Claudia Berroa
The Bronx, New York
We pulled up to Claudy’s on the most frigid day of December (yet). After spending 45 minutes in the car getting from our home base in Williamsburg up to the Bronx, we were hungry, cold, and also itching to watch the Morocco/Portugal game. The welcome could not have been warmer, both in literal temp (think toasty warm with the aroma of fresh bone broth) as well as in the conversation with owners Claudia and Richard Berroa, who had the World Cup humming in the background. The couple met back in 2002, after Richard’s backpacking trip in Peru got extended by 6 days — in which he met AND proposed to Claudia. 20 years, 2 kids, and 1 restaurant later, the couple are churning out some of the most comforting food we’ve had in a long time. Oh! And fun fact: the Claudy’s logo was made by designer Milton Glaser — whose work we’re sure you’d recognize as the iconic I ❤️ NY graphic that plasters this city.
Full name, age, where are you from?
Claudia Berroa, 50, San Martin de Porres, Lima, Peru
What is your title and where do you work?
Chef/ C0-Owner Claudy's Kitchen, Peruvian restaurant
Was food a big part of your upbringing?
Ceviche, my papi was a fisherman and we had fresh fish everyday
What are your earliest memories of dining out?
Going to the local Chifa (Chinese restaurant)
If you could give a piece of advice to someone who wanted to pursue your career, what
would it be?
Be clear in what you want and what you want to achieve, you need a plan!
What do you think working in this industry has taught you?
Anything can happen! The best thing you can do for the unexpected is plan ahead; being organized helps you pivot more quickly and adapt to your circumstance as best you can.
What’s your favorite drink or dish on the menu?
I have 3 foods to mention, Ceviche. It's truly my comfort food and I love making it at my restaurant. Chicha Morada - it's our purple corn drink native to the Andes. It was featured in the NYTimes last month. Also I have to mention my daughters’ lemonade, it's homemade by them; they would not forgive me if I didn't mention it, it's really good!
What is your favorite place to go out and eat at and what are you ordering?
Peruvian restaurants I like to have other chefs make my comfort food for me. Lately Inti has been my go to for ceviche; Victor my friend is the Chef & owner and he makes a great Ceviche! For a change of scene I go to this wonderful Malaysian restaurant called the Malaysian Grill in Manhattan. I have been going there for over 20 years; Jimmy the owner is very friendly and has maintained his food consistently good!
You’re on a desert island, what are the 5 kitchen items you need to run your business?
I need my sharp knife, cutting board, quality fish & ingredients, lime squeezer and a metal bowl to be able to make my Ceviche! I love my Ceviche!
