The hearty, aromatic dishes at this Peruvian BYOB restaurant are sure to please the meat, sauce and stew lover in you. But arrive prepared to eat, as nibbling is not an option. Get off to a hot start with the tamale appetizer, brimming with chicken and olives in a soft cornmeal and banana leaf shell, or cool down with boiled potatoes served chilled in a sauce of fresh mint, walnuts and cheese.

It's easy to gorge on the appetizers, but save room for the truly enormous entrees (average $11-$13): The Peruvian-spiced sirloin steak consumes the entire plate, covering a mound of homemade fries beneath it, and the shredded chicken with creamy walnut sauce and a side of rice is loaded with poultry. Traditional Peruvian desserts are available, but if you've reached the "unbutton the pants" zone, polish off the meal with Inka Cola, a sweet Peruvian soda that tastes like bubble gum.

Unfortunately, the decor of this small eatery resembles a dated hotel restaurant. The gold sponge-painted walls adorned with pre-Colombian motifs miss the mark, particularly when paired with Beatles-inspired muzak. But all is well... you can cozy up with your sweetie on the quaint flower-filled patio to escape the tunes. Be sure to make reservations for dinner on weekends as tables fill quickly after 8 pm. Vegetarian options and requests are available.

Centerstage Reviewer: Jen Hazen