On this week’s episode of The Sauce, host Lauren Healey sits down with Andrew Cisneros, chef-owner of Jalea Peruvian Bistro in St. Charles and Brasas on the Delmar Loop.
Andrew shares how opening a restaurant during the pandemic became the unexpected launch point for Jalea, how Brasas came to life as a rotisserie-focused concept, and why Peruvian food traditions are at the heart of everything he cooks.
In this episode:
- Opening Jalea Peruvian Bistro during the pandemic and why it felt like now or never
- The evolution from a cevicheria to a broader Peruvian menu
- Brasas, rotisserie chicken, and finding the right space on Delmar
- The sauces everyone loves, including aji verde, rocoto, and huancaína
- The story behind the papa rellena and why it disappeared and came back better
- Growing up Peruvian in St. Louis and learning to cook from family
- Working under Chef Pierre at The St. Louis Club
- Consulting projects around town and launching Street Food by Brasas at Rockwell Beer Co.
Plus:
- Favorite local spots Andrew loves to eat at
- Staying hands-on in the kitchen
- Travel, Peru, and plans to return
Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify and all major platforms. New episodes of The Sauce drop every Tuesday.
Presented by SWADE Dispensary, with 11 Missouri locations, and LHM, which has several properties around St. Louis, including Union Station and Westport Plaza.