Our inspiration behind opening andina was a vision our entire family shared. We have always been proud of our mixed heritage and have been challenged to find ways in which to best reconcile our love of Peru with the land we have chosen to live in.

Since her childhood in the Northern Andean town of Cajamarca, Doris Platt Rodriguez was exposed to the traditions of the country kitchen that celebrated the native ingredients of Peru. She remembers in particular the many varieties of potato, corn, peppers and sub-tropical fruits (like cherimoya, lucuma and mango), which were included together with local cheeses and meats at her daily family feasts. The dining table was the center and heart of family gatherings, storytelling and the school of manners through which she learned the values and customs of her culture. She recalls the graciousness of her mother and the humor of her father, and observes in anecdote that it was her grandmother who occupied the honored seat at the table and was always served first. And as a gesture to unannounced guests as well as the needy outside their door, her mother would always leave a little extra food in the pot, just in case.

At andina, we enjoy the authenticity of native Peruvian Chefs. The cuisines of Peru are themselves a record and creative reinterpretation of Peruvian history, reflecting the intertwined influences of our Pre-Hispanic, European, African and Asian roots. This vital tapestry of flavors, combined with our gracious service and the physical design of andina (brilliantly conceived by Paul Scardina), captures and translates our heritage into a visual and sensual language that all can understand.

Our decision to bring andina to the Pearl was an easy one. The Pearl offers an eclectic and demanding palate, which is ideally suited for Peruvian cuisine. The many dining establishments already situated in the Pearl have opened wide the culinary window to international cuisine. We hope to continue broadening these horizons. In addition, the Pearl is already well known for its gallery scene, and andina itself is a showcase of Peruvian culture and art.

andina is our tribute and gift to ourselves, our family, and to our fellow Oregonians. Our gratitude goes out to everyone who had a hand in making andina possible.