By Alexi Zentner
Photograph by Katherine Bish
Even if, hypothetically, you get repeatedly lost on the way to Mango because of some dodgy Mapquest directions to the Shrewsbury location, do not give up hope. Even if, again hypothetically, you show up on a Saturday night without a reservation and find a one-hour wait, do not give up hope, because Mango is great. Touting authentic Peruvian food, Mango is a white-tablecloth restaurant and a good place to take a date, while still very reasonably priced, with main courses running between $8 and $12. The décor is upscale, with the aforementioned white tablecloths, wood floors and earth tones on the walls, but the food is hearty and down-to-earth while still managing to be complex and delicate. The tamalitos verdes—shredded corn, pork and olives, seasoned with cilantro—are moist and delicate and blend wonderfully with the accompanying marinated onions and Peruvian peppers. Lomo saltado, one of the most popular of the seven main dishes, features strips of sirloin sautéed with onions, tomatoes, Peruvian hot peppers and thick-cut French fries mixed in a flavorful, juicy blend, with rice on the side. If your waiter does not offer hot sauce, ask for some on the side. Definitely worth a visit, but make sure you have a reservation.
7307 Watson; 314-752-8300; Tue-Thu 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-10 p.m., Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-11 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
