Ay Ay Picante

Has anyone tried Ay Ay Picante? We are thinking of going this weekend and would love a review! Thanks.

Went with a large group a few months ago. I didn't think that it was as good as Rinconcito Sudamericano, but we had a fine meal. The Jalea and the ceviche were both memorable, but some of the other dishes (tallarin, eg) were not. I would go back.

I've been there a couple times and would go back. The Aji de Gallina quite good. They also have a really nice outdoor patio in back.

I eat at Ay Ay every week. It is GREAT! The family that runs it are very nice people. My opinion is maybe a bit sided since I know everyone there, but I think it is one of the best places in Chicago.

Here is a link to a coupon for free Dessert w/ Entree
http://maps.google.com/coupons/page?did ... &resnum=0#

Also I think they have Clubs Cards you can ask for. When you sign up you get a free appetizer. Good deal!

For our collective reference:

Ay Ay Picante : Peruvian Cuisine
4569 N Elston Ave
Chicago, IL 60630

(773) 427-4239

My friends and i went to this place the other day... great patio!!, there was not extra charged for bottle opening,we had the very well suggested lomo saltado, tamales and later order from the menu suggested by channel 7 (very specific)we had the pescado a la basca and the ceviche WOW!!!! best i ever had!! prices are very reasonable for the portions they serve, one plate is to much for 1 person only.
The place itself is very cute, cozy, my party was only of 12 people, place is very big, we really had a great time. Best Peruvian Food in town.
I had check rinconcito too but the reviews are so bad and the place is so small i dont want to wait my time and money.

Cookie and I made our first visit to Ay Ay Picante and had a pleasant evening.

I have generally low expectations from South American restaurants, but they do a good job of filling my hunger for meat and starch. I had hopes that this restaurant would offer some interesting seafood options, but the tilapia-heavy seafood menu turned me off.

We did order one interesting sounding seafood appetizer: Olive oil poached octopus in an olive cream sauce:


Unfortunately, this was the weakest dish of the evening. I didn't like the flavor combination at all, and the octopus was a little too chewy.

The simple beef anticuchos (skewers) were excellent: tender, charred nicely, and flavorful. They evoked a feeling of real street food, as they should, and went nicely with the fiery, bright house salsa:


The darkness had overtaken us when the entrees arrived, so no pictures.

I enjoyed the seco cordero (lamb cooked in corn beer with green peas, onions, garlic), which I enjoyed. It was made with a couple thick-cut, braised lamb shoulder chops. I think it could have used a bit more of the braising liquid, but it was very flavorful and I cleaned my plate (except for the huge mound of white rice).

Cookie's bistec encebollado was a nicely executed version of this classic dish.

Overall, Ay Ay Picante did nothing to lift my feelings about South American restaurants in general, but it was a nice meal, extremely reasonably priced with excellent service, and the atmosphere of the place is classy and vibrant on a Saturday night. It's clearly in the top-tier of South American restaurants in Chicago.

Also, they do not have a bar, BYOB only.

Best,
Michael

"The simple beef anticuchos (skewers) were excellent"

Worth noting for others that anticuchos are usually beef hearts. I heart them myself.

Edited to add "usually."

Has anyone been here lately?

Pie Lady wrote:Has anyone been here lately?

How lately do you want? Within the past 6 months? Yes. I enjoy their ceviche very much, the rest of their offerings are OK, but not earth shattering.

Sure, 6 months is lately enough. Thanks!