El Chullo, New Peruvian Restaurant in Phoenix!

By admin January 21, 2014 18:19

By Jessica Danielle Ramirez

Last week, I discovered a restaurant that displays a variety of colorful chullos. A Chullo is a common hat that is worn in the Andes and is made out of alpaca fur. Chullos are popular to wear because of the high altitude and each tribe wears different patterns. The poms that hang from the hat represent the wealth of the person wearing it.

The restaurant that displayed the hats served a special type of food: Peruvian. El Chullo Restaurant and Bar is located in the heart of central Phoenix (7th street and Virginia Ave). When you walk in, you will notice numerous hats that are displayed throughout the room.

El Chullo has been open for just over two weeks and has been receiving positive reviews ever since their grand opening.

It’s a family-run eatery that got its start because they noticed few Peruvian restaurants in the valley lacking Latin flavor.

“It began as an idea and we just started working on it,” said Karen Velarde, daughter of the owner.

It took two months for the Ramirez-Luzcando family business to flourish after they had a specific idea of what kind of restaurant it would be.

“We want lunch to be laid back and for dinner [to be] a place where you would take a date.”

The entire family plays a role at El Chullo. Mother and Father, Esperanza Luzcando and Jose Ramirez were who started the restaurant, Karen is one of the servers and her sister Esperanza Ramirez is the pastry chef. Their brother, Omar Velarde, is one of the cooks.

“Each dish is made with a lot of passion,” stated Omar. “we try not to cook with our heads, but with our hearts.”

The dishes are considered comfort food with a twist of modern cuisine, and a feel of homemade delights.

Their most popular dish is the “Lomo Saltado.” Tenderloin beef, french fries, red onions, tomatoes, and a side of white rice served in the shape of a pyramid.

The eatery serves a unique complimentary side to each table. What appears as toasted seeds, are what is known as cancha chulpe – dried corn lightly salted and crunchy.

Dining is not complete without dessert, el postre. While there are a variety of selections to choose from, I tried the Alfajor. This dessert looks very similar to a round cookie filled with caramel – delicious and can satisfy more than one person’s sweet craving.

I definitely recommend El Chullo if you are looking for a restaurant that offers both a good meal and a true cultural experience.

For more info call 602.279.8425 or visit their webiste www.elchulloperu.com