On October 14, Bellevue welcomes its newest culinary destination: La Mar Bellevue, a celebrated Peruvian restaurant created by renowned chef Gastón Acurio. With Chef Kaoru Chang at the helm, La Mar Bellevue is a tribute to Peru's rich coastal cuisine, blended with the bounty of the Pacific Northwest's abundant waters. Peruvian cuisine is a true celebration of diversity. Influenced by centuries of migration and local traditions, the food of Peru brings together flavors from across the globe.
The Multicultural Roots of Peruvian Cuisine
Much like Bellevue, Peru is a melting pot of cultures with a lot of rich blended heritage. Over the centuries, indigenous ingredients from Peru’s unique landscape, such as corn, potatoes, quinoa, and aji peppers, blended with influences brought by Spanish colonizers. But the story doesn’t end there. Peruvian cuisine also draws heavily from African, Chinese, Japanese, and Italian culinary traditions. Each wave of immigration left a distinct mark, resulting in dishes that are as diverse as they are flavorful.
What to Expect at La Mar Bellevue
Expect to be wowed by a lineup of dishes that perfectly capture the bold yet refined nature of Peruvian cuisine. As you enter the beautiful restaurant on Bellevue's Main Street, an elegant cebiche bar commands attention with a stunning display case of fresh seafood, offering a visual feast event before the first bite.
But don’t stop there—La Mar’s menu features a variety of Peruvian coastal specialties, including tiraditos (Peruvian sashimi), anticuchos (grilled skewers), and their famous Pisco Sours, a must-try cocktail when dining Peruvian style.
Ceviche or Cebiche: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to this iconic Peruvian dish, you may have seen it spelled in two ways: ceviche and cebiche. While internationally it’s most often referred to as ceviche, in Peru, the word "cebiche" holds more historical significance. Both refer to the same dish: fresh fish marinated in lime juice, mixed with onions, cilantro, and often a touch of aji peppers for that extra kick.
So, which is correct? The answer is both! The use of "cebiche" in Peru highlights the cultural heritage behind the dish, while "ceviche" has become more globally recognized. La Mar Bellevue will undoubtedly honor both forms, allowing guests to savor traditional Peruvian ceviche made with the freshest seafood and bright, tangy flavors.
Meet Chef Kaoru Chang: Bringing Expertise from Nobu to La Mar
Executive Chef Kaoru Chang brings over 19 years of fine dining experience to La Mar Bellevue, including work at a James Beard-awarded restaurant and the globally renowned Nobu Restaurant Group. A third-generation Nikkei (Peruvian of Japanese heritage), Chef Kaoru honed his craft at Nobu Miami Beach, where he was part of the opening team for Nobu Mexico and collaborated on prestigious events across the globe.
“As a third-generation Nikkei [Peruvian of Japanese heritage], I look forward to sharing the exceptional diversity of my country’s traditional cuisine, which has been shaped by Incan, Spanish, Chinese and Japanese traditions over many centuries,” said Kaoru Chang, executive chef of La Mar Bellevue. “La Mar’s menu will reflect the global influence and melting pot of flavors in Peru, while also incorporating elements of the bounty found right here in the Pacific Northwest.”
Why Now Is the Time to Explore Peruvian Cuisine
As Bellevue continues to grow as a hub for international food culture, Peruvian cuisine adds an exciting new chapter. For those who haven’t experienced the dynamic flavors of this South American gem, now is the perfect time. Whether you're looking to try ceviche for the first time or are curious about the lesser-known fusions like Chifa and Nikkei, La Mar Bellevue is the place to start your journey.
Peruvian cuisine is a story of migration, adaptation, and innovation, where every bite offers a glimpse into Peru’s multicultural soul. With its rich, complex flavors and the unique fusion of ingredients, it's no wonder that Peruvian food is gaining global recognition as one of the world’s most exciting cuisines.
