It was a bit of a reach coming to El Mono but with these many reviews, we really made the effort to taste the fresh flavors of Peru.Located at San Pablo Ave. just off the Cutting Blvd. exit on I-80, we were able to get a parking spot in the private lot that is shared with other businesses. We came for an early dinner so we were able to be seated promptly. The place was spacious with plenty of tables and bar seating to boot.Frito Sampler (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/Uq3u_kbGVGLjEDVU45WLog?select=pmO6Dmjr6mkhAPAel7CmTg) - These are fried starchy goodness - sweet potato fries, cassava, and plantain! The creamy cheese sauce was also superb.Lomo Saltado (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/Uq3u_kbGVGLjEDVU45WLog?select=GMwqYAfuAjfUnFOEqW_2yg) - The classic Peruvian beef recipe! Taking it up a few notches, they use Certified Angus Beef here. The meat was perfectly stir-fried with the rest of the ingredients and was very tender. Best Chifa dish ever!Chupe de Camarones (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/Uq3u_kbGVGLjEDVU45WLog?select=lkF4fQRmzxHI-JRynBt33Q) - Creamy red chowder with succulent shrimps... If it's not creamy enough, how about we add a poached egg on top of the rice? It was our first time having this and it did not disappoint at all.Jalea (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/Uq3u_kbGVGLjEDVU45WLog?select=LqDqUDgKe1pInXK1k-gOHA) - Fried... check! Seafood... check! This was an easy choice and an excellent one at that! Shrimps, mussels, clams, fish, calamari, and some more yucca for the win - they were lightly battered, well-seasoned, and came with pickled red onions and a dipping sauce.Peruvian Paella (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/Uq3u_kbGVGLjEDVU45WLog?select=HVv63_petUFL7vrPqrkNYQ) - Also known as Arroz con Mariscos, this had seafood for days - squid, clams, mussels, and shrimps! Visually, the main difference between its Spanish counterpart was the rice - this had long-grain jasmine rice instead of bomba. Served on a sizzling platter, we let the bottom part sit for a bit so we could get the socarrat to form. This was cooked with housemade aji panca chili sauce and their special white wine which gave the distinctive flavor. Rice was precooked before everything else was added because we spotted some lumps of white rice that did not get mixed well. Despite this flaw, it still came out tasty. We just had to break down the clusters and mix it some more.There were plenty of interesting items on the menu so we really need to make another concerted effort to visit. We had a fantastic time back then so the next one needs to happen really soon. It's so long overdue that my photos got taken out in my review draft... another one sitting around that I have forgotten to post. =( We usually get the rotisserie chicken when we go to a Peruvian restaurant, but we had to pass because other options were available. We have to try it next time along with one of their noodle selections.
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