This food item resembles a doughnut, yet it is not a doughnut. This round pastry is made from squash, pumpkin and sweet potato, mushed together and then deep fried. It is then drizzled in a sweet syrup base. Without the syrup, it would have tasted a bit bitter, for there was anise in the picarones.

On Saturday, August 11, 2007, I went to Wakatay Restaurant-Peruvian Nikkei Cuisine with my co-workers from the Japanese American National Museum. The fusion of the foods and flavors made for some very unique and delicious entrees. Wakatay Restaurant is located at the Pacific Square, 1630 W. Redondo Beach Blvd. Gardena, CA, 90247.

Photo by Vicky Murakami-Tsuda