they melt on the tongue—how do they cook them this perfectly? Tossed with pasta in aji sauce (Peruvian chili, creamy like mayo with a hint of heat), it’s lighter than Italian pastas, letting the scallops shine. Subtle, but satisfying. Mousse de Lucuma: 🍨 Dessert perfection. Made with lucuma, a Peruvian fruit dubbed “Inca gold,” this mousse is velvety, with a unique flavor—think caramel meets tropical fruit, but less cloying. A sweet, smooth finish. 🥤 The Drinks: Curious and Delicious Chica Morada: 🍹 The “mystery drink” lives up to the hype. Made from purple corn, it’s sweet-tart with a fruity edge (nothing like corn juice). Fair warning: it’s spiced with clove, adding a warm, aromatic kick—skip if bold spices aren’t your thing. Peruvian Sours: 🥂 Frothy, bright, and perfectly balanced. The egg white foam is silkier than most, making each sip feel luxurious. Peruvians clearly master the art of a good sour—no bias, just (truth). ✨ Why It Works Vibe: Tiny, cozy, and intimate—like dining in a friend’s stylish kitchen. The small space adds charm, even if reservations are tough to score. Flavor Fusion: Peruvian cuisine blends Indigenous, Spanish, and Asian influences, and Celeste nails that mix—fresh ceviche, hearty lomo saltado, and tropical desserts feel both familiar and exciting. Budget Score: 4/5. ~$70 per person, but worth it for the quality, creativity, and that “special occasion” feel. Celeste isn’t just “pretty food”—it’s a delicious introduction to Peruvian cuisine. From tender scallops to intriguing chica morada, every bite feels like a discovery. 📍 Celeste 21 Bow St, Somerville, MA 02143 #BostonPeruvian #SomervilleEats #FoodieFinds