By JONATHAN WARREN
A small Peruvian restaurant in the Fort Gatlin Shopping Center, Brazas Chicken is a dining gem. Its quaint size and low lighting make it a great choice for a quiet, low-key dinner. Concerts play on two TV’s on either side of the restaurant adding calming music to the atmosphere.
Open Tuesday through Saturday from 11. a.m. to 9 p.m., Brazas Chicken specializes in Peruvian chicken served in quarter ($4.49), half ($7.29) and whole ($10.99) portions. The chicken is tender and well flavored with special Peruvian Sauce. Brazas serves other authentic dishes as well, like Bisteck Apanado ($12.99), breaded or unbreaded steak served with French fries. The steak is seasoned, but the yellow Peruvian sauce made from Latin spices that is served on the side makes the dish.
For desert, there are several specialties like Dulce de Leche Cheesecake ($4.99), Pina Colada Cake ($4.99) and Banana Cheesecake ($4.99). The Banana Cheesecake, drizzled with chocolate and caramel, is warm and sweet .
While the service is timely and polite, one area where Brazas Chicken lacks is variety. Its dinner menu contains just nine items, three of which are differing portions of the Peruvian chicken. Its location also can make it difficult to notice in the corner of an old, small shopping center.
Despite its humble location, Brazas is a perfect choice for quiet dinners or take out.