Peruvian Cuisine - Chicken Festival
Published: 08/21/2009 by Cesar R.
Over the past few years, South American cuisine has been establishing itself as a dining option throughout Manhattan. One of the most recent arrivals is a small Peruvian eatery on the Upper East Side called Chicken Festival.
Located on First Avenue between 82nd and 83rd Streets, this restaurant hosts a modest number of tables, yet the dishes generally are packed with flavor. Don't expect a great dining experience, but do come to enjoy good food!
True to the restaurant's name, the rotisserie chicken (Pollo a la Brasa) is a real find, with the meat practically falling off the bone in juicy morsels. The accompanying green sauce adds a spicy flavor that complements the chicken well. Beware: the whole chicken with french fries is enough for two.
In the mood for beef? Try the lomo saltado, which is a combination of sliced steak, french fries, and tomatoes over rice. The dish is served simply, yet the flavors blend nicely.
Avoid the papa a la Huancaina, at least until they perfect the yellow sauce. During my visit, I found the sauce cold and bland as opposed to the tangy, spicy experience I recall from my grandmother's kitchen.
At Chicken Festival, you can satisfy your urge for Peruvian cuisine without emptying your wallet. With its simple dining room and buzzing take-out business, I expect this newcomer to the Upper East Side to solidify its place among South American eateries.
Address:
1584 1st Ave
(between 82nd St & 83rd St)
New York, NY 10028
Tel.: (212) 988-2844
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