The Lomo Saltado Restaurant radiates warmth and authenticity, with lively depictions of Peruvian landmarks adorning the walls. Alongside a fuzzy alpaca figure at the door, folkloric Peruvian music and cozy seating arrangements invites guests to savor their meals. The air is filled with the tantalizing aroma of spices and herbs from the kitchen, setting the stage for an amazing dining experience.
When you first sit down, you are greeted with the fresh smell of warm canchitas—also known as corn nut—a popular Peruvian snack prior to a meal. Of course, the restaurant’s star is the Lomo Saltado. The dish has a profound meaning and meshes Peruvian and Chinese cultures and flavors. Lomo Saltado is more than just a dish; it’s a cultural fusion that embodies what Peruvian cuisine really means.
Karina Flores, known as “Kflo,” is the mastermind chef behind the gastronomic galore of dishes. Her culinary journey began at just five years old. Her mother’s cooking has always been a sight to behold. With chopping dicing and seasoning, Karina watched how her mother would make the dishes just right. Her passion for cooking would only further blossom. The cities of Huancavelica and Lima, Peru shine through in her cooking. The kitchen scents bring only a shy introduction to the delights that are yet to come and be discovered by the taste buds. Each plate of food is infused with her rich heritage.
Chef Kflo’s rendition of this iconic dish elevates it to new heights. Tender strips of beef are sautéed to perfection with garlic, onion, and tomatoes, then tossed in a savory sauce made from soy sauce and a blend of traditional seasonings. The result is a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate, leaving diners craving more.
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Whether it’s the classic Lomo Saltado or one of Chef Karina’s innovative platters, every bite tells a story of tradition, passion, and culinary excellence.
I have been to many parts of Peru to taste the cuisine, but the Lomo Saltado with Pesto and linguine was one of the best Lomo’s in New Jersey. Every lomo is like a snowflake, no lomo is as exact as the other. I ordered two varieties on the menu.. Despite this, both of the dishes had the right taste. Sizzled to satisfy the palate, with sauteed garlic, onion, and tomato. The beef becomes a sponge, soaking up the bold flavors of the soy sauce and seasoning. All this makes the perfect concoction for the dish. The flame while cooking is key to getting a great Lomo Saltado and Kflo’s technique takes the heat to another level.
The first dish I tried was Lomo Saltado al Pesto, the second dish was Lomo Saltado a la huancaina. Each had the satisfying stir fried beef and classic glistening onions, tomatoes, and peppers. The pesto sauce appeals to both Peruvian and Italian food lovers. The fresh taste of basil, and the parmesan giving it a savory flavor.
The Lomo Saltado Restaurant
The second dish I tried was Linguini a la Huancaina with Lomo Salteado. At first blush, it is a vibrant yellow due to the Huancaina, which is made from fresh cheese and ají amarillo peppers. The perfect pepper for those not fond of spicy foods. Trust me, I’m not a fan of spicy foods but I’m sure most palettes can handle it. With that is added evaporated milk. The sauce hugs the linguini just right. The lomo’s flavor melds with the Huancaina and as you twist your fork up to grab more, you’ll find the golden-yellow sauce, lomo, and pasta make for a tasty trio.
On Union Avenue in Paterson, Lomo Saltado Restaurant exudes Peruvian flavors combined with culinary poise. From its cozy, family-friendly ambiance to its mouthwatering dishes, every aspect of the dining experience reflects Chef Karina’s dedication to her craft. As customers savor each bite of Lomo Saltado, they are not just enjoying a meal; they are experiencing the rich tapestry of Peruvian cuisine come to life. It shows the melding of different cultures through food, and specifically through one, beloved dish. It transports you to the very place Lomo was born, back in Lima on Calle La Concepcion. Karina Flores has truly captured and elevated the essence of Lomo Saltado.
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