64 The Queens Courier • BUZZ • september 24, 2015 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com Lines Have Been Drawn 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-yearold 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 triedand 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.” The space is an impressive change from its former identity as a Cold Stone Creamery. “We hauled all of the beautiful glass here from Pennsylvania in a ’99 Toyota Tacoma,” says Manosalvas. The sundrenched entryway is lined with chicken wire glass while old newspapers are decoupaged around the bar. Long curtains flow from the ceiling over more private booths in the back. While a pisco bar is the works when the liquor license is processed, the current focus is on classic, Nazca cuisine. The four ceviches are absolute must-trys. They also do a classic causa, like a mashed potato roulade stuffed with shrimp, crabmeat or chicken. The Jalea arrives like a cornucopia of fried seafood. Even hamburgers get the Peruvian treatment, where wellseasoned patties are practically giftwrapped in an omelet napkin. Grilled meats and seafood along with stews are rendered to delicious effect. Definitely save some room for a sweet ending. Nazca has perfected the little caramel-kissed cookies known as alfajores—but how can you go wrong with rice pudding and lucuma cheesecake? dining out NAZCA 34-20 Broadway Astoria, NY 11106 929-522-0297 View Over 200 Reviews at queenscourier.com Clasico Ceviche HOURS: Tuesday to Friday 9:30 am - 6:00pm Saturday 9:30am - 5:00pm Visit us at: empire-market.com Photo by Bradley Hawks
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