Via Community News Service, in partnership with Vermont State University Castleton for The Rutland Herald.
Rutland’s newest culinary addition, Pao Pao, is bringing the flavors of South America to Vermont with a menu that blends Peruvian and Venezuelan cuisine. By sourcing ingredients both locally and internationally, Pao Pao offers a refreshing alternative to the area’s usual restaurant fare.
“People have told us that they’re really happy because they’ve been waiting for something different,” said Catalina Olivieri, a waitress at Pao Pao. “That’s why they’re attracted to trying this new food.”
The restaurant’s menu highlights some signature dishes, such as lomo saltado and the fish ceviche — each crafted with authentic spices and garnishes, delivering a Latin flare.
“It’s one of the best dishes — the mixture of the meat with the onions, the tomatoes — the chef makes a really good savory dish,” said Olivieri of the lomo saltado, a Peruvian beef stir-fry dish served with rice and potatoes. “I am from Argentina. It’s really interesting to get to know the menu because it’s different from what I have in my country.”
The menu is frequently updated to introduce new dishes.
“Next week, the chef is launching some new dishes. It’ll be a whole new menu,” said Olivieri.
While many of their ingredients are sourced from Peruvian and Venezuelan suppliers, the restaurant uses fish from a local Vermont producer.
According to Olivieri, the community response has been extremely positive since opening Dec. 6.
“Everyone has been really happy. The name of the restaurant has been going around, and people have been coming in from recommendations,” said Olivieri. “Every time they come here; they try to take a different variety of dishes.”
Whether it’s locals or visitors from Killington, the restaurant is quickly becoming a choice destination.
“On weekends, we have a lot of people from Killington who come in from skiing and want to try something new,” Olivieri said. “During the week, we have a lot of locals coming in for lunch or takeout.”
The only challenge that the restaurant has encountered has been encouraging diners to step outside their culinary comfort zones.
“They come open to recommendations, and we really want them to try these new things,” she said.
Patrons also have good things to say about the restaurant.
“It seems like they just opened the restaurant, so it’s a little less busy than expected, but the food was good, and the service was great,” said one patron. “I ordered the fish ceviche, and we also ordered the lomo saltado with the dry corn.”
The restaurant has been expanding their menu offerings, recently introducing breakfast service to their selection.
“Sundays and Saturdays, we are open for breakfast. We have omelets and a new promotion from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. that is a starter, a soda and a rice plate for $20,” Olivieri said.
Previously, the owners hosted a Latin dance nightclub, but it was quickly discontinued.
“The dance night was really new; it was open five or six times before it closed,” said server Alvaro Franscaroli. “It wasn’t good for us, it wasn’t good for the restaurant, so we closed.”
For the owners, Pao Pao is more than just a business — it’s a way for them to share their heritage with Vermont. Co-owner and Venezuelan native, Paola Nunez Sarmiento, discussed her journey, through translation by Olivieri, saying she is “proud” to be bringing a piece of her home to Rutland.
Olivieri encourages locals and visitors to take a chance and get to know the Latin cuisine offered at Pao Pao.