DISH OF THE WEEK

DISH OF THE WEEK: Pollo ala Brasa at INCA’S GRILL PERUVIAN CUISINE

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Every week, I document another dish that impressed and satiated me during my food adventures around New York City

INCA'S GRILL PERUVIAN CUISINE, 2110 Clove Road (between Crist Street and Giles Place), Grasmere, Staten IslandIt’s been less than a month since I returned from my adventure in Peru and I still can’t get enough of the food. I even spent the last few weeks eating the diverse food again here in NYC for an article on Gothamist.

One of the uncovered Peruvian restaurants in the city sits in a suburban neighborhood of Staten Island. I had read about it and so just like all our travels in Peru, I decided to jump on a ferry and headed out to the most far-flung borough to visit Inca’s Grill.

We were immediately impressed with the homey ambiance and the warm greetings of the chef and owner. When we mentioned we had just returned from a trip to Peru, we got extra special treatment. His food was quite good – not as experimental or as flashy as some of the nuevo cevicherias in Manhattan, but rather simple and traditional with a few modern touches.

The ceviche was indeed fresh and tangy with nice textures from the crunchy corn kernels and sweet potato. I was also impressed with the tender octopus topping on the creamy and hearty causa – a firm mound of acovado and mashed potatoes.

Pollo ala Brasa at INCA'S GRILL PERUVIAN CUISINE

But his rotisserie chicken (or pollo ala brasa) rivals the more famous one at Pio Pio out in Queens. This darkened half chicken had beautiful sweet and garlicky spices (perhaps even a bit of cinnamon?) that gave the exterior a juicy texture and a complex flavor. The meat itself was fantastic. Almost better than the fowl was the portion of handout french fries underneath. It was a great example of Peru’s most famous fast-casual dish.

I would normally direct people out to Jackson Heights, Queens for the most authentic Peruvian food in the city (and that would still be a good place to visit), but this true off-the-beaten path stop is much more quiet and modest and the food is just as good. Plus, you can pretend New York Harbor is Lake Titicaca. Squint and you might see the Andes. Price: $8-$18

INCA’S GRILL PERUVIAN CUISINE
2110 Clove Road (between Crist Street and Giles Place),
Grasmere, Staten Island
(718) 448-0488
incasgrillnyc.com

AboutBrian Hoffman

Brian Hoffman is a classically trained actor who is now a full-time tour guide, blogger, and food obsessive. He leads food and drink tours around New York City, which not only introduce tour-goers to delicious food, but gives them a historical context. He also writes food articles for Gothamist and Midtown Lunch in addition to overseeing this blog and a few food video series, including Eat This, Locals Know, and Around the World in One City.

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3 Comments

  1. Brian this is Cesar from incas grill peruvian cuisine , first I want to big thanks for the article about the Dish of the week pollo ala Brasas, and thanks you for recognized my job and the comments about my Restaurat. Again big thanks , also I like to know when we can meet , and talk about you experience en Peru !!!

  2. Hi Cesar. I’d love to meet up to chat about Peru! It’s quite difficult for me to get out to Staten Island. But if you find your way to Manhattan, let me know and we can meet up for a coffee or some food.

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