Restaurant Spotlight of the Week:

Peruvian Chicken & Steak

Peruvian Chicken & Steak

6198 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, VA • (703) 237-7706

Hours: Mon - Sun 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Scientists recently discovered evidence that the oldest civilization in the Americas existed in Peru, slightly north of Lima over 5,000 years ago. Through carbon dating and archaeological research it has been discovered that the little known civilization, which was located in a series of valleys among the Andes, had a society that included agriculture and political structures indicating the birth of true society. But, while Peru might have been the birthplace of civilization in the Americas, it also stands as the place of origin for something even greater; the potato. The earliest remnants of the potato as a dietary staple was found at archaeological sites in Chiripa in the east of Peru, dated as far back as 400 B.C.

It wasn't until the late 16th century that the potato made its way to Europe, via Spanish explorers, where it quickly became part of the everyday diet. Today the potato exists as a staple in the diet of almost every culture in the world.

But the cultural fare of Peru should not be overwhelmed by the history of the Potato. At Peruvian Chicken and Steak in the Seven Corners area of Falls Church, Peruvian cuisine is available in all its forms potatoes included.

With a relaxed atmosphere where customers order at the counter and seat themselves, there isn't a lot of pretension to the cooking and everything is affordable. But while the set-up may emulate fast food, there is nothing mass produced or artificial about the menu at Peruvian Chicken & Steak.

For those who have never had Peruvian rotisserie, the first choice should be the chicken. Available in multiple sizes, all the way up to a whole chicken, the meat is juicy and the skin is seasoned with a smoky blend of spices that is infused through the entire bird, making sauces or condiments redundant.

Looking for a way to order the chicken on the go, both the chicken cheese steak and the gyro, combine the freshly roasted chicken picked straight off the bone, with either a pita wrap or the classic sub roll.

Both sandwiches respect the flavors of the chicken. While covered in melted cheese, the cheese steak strikes a delicate balance and doesn't allow excessive creaminess to overtake the well prepared meat. Likewise, the gyro is similarly fresh and honest. The chorizo, a spiced sausage originally from Spain, although now a Peruvian favorite, is particularly tasty, especially served with beans and rice as a side dish.

For those not wanting to miss a thing, the Peruvian mixed grill serves up an enormous quantity of meat at a very reasonable price. Served with fresh fries, the grill includes chorizo, roasted chicken, and a pork chop. Like the chicken, the pork is well seasoned and tender, although the meal is large enough to satisfy several people.

Along with the main course are several sides highlighted by the beans and rice, and fried yucca. The preparation of the beans captivates the simple comfort inherent in the dish, but too often lost as a result of over seasoning. Meanwhile the yucca is similar to fried potatoes but with a sweeter taste and a slightly starchier texture.

With low prices and a menu of quality options Peruvian Chicken & Steak is a great place to get quality Peruvian fare without spending money on a plane ticket.