Tio Lucho's
Day 1: 5-Course Contemporary Peruvian Tasting Series
Opened June of '22, this Peruvian eatery in Poncey-Highland landed immediately on two vaunted Lists: Eater’s “Most Exciting New Restaurants” and Atlanta Magazine’s “Best New Restaurants.” It's since continued its reign at the top of Atlanta's culinary charts with an Eater's "Essential 38" slot. Newly minted James Beard "Best Chef: SE" Semi-Finalist Chef/Owner Arnaldo Castillo, who was born in Lima but grew up in Atlanta, learned his craft from his father, Luis, who left Peru and moved to Atlanta (where he was affectionately known as Tio Lucho). Arnaldo Castillo built on the platform that his father provided by cooking at various Atlanta hotspots, including Pura Vida, Little Trouble and Empire State South, working under James Beard Award-winning chef Hugh Acheson. Looking to return to his Latino roots, he joined the team at Minero in January 2017, first as a Sous Chef and then as Executive Chef. At Tio Lucho’s, his specialties include ceviches tossed in leche de tigre and wok-fired Lomo Saltados, as well as regional dishes from Northern Peru such as Arroz con Pato, which is rice cooked in a cilantro, ajis, and squash puree, served with duck confit and seared duck breast. Peruvian cuisine is now widely recognized as one of the world’s greatest, and we are excited to visit Tio Lucho’s to hear from Chef Castillo about just why that is!
About the Host:
Arnaldo J. Castillo
Chef/Owner
Born in Lima, Peru, but raised in Georgia, Chef Arnaldo J. Castillo began cooking at a young age under the tutelage of his chef father. After honing his craft at popular ATL restaurants such as Pura Vida, Little Trouble, Minero, and Empire State South (under James Beard Award-Winning Chef Hugh Acheson), he started pop-up La Chingan (awarded Best Pop Up of the Year by Eater Atlanta). He is a 2024 James Beard "Best Chef: SE" Semi-Finalist.
The Lineup
Courses #1, #3, and #5 will be served individually plated. Courses #2 and #4 will be served family style.
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Tortitas de Cangrejo
crab cake, yellow corn, chalaca, aji verde
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Tio's Solterito Salad
quinoa, aji dulce, apple, shallot, tomato, feta, radish, rocoto vinaigrette
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Leche de Tigre
seafood cocktail with snapper, chalaca, plantain chips, fried calamari
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Arroz con Mariscos
seafood stir fry with shrimp, mussels, calamari, salsa criolla
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Arroz con Leche
rice, dulce de leche, apple jam, bee pollen
Tio Lucho's
675 North Highland Avenue Northeast Suite 6000
Atlanta, GA 30306
Event FAQs
- Do I have to bring printed tickets to the event?
- No tickets are needed.
- What does the ticket price cover?
- The ticket price covers the full cost of the meal.
- Do guests need to be of a certain age to attend this event?
- Yes. All attendees must be 21+ to gain entry.
- Does this restaurant allow BYOB?
- No. This restaurant is a non-BYO establishment. Outside alcohol will not be permitted at this event.
- Can I bring guests/non-members to this event?
- Yep! For this event, guest tickets are $85 + tax & tip, and you can bring up to 3 guests. Please note, guests are not allowed to attend unaccompanied by a member.
- What is the event ticket cancellation/refund policy?
- Restaurants purchase the food for our events 14 days before the event date, at which point we are on the hook for the cost of your ticket. As such, we are not able to offer refunds (or credits towards future events) for any cancellation requests submitted within 14 days of the event date. We will, however, issue full refunds for all cancellation requests submitted at least 14 days before the event date. All cancellation requests must be submitted via email to support@tastingcollective.com.
- What must I bring to the event?
- Please make sure to bring a government-issued photo ID.
- Will this event be handicap acccessible?
- According to the restaurant, this event is handicap accessible. If applicable however, please email support@tastingcollective.com with your needs to ensure proper accommodations.
- What parking information has the restaurant provided for this event?
- According to the restaurant, parking is available through the building's garage, and they validate parking for it at a fixed flat rate after 5PM. Parking before 5PM will not be validated.
- What dietary restrictions/food allergies can be accommodated at this event?
- At this event the chef will provide substitutions for critical food allergies/dietary restrictions but will not make menu adjustments based on food preferences (e.g distaste for specific ingredients/flavor profiles). If you have restrictions/allergies, please make sure to Update Your Dietary Restrictions within your Account Info before or after you purchase tickets, or email us at support@tastingcollective.com after you purchase tickets to let us know.
