In early October, I posted about the widely publicized and public demolition of Rústica, a Limeño restaurant/club that was on the verge of opening for the first time in Huancayo as a section of the sole mall in the city. The political drama surrounding the incident was more intricate and complex than I originally thought.
After the demolition a couple months ago, Rústica is now as good as new.Update: Rústica is now fully-functioning and a popular hang out spot for those who have a little extra money to spend. The ground-level is a karaoke bar and club while the second floor is a scrumptious restaurant (my favourite dish is the pizza).
It turns out that the person responsible for the October demolition was Jorge Rodríguez, a provisional mayor who was probably taking advantage of the limited amount of time he would be in power. People agree that the mayor before him, Freddy Arana, was generally a good mayor. He just had some big people in government who weren’t on his side.
This is what Rústica looks like from inside of the mall.When Arana was usurped, Rodríguez was appointed in his place but knew that he would only be in the position for a few months because the national mayoral elections were coming up. When the Rústica opportunity arose, he jumped at the chance to make a name for himself. He called the national press and rallied his men to demolish instead of giving Rústica time to respond to the government’s demands regarding the licenses they needed. It became obvious that it was a set-up when all of the press left after Rodríguez felt he had achieved his goal; the journalists didn’t even stick around to hear Rústica’s side of the story. They were probably being paid to be there. Only one set of journalists stayed – an old man and his son who were taping for a local channel.
Andy, thanks so much for motivating me to go take a better picture! I posted a better photo, so you can see how they fixed everything and made it as good as new! =)
When was the last time you've been here to Huancayo? =)
Thanks Samantha for the update! It is very interesting to observe the arrival of international and Lima-based shops and restaurants to Huancayo. I recently read about a second Kentucky Fried Chicken next to the main plaza…
You're very welcome, Andy! =) It has definitely been a change to see the developments. As far as I know, there isn't a second KFC near either of the plazas! I only live a couple blocks away and walk by all the time! =P
andy
Hi! Maybe you could post an actual photo of the storefront, showing what happened with the destroyed part outside? This would be great 🙂
I'm still cuirous to visit Huancayo again,
Samantha Bangayan
Andy, thanks so much for motivating me to go take a better picture! I posted a better photo, so you can see how they fixed everything and made it as good as new! =)
When was the last time you've been here to Huancayo? =)
andy
Well, I was there in fall 2009 and visited the Real Plaza 🙂
andy
Thanks Samantha for the update! It is very interesting to observe the arrival of international and Lima-based shops and restaurants to Huancayo. I recently read about a second Kentucky Fried Chicken next to the main plaza…
Samantha Bangayan
You're very welcome, Andy! =) It has definitely been a change to see the developments. As far as I know, there isn't a second KFC near either of the plazas! I only live a couple blocks away and walk by all the time! =P
andy
You are right, it is just announced for 2012 as far as I knwo. Gestión also wrote about it
.
Greets, Andy
Samantha Bangayan
WOW! Interesting news! Thanks for sharing, Andy! This is going to be another big change. =P