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ToggleAguadito de pollo (Cilantro-Based Chicken Soup)
I started my Peruvian culinary adventure with aguadito de pollo, one of my favorite soups ever, at Victoria’s Pisco Lounge in Lake Worth, Florida. It’s guaranteed to warm you up on a cold winter’s day (or, if you’re in Florida, on a hot day when the AC’s blasting). Its cilantro-based stock is mixed with rice, boiled potatoes, peas, thinly sliced carrots, chunks of tender, roasted chicken, and tiny slivers of sautéed red peppers. This Peruvian restaurant served its meals in cool, odd-shaped dishes. The broth was thin, yet not watery, and the chartreuse green color looked pretty damn cool.
They brought me water with a slice of lime, and since Peru is known for using a lot of it in its cuisine, it made sense. Cancha, Peruvian corn nuts, were served as well.
Cordero a la norteña (Northern-Style Lamb)
While my cauldron of aguadito cooled down, I decided to experiment with a popular Peruvian dish — Cordero a la Norteña. This dish came with lamb that was so soft, that it fell off the bone; no knife necessary. The zingy gravy with Peruvian spices was so good, that I’d pour it over a Thanksgiving turkey. The lime-marinated red onions (like the ones in ceviche) and cilantro complemented the dish by adding some nice acidity to the plate, and a touch of spiciness (due to the ají chiles). I later learned that they’re actually called sarza criolla, which is Peru’s equivalent of Mexico’s pico de gallo. And of course, the rice, lima beans, and boiled yucca were great. George Thorogood and the Delaware Destroyers may be “Bad to the Bone”, but this dish was literally, good to the bone.
The place filled up more and more as the night went on. And yes, I would definitely return.
At Victoria’s Pisco Lounge, you’ll enjoy a great meal in a casual environment amongst a lively crowd and salsa music. Kudos to the management for using my favorite color—cobalt blue—in the alcohol display.
Their other two locations are on the same block in Lantana (Victoria’s Peruvian Cuisine, and Victoria’s Rotisserie Chicken).
Where to find Victoria's Pisco Lounge
Victoria's Pisco Lounge
806 Lake Avenue
Lake Worth, FL 33460
(561) 855-7899
victoriasperuviancuisines.com