Mi Gente, balancing work, home, children, and love life is no simple feat for any parent. However, Nick and I have discovered a trick to help us maintain our sanity - we make it a priority to schedule at least two date nights per month. And let me tell you, our latest date night was an absolute gem. We decided to venture out of our comfort zone and explore new flavors and libations at Llama Inn, a lively Peruvian restaurant nestled in the heart of Brooklyn. The menu featured an array of delicious shareable dishes bursting with flavor, paired with refreshing Latin cocktails made from the freshest ingredients. Our taste buds were certainly in for a treat, and it was a night to remember.
Ah, Llama Inn - a hidden gem nestled at the crossroads of Greenpoint and Williamsburg, right beneath the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. And the best part? Finding street parking is an absolute breeze, making it an ideal destination for a spontaneous date night or a casual get-together with friends and family.
Now, let's talk about the menu - it's a foodie's dream come true. As someone who always does their research before visiting a restaurant, I was blown away by Llama Inn's Instagram page. The mouth-watering images made me want to jump right into the screen and indulge in all of it. After much contemplation, we decided to mix things up and ordered something from each section of the menu - a true culinary adventure. Of course, no meal is complete without a good drink, and Llama Inn certainly did not disappoint. I opted for the Llama del Rey - a crowd favorite with sweet notes that reminded me of a refreshing sangria.
Let me paint a picture for you- as soon as we laid eyes on the ceviche options at Llama Inn, we knew we were in for a treat. We simply couldn't resist ordering both. One bite, and we knew we were in for a real culinary adventure. The first dish we savored was the salmon ceviche with ginger, peanuts, and crispy wontons. The combination of fresh salmon, nutty peanuts, and crunchy wontons was simply divine. And the sesame oil added just the right amount of acidity to round out the flavors.
The second ceviche - made with fluke, sweet potato, and celery - was an absolute game-changer. It was an explosion of flavors in every bite, like nothing we'd ever tasted before. While both dishes were exceptional, the fluke ceviche took the crown for us.
In short, Llama Inn's ceviche offerings are not to be missed. The unique flavor combinations and fresh ingredients will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.
Let me take you on a journey through the middle section of Llama Inn's menu. At first glance, the dishes seemed like unlikely combinations that I never would have dreamed of ordering. But after having the exceptional starter dishes, we knew we were in for an unforgettable culinary experience.
The photo on the left captured a stunning dish - Oyster mushrooms with rocoto (a type of chili pepper), potato, and ahi verde (a spicy Peruvian sauce). Trust me when I say that the photo does not do justice to the explosion of flavors in this dish. The mushrooms were charred to perfection, and the combination of the red salsa and ahi verde elevated this humble dish to a level 10.
After indulging in three fantastic dishes, it was time to move on to the main course. We were advised to share the famous Lomo Saltado - a Latin stir-fry - and we couldn't resist. I mean, how can you visit a Peruvian restaurant and not order their signature dish?
As we savored each bite of the stir-fry, we were transported to Peru with the blend of flavors and aromas. The juicy, tender beef was perfectly seasoned, and the colorful vegetables added a delightful crunch. We certainly made the right decision by sharing, as the portion size was generous and satisfying.
All in all, Llama Inn's middle section and main course offerings exceeded our expectations and left us eager to return for more.
Prepare to have your taste buds tantalized with the exquisite Lomo Saltado dish we had at Llama Inn. The steak was cooked to absolute perfection - there's just something about grilled steak that hits differently for me - and coated in a rich, flavorful sauce of peppers and onions. The dish was then topped off with a generous serving of crispy French fries to add a delightful crunch to each bite.
As if that weren't enough, the Lomo Saltado was served alongside white rice, pickled chilis, and rocoto cream. But what really caught my attention was the addition of the scallion pancakes, paying homage to the Cantonese-Chinese community that migrated to Peru and influenced the creation of this dish. The fusion of cultures and flavors was truly remarkable.
As I savored every bite, I couldn't help but experiment with different ways of eating the Lomo Saltado. I tried building a taco using the scallion pancake and loaded it up with a bit of everything, creating a truly unforgettable bite.
Trust me when I say that this Lomo Saltado combination was everything and more. It's no surprise that it's a signature dish at Llama Inn, and I can't wait to go back for more.
Don't miss out on the chance to experience the mouth-watering dishes and vibrant atmosphere of Llama Inn on your next visit to Brooklyn. With its prime location on the border of Greenpoint and Williamsburg and plenty of street parking, it's the perfect spot for a spontaneous date night or a fun evening out with friends and family.
From the innovative ceviches to the tantalizing Lomo Saltado and everything in between, Llama Inn offers a unique culinary experience that will have you coming back for more. And let's not forget about their fresh Latin cocktails - like the crowd-favorite Llama del Rey - that perfectly complement the flavors of the dishes.
So don't miss the chance to indulge in the bold flavors and cultural fusion of Llama Inn. Make your reservation today and get ready for a dining experience like no other.