Restaurateur Wilson Rodriguez and chef Jose Draganac, the co-owners of New Canaan's Pesca Peruvian Bistro, are bringing that taste of Peru to Norwalk when they open Ayahuasca Peruvian Kitchen in June.
"We thought Norwalk was missing a good authentic Peruvian cuisine place, and Pesca in New Canaan has been so successful it made sense to bring the same concept to the area," said Rodriguez.
The pair opened Pesca in 2018. Those familiar with the New Cannan restaurant will notice a number of similarities between the two restaurants, including selections of ceviche on the menu and their signature pisco sour. But while Pesca features a lot of seafood, after all, “pesca” means fish, one of the signature dishes of Ayahuasca Peruvian Kitchen will be rotisserie chicken.
"We wanted to bring authentic Peruvian rotisserie chicken that is well-prepared into Norwalk," said Rodriguez.
To do that, they imported the rotisserie chicken ovens from Peru, which delayed the opening of the restaurant while they waited for them to arrive. But they're optimistic it will be worth it.
Draganac, who grew up in Peru, began cooking at an early age, studying at culinary school in Lima before working at restaurants in Peru and the United States. While working at Z Hospitality (Solé, Mediterraneo, Terra), Draganac met Rodriguez, who had helped open several Fairfield County restaurants, including Costa Brava, Macarena and Cafe Madrid, and the two connected over wanting to open a Peruvian restaurant.
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Ayahuasca Peruvian Kitchen, which will open at 46 North Main Street in Norwalk (the former home of Jewel of Himalaya) sometime in mid-June, depending on city approvals, will accommodate 40 people and include a full bar, indoor and outdoor dining.
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A combination of Incas Cuisine with European and Asian Cultures and Traditions, Pesca Bistro opens its doors to cook and serve what we love and enjoy the most, Peruvian Food. With Jose Draganac as a Head Chef and well knowledge of his very own family's recipes, we assume humbly the challenge with new ideas, we promise not to change the original flavors even when using new ingredients and methods.
Buen provecho!!!