Aji — Restaurant in Taos

After a great time at the Adobe Bar, we were hungry, but didn't feel like walking back to the house to get the car. Looking for something downtown, within walking distance of the Adobe Bar, I remembered reading about a new Peruvian restaurant in town. We called, they had seating, and so we strolled down Paseo Del Pueblo Sur in the dark, New Mexico night, trying to stay on the decrepit sidewalks, often unsuccessfully. (The places I have dragged my wife to on a whim.......) Fortunately, almost everything was closed and dark in Taos at 8:30, and we saw the lights of Aji before we noticed any signage. Aji was located in a lovely house, and although there was just a four top left finishing dinner, the warmth and hospitality of the restaurant was palpable. We dined alone at Aji, a Monday night in November is about as out of season as you can get in Taos, but service was lovely and excellent.

Being served the incredible ceviche by accident brought momentary guilt because it was comped. However, that guilt dissipated as we devoured the three different preparations. The ceviche was culinary artistry.

Our Tequenos appetizers were "killer," non greasy, large fried wontons with exotic dippings. The shrimp Causa Rolls, with potato filling were not only beautiful in appearance, but had a unique and delicious flavor, unlike anything we have ever eaten. I loved the Pato entree, a slow cooked Duck leg whose tender meat literally fell off the bone. The sweet potatoes and Yucca accompaniments adding more exotic flavorings. Donna's Jalea, a mountain of beautifully fried seafood was too much to eat, and along with a piece of cheesecake, we carried the boxed Jalea back to the house.

Our scrumptious meal cost $75.00, a veritable bargain. A couple of years ago we dined at Farolito Peruvian Cuisine in Coral Gables, purported to be one of Miami's best Peruvian restaurants. The dishes served at Aji tasted infinitely better than what we ate at Farolito. This restaurant will become the hot new place in Taos. Go and enjoy...

For a change of pace, we decided to go Peruvian for dinner tonight in Taos, NM. So glad we did… Aji rocked the house! Great meal from start to finish! Navitidad was our waitress, she was awesome! Attentive but not intrusive! Navitidad, thanks for your wonderful service!

We started the evening with a couple of Peruvian cocktails… a Pisco Sour and a Maracuya Sour. Both were delicious, hat tip to the Maracuya Sour for its passion fruit flair! For the appetizer, we opted for the beef heart, “Antichucos.” My oh my, delish! The beef heart, marinated, served on skewers with thinly sliced potatoes, hominy, and a killer chimichurri sauce on top! So good, we could have ordered five more servings and been happy… but, we didn’t! And for good reason…

For our entrees we selected the Pato (duck leg) and the Seafood Pasta. Both were outstanding! The duck leg was served atop fabulous creamed sweet potatoes and yucca strips… the dish was incredible! Likewise, the seafood pasta was over the top great. Served with “Aji Sauce” very flavorful and with a surprise kick of heat (hot pepper) on the end. Plenty of baby scallops and shrimp, with mushrooms and peas, OMG good! The pasta was freshly made and served a perfect al dente…. We enjoyed a wonderful bottle of Albariño El Terrano from Spain, which was perfect for the duck and pasta! We were stuffed, so we passed on dessert this time around.

The restaurant space is comfortable and cool! It was packed by 7:30pm when we left! Art for sale on the walls, pottery, sculptures, etc. Even the bathroom space was beautifully tiled! Bossa nova pop hits from the overhead speakers was awesome! (It’s what we listen to at home!). What a meal… highly recommend Aji for a “change of pace” meal...

I have been anticipating to come here for a very long time... but it was really a let down.

I'm not sure about the locals, but by my experience growing up in a Peruvian household it was not authentic.

There weren't many options on the menu, not all of it is necessarily typical Peruvian food.

The food was okay. I had the Paella, which was basically spanish rice, mixed with a little bit of calamari, and four oysters. Seems like something I could make at home.

The little thing of aji (chopped onion, tomatoes, lemon, etc.) Was not as flavorful, but definitely added to the dish.

As far as the presentation, the plate with the cloth and skillet looked nice and neat. The food itself was not presented in an impressive way but it was organized.

Got the passion fruit cheesecake, it was good. My mom asked for one too, never ended up getting it. Dad got flan, it was forgotten about and we were not willing to wait for it so he got cheesecake too. Little bit of communication issuses...

The restaurant was pretty empty, there was just a couple there.

Very clean place, loved the decor, the art works.

It was somewhat of an open concept design, since the kitchen was visible from my table.

Customer service was fast, and wonderful. The waitress was very nice.

Overall, my visit was exceptional.

One thing I would like to add for those coming here in the future, is to make a reservation ahead of time, and to confirm it the day of going. Just because the restaurant isn't busy does not change the fact that...