For A Uniquely Flavored Experience

Tantalize Your Taste Buds at El Inka Grill

In a city where new restaurants close almost as quickly as they open without explanation, El Inka Grill is beating the odds. The original location of this Peruvian restaurant, in Hunter’s Creek, opened in 2011. In a city where new restaurants close almost as quickly as they open without explanation, El Inka Grill is beating the odds. The original location of this Peruvian restaurant, in Hunter’s Creek, opened in 2011.

El Inka Grill’s abundant variety of internationally inspired recipes earn it the title of “Best South American Food” by World Travel Awards for five consecutive years.

According to chef and owner Ivan, “Our guests come from all over, and have been so welcoming and supportive in making us part of the community, we decided to open up another location in Dr. Phillips. We are so grateful for the support we have received so far, and we hope to continue to serve them well.”

Ivan is thrilled to be approaching the Dr. Phillips location’s second-year anniversary in November. He invites everyone to either location to “experience the flavor of the most exotic of Latin cuisines, considered among the best in the world. The flavor is what sets apart Peruvian dishes.”

Peru’s beautiful western coastal location in South America has allowed it to be a popular destination for many travelers and settlers. The country’s culinary fusion developed over a long process of cultural exchanges between settlers such as Spanish, African, Chinese, Japanese and Italian, as well as many others. Peru’s adaptation of these influences have cultivated Peruvian food into a unique and delicious cuisine unlike any other.

El Inka Grill’s abundant variety of internationally inspired recipes earned it the title of “Best South American Food” by World Travel Awards for five years running. The London-based rankings organization called the restaurant a “leading culinary destination.”

El Inka Grill is best known for its fresh citrus lime marinade used in the signature ceviche recipes. Ceviche is traditionally served as a refreshing cold dish of combinations of white fish, shrimp, octopus or squid with onions and garlic. For those who prefer their fish hot, there is also a grilled lobster, mahi-mahi and salmon ceviche. All ceviche is made to order.

Sauces are essential ingredients in Peruvian food, and El Inka Grill boasts some famous ones. The salsa madre (mom’s salsa) is made with fresh in-house spices. The pesto and soy sauces also have a unique combination of seasonings, making each distinctly South American.

It’s the mixing of flavors that make for amazing tastes. For those who have never had Peruvian food before, they will notice a familiarity yet a new flavor altogether. The way Peru has infused the variety of flavors from its cultural influences makes each dish uniquely Peruvian. For example, the stir-fried rice and wok dishes, like the chaufa and its famous lomo saltado, are Asian-influenced. It is the combination of flavors that allows these dishes to take on a whole new dimension.

The selection of unique beef, poultry and seafood entrees is plentiful and appeals to a wide range of palettes. There is charbroiled Black Angus skirt steak served with linguine and/or french fries and white rice for the less adventurous patron. The seafood is prepared either broiled, fried or sautéed. Many of the entrees are served with fried yucca or plantains. There are also children-sized portions and a selection of authentically seasoned soups, salads and desserts.

Those with a lighter appetite should consider the causas or tiraditos. Causa is a delicate potato puree seasoned with yellow Peruvian pepper, lime juice and oil, topped with either chicken, shrimp or octopus salad. Order one or the trio. Tiradito is thin, sliced, fresh fish marinated in citrus lime juices and smothered in your choice of Peruvian red rocoto, yellow pepper cream or creamy black olive sauce.

El Inka Grill also offers a choice of eight lunch specials for only $9.95. They are served Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Regular dining hours are Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m., and Sunday from noon-10 p.m. On Friday and Saturday evenings, live music begins at 6:30 p.m. There is both indoor and outdoor seating, and El Inka Grill’s exceptional serving staff is bilingual, adding an extra layer of authenticity.For an unparalleled dining experience, visit El Inka Grill at either of its local establishments: 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd. or 4106 Town Center Blvd. The Hunter’s Creek restaurant also has a separate dining room that seats 40 to accommodate private celebrations.

Be sure to check out El Inka Grill’s menu on its website at www.elinkagrill.com, where there’s a mouthwatering photo and complete description of each dish. For more information, call 407-930-2810 (Dr. Phillips) or 407-730-7979 (Hunter’s Creek).