A restaurant has relocated to downtown Newton, bringing flavorful Peruvian food.
El Bat谩n, formerly located at Players鈥� Ridge Golf Course in Alexander County, opened on Nov. 6 at 100 N. Main in Newton. The building previously housed Tavern on Main and Blue Moon Tavern, but it has been vacant for about two years, El Bat谩n owner Marcelo Castillo said.
Castillo said he saw potential in Newton. He said he liked the city鈥檚 investment in its downtown.
鈥淲e loved this opportunity and like Newton because it鈥檚 growing,鈥� Castillo said. 鈥淭here鈥檚 some bars and restaurants here. We think this will be a good place to share our food.鈥�
Castillo said he is from Peru and grew up with Peruvian food. He credits his father, Luis Castillo, as an inspiration for developing a love of Peruvian food and as a partner in the restaurant.
鈥淚 like to have something to share our culture,鈥� Castillo said. 鈥淪ince I didn鈥檛 see many restaurants like that in our area, I decided to open one with my dad.鈥�
Castillo said he and his father still work together. His dad sometimes helps cook in the kitchen.
Dishes from the kitchen have influences from Spain and Asia as well as Peru, Castillo said.
The menu includes Peruvian seafood, chicken and steak dishes. There is also a section of the menu for tacu tacu dishes 鈥� Peruvian beans and rice, with chicken, seafood or beef and other ingredients.
Castillo said popular items include ceviche, a marinated seafood dish, and lomo saltado, described on the menu as 鈥渨ok stir-fried filet mignon, onions, tomatoes, soy-oyster sauce, French fries and rice.鈥�
The menu also has a section called 鈥渓as del barrio,鈥� meaning 鈥渙nes from the neighborhood,鈥� featuring items like wings with fries and stuffed potatoes with seafood, beef or chicken.
Castillo said most customers describe Peruvian food as 鈥渁n explosion of flavor.鈥�
El Bat谩n has two levels for dining, seating for about 120, a full bar and a kids鈥� menu.
Entrees at the restaurant are about $15 to $30. Most entrees are $25 or less.
El Bat谩n is open Tuesday through Thursday from 5-9 p.m., Friday from 5-10 p.m., Saturday 2:30-10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
To learn more about El Bat谩n, visit www. or their Instagram account, instagram.com/elbatanrestaurant.