La Cocina De Dona Luz
807 Saint Clair Avenue West
416-652-7430
Buffet for two with all taxes, tip, fresh fruit juice and Peruvian soda: $68

From the outside of the restaurant I didn’t think it was Peruvian, or even Latin American for that matter. The sign only said ‘international food,’ and being in Canada that could mean anything, since almost every style of food Canadians eat is ‘international.’ Despite the vague descriptors I decided to go in, because it seemed to permeate a quiet charm.

Inside there was nothing more than a few tables, and some customers quietly talking in Spanish. People were eating from a buffet laid out like a small cornucopia on two foldable tables. I decided to stay and try the buffet and while waiting for service, I began to notice some of finer points of the restaurant; Latin American folk music softly playing in the background; pictures, paintings and artefacts mostly from Peru; and the quiet staff behind the restaurant’s small bar, all looking like a single family.

The waitress informed me that there is only a buffet on Sundays, and that no alcoholic beverages were available; the only drink on offer was fresh juice ($5); either strawberry and pineapple. I decided on the pineapple, made with fresh pineapple, ice and milk blended together. It had the consistency of a light milk shake, but it was colder and more refreshing.

The buffet ($18) was well planned with an assortment of Latin American food. I enjoyed the hot food - the dishes held their form and flavour in the hot plates between cooking and eating (and I’m sure some of the dishes even improved with more sitting time, such as the stews). Sometimes at buffets, food that should be eaten fresh and hot sits for hours at a time under a heat lamp, but fortunately none of the food at Dona Luz was was like this. My favourite hot selections included the stewed yams, lentil beans in cumin sauce, and a variety of stewed meats (including pork, beef, and lamb; all in rich sauces). I also enjoyed the fried plantains, the lamb roast, and the saffron rice.

The cold selection was equally well planned. There were a number of scrumptious cold salads and dried foods, such as fish salad, corn salad with huge imported kernels (the size of small grapes!), tomato salad, and Peruvian style popcorn. Similar to the hot food, many of the cold dishes held well, while soaking in vinegar and thoroughly combining flavours as they sat on the table.

The desserts included bread pudding, caramel cake roll, custard and more. The basis of most of their desserts was caramelized sugar and light fluffy breads. It was a nice way to end the meal, and for people who are big on desserts, the Sunday buffet is quite good.

The waiters and waitresses were congenial and a bit shy. At the end of the meal I asked about the type of food I had eaten and my waitress said it was mostly Peruvian. Although the restaurant serves other foods, ranging from eggs and bacon to Mexican cuisine, they claim to be the most authentic Peruvian restaurant in the city. I’m not one to dispute this fact, because whatever you call their Sunday buffet, it tasted great.

I left very satisfied with my meal and my experience. When I’m in the mood for some Peruvian or Latin American style food again, I will definitely consider Dona Luz because of its quality, ambiance and good service.