Dining Tips

  • Ooo, Peru: Peruvian cuisine is suddenly hot. First came Bocanova, a new wave Pan-American restaurant that just opened in Oakland's Jack London Square. Now it's La Costanera (pictured). Perched on Montara's beachfront, this new, modern Peruvian fusion restaurant offers spectacular views, Pisco-based cocktails and such flavorful fare as Cebiche Mixto ($14), a seviche of halibut and shrimp, and a duck breast sauteed with garlic, cilantro, ginger and orange ($16). Open Tuesday-Sunday, 5 p.m. to midnight. La Costanera, 8150 Cabrillo Highwy.; 650-728-1600; lacostanerarestaurant.com.

  • Taqueria Nouveau: Rumors were swirling that chef Adam Torres of Boulevard and Village Pub fame was going to open a second Sancho's in Palo Alto — a sister joint to complement his Redwood City taqueria. Good news! Sancho's Palo Alto began dishing up its famous fish tacos ($3.95) — battered or grilled, with chipotle rémoulade — and carne asada ($10.95) two weeks ago. Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday, till 8 p.m. Sunday. 491 Lytton Ave. at Cowper, Palo Alto; 650-322-TACO; sancho staqueria.com.

  • Burger Bash: And up in San Francisco, Hubert Keller's latest Burger Bar outpost opened at Macy's Union Square last Friday. Keller's whimsical takes include everything from Black Angus beef, buffalo and salmon burgers
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    ($8.50-$16.50) to a totally over the top version with Kobe beef, foie gras and shaved truffles ($60). Thirsty? Try the milkshake bar, or choose something naughtier from the extensive wine and beer menus. Open daily, lunch and dinner. Macy's Union Square, Sixth Floor, San Francisco; 415-296-4272; burgerbarsf.com.

    Send your Bay Area restaurant tips to food editor Jackie Burrell, jburrell@bayareanewsgroup.com, and South Bay details to Linda Zavoral, lzavoral@mercurynews.com.