Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 247-7997;
www.thepointhostels.com
;
Junín 300; dm S27-35, d with shared bathroom
S70; )
Reminiscent of a well-worn fraternity house, this long-running party hostel is
equipped with all the toys that backpackers love: cable TV, a DVD collection, free inter-
net, pool and ping-pong, a garden with hammocks and a convenient in-house bar.
Eating
The gastronomic capital of the continent, Lima is where you will find some of the coun-
try's most sublime culinary creations: from simple
cevicherías
(ceviche counters) and
corner
anticucho
(beef-heart skewer) stands to fusion meccas where the cuisine is bathed
in foam. Lima's prime position on the coast gives it access to a wide variety of stagger-
ingly fresh seafood, while its status as a centralized capital assures the presence of all
manner of regional specialties.
You'll find cocktails infused with Amazon berries, nutty chicken stews from Arequipa
(ají de gallina)
and one of the country's most exquisite renderings (outside of Chiclayo)
of Chiclayo-style
arroz con pato
(rice and duck), slowly simmered in cilantro, garlic and
beer. The city has such a vast assortment of cuisine, in fact, that it's possible to spend
weeks here without beginning to taste it all. Pack your appetite; you'll need it.
A LA LIMEÑA
Many restaurants in Lima tone down the spices on some traditional dishes for foreign travelers. If you like your
cooking spicy
(picante),
tell them to turn up the heat by asking for your food
a la Limeña
- Lima-style.
CENTRAL LIMA
Miraflores and San Isidro may have the city's trendiest restaurants, but Central Lima's
downtown spots offer cheap deals and history, from functional
comedores
(simple dining
rooms) packed with office workers to atmospheric eateries that count Peruvian presidents
among the clientele.
Menús
(set meals) in the vicinity of S10 can be found at many of the
cheaper restaurants.
El Verídico de Fidel $$
(
www.elveridicodefidel.com
; Abtao 935, La Victoria; ceviches S20-40;
noon-5pm)
Not just a
cevichería
but a place of pilgrimage, this hole-in-the-wall across
CEVICHE
