Paiche

My brother Gary lives close to this restaurant in Marina Del Rey.  He tells me he's never been there because every time he asks someone if they would like to try it, they decline and they would rather go to the joint next door that serves hamburgers and the old standards.

Paiche is Peruvian mixed with Japanese cuisine.  The name Paiche comes from the prehistoric Amazonian Fish which can grow to up to 600 lbs. Unfortunately, we did not order any fish so we will definitely have to go back to try this specialty.

You have to take the time and study the menu especially if you are not familiar with Peruvian food. Our server spent some time explaining the different plates and specialties. After careful consideration, Gary and I unanimously voted for the same things. We had to have the Chaufa de Langosta; lobster fried rice with mussels, clams and shrimps. The Cangrejo; soft shell crab with kimchi, wasabi and aji amarillo. The third dish had to be meat so we tried the Short Ribs with BBQ sauce and ajiaco de papas (potatoes). Everything was delicious. The short ribs were a bit chewy but the soft shell crab was crunchy, spicy and delicious. The lobster rice had all sorts of wonderful flavors. The shrimps were plump and juicy; we could have had more of them. That was not your everyday fried rice though I will have no trouble eating it everyday!

Dessert had to be Churros with chocolate and Lucuma sauces. This was not at all like the Spanish churros. They were imperfect round balls. We had a bite and Gary and I just gazed at each other. Never had anything like it. It was more like beignets only much better. It was lighter than a feather. When I asked the server what was inside, he replied: "magic".

We saw Chef Ricardo Zarate so I had to convey our excitement. I will definitely go back to explore more dishes on his exciting menu plus I will be needing more of the churros!

Paiche is located at 13488 Maxella Ave. in Marina Del Rey.