AL DÍA News Media Launches Chef Series

AL DÍA is a Philly-based news organization that provides the Latino community with relevant local and national news including topics related to the arts, cuisine, technology and pop culture. Their vision: “To showcases the fullness of the Latino experience in the United States — fostering engagement and driving a new American narrative.”

In addition to the AL DÍA newspaper spotted all over town, especially in businesses and neighborhoods heavily populated by the Hispanic community, AL DÍA is spreading the flavor and spice of Latino culture citywide with their newest event line up, the AL DÍA Chef Series.

The event was created to raise awareness on the cultural impact of Latinos, particularly Latino cuisine, in Philadelphia while highlighting prominent Latino chefs who are among the most successful immigrant entrepreneurs in the Latino community.

At their premiere event, the Peruvian cuisine of El Balconcito was featured with the spotlight on their accomplished Executive Chef, Rene Arroyo. Family owned, the restaurant opened its doors in Northeast Philadelphia where it experienced instant popularity, and due to the incredible demand, they opened a second location less than three miles away.

Arroyo prides himself in the quality of his ingredients and the fresh preparation that goes into the food. El Balconcito offers both a Peruvian and Portuguese menu which features an authentic paella dish prepared to order from scratch. Other notable menu items include their ceviche mixto, a combination of fresh fish, shrimp, calamari, marinated in lime juice with vegetables and herbs, as well as their Peruvian style fried rice, which is a twist on the traditional Chinese dish mixed with shrimp or seafood eggs, scallions, red peppers and soy sauce.

While El Balconcito may be a bit off the beaten path, rest assured that the trip will be worth it. The only way to get more authentic Peruvian cuisine is to book a flight to Lima.

AL DÍA next Chef Series event will be held on February 5th, 2015 featuring Mexican Chef Mauricio Marin of Los Sarapes. To be the first to hear about all of AL DÍA’s events, follow them on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.