Michelin-starred Peruvian Chef Carlos Altamirano has finally settled on “Paradita Eatery” for his new Emeryville Public Market eatery. The establishment was initially announced as “Chicharron,” revised to Granja Eatery and is now being touted as the sister, “fast-casual” counterpart to his more formal Parada restaurant in Walnut Creek. Paradita translates to “little market” in Peruvian Spanish slang.
“I am thrilled to open Paradita; it embodies the welcoming, cheerful and authentic spirit of a street market, which is an integral part of daily life in Peru,” said Chef Altamirano through a press release. “Fast-casual Peruvian food is a relatively new concept, but we are excited to lead the charge and expand our offerings in the Bay Area.”
Paradita Eatery will be Altamirano’s sixth concept joining his stable of restaurants that include Mochica in Potrero Hill, Piqueos in Bernal Heights, La Costanera in Montara, CA, the aforementioned Parada in Walnut Creek, and his Sanguchon line of food trucks. Altamirano’s dishes aspire to “preserve the authenticity of Peru’s most treasured dishes, while adding his signature modern twist.”
The menu will incorporate local and responsibly sourced ingredients including Mary’s Chicken and Marin Sun Farms. Altamirano also founded his own one-acre farm in Half Moon Bay dedicated solely to producing the spicy rocoto variety of pepper, which is a foundational ingredient in Peruvian cuisine. This pepper had previously only been available as a frozen import from South America.
Paradita Eatery’s modern Peruvian street food menu will include:
- Classic Peruvian sandwiches
- Grilled anticuchos (meat skewers)
- Pollo a la brasa (traditional Peruvian rotisserie chicken)
- Rice bowls
- Alfajores (popular Latin-American artisanal cookies)
- Artisan craft cocktails & food-friendly wines
- Selection of organic salads
Paradita’s beverage menu will feature a traditional Peruvian spirit called “Pisco,” which is compared to Brandy. Pisco is used in cocktails including the classic pisco sour and something called a “Chilcano,” which adds lime and ginger ale. Paradita will also offer a host of bottled and draft beers on tap as well as South American and Californian wine selections to complement their cuisine. Non-alcoholic offerings will include Peruvian staples such as Chicha Morada.
The interior of Paradita Eatery will feature a high white ceiling and mix of steel, recycled and reclaimed oak furniture from The Wooden Duck in Berkeley. The walls will be decorated with pops of vibrant colors accentuated by several pieces of custom artwork by Oakland artist Letty Samonte. The prominent, corner location of the Market Hall will feature an open kitchen, employ counter-service and have non-reserved seating that will include outdoor tables. They will offer take-out options including curbside pick-up, a limited to-go menu and a convenient “grab & go” self-service case.
Paradita is expected to remain on track to open by April and will be open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.. Visit them on the web at paradita.com
Hope this lives up to the hype. We’ve been hearing about this anchor tenant for the revamped Public Market for-like-ever-and-a-day. It will be great to have a worthwhile Latin-themed venue back again