The moment I stepped into CVI.CHE 105 at Town Center mall, all of my senses were aroused. Peacocks perched overhead on lush greenery gaze down upon the vibrant dining room, which features a stunning kaleidoscopic textile art installation and massive turquoise portraits of chef-owner Juan Chipoco posing with an octopus. While the sensory overload is real, it’s whimsical and lively.
Just as the design is elaborate, the menu is, too. I’m all for options that cater to a variety of palates and do appreciate chef Chipoco flexing his Peruvian culinary skills and imagination. Still, while the over-the-top ambiance was fun, the menu’s endless fold-out pages and two extra inserts were overwhelming.
Now, let’s dig into the food. We started with two classic Peruvian dishes, the Tiradito el de Carretilla ($20) and Ceviche Pimentel ($26). Both feature raw fish, but ceviches are marinated, typically in citrus juice, while the tiradito is sliced and served sashimi style. The ceviche was as good as expected, with fish, shrimp and octopus in a leche de tigre sauce topped with choclo corn and a sweet potato puree. I did enjoy the tiradito more because the rocoto pepper sauce was brighter and more citrusy; plus, the crispy calamari and cancha corn added a nice crunch to each bite.
Our mains included the Arroz Norteñazo ($39) and Lomo Saltado ($25). The rice dish was beautifully plated, with hearty amounts of sauteed seafood, including calamari and shrimp, spilling out of a seashell. The varying textures were perfect—the tender rice with a hint of cilantro was well cooked, while the fried fish, peas and corn added crispy notes. The lomo, a classic Chifa dish combining Chinese techniques and Peruvian ingredients, presented as tender strips of tenderloin, onion and tomato stir-fried in a wok and served with fluffy white rice and crispy French fries. It’s hard not to love this dish.
For dessert, we ordered the Trilogia Peruana ($35). While it’s a steep price for a sweet treat, its three portions of classic Peruvian desserts are fit for the whole table. These include a Suspiro Limeño, or caramel pudding similar to dulce de leche and topped with meringue; and two creamy mousses made of maracuyá, or passion fruit, and lucuma, a native Peruvian fruit.
As a club remix of “Sweet Dreams” hummed in the background, I looked around and admired the buzzy, colorful patio and plush green velvet bar stools packed with patrons enjoying an evening out, and I smiled.
CVI.CHE 105 has brought a lively Latin spirit to Boca, and I’m here for it.
IF YOU GO
6000 Glades Road, Boca Raton; 561/221-0940
PARKING: Lot parking
HOURS: Monday – Thursday 11:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Sunday noon – 10:30 p.m.
PRICES: $13 – $95
WEBSITE: ceviche105.com
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