Restaurant Review: Ring in New Year’s, Peruvian-style, at Tanta

As 2022 becomes 2023 later this week, make a resolution to be bold and adventurous! You can make good your resolution by starting with the palate-pleasing, Peruvian offerings of River North’s Tanta! 

Tanta is celebrating the new year with a $95 per guest six-course feast for the ages. If you’ve already made New Year’s Eve plans, Tanta is also hosting a Peruvian New Year’s Day Hangover Brunch. Out with the old and in with the new!

What makes Peruvian cuisine different? According to EatPeru.com, “Peruvian food is often referred to as Criolla, or Creole food because of the blend of Spanish, Asian, Incan and other European cuisine influences which are integrated into their cooking. Ingredients are based heavily on potatoes, beans, rice, beef, eggs, lamb, fish, corn, chicken and especially the Aji, or chili.”

Tanta’s, which is known for their inventive Peruvian fare  and pisco sour cocktail, is serving a New Year’s Eve menu of Peruvian delicacies. Start with an Amuse (asingle, bite-sized appetizer) of oyster shooter chignon, with a rocoto leche de tigre ice cube(lime juice, sliced onion, chilies, salt, pepper), followed by Tiradito de Parmesano, with a thinly sliced “catch of the day,” served with cherry tomatoes and avocado-parmesan sauce. Move forward with Langostinos a la Brasa (grilled shrimp), with anticuchera sauce, wasabi mayo, pineapple salsa and chili sauce, followed by a Pork Tenderloin servedwithbutternut squash & carrots puree, rocoto-hoisin glazed, crispy quinoa granola, shaved asparagus, and baby rainbow carrots. Grilled Branzino follows, marinated in Peruvian herbs, champagne foam, and sea urchin puree, finished in a water chestnut sauce with Polanco caviar. Your New Year’s Eve feast ends with a rich Flor de Papa, a chocolate cake covered in Peruvian chocolate mousse. To make reservations, click here. 

On January 1, Tanta continues the celebration with their New Year’s Day Brunch…HANGOVER RECOVERY BUFFET fromnoon-4pm.  For $39.99 per guest, guests can feast at several food stations, including Cold and Hot Apps such as Quinoa Salad, Tantita Salad, Carne and Tamal Empanadas, and Bao Con Chicharron. Their Main Entree Station includes Aji de Gallina (Peruvian Chicken Stew) Lomo Saltado (Peruvian Stir Fry), and Arroz Con Pollo (Chicken with Rice). Leave room for their Dessert Station, which includes Mazamorra Arroz Con Leche (Sweet rice with milk) and Brownies.

The highly rated restaurant (4.6 average) is popular on Google reviews: 

“We had never had Peruvian food,” said one reviewer. “Amazed with the flavors, dishes, and new ingredients – even the cocktails and beers. Took our kids and they absolutely enjoyed. This restaurant has traditional Peruvian as well as some Japanese (nekkei) and thus a few items that are a fusion of Peruvian and Japanese so if your party is undecided on culinary type this is a great option. Service was amazing too and they spent time answering our questions. Absolutely would go back!!!!”

Tanta is located at 118 W. Grand Avenue. Their holiday hours this week I’llare Wednesday from 5pm–9pm, Thursday from 5pm–10pm, Friday from 11:30am–2:30pm, and 5pm–10pm, Saturday (New Year’s Eve) from 11am–2pm,  then 5pm–11:59pm, and Sunday (New Year’s Day) from noon–4pm. For more information, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago