Got (lucky) last minute reservations for a Saturday night before the comedy club meal with friends. Had zero knowledge of the place beforehand so it was a bit of a gamble … what a stroke of luck, indeed. From the moment we walked through the door, we were treated with great courtesy and concern that our experience be wonderful…and it WAS!
While not fancy, the setting is attractive and best of all, CLEAN !! After getting us seated, the waiter (whose name L sadly didn’t catch) offered us water which came quickly & upon determining we didn’t know Peruvian cuisine, offered to get pictures of the most popular dishes to help him explain about it & said our more informed selection. We started perusing the ample menu focusing first on the drinks side and thoroughly enjoying a dish of lightly toasted Peruvian corn kernels with an accompanying dish of a mysteriously, light green dipping sauce that was slightly reminiscent of a mild wasabi cream sauce… What a delightful snack!
Note that this is a wine/beer equipped eatery with a few of the new canned cocktails … not a full bar. Also, the red sangria I ordered was a generous portion & quite good & me fellow diners reported the glasses of Cabernet & Malbec the ordered were well matched to the feast that ensued.
We started with an order of 2 empanadas which they offered to cut in half so that we each got a good taste. They were terrific, with perfectly done crust, and a chicken filling, which was superbly seasoned, with just the right amount of moistness. The waiter, equipped with a set of photographs, proceeded to describe their 8 most popular dishes, although he stressed that all the other dishes were equally excellent, stressing that all dishes could be tailored to our specific likes, degree of sickness (all are mild by default) & if there were ingredients, you didn’t like, and encouraged the discussion to select a change to make it more to your liking. After his top-notch dissertation and patient answering of our many questions, we ordered two beef & two seafood entrées. E made several such mods including having my Jalea Mixta & Ceviche Combo medium spicy & the
My Jalea Mixta & Ceviche Combo combined a generous selection of lightly breaded fresh fish with seafood with lemon/lime marinated onions, tomatoes and corn… a flavorful plate of taste explosions. The 2 orders of Lomo Saltado with Tacu Tacu comprising lean beef, sautéed with onions and tomatoes, served with tacu tacu and fries were so flavorful with beef so tender that it almost dissolved in your mouth. Tacu tacu we learned is rice, beans, and seasonings combo that are mushed together quickly fried into kind of a flattened patty of flavor. With a lightly crusted exterior, giving each taste of this new to us dish a little crunch to accompany a burst of flavor … with just a hint of spicy heat.
Bottom line is that this is one of the best, most unique meals we’ve had in our numerous visits to the Sarasota foodie scene & well certainly be back! Try it, I promise...
Read moreOur family, who were visiting from New York, had such an amazing introduction to Peruvian cuisine, all thanks to Kenji. Kenji, our server, is a VERY passionate man who clearly loves his job and brings joy to Peru 941’s customers. He knows his way around Peruvian cuisine and is the best with recommendations & drinks to complement said recommendations (which do NOT disappoint!) If you have any questions, I encourage you to toss them his way, as he is more than happy to indulge and assist. He’s attentive and cares to hear your feedback as to whether his recommendation was spot on or if you’re enjoying your meal. If you do get to enjoy the pleasure of having a 101 conversation with Kenji, he’s hilarious and entertaining!
The food is authentic, and with every bite, the flavors melt on your tongue, creating a euphoric food experience. The plates are so rich and flavorful! You can taste the high-quality freshness of what you ordered as you get exactly what you paid for! The portions are very fulfilling and easily shareable with the family. (You’ll want to sample several dishes; they are all unique with distinct flavor variations.)
The interior is very clean, smells nice, and overall adds to the flavorful experience. It’s not too fancy but also not too laid-back—it’s a perfect balance of the two! Overall, the building and atmosphere are perfect for families (big and small; our party is of 6) with a relaxed...
Read moreMy wife and I recently had the pleasure of dining at Peru 941, a gem of a Peruvian restaurant nestled in the heart of Sarasota, Florida. From the moment we stepped in, we were greeted with warmth and impeccable service, setting the stage for a memorable dining experience.
We kicked off our culinary journey with a traditional Peruvian beer, which was the perfect refreshing start. The highlight of our appetizers was undoubtedly the Cebiche Mixto, a symphony of fresh seafood marinated in citrus juices, with just the right balance of spice and tanginess.
For the main course, I indulged in the Bistec a Lo Pobre. This dish was a hearty and flavorful delight, featuring a perfectly cooked steak accompanied by fried eggs, plantains, and rice. Each bite was a testament to the authentic Peruvian flavors that Peru 941 prides itself on.
My wife opted for the Seco de Carne with Tacu Tacu, a rich and savory dish that left her thoroughly impressed. The meat was tender and the accompanying beans and rice were cooked to perfection, blending together for a satisfying and comforting meal.
In summary, Peru 941 is a must-visit for anyone in Sarasota craving an authentic Peruvian dining experience. The combination of delicious food, welcoming service, and a cozy atmosphere made our visit truly special. We left with our taste buds delighted and our hearts full, already planning...
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