Peruvian dego at Piqueos

Over the years we here at Milk Bar HQ have heard dinners inspired by the seasons, matched wines, legumes, and once a historical time period. But in one for the annals, we’ve just learned about a dinner based on altitude.

Piqueos in North Carlton, which specialises in South American grub, is hosting a five-course Peruvian degustation inspired by a recent two-week eating odyssey around that country by owners Shaun Burke and Dave Mills.

Burke and Mills had a happier ending to their travels than their local namesakes, and tried Peruvian titbits from Machu Picchu, Cuzco and Lima.

“The trip helped bring everything together. We learnt a lot about the three regional styles of Peruvian food. We ate a lot of cebiche (fish cooked in lime juice) and seafood dishes while we were in Lima, and in Cuzco and Aguas Calientes we ate less seafood and more protein, such as alpaca and guinea pig,” Burke tells us.

The result is a five-course dinner inspired by the eating habits of Peruvians living at different altitudes, from scallops by the sea to beef hearts in the mountains.

For adventurous diners there won’t be alpaca or guinea pig on the menu – but you can console yourself with matching Argentinian wines.

The Peruvian degustation is on Wed 2 July at Piqueos, 298 Rathdowne St Carlton
Tickets $85 for the five-course meal and extra for matching wines.
Places are limited and bookings can be made at info@piqueos.com.au and 9349 2777.