Christmas at Ceviche is back with a bang as Martin Morales and his team bring a taste of Exotica to Ceviche Old St this December with food, music and performance inspired by the movement.
Exotica, named after the eponymous album by Martin Denny, was pioneered in the 1950s and enjoyed popularity across the most exciting cities around the world for it’s heady mix of colours, Amazonian elements and psychedelia.
The menu will feature a whole host of Ceviche classics such as the Lomo Saltado and Seasbass Jalea steamed buns alongside exclusive additions for the festive period such as Espadazo, chilli cured swordfish and Corderito Serrano, lamb rump with carapulcra potatoes and black quinoa sauce and of course, no true Ceviche celebration would be complete without the signature Don Ceviche. Ceviche’s team will also be creating one-off pisco cocktails fit for the occasion.
Resident DJ Natty Bo will be on hand serving up sounds of The Amazon, Mambo and Latin, joined by guests including Cal Jader, Russ Jones, Duncan Ballantyne and Ceviche’s own Martin Morales throughout December. Burlesque Exotica performances by Sara Vargas in the guise of Peruvian figurehead Yma Sumac will also light up the proceedings.
“Exotica is exotic fun. It’s a movement that has been lost but not forgotten. Through music, film and food, we want to bring back an era of wild abandon and to create something new for the festive period,” said Martin Morales, founder of Ceviche. “We can’t wait to take our team and guests on a trip back to the psychedelia of the Exotica period, inspired by the vibes of the mighty Yma Sumac, the Peruvian queen of this movement and our inspiration for December’s celebrations.”
Working alongside set designer and immersive experience expert Hebe George (Offset Studios, ex-Punchdrunk) throughout December, Ceviche Old St will be transformed into an homage to the movement; Polynesian flowers will adorn the restaurant with stone face sculptures inspired by the Incas and plentiful tropical plants bringing the December heat of Peru to Old Street.
Finally, Ceviche Old St’s annual New Years Eve party will mark the end of the celebration, and will see the restaurant put their recognisable Peruvian stamp on the theme.
The festive cheer won’t stop at Ceviche Old St, Martin and the team will be showcasing unique aspects and undiscovered corners of Peruvian culture to London. From November 1st, Peruvian Rock n’ Roll descends upon Frith Street as Ceviche Soho pays homage to the era. An exclusive mix of food and cocktails, a photo exhibition of ‘70s Peruvian rock sound tracked to the best of the genre will bring the shenanigans of Peru’s punk era to London.
Diners at Andina in Shoreditch will be transported to The Andes as Andina: The Heart of Peruvian Food, the latest cookbook from Martin Morales is brought to life. The restaurant will be decorated with images from the book captured by the award-winning photographer David Loftus and Dave Brown, guests can enjoy Andina’s signature dishes and music from the book’s accompanying compilation.
Over at Casita Andina, Londoners will be invited to feast on dishes that reflect the cooking of Cusco, Arequipa and Huancayo. Created by Martin alongside Executive Chef Vitelio Reyes, the menu will guide diners through a journey of Peruvian landscapes and Andean celebrations.