According to Nikkei’s press-release, Peruvian and Japanese cuisines merged long ago when “…thousands of Japanese workers relocated to Peru” during the Japanese diaspora. What this intersection has translated to is a fascinating, guinea-pig heavy cuisine for which the primary seasoning agent is wasabi.
Well, not quite. But it has resulted in some pretty inventive dishes, as evidenced by Nikkei’s new brunch menu. Chefs Nick Harrison (TJ’s Seafood) and Ross Demers (On The Lamb) have put their own spin on Japanese-Peruvian fusion with dishes like huevos con caviar – an opulent take on deviled eggs with aji panca, marinated caviar and wasabi creme fraiche – a miso and green tea butter take on chicken and waffles, and a tower of passion fruit-spiked French toast.
Speaking of passion fruit, the Passionate Daiquiri ($8) swirls sour and floral into one boozy, Bacardi-soaked cocktail. Hints of lime and passion fruit juice lend the daiquiri an air of sophistication, taking it from its Styrofoam roots and elevating it to orchid garnish-worthy. Other notable drink options include a king crab maki bloody mary ($12) and cocktails designed for groups (or for single persons with poor coping skills) like the lychee and yuzu sangria ($22.)
An order of the pato con migas ($16) featured a soft scramble into which succulent bites of duck confit were embedded like fatty, pink-purple jewels. Bits of tomato, edamame and fresh salsa kept the dish light and bright, while queso fresco crumbles added a little extra salty, nutty note on top of the rich duck. Tucked into the accompanying miniature flour tortillas, this migas served as our first introduction to the world of Japanese-Peruvian fusion, and a good one at that.

Shrimp and grits can GTFO. Shrimp and sticky rice can COITRNTSAGL (come on in there's room now that shrimp and grits left.)
Kathryn DeBruler
Ultimately, do not be surprised when you find yourself eating shrimp at 11 a.m. as reggae music swells and your waiter refills your sake box. For here at the sensory menagerie of imagery and sound and flavor that is Nikkei, pleasure is derived from discord.
Nikkei, 2404 Cedar Springs Road. Sunday brunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m.