My discovery of this intriguing restaurant came about through the vibrant platform of Xiaohongshu. Nestled away from the frenetic activity of the popular tourist spots, this culinary gem requires a bit of an adventure to reach. You must meander through a labyrinth of quaint alleyways adorned with traditional Chinese temples, which adds an element of charm and cultural immersion to your journey. Upon arrival, you might find the establishment somewhat unassuming; its exterior is not particularly striking, and without the guiding hand of Google Maps, it’s quite possible to overlook it entirely.
Once inside, the ambiance mirrors that of an open-air eatery, reminiscent of rustic farmhouses, complete with a scattering of tables and chairs positioned under the open sky. It offers a unique opportunity to savor Peruvian cuisine in a casual setting that feels both inviting and laid-back. The food itself is rather unpretentious; while it may not be extraordinary, the portions are just right — not overwhelmingly large, nor disappointingly small.
I opted for their special dish: the curry seafood rice chaufa with chicken. While it was generously accompanied by rice, I found the seafood portions to be rather meager — almost pitiable. However, it was enough to satiate my hunger, and sometimes, that’s all one can ask for. I also indulged in two servings of lomo saltado. The beef was cooked adequately — tender sirloin that paired nicely with the freshness of tomatoes and onions, served alongside a side of crispy French fries and fluffy white rice. Though the rice was slightly undercooked, perhaps a nod to authentic Peruvian style, it still complemented the dish well.
In essence, this restaurant provides a filling meal that won’t break the bank, making it a viable option for tourists eager to experience something different from the pricier establishments within the bustling scenic area. If you're new to this locale, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try; it’s a hidden treasure waiting to be unearthed. The quirky name — Fork You Restaurant — certainly piqued my interest and explains why it has garnered attention from various bloggers on Xiaohongshu (Rednote). This charming little spot may just surprise you with its humble offerings and...
Read moreDuring a recent visit to Niagara Falls, Ontario, I discovered this exceptional Peruvian restaurant that offers an authentic taste of my homeland’s cuisine, which was a delightful surprise. The chef, a MasterChef contestant, personally greets guests, adding a special touch to the dining experience. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, and the portion sizes are generous, making them perfect for sharing. The menu features a variety of dishes, including the excellent seco de carne con frejoles, a flavorful beef stew cooked in cilantro sauce that perfectly complements the slow-cooked meat and is served with delicious beans. Additionally, the yucas a la huancaina were exceptional—crispy yuca topped with a creamy and slightly spicy Huancaina sauce. I must highlight their picarones, which were the perfect way to end my meal and brought me back to childhood memories in Lima. These sweet potato and pumpkin doughnuts are lightly fried to golden perfection and served with a rich syrup that balances sweetness with just the right amount of spice. They were fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside—truly a must-try for anyone craving authentic Peruvian desserts. The restaurant has a separate wall-mounted board menu, ensuring guests are informed about other daily chef specials. I particularly enjoyed their chicha morada drink, which paired wonderfully with the meal. Additionally, the restaurant offers a few Peruvian-Chinese Chifa items, such as Chijaukay and chaufa fried rice, which I ordered to go as my meal for the next day. Although the restaurant is located slightly away from the main tourist attractions, the quality of the food and the friendly service make it well worth the drive. As a Peruvian native, I appreciated the authenticity of the food, which rivals that of restaurants I've visited in Lima and other cities around the world. Overall, I highly recommend this hidden gem to anyone in the Niagara region seeking delicious, high-quality Peruvian cuisine, excellent service, and great value. I look forward to returning and trying more menu items on my next visit—and bringing...
Read moreI wanted to enjoy this restaurant, but unfortunately, the experience fell short of expectations. Upon arrival, we were instructed to choose any table and were informed that a particular waiter would attend to us. Another waiter brought us our menus, but after that, we waited nearly half an hour before we had to call her over ourselves to place our order. Despite passing our table multiple times, she didn't check in with us, leading us to assume she had passed the responsibility to the original waiter. Instead, she ended up taking our order.
The food and drinks arrived promptly after that, but the experience was mixed. We ordered the Nikkei ceviche, lomo saltado, and pescado a lo macho. The Nikkei ceviche was disappointing, with barely any fish, which was quite underwhelming. The lomo saltado, while fresh and flavorful, didn’t quite capture the classic taste one expects from this dish. It seemed to lack the usual ginger and soy notes, and the sauce was thicker than usual—likely due to the use of cornstarch, which may have contributed to the deviation in flavor. On a brighter note, the pescado a lo macho was well-prepared and enjoyable.
However, a few other aspects of the service detracted from our experience. We were surprised to be charged for takeout containers, which was a first and felt unnecessary. Additionally, witnessing an awkward argument among the staff in front of us was uncomfortable and unprofessional. When we indicated that we were ready to leave and requested containers, we assumed the bill would follow shortly, but we had to track down our waitress yet again.
Overall, I would rate the food a 3.7 and the service a 2.5. While there were some positive aspects, the service and certain elements of the meal left much...
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