Best of Peru – Experience the sites, tastes and style of Peru right here in Washington!
Fashion & Style
Peruvian Connection
Next time you’re at Madame Tussaud’s or seeing a show at Ford’s Theatre, stop into PERUVIAN CONNECTION on 950 F Street NW to peruse one of the area’s most intriguing arrays of women’s luxury fiber knitwear, dresses, accessories, and home décor items. The company specializes in clothing made from Peruvian alpaca, pima cotton and silk, with patterns influenced by ethnographic textiles from around the world – perfect for a BOHO chic look this spring/summer.
Alpaca International
Alpaca fabric is often called the “gold of the Andes”– one can see why when you try one of Alpaca International’s signature
Alpaca International Signature Suri alpaca capes ($1,200); 5335 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, NW and 206 Main Street Annapolis, Md.; www.thegoldoftheandes.com
capes, shawls, sweaters, coats and accessories. “Our products are fun, fashionable, and elegant,” says the über-stylish and always-on Peruvian owner and inspiration behind Alpaca International, Zia Boccaccio – a pioneer in bringing alpaca into the world’s fashion jet-set. “Alpaca’s light, silky texture breathes, adding warmth when needed; but it’s light enough for multi-seasonal designs,” says Boccaccio. The company sells its cruelty-free natural fiber fashions at retail locations in Chevy Chase, Annapolis, Park City, Utah, and Cusco, Peru, as well via a wholesale distribution network. The company uses 100 percent baby alpaca fiber in all its soft products. Boccaccio’s cultural heritage, formidable retail experience, and creative touch combine to create luxurious lines and accessories with unique colors and chic and functional styles, all crafted by a team of Peruvian artisans. Bringing alpaca to the mainstream has been a dream of hers since she was young. She says, “I remember the feeling of seeing this beautiful animal at the foot of a snow capped mountain as a little girl. I want to share that mystical experience with everyone.”
Evelyn Brooks
Local Peruvian designer creates styles that are exotic, sophisticated, and elegant. http://www.ebrooksdesigns.com/
Sterling Silver Sunset Earrings ($125); www.ebrooksdesigns.com
AT HOME
Sandra Jordan Collection
Sandra Jordan with her silverware collection.
The luxurious Alpaca textiles, designer silver, horn products, decanting and cellar goods and unique wedding and baby gifts from the Sandra Jordan Collection have two things in common: the integrity and sophistication of its dynamic Peruvian owner, Sandra Jordan, and the sentimentality and soul of her wine country ethos. You might not have heard of the high-quality benefits of Alpaca textiles, but First Lady Michelle Obama has – she chose Sandra Jordan textiles to keep her and POTUS warm in the “First Bedroom.” Once treasured by Incan royalty for its versatility, softness and beauty, alpaca fabric remains one of the world’s most sought after textiles and is used in the home for upholstery, throws, curtains and wall coverings. Jordan retains ties to her Peruvian roots by supporting job creation and training in the community where her products are manufactured. Sandra Jordan textiles are available exclusively in the Metro D.C. area at the Holly Hunt showroom at Washington Design Center, 300 D Street SW or online at www.sandrajordan.com
Lomo Saltado at Las Canteras
EAT
Las Canteras
Restaurant & Bar
2307 18th Street NWt
Washington, D.C. 20009
Features a wide-ranging selection of contemporary and traditional Peruvian dishes. Executive chef and co-owner Eddy Ancasi is a native of southern Peru and celebrated for dishes such as Lomo Saltado: tender morsels of beef wok-fried in soy sauce and served with rice. Las Canteras also features a cocktail menu of over a dozen specialty cocktails made with Pisco.
Mio Restaurant
1110 Vermont Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20005
Want a taste of Lima? MIO, the ultimate “Latin Power House” in D.C., has asserted itself as the home for sophisticated Urban Latin American Cuisine with strong accents from Lima, San Juan, and Ciudad de México, among others!
DRINK
Melanie Asher says she produces Macchu Pisco as "the only all-natural spirit in the world."
First Sisters of Pisco
The dynamic duo of Melanie and Lizzie Asher are the brains behind MACCHU PISCO, the number one Pisco brand in the U.S. The grape-based Peruvian white spirit is giving vodka a run for its money and winning converts from Café Atlantico to Fuxion. It’s also winning awards, including Wine & Spirits magazine’s 2009 “Spirit of the Year” and second place at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge – judged blindly by greats of the cocktail world. Macchu Pisco’s single-grape Quebranta was awarded 94 points – the highest-score was 95 for a product double Macchu Pisco’s price. Pisco isn’t the only thing that drives the Ashers – after a devastating earthquake rocked Peru in 2008, they
organized fundraisers with CORPRODELI USA to help victims. In 2009, Melanie was selected as the Peruvian Professional of the Year 2009 and presented with the Tumi Award, the highest honor a Peruvian living abroad can win. What’s next? “We’re working on introducing the first vintage Pisco called DIABLADA PISCO; if champagne can do it, so can we,” says Lizzie. Cheers to that!
Modern Twists on a Classic Drink
JON ARROYO FARMERS & FISHERS
Buy Macchu Pisco and El Diablada at Calvert Woodley Fine Wine & Spirits, Chevy Chase Wine & Spirits, Pearson's Wine & Spirits or Schneider's Liquor.
“Pisco de Agricultura”
2 oz. Macchu Pisco, ¾ oz. Grand Marnier, ¾ oz. fresh lime juice, 2-3 strawberry pieces, 3-4 small jalapeno pieces, 2 dashes of orange bitters, and a pinch of cracked pepper
MICHAEL SACCONE MAJESTIC CAFE
“Pisco Romero”
½ oz. La Diablada Pisco, ½ rosemary simple syrup, 1 oz. lemon juice, 1 bar spoon powdered sugar, 1 egg white, garnished with balsamic reduction and candied rosemary.
