Peruvian Fusion Supper Club: Casa Jauretche

Puertas cerradas, closed door restaurants, supper clubs – call it what you will, this form of dining experience continues to increase in popularity with great spots popping up all over the city.  Since first receiving press about this trend back in 2006, chefs continue to invite a selective number of guests to enjoy a special prix fixe menu. My latest visit to Casa Jauretche, a supper club in Caballito, did not disappoint and proved that even though closed door restaurants are no longer a novelty, you can still find unknown gems.

In true closed door style, Casa Jauretche remains to be somewhat exclusive.  With virtually very little marketing and advertising, except for a “secret” facebook group, news about this place is only spread by word of mouth.  Ex-chef of my once-favorite spot for martinis, Mosoq, Peruvian-born Micha Mendoza opens her gorgeous house to a mix of an Argentine and foreign crowd with a perfectly presented, well-thought out, 5-course menu.  The menu and theme is constantly changing, inspired by fresh, in-season ingredients, but I happened to come on a Peruvian fusion night, and I am very glad I did. Course #1: Pulpo al olivo, causita limeña.  Causa limeña is a very popular Peruvian dish generally made out of potato puré, lemon, yellow ají and avocado.  This version, served with a spoonful of octopus, set a good pace for the rest of the meal.

Course #2: Bisque del pacífico, leche de coco y perfume de lima kaffir.  Just like Lionel Richie sang, I could have eaten this bisque all night long (all night). My favorite dish of the 5, the flavors of the coconut milk and kaffir lime meshed heavenly together and inside the scallops and shrimp were perfectly cooked.  My first time eating scallops in BA, I didn’t even know they existed here. My only complaint? I wanted more! My portion was smaller than the ones next to me – that’s right, I had serious portion envy as I stared down the other bowls. Course #3: Ceviche de Salmón Nikkei, Ceviche Clásico, Tiradito Huancaíno (Trio de Ceviches).  Boy, do I love me some ceviche.  My favorites were the Clasico & Huancaíno since they had a great light, fresh, acidy taste with a hint of spice.   The salmon Nikkei is more of a Japanese-Peruvian fused ceviche in a sweet soy-based sauce.  For my taste, it was a bit too sweet, but I still guzzled that shot glass down. Course #4: Risotto al ají amarillo, antichuchito de pescado y pulpo, pesto de piñones y hierbas peruanas.  An antichucho is like a Peruvian kebab, which is generally beef marinated in spices and served on a skewer.  From first sight, I could have sworn this was a beef dish, but one taste and you realize it’s a soft, flaky, marinated piece of fish (and octopus). It worked nicely with the pine nut pesto and yellow chili risotto.

Course #5: Tiramisú de pisco algarrobina, mousse de maracuyá. Luckily I’m not male because otherwise I would have had to rub one out in the bathroom after this impressive display of postre.  The pisco and algarrobina (carob) gave the tiramisú a nice twist while the mousse de maracuyá had me moussing my pants…(did I take that one too far?)

For a tasting menu, the portions were spot on – just the right amount to leave you wanting more, but without leaving you hungry.  Another great plus, this is one of the only closed door BYOV (bring your own vino) with no corkage fee. They do provide a refreshing mint & lime water and there is a small wine and drink menu as well.  Luck has it, I came on the same night as one of the owners of the Bodega Carmine Granata and had a fabulous tasting of several of their award winning wines.

The idea behind Casa Jauretche was to open the doors of chef Micha’s home for an “experience shared between friends and lovers of great food” and that is exactly what she has accomplished: delicious food, beautiful ambience, comfortable / homely setting and great conversation.

Casa Jauretche, Caballito
130 pesos, BYOV
For reservations and more information, contact Micha at 3970-3934 or 15-6539-2446
Website coming soon: www.casajauretche.com.ar

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