Peru is much more than just Machu Picchu and other archaeological sites. It's a country where its…read morerich culture also shines through its internationally acclaimed exquisite cuisine, which has only recently exploded onto the international culinary stage.
It is among the most generous and deeply rooted, with traditions reaching back to the Incas, a wealth of beautiful indigenous ingredients and culinary influences from Spain, Japan, Italy, Africa and China.
Jersey is home to a wealth of Peruvian restaurants, found largely in Bergen, Hudson and Passaic counties. Passaic itself is home to the largest Peruvian immigrant population in the Garden State. Like food everywhere today, there is a new style of Peruvian cuisine emerging--so-called nueva comida--forged by Lima's leading chefs like Gaston Acurio and Pedro Miguel Schiaffino.
Situated on a busy N Wood Avenue in Linden, some of my colleagues came to this establishment for lunch after a three-year hiatus. A reservation was made by calling into Stancia Peruvian Fusion Restaurant.
Upon arrival, our table was ready inside a modern, well-decorated space with music blasting like a lounge to evoke a summer celebratory vibe.
The menu is a bit fancier than other Peruvian eateries.
We began with a jar of their homemade drink, Chicha Morada, made of purple corn, pineapple, lime, cinnamon and cloves described as fruity and tangy.
As appetizers to share, we decided on Piqueo Stancia, Chalaquitas de Scallops, Calamar Frito, and Mini Papas-Rellenas. As the main dish, we opted for Pescado A Lo Macho (Corvina), Quinoa Chaufa with Scallops, Tacu Tacu con Lomo Saltado, Quinoa Chaufa with Shrimps, Quinoa Chaufa with Salmon, Tacu Tacu with Chicken, Pachamanca, and Arroz Chaufa de Pollo. Complimentary roasted corn accompanied the aji verde spicy hot green sauce that started our meal.
Each dish is a work of art, not just in presentation but in the authentic flavor not too overpowering, it remained exquisite with a sizeable portion. This restaurant continues to impress us every time with their consistency and good customer service.
Stancia has incredible food and a beautiful space, two things many restaurants struggle to get right.
All boxes checked.