When Greg Cox first gave  Machu Picchu his stellar review last October, the restaurant shot to the top of our bucket list.  Somehow plans were delayed until last night, a happy coincidence considering this morning Midtown star Macchu Picchu was named Best of Class for the entire Triangle in the Latin American Cuisine category as part of The News & Observer's Best Restaurants of 2011.

Knowing a picture is worth a thousand words, follow our journey to the mountain top of Midtown dining.

Stunning wall photo wings you back to 15th Century Peru with aerial view of the Lost City of the Incas

Handsome hand-tooled leather menu sleek and cool, pairs well with traditional Peruvian drink, Chicha Morada made from Andean purple corn, fresh fruits, and spices - delicious!  Welcome bowl of warm corn nuts so good, they were gone before photo could be taken!

Fuente Sirvinacui (appetizer platter) showcases an array of Peruvian favorites, ours too now that we have sampled, and at the top, Pescado al Ajo, fish fillet topped with roasted garlic and served with Solterito Arequipeno salad, caution highly addictive, and increasingly popular grain closer to home, Quinoa.

Chef Gloria stops by to greet Midtown devotees, Brie Kietzman, Midtown Events, and Ian Kietzman, Alchemy Web Marketing.  If only we had known the great honor coming next day, we would have asked for her autograph.  As it is, her spectacular cuisine and gracious hospitality have left their mark on our hearts.