Chef of the Week: Jorge Corzo, El Warike Peruvian Cuisine

Name: Jorge Corzo.

Title: Owner/Chef.

Restaurant: , 4226 26th St W.

Contact Info: 941-755-4222, www.elwarikerestaurant.com

Hours: Lunch: Mon - Fri, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Dinner: Mon - Thur, 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Fri - Sat, 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Sun, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Specialty: Peruvian style steak and seafood.

How long have you been cooking? Around 20 years. We opened a restaurant in Miami in 2001 named Tondero and then another in Sarasota four years later. In 2007, we opened El Warike Peruvian Cuisine in Bradenton. We also have a restaurant in Sarasota named Peruvian Grill at 5769 Beneva Rd.

Do you cook at home? Yes, cooking is my passion, but at home, I only cook for special occasions and barbeques. Most of the time, I’m cooking in the restaurant.

What is your favorite comfort food? Grilled seafood and marinated steaks.

Other than your restaurant, where else do you like to eat? Carrabba’s on Cortez Rd. and Ichiban in Sarasota.

A message from Chef Jorge: Why travel 3,000 miles to Lima, Peru for a fabulous Peruvian dinner when you can enjoy one right here in Bradenton at Warike Peruvian Cuisine?

Other information: My family and I came to the United States 11 years ago with a vision to share the hidden treasures of Peruvian cuisine with all Americans. Since my arrival, I have opened several restaurants in Florida. I opened El Warike in 2007 to bring the best tasting authentic Peruvian cuisine to Bradenton. My main focus is on my clientele. As soon as customers step into the restaurant, they are transported to the land of the Incas. El Warike offers myriad delicacies that everyone should taste, from traditional Peruvian dishes to seafood and steaks.