Peruvian food is quite the thing at the moment, what with the recent opening of Lima Floral – sister to the original Rathbone Place restaurant – not to mention the continuing success of Martin Morales’ Ceviche. But, you know, we’ve been busy, so I can still hold my head high while admitting I have absolutely no idea what to expect from the imminent three-course-brunch menu – or our children’s reactions to it. Thank heavens, then, that we are seated far enough away from the open kitchen that no chef will possibly hear any potential hacking and wheezing should our children take against any item we dare place within a metre radius of their plates. Thanks, also, for the kids’ menu, from which the little ones happily pick out homemade fish fingers and chips.
Let’s just say we were pleasantly surprised. After ordering two children’s meals (£8 for two courses) and two weekend brunches (£36 a head) – we were virtuous, deciding against the unlimited wine or champagne option for £47 or £55 respectively, including food – a tsunami of delicious dishes soon start pouring in. Along with a couple of glasses of some sort of punch cocktail, on the house, which soon evaporates. For starters there is sea-bass ceviche (raw fish), with a touch of Asian seasoning, and tuna tiraditos; chicharron, which is slow roasted pulled pork; sweetcorn fritters; a quinoa and pomegranate salad; and Peruvian beans.