Tanta

Pescado Frito

Arroz Con Pato

Tiraditos

Niguiri Nikei

Ceviche

Ceviche Sampler

Chifa Cebiche

Polla a la Brasa

There is no denying my love for Peru. Everything from the land - the coast, andes and amazon - the people it breeds, the food it produces, every aspect of Peruvian culture I admire and appreciate. So last year when I heard culinary icon, Gaston Acurio, was getting ready to set up shop in Chicago, I began my countdown until the opening.

Gaston Acurio has over 33 restaurants across the globe but Tanta is his first venture into the Chicago restaurant scene. Acurio's notorious Astrid y Gaston in Lima, Peru gained immense notoriety as it is listed  number 14 on San Pellegrino's '50 Best Restaurants in the World' list, just one above Chicago's Grant Achatz', Alinea. What Acurio is trying to convey to the Chicago public is authentic and traditional Peruvian cuisine with a modern approach in a contemporary setting, and he not only succeeded at obtaining that goal but well exceeded it.

The menu is full of traditional Peruvian dishes such as Lomo Saltado, Beef Anticuchos, and Cebiches but also explores the different cultural influences that have had an impact on Peru. Global influences from countries such as China, Japan, and Italy shine through the menu with plates such as the Chifa Cebiche which is traditional Peruvian ceviche with flavors of China, and the Niguiri Nikei, which is similar to that of Nigiri. Whatever it is you chose to order, I can confidentially guarantee you, it will be amazing! The food is fresh with bold flavors leaving you wanting more the moment you walk out the door.