Urubamba
Contact Info:
Address: 86-20 37th Ave (86th St)
City: Queens, NY
Zip: 11372
map: View the Map
Phone: (718) 672-2224
Website: http://www.urubambarestaurant.com/contactenos.cfm
Food Info:
Cuisine:
Peruvian
Cititour Review:
Urubamba is a bustling restaurant in Jackson Heights, Queens serving up authentic Peruvian cuisine in large portions, making it destination spot. It's named after The Sacred Valley of the Incas in Cusco. Located near Mach Pichu it's known for its warm climate and spectacular views. You feel some of that warmth as soon as you enter Urubamba with its brick arches, tapestries and Peruvian artwork lining its walls.
And then there is the food. We started with tamales Peruanos ($4.50). Pork wrapped in ground corn with pieces of egg and black olives. My Peruvian friends say these are the real deal. And so is the ceviche. Unlike trendy restaurants offering up tiny portions in a cocktail glass as haught cuisine, here a dish of ceviche could easily serve as a meal. It's stacked high with fish, calamari, octopus and shrimps swimming in a lime juice marinade that actually cooks the fish. It's topped with a tangle of crisp red onion and cilantro. Urubamba serves its ceviche with a small shot glass of the juice from the bottom of the bowl. It's often called the Tiger's Milk or in some circles "nature's Viagra". My son loved the Salchipapas ($6), slices of Peruvian hot dog served with atop a pile of fries. We also tried the Papa Rellena ($5.95). Think oversized potato croquettes stuffed with meat and herbs.
Entrees included Jalea ($18), deep-fried fish, shrimps and calamari that is stacked high. It's nice and crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. Three people could easily share a small order. We also sampled the parrillada ($28), a combination of meats served on its own mini barbecue grill. A half chicken arrived nice and juicy, along with piece of perfectly rare skirt steak, grilled tripe, and anticuchos; marinated veal heart served on skewers. The anticuchos had a nice flavor but were a little rubbery for my liking.
While there was hardly any room for dessert, we did want to try the picarones; traditional yeast donuts made with sweet potato, pumpkin and anise. They're served hot with a molasses fig syrup. Unfortunately, this night they were sold out.
No liquor is served at Urubamba, but you can buy a pitcher of their lively sangria. Or, better yet bring you're own bottle of wine (for a corkage fee), or a six pack of your favorite brew. While service can be a bit spotty especially when it's crowded, Urubamba still remains a nice spot for a romantic meal, or a night out with some friends.
Review By: Thomas Rafael
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