Inca Gardens offers a taste of South America

By Andrew Hardenbrook

With a humble exterior, Inca Gardens does not stand out from any other eatery in the busy downtown San Jose area. However, once inside this Peruvian restaurant you will find that it is unlike any of its neighbors. Inca Gardens appeals not just to one or two, but all five of the senses and truly immerses each visitor in the Latin American culture.

First, the restaurant gives you plenty to look at and touch. The walls are filled with photographs and maps of many famous Latin American sights. Also, inside is a gallery that features paintings and handmade artwork of both indigenous and local Latin American artists.

After looking at the art, the waiter will seat you at a comfortable table and begin to describe the menu. Upon hearing your choices, your ears will start to tingle with delight and your mouth will water with anticipation.

Most of the menu will be new to you, so if you have any questions feel free to ask. The employees are both knowledgeable and friendly and love to talk about Latin America.

Finally, Inca Gardens brings out the food, and your sense of smell and taste are hit. I had the Seco, which is a mixture of potatoes, beans, and cilantro, and I also ordered a side of an Andean grain called Quinua. It smelled wonderful and tasted delicious.

Before too long, I was so full that not only did I have to ask for a box, but also had to wait before I could even stand up. I was happy to let my food settle though because it gave me more time to talk to the waiter and enjoy the surroundings.

If what I ordered does not sound good to you, do not let this dissuade you from visiting. The menu contains such a wide variety of Peruvian and South American foods that anyone could find a dish to their liking. Along with the food, the menu also contains some beers and sodas that are imported from Peru and a wide variety of tasty fruit drinks. So, if you have room, you should try at least one.

I truly believe that if you like experiencing different cultures and foods, then this is the place for you. But if this article does not convince you, feel free to check out their website. It has plenty of information about the menu and tells more about the gallery and upcoming events like poetry reading and live music.

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LOCATION

Inca Gardens

www.incagardens.com

87 E. San Fernando St.

San Jose CA 95113

(408) 977-0816