A Swiss showcase of Peruvian cuisine

If the Swissôtel sounds, er, particularly Swiss, that's because it is. This week, however, the five-star hotel right on the Chicago River has turned its focus to South America as host of the Peruvian Cuisine and Music Festival. The five-day event touches on Peruvian art and music, but centers around a nightly buffet-style meal prepared by Reto Steinemann, the chef from the Swissôtel Lima.

Ceviche, a Peru original, is being served up alongside a profusion of 20 other Peruvian specialties: the country's national dish lomo saltado (seasoned steak over rice and French fries); papas a la Huancaína (boiled potatoes in a spicy sauce); and sopa criolla (a hot, creamy, tomato-based soup). For a night cap, try the pisco sour (at right), a popular Peruvian cocktail composed of grape brandy, lemon, sugar, egg white and ice. Or if you'd rather eat your liquor, opt for the pisco sour cake—just one of eight desserts that will be served.

Attend on Thursday, and the party doesn't stop when you throw down your napkin; at 7:30, guitarist Jose Miguel Coo and violinist Gerardo Cilveti perform to cap off the evening.

$49 (a portion of the event's proceeds goes to aid for earthquake victims in Peru). 5pm. Swissôtel Chicago. 323 East Wacker Dr at Columbus Dr. To purchase tickets call 312-268-8111 or email events.chicago@swissotel.com.