CHUPE DE CAMARonES to make. They were crunchy and not greasy, and were served in a dish with the caramel “dipping sauce”. While these were yummy, the Alfajores won out as our favorite dessert. El Chalan’s “Specialty of the House” is their “Pollo a la Brasa”, Peruvian style Rotisserie Chicken, served with salad and French Fries. Whole rotisserie chickens are restricted to takeout only, but diners can order a quarter or a half chicken as an entrée. I observed the half chicken dinner served to a nearby diner, and made a mental note to try this on one of my next visits to El Chalan. All menu items can be ordered for take-out, and El Chalan does a robust “to go” business. Large take-out quantities may be purchased with minimal advanced notice for large parties or special events. Desserts are also available for take-out in larger quantities; for example a Whole Flan or a Tiramisu Tray can be purchased with one day advance notice. Alfajores are usually always available by the dozen for $15.00; however, orders of 100 mini cookies can be pre-ordered for $65. Alfajores are baked on-site at El Chalan, and additional quantities are regularly delivered for sale to some local Latin Markets. Aquiles and Xiomara hope to expand this component of their business in the near future. Aquiles and Xiomara run El Chalan mostly by themselves, assisted during busier periods by only a few employees and/ or family members, including their young daughter, Alexandra. Xiomara, who emigrated from Honduras in 1991, was the lone waitress during our visit on Saturday afternoon/early evening, serving numerous tables, preparing take-out orders, answering the phone, and bussing tables. over the past thirteen years, El Chalan has amassed a large following of loyal customers from all over the Bay Area, but Aquiles and Xiomara always welcome the opportunity to serve new customers. If you’re looking for an authentic, delicious Peruvian or Italian meal, served in generous quantities for a reasonable price (average $11 - $14), you owe it to yourself to try El Chalan. (And don’t forget to save room for the Alfarones!) - Dining Out in Contra Costa - KIDS EAT FREE EVERY TUESDAY *Two kid’s meals with the purchase of any adult entrée at regular price. Offer applies to kids 10 & under. Available at participating locations. 3101 Garrity Way, Richmond, CA 94806 • (510) 222-9802 Rancho Sports Bar “The Best Sports Bar Around!” CHE_PRNTAD_RICHMOND_1214_vF.indd 1 12/3/14 3:00 PM March Madness Is Here! Warriors Championship Run Giants/A’s Spring Training Great View From Every Seat! KARAOKE Friday & Saturday Nights LINGERIE GIRLS First & Third Wednesdays of the month (510) 223-3580 3912 San Pablo Dam Road • El Sobrante
Contra Costa Marketplace - Mar 2015
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