Diego Curi, one part of the trio that owns and runs one of Providence’s most popular restaurants, Los Andes, shared the exciting news of expansion and growth on GoLocal LIVE.
For those who have dined at Los Andes, it comes as no surprise to hear that the restaurant has been in need of more space to accommodate customers coming in masses for their award-winning Bolivian and Peruvian cuisine.
“It has been a long eleven years. My brothers Omar and Cesin and I are the owners. Cesin is the mastermind in the kitchen, and Omar and I are in front of the house, just ensuring our customers and guests are happy when they come in. We want them to have a better experience every time they dine with us. We are giving them a tour of South America without ever leaving Providence.” says Curi.
The Chalkstone Avenue restaurant expanded its seating by transforming their outdoor patio into an enclosed dining room.
“We are enclosing half of our outdoor patio. It is going to look the greatest it has ever looked this summer. We are ready," said Curi.
In addition to the new renovations on its patio, Los Andes needed room to grow for customers who are waiting for a table, and to end their evening. The answer was a ceviche and cocktail lounge that is colorful, exotic, and vibrant.
Curi is relieved to have such space that allows customers to enjoy their time at the restaurant, “We tried to incorporate the feeling that you get in the restaurant. You will be able to enjoy ceviche prepared in front of you by a sous chef, made to order. You can choose what you like, how you want it, how spicy, along with raw bar and cocktails.”
The ceviche lounge will be open after the restaurant is closed, allowing guests to come in for cocktails after dinner.
Los Andes popularity came after word of their authentic Bolivian and Peruvian cuisine spread across the city, and eventually made them a dining destination.
“Bolivian and Peruvian are pretty similar, with more seafood on the Peruvian side, and more meats on the Bolivian. We are creating wonderful flavors. Every week we are changing the specials.”
The admiration the three brothers share for fresh fish is apparent, as cured ceviches and exotic Peruvian fishes grace the menu. The massive portions are certainly crowd pleasers, especially their meat selections such as the bisteca and the pacamuto.
Along with him, Curi brought with him the famous lobster paella, “I would say this is one of our signature dishes at Los Andes. We use a pound and a half Maine lobster and we stuff it with littlenecks, mussels, shrimps, chicken, and chorizo. Yellow saffron rice and English peas, a little white wine broth and garlic, with warm drawn butter on the side. It is loaded with flavors.”
In addition to the ceviche lounge and new addition to the patio, Los Andes is working on opening a gift shop next door. “We are going to be selling our sauces and products in the store”, says Curi. The shop is projected to be open in early Spring.
Visit Los Andes at 903 Chalkstone Avenue, and visit their website at www.losandesri.com to make reservations.
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