The story behind
‍Cuzco 41

Peruvian roots

The owner, Manny Santisteban, was born and raised on "Jirón Cuzco Street" on block 41 in Peru. During his teenage years, he spent time playing soccer and hanging out with friends, but he also assisted with household tasks and learned the culinary secrets passed down from his mother.

“Although my mom was stringent when it came to our schoolwork, household chores, and other responsibilities, she never forced us to assist her with cooking as it was her personal passion. Her dishes were loved by everyone, and during our family meals, she would share her cooking tips and secrets with us, stating that "one day in the future, you will cook in your own kitchen." This advice has stayed with my sisters and me, and we will always remember the special moments we shared while enjoying her delicious meals.”.

First years

In the 1990s, Manny arrived in New York City, where like many immigrants, he took on any job to support his family back in Peru during a time of economic difficulty in the country.

While working at a renowned Peruvian restaurant in Queens, Manny discovered his passion for cooking and dreamed of one day opening his own Peruvian restaurant in New York. Today, Manny's dream has become a reality, and he even has the pleasure of cooking alongside his mother in the restaurant, sharing her culinary secrets with his customers.

"We have a lot of fun cooking, chatting, and sharing our experiences together".

In 2014, Manny opened his first restaurant, Pollo d’ Oro, in downtown Brooklyn. The challenge was to introduce Peruvian cuisine to a new market, where customers had never tried any Peruvian dish before.

Initially, it was difficult, but Manny and his team offered traditional dishes such as Aji de Gallina and Lomo Saltado to their regular customers, who quickly became fans. They even added a visit to Peru to their bucket lists. Today, Pollo d’ Oro boasts a full Pisco Bar and is a favorite spot for the Peruvian community in New York.