Villa Peru Continues to Thrive As More Plates Are Being Served

By admin April 1, 2014 18:43

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By: Jessica Danielle Ramirez

Hard work and dedication came hand in hand with the Salazar family when they decided to open a Peruvian family restaurant in Tempe 3 years ago.

The decision to travel to the United States leaving behind the Latin culture in Peru and merging into the American lifestyle was a challenge the family endured.

Walter Salazar, owner of Villa Peru said, “everyone who migrates to the US has a dream to do things different than they could’ve done in their country.”

One of Salazar’s dreams was to run his own business in the U.S., which he did. In 2008, the family brought the South American cuisine to the valley and began serving typical meals from their culture.

From the outside, Peruvian flags hang from trees surrounding the restaurant and once customers step in, Peruvian antiques and souvenirs are displayed for sale.

“This is a restaurant where the entire family works at,” he said.

Salazar is the main chef along with his“señora”, Frida Gonzalez, and his daughters are servers. The family works from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. to bring the unique cuisine to the table.

“The food we make is quick and easy to make,” Salazar said.

There is not one day that passes where Salazar and his “señora” are not cooking Peruvian dishes such as the Aguadito de Pollo soup or Papa Rellena.

“I love to cook and discover new food,” he said.

While the majority of the clientele who dines at Villa Peru is American, there is a percentage of Latinos who dine here to get another side of Latin food. Each item comes with white rice.

The Lomo Saltado along with the Ceviche are the two most ordered meals off of the menu.

From what meets the eye, Peruvian food is completely South American, but if you taste closely, there are ingredients that are not all South American. In popular dishes the Lomo Saltado and Arroz Chaufa De Pollo, soy sauce is a key ingredient.

“We are successful because of everyone’s efforts. We all put our share in,” Salazar said.

After three years of hard work in the kitchen, the Peruvian natives are enjoy seeing their success as they receive positive feedback and smiles from customers as their meals are being served.

Villa Peru