Dad Wanted It That Way
/You wouldn’t think a drive down US-1 would spark an American dream, but that is exactly what happened to Wilson Arinez about 15 years ago. Wilson came to the United States from Chile to get medical care for his sick youngest daughter.
During his drives between Homestead and downtown Miami, he took special note of US-1 in the Pinecrest / Palmetto Bay corridor. Being a restauranteur and business magnate in Chile, he had a vision that this particular stretch of US-1 was the right place to move his restaurant. “This is the spot,” he would repeatedly say to his family.
Back in Chile, he owned a hotel, an import/export business, three dance halls…and his beloved and successful rodizio restaurant, Las Brasas. While it certainly wasn’t the money-maker, it was his driving passion to serve people and create happiness.
Wilson Arinez with wife and surrounded by family
After trying to establish Las Brasas in Doral in 2010, Wilson learned it was difficult to run a restaurant with the rest of the family back in Chile. Las Brasas failed a few years later and he started Peruvian Ceviches + Bar in Doral and then Hialeah. However, his ultimate US-1 dream was still incubating.
Co-chef Mauro Gonzalo (originally from Peru) was there from the Chilean beginning and now, 25 years later, Mauro is fulfilling Wilson’s dream at the Peruvian Ceviches + Bar at 14501 South Dixie Highway.
Sure, you may have dismissed the cheery exterior as you drove by it and the attached Quality Inn. The track record of restaurants in that spot are not stellar, but this time may be different.
Today, Olga Arinez, Wilson’s daughter runs the place along with six other family members. Wilson succumbed to COVID in 2021. But his visionary dream is now reality. Peruvian Ceviches + Bar stands right where he often said, “This is the spot.”
“Even how we got this location is a miracle. I believe my dad reached down from above and made it happen,” Olga recalls. “A real estate agent spontaneously sent the family this open location and the magic on my Dad’s vision began on July 29, 2022.”
Peruvian Ceviches + Bar is family-oriented. Olga, along with mother Mirna and five other family members make it a point to always have a family member in the restaurant at all times. “This is all about our family to yours,” explains Olga. “We are there to make sure you get authentic Peruvian ceviche from our master chef Mauro. He is like family to us and his dishes are lovingly honest and delicious.”
The first year was good for Peruvian Ceviches + Bar, but they are hoping new people will also discover their eatery and fall in love. A prominent bar with more than just the usual drinks is an attraction. Olga recommends you come in for football (that’s soccer for us gringos) and instead of chips you get yourself a drink and ceviche.
Happy hour is Monday-Friday 3:30p to 7:00p -- 50% off on everything. Thursdays the happy hour runs 3:30p to close. There are also reduced-price dishes that are available during happy hour. On Thursday and Saturday nights there is live music and dancing.
They are looking to expand their lunchtime patronage. To that end, their $19 lunch special includes an appetizer, entrée and a drink (including beer). That’s a great deal in this day and age!
With a small tear in the eye, Olga explained, “I can’t wait to meet everyone in the community so I can treat them as if they were family and with lots of love.”
Visit Peruvian Ceviches + Bar at 14501 South Dixie Highway weekdays starting at 11:30a and weekends at noon. Call ahead to 305-595-5200 or visit them on Facebook or Instagram for more information.
