A popular spot for refined Peruvian cuisine in El Cerrito has expanded to Berkeley’s Gilman District.

El Mono opened its second location this May at 1300 Fourth St., in the former space of the Gilman Grill and featuring a large outdoor patio. The restaurant is still waiting on its rotisserie-chicken cooker and alcohol license but otherwise is open and serving its menu of creative, comforting Peruvian dishes.

Fans of Peru’s food must ask: Are the sauces used to tie so many things together – typically creamy concoctions made with rocoto pepper or aji amarillo chili – any good? Thankfully, El Mono has some of the best in the area, whether you want spiciness to kick up roasted poultry or unctuousness to meld boiled potatoes together. (Pick some up for your home fridge, they’re only a bu

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