18 | BOROMAG.COM | SEPTEMBER 2015 FOOD & DRINK LINES HAVE BEEN By BRADLEY HAWKS The Nazca Desert in Southern Peru is marked with hundreds of geoglyphs in shapes ranging from simple lines to elaborate figures, such as hummingbirds, monkeys, and even whales. Each design is believed to have been formed from plucking reddish pebbles from the ground to reveal the white sand beneath, with some patterns spanning more than 660 feet across. Considering these shapes have been dated from as early as 500 B.C., the artwork remains a mysterious and stunning facet of Peruvian culture—and one that has recently made its own impression on Astoria. “When you work hard for your dreams, you can do it,” says Diego Manosalvas. The ambitious 30-year-old is the owner of Nazca, Astoria’s new Peruvian restaurant named after the desert of his family’s heritage. The same designs can be seen above the storefront, as well as on the staff T-shirts. “I sold my car and my brother sold his motorcycle,” Manosalvas nonchalantly explains. “It has been a real challenge getting our restaurant on its feet.” Manosalvas is no stranger to hard work and sacrifice. He spent the past several years managing garages in Tribeca to save money for his dream. Behind every good dream is a great team, and this Peruvian gem of a restaurant is no exception. Along with his younger brother, Alex, the two run the place with the help of their mother, Alexandra Flores, in the kitchen. Their mother makes all of the varieties of ceviche based on tried-and-true family recipes. Also in the kitchen is Rosanna Zea, who Manosalvas met in Nazca where she was cooking in a community space for 200 to 300 people daily. “We have borrowed her for seven or eight months,” says the young owner, “just to help get us on our feet, and then she will return home.” Alex and Diego Manoslavas
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