04/13/2017 Edit: Opening now scheduled for mid-June
Peruvian cuisine is coming to Joesler Village at the northwest corner of River Road and Campbell Avenue.
Villa Peru Restaurant is scheduled to open in mid-April at the space which previously housed Contigo Latin Kitchen’s original location, 1745 E. River Rd #165.
“It’s a family-owned business,” said Frida Hunt, co-owner for Villa Peru. “My mom and dad will be the chefs, while my sister and I will manage the front-of-house.”
Hunt’s parents are currently working at Villa Peru in Tempe, which will close around the time the Tucson location opens.
Since Hunt and her sister live in Tucson and many of Villa Peru’s regulars make the drive from Tucson, the relocation made the most sense, Hunt said.
While Peruvian classics such as ceviche and causas will stay on the menu, the family is working on refining the menu. The ingredients will also be fresh and organic whenever possible, Hunt said.
“We’re creating a special menu for all the fine people in Tucson,” Hunt said.
Keeping in theme, Villa Peru will feature a pisco bar. Local beers will also be available.
“We want to share our food and culture with all kinds of people,” Hunt said.
Operating hours will be 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. through 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
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Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
