Restaurants & Bars
Jarana Authentic Peruvian, Craft Cocktails Opens At American Dream
A new Peruvian eatery, with a full bar, will open Saturday at the Dream, right across from Mr. Beast Burger:
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — A new Peruvian restaurant/bar will open this Saturday on the third floor of American Dream.
Jarana might be just what American Dream needs. The mega-mall has already established itself as one of NJ's premier destinations for kids, but Triple Five CEO Don Ghermezian clearly wants to also attract high-end clientele and Gold Coast millennials with cash to burn. American Dream has luxury shopping wing The Avenue (Saks and Dolce & Gabbana are among current tenants), and a wine bar opened in the past year near the Van Leeuwen ice cream.
Jarana is located on the third floor, in a choice location directly across from Mr. Beast Burger. The name means "spontaneous street party" in Peruvian dialect, and the restaurant has a sexy, night-club feel. Its exterior is adorned with the hot-pink bougainvillea native to South America and inside, a DJ spins ambient club music.
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Executive chef Jesus Delgado said he wants to "bring traditional Peruvian street food to America," and be prepared for authentic tastes: There are pisco sours, caipirinhas and handmade cocktails at the bar, pan-fried beef hearts (a delicacy in Peru) and Mazamorra Morada (purple corn pudding), just to name a few menu items. They also have a wine list, and there are lot of Chilean and South American wines.
Top menu standouts? The ceviche (mahi mahi marinated in fresh lime) appetizer and their Peruvian-style roast chicken with sweet plantains are both outstanding.
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Jarana is owned by Acurio International, started by Chef Gastón Acurio from his flagship restaurant Astrid y Gastón in Peru. He currently operate 70+ restaurants and concepts that capture “the Peruvian experience" in South America, the U.S., Europe and Dubai.
Jarana is their first venture in the New York City/New Jersey area.
So the next time you're in American Dream, head to the third floor, order a pisco sour or chilcano (they also have lots of mocktails and colorful kids' drinks), sit back against the bougainvillea and pretend you're in South America.
Website: jaranarestaurant.com
Phone: 551-777-8020
Instagram: @jarana.nj
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