Here in South Florida, we have many different types of Spanish cuisines. One of my favorites is Peruvian food. And one of my favorite places to get Peruvian food is Ceviche’s Palace.

What Is Peruvian Food?

Peruvian dishes typically contain rice or pasta, potatoes, onions, and at least one type of Aji (a Peruvian pepper which can be red or yellow). The meals will also include some type of meat - typically beef, chicken, pork, or seafood. Many dishes use the seasoning called Cilantro which is bitter. Most people I know love it. I do not, so I usually order my dishes without it. At Ceviche’s Palace, they are always gracious about this accommodation.

What's This Restaurant Like?

Located in the middle of a shopping center, there is nothing remarkable about the outside of the restaurant. But enter, and you'll see a well-lit place, with several tables, covered in bright blue table cloths. Each table will have a fresh flower in a bud vase. Seat yourself anywhere you like, and you will soon be approached by a server to take your drink order, and bring you fresh rolls and butter.

Now would be a good time to mention that most of the staff speak very little English. If you don't speak Spanish (as I don't), this can be a little bit intimidating. But, I find that pointing to menu items goes a long way. The menus are written in Spanish, but the dishes are described underneath their names in English. Also, some things are universal like "Diet Pepsi". They always understand that one. I have learned to say one very important phrase, Sin Cilantro!!!, meaning "No Cilantro!!!" The language barrier has never been a major problem for me. The staff really does try its best. Still, if you have some Spanish-speaking friends, you might want to bring them along.

The service is always courteous, although sometimes it's a bit slow. I've been there on lunch hours that stretch into lunch hours-and-a-half. Usually there are only one or two servers covering the lunch hour, and if they get a bit busy, there are delays. Dinner time seems to be better-staffed, and has never been problem. When we go with a large party, we have had success calling in the whole order ahead of time. We walk in, sit down, and they start bringing the dishes immediately.

Now - about the food...


Tell Me About The Soups!

The soups at Ceviche’s Palace can be thought of as meals by themselves. A different kind each day, they are served in huge bowls, for $3.50, or as part of a daily special. My favorite is Sancocho De Gallina or Hen Soup. This yellow soup comes with a full piece of chicken in it - either a drumstick or a thigh portion - yucca, potato, pasta, and a piece of corn on the cob. Yes, you read that right. You end up taking the chicken out and using your fork and knife on it, and of course, picking up the corn on the cob. Like I said, it’s really more of a meal than a soup. The broth, itself, has a wonderful flavor. Since I leave out the Cilantro, I'm left with a flavor that reminds me of homemade chicken soup. With the Cilantro, the broth takes on more of a bitter flavor.

On Fridays, the soup is always Sopa De Pescado or Fish Soup. This is a very thick, creamy seafood soup - similar to a bisque, or a chowder, with small pieces of fish.

OK - Now Tell Me About the Appetizers!

Ranging from $5 to $11, the appetizers I've tried have always been enough to serve two to three people. My favorite by far - and one reason I love this restaurant - is the Papas a la Huancaina, or Potatoes With Huancaina Sauce. Boiled potatoes, served over lettuce leaves, with a boiled egg, and an olive. Poured over the potatoes is the most amazing cheese sauce, flavored with the yellow Aji. The taste is like nothing I can describe, and nothing I've tasted elsewhere. All I can tell you is that it's slightly spicy and delicious. I have, at times, ordered this appetizer for my whole meal.

Other appetizers include various seafood options, such as cold mussels, and deep fried shrimp.

How About The Entrees?

This is a huge menu, with about 40 different entrees from which to choose. They range in price from $7 to $14. Many are big enough for two. In fact, one of my favorites, Jalea Mixta can easily be shared by three people. This meal is a giant platter of fried fish including shrimp, calamari, mussles, and cod. Served over lettuce and tomato, with fried yucca. Another favorite of mine is Lomo Saltado. This contains strips of beef, served on top of a platter of fried potato strips and sautéed onions. There are various dishes made with Tallarin. Long pasta strips are served with a light brown sauce, and mixed with either chicken, beef, or pork. Finally, I have to mention the Chaufa or fried rice dishes. These are giant platters of fried rice, served with either chicken or beef, and sautéed vegetables and egg. Sure, $9 is a lot for fried rice, but bear in mind that the platters can literally be shared among 3 people.

I See This Place Is Called Ceviche's Palace. What Is Ceviche?

Ceviche is probably the most popular meal ordered in Peruvian restaurants. Even though I don't happen to like it, I've seen people who need their Ceviche "fix" once a week or so. This is a cold dish. Salad greens, topped with raw fish, which are "cooked" by letting them marinate for an hour in lime or lemon juice. It is typically served on a large platter with cold corn, nuts, onions, and white or sweet potatoes. They offer several types of Ceviche including cod, shrimp, calamari, as well as some seafood mixtures. They range in price from $8 to $11.

Location
6832 NW 169th Street
Miami Lakes, FL 33015
305-818-0444


Recommendation

Overall, I highly recommend this place. Everything I've tried is truly delicious. And the prices are reasonable, considering the huge portions. But, sometimes the service is a bit slow, and the minimal English spoken by the staff will be a problem for some people.


Recommended: Yes