For some, stepping back to ‘normal’ has involved baby steps. Tenative re-openings, people dipping their toes into the new normal.
For others, they’ve done it with a little style. A little panache. A little drag.
Peru Perdu hosted their first event post lockdown. A drag themed brunch it was a little Pride away from Pride. We all knew that this year would be different. No parade, most events online to keep everyone safe. But still people wanted to visit the city, wander down Canal Street. Pay their respects to the event that is Pride – but with masks, distancing and oodles of hand sanitiser.
At Peru Perdu, it was no different. Sanitiser on tables, tables spaced out, and checks made to ensure you weren’t sitting with anyone you shouldn’t be. After that, Veuve Clicquot was administered by drag queen Xander Helsby – whose pale pink Heelys I spent the rest of the time ogling with envy. Yes they do adults sizes too.
Suitably greeted by Xander, a glass of Veuve Clicquot, and music from DJ Hattie Pearson, we were shown to our seats. I adore the interior of Peru Perdu. The bright colours suit me down to the ground. Bright pinks pop beautifully, contrasting with the pops of blue, red, orange and yellow. Even my Bloody Maria (Bloody Mary with Tequila instead of vodka) looked downright stylish.
As part of the brunch, you get your glass of fizz on arrival, an empanada, and then a choice of two courses. Cocktails and other drinks are in addition to the £35 price tag. As both my date and I are meat eaters, we opted for the beef empanada.
Rich and meaty with a fresh tomato sauce, and a buttery pastry. They’re delicious and a great appetiser – taking the edge off so you can make a decision about you other two courses. Nobody wants to make a decision hangry.
The tiger milk chicken had been recommended to us so much, that Keeley opted for that as her first course, followed by the picanha steak sandwich. I opted for something light to begin with, the tuna ceviche. And because I’d been tantalised by the smell of truffle, and opted for the pastel de papas with truffle.
I must admit to some serious envy of her chicken dish. The ‘tiger milk’ is the liquid that’s formed from my own starter dish, the tuna ceviche, is used to cook the chicken. The ceviche liquor is filled with citrus and fish stock, adding it’s own tart, fresh, almost creamy flavour to the chicken. It’s easy to see why this is so popular.
My own starter, by comparison, was light, and crisp, the addition of crunchy strips of plantain adding a gentle starchy sweetness. All leaving me plenty of space in my tummy for the next dish.
Or so I thought. The pastel de papas is a buttery potato dish, in this case also laden with black truffle. It’s often made with meat, think Chilean shepherd’s pie. In this case it was all buttery potato, crisped and crunchy in places (we love those crusty potato bits) and some beautifully fresh broccoli and peas. I was genuinely saddened when I had to stop eating (I was too full), my taste buds wanted more, but my tummy said no.
It’s on my list for my next visit, because I need more crispy, truffly potato, please thank you.
By comparison, Keeley’s main was a meaty affair.
Pink picanha steak on a charcoal brioche bun, well seasoned and tender. Though it doesn’t look like a lot, it comes with a side of thick cut chips too.
I loved it, the music and atmosphere was a close to Pride, and big events as we’ve been able to experience since March, the Queens were fabulous, and the food delicious. The surprise for me was my main. I don’t know what I expected from a potato pie exactly. maybe something like those cheese and onion ones we used to get served at school, but I definitely need more of it in my life.
If you’re tempted, the next drag brunch date is 26 September, and you can book via the website.
Anyone fancy it?