This version corrects the spelling of the restaurant's name.

Julio Cancho with his father owns Canggio, an elegant Peruvian restaurant in Norwich.

A native of Lima, Peru, who was raised in Cusco, Cancho successfully exposes the community to authentic Peruvian cuisine. The establishment is located on 20 Lafayette St.

Julio Cancho made his debut on the Food Network’s famous show “Chopped” in 2019. He competed against chefs and restaurant owners whose venues are located in California and New York City. Cancho mentions that getting recognized as a contestant on “Chopped” by viewers and fans helped his culinary career.

The menu boasts dishes and appetizers such as ceviche, rotisserie chicken and an interesting stirfry. Their calamari is outstanding, seasoned with much lime.

Omar Fernandez, a gregarious bartender at Canggio, invented his own after dinner drink made with Kahlua and Frangelica, a fine substitute for Keoke Coffee or hot chocolate. At the bar, exotic drinks are available, such as Maracuya, made with passion fruit, and a cocktail composed of purple corn syrup, pineapple and lime juice and spiced cinnamon, that as Joann Brown, a diner from Niantic, states, “tastes like Christmas.”

In Peru, Italian, Asian and American food is available but with a South American flare. The influence is called “fusion.”

Julio Cancho is also the owner of 86d Bar and Eatery, where bar food is sold and where the atmosphere is casual. It is located at 685 Main St. in Norwich.

His plan for the future is to open a third restaurant in Miami, Fla., with traditional fare and bar.

Lisa Shasha lives in Norwich.