In Incan culture, a tambo was supply and lodging facility conveniently located along busy thoroughfares that were run by locals.
In Chelsea, Tambo 22 is a well-stocked authentic Peruvian restaurant t that is capably manned by Chef Jose Duarte (Taranta) and his talented sidekick Brian Corcoran. Though it is alongside and nearly overpassed by routes 1 and 16, the rich smells alone should be enough to pull you off your route, and when you come inside 9r take a socially-distanced seat in what will hopefully soon again be their parking lot, you are sure to want to stay a while and enjoy!
As you take in the tropical flowers and fresh herbs that encircle the outdoor dining area, upscale Peruvian music wafts along the clouds of aromas that quickly start your mouth watering. To slake the thirst for what is to come, a frothily fresh Peruvian Pisco sour (with or without fresh fruits) or Tambo’s Pisco-swirled sangria are great choices. For those who wish to start with something non-alcoholic, the hand-crafted purple-corn-based chicha moradaor handmade guava and passion fruit soda s are fresh and fun as well. Tambo22 also offers South American and Spanish wines and beers from MA, Me, and Peru.
To start your stomach going, try the daily ceviche or the always fresh and zippy ceviche de tarwi, made with Andean Lupini beans and vegetarian leche de tigre(tiger’s milk). Another authentic favorite is the anticuchos de carne– grilled beef skewers with panca pepper and cumin and a uchucutasauce that grabs you by the salivary glands and makes you beg for more! For a fun twist on a traditional treat, the well-named better than Buffalo wings withaji amarillo(yellow pepper) and Peruvianrocotphot sauce are a sure-FIRE hit. If salad is your thing, Chefs Duarte and Corcoran have crafted another creative take that features hearts of palm, acai vinaigrette and shaved Brazil nuts, as well as a simpler mixed greens topped with guava (both of which can be additionally crowned with salmon).
Speaking of salmon, the main version with raw sugar cane glaze atop fried yucca and topped with pickled cabbage is a well-balanced and beautifully-presented plate, as are the northern Peruvian lamb shank with cilantro and chicha de jJora (corn beer). If the outside air is cool or if you really want to fill up, the super-hearty pulled chicken with creamy Peruvian pepper sauce, olive-roasted pecans, and a “perfect” egg is pretty close to perfect altogether! The folks at the next table also seemed to love digging into a Tamburguesa(Tambo22’s truly signature burger) made from alpaca and short rib meat topped with huacatay aji(black mint) and Gouda.
{Ed note: As I write this, my mouth is watering again!)
While Chelsea may be facing more than its share of Covid woes, it is good to know that a local chef has set up a true Tambo at which neighbors from near and far can gather to eat and commune (albeit at a distance) and prepare for the journey ahead. Make sure your journey also includes a stop (or two) at Tambo22!
– Matt Robinson