While the city is shivering in a winter chill, there is a hot spot across Manhattan’s Madison Park sure to heat things up – La Mar Cebicheria Peruana. Truth be told, La Mar is really a tribute to
Peru and Peruvian flavors. And even if you’re not a connoisseur of Peruvian cuisine, after your first visit to Chef Gaston Acurio‘s new culinary temple you’ll learn to love it.

The two floor dining establishment is decorated with wood furniture, bamboo plants and, more importantly – it evokes harmony and beauty with authentic simplicity. Latin music in the
background creates a relaxing atmosphere – while not disturbing from a conversation during a romantic or a business dinner.

Going through the menu will take time since there are such diverse selections. While you are trying to make up your
mind, extremely friendly waiters will provide plantain chips and little bit of
spicy dipping sauce. Just don’t get carried away with the chips, there are so
many yummy surprises yet to come.

Our first surprise was Causa – a
miniature pyramid of chicken, celery and potato with a cherry tomato on the
side served on an organic wood spoon. This unique appetizer is not even listed
on the regular menu – but as an HOMBRE reader in the know you can make a
special request from the chef.

Drinks are yet another story at La Mar. Here you have a chance to try several variations of Pisco, the traditional Peruvian liquor. We especially recommend you try Chilcano, made with pisco
and purple corn, imported from Peru. 
The fact that many ingredients come directly from Peru makes the entire experience truly authentic.

Since La Mar has ceviche in its name, Cebiche Clasico would be a great start. Long Island fluke, red onion, habanero, sweet potatoes and Peruvian Corn marinated in classic leche de tigre will delight you with its ensemble of flavors. It’s hard to imagine how all those ingredients can work together but they do. No doubt a big credit
goes to the leche de tigre marinade which contains lime, salt and onions, and
makes this dish so juicy and refreshing.

To discover Peruvian sashimi try
Tiraditos Laqueado. The sliced tuna tataki, with passion fruit, leche de tigre
and soy sauce sesame oil emulsion was the softest and the most delicate fish
experienced this evening. Beware – you might not notice how the whole thing is
gone from your plate at the blink of an eye. Its that good!

We should point out that La Mar with its Executive Chef Victoriano Lopez wants to make sure that each guest truly enjoys every single course so each meal comes with new plates and new
silverware.

To end the appetizer’s portion of a fabulous dinner you might want to try some Quinoa Salad with roasted diver scallops chilled and tossed in a grilled tomato – aji amarillo emulsion.  Even if someone in your party is not a fan of scallops we highly advise they try them, they may change their entire
perception.

Spanish day-boat octopus grilled
with anticucho sauce and served on the skewers, fried fingerling potatoes,
Peruvian corn and spicy huacatay sauce would be a good choice as well.

It’s time to proceed to the main courses. La Mar provides some classic Peruvian and modern recipes. If you are familiar with  Peruvian cuisine and want something to remind you about your good times in Lima or Cuzco, try the Sudado – Atlantic halibut, Manila clams, yucca, kabocha squash, onions and tomatoes cooked in aji amarillo and white wine broth served with a side of arroz con choclo. Pour some sauce on the rice and we guarantee it will bring back all the good memories you have of Peru.

Even though La Mar is focused on seafood, have no fear, there is something for those carnivores who can’t spend
the evening without a piece of meat. Asado de Tira – a short rib braised in a aji panca and chic morada on top of pepian de choclo, topped with cancha and arugula is the best choice.

You know how it happens that suddenly there is no more room left for the desserts at the end of a big meal?
Don’t worry about that at La Mar. La Mar stands out from the other places by keeping you full, but never too full. All ingredients are so fresh, well prepared and original that not only they have a delicious taste but also
provide comfort to your stomach. There is no way to skip sweets. The dessert menu is filled with different kinds of ice cream and puddings. There is also Picarones which are Peruvian sweet potato fritters served with spiced
chancaca honey.

La Mar has found a loyal fan base in Lima, Bogota, San Francisco, Panama City, Sao Paulo and finally, New York. We sincerely encourage you to experience this unforgettable celebration of
Peruvian flavors. Situated on Madison Street it sits in a great location and is open for you every day except Sunday.

La Mar Cebicheria
11 Madison Ave at 25th St New
York, NY 10010; tel: (212) 612-3388

www.lamarcebicheria.com