BAYFIELD, WISCONSIN · LAKE SUPERIOR · ESTABLISHED 2025
A taste of Peru at the edge of the world
Peruvian ancestral cuisine meets the spirit of Lake Superior. Every dish, a story. Every experience, a journey.
What Does Yaku Superior Mean?
OUR STORY…
"Yaku" comes from Quechua, the ancestral language of the Inca civilization, and means "water." In the Andean world, water was far more than a resource, it was sacred, a source of life, movement, connection, and balance between nature and humanity.
"Superior" is inspired by the majestic shores of Lake Superior, whose powerful presence, natural beauty, and spirit deeply shaped our journey in northern Wisconsin.
Together, Yaku Superior symbolizes the meeting of two worlds: the ancient waters of the Andes and the northern waters of Lake Superior, a fusion of cultures, ingredients, memories, and experiences coming together to create something meaningful and unforgettable.
YAKUS’S PHILOSOPHY
"Honoring tradition, embracing diversity, respecting the land, and using food as a bridge where cultures, ingredients, people, and experiences come together to create something meaningful and unforgettable."
Carlos Keil Montoya
CHEF & SOMMELIER
LIMA, PERÚ · BAYFIELD, WISCONSIN
Carlos Keil's culinary journey began in Lima, Peru, where he attended the prestigious Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola and built a strong foundation in the techniques and traditions of Peruvian cuisine. His passion for gastronomy later led him abroad, where he refined his craft while working at a one-star Michelin restaurant in Palo Alto, California, gaining firsthand experience in the precision, discipline, and creativity of fine dining.
At the same time, Carlos deepened his knowledge of wine in San Francisco under the guidance of Master Sommelier David Glancy, developing the expertise that would later shape his approach as both a chef and sommelier.
In 2022, Carlos arrived in Bayfield, Wisconsin, to fulfill a promise he had made to his mother: to bring his culinary vision to life on the shores of Lake Superior. Drawing on experiences gathered across multiple countries, cultures, and cuisines, he founded Yaku Superior as an expression of his lifelong belief that food is a bridge between people, places, and stories.
Published poet. International Taekwondo champion and Olympic-level competitor. Sommelier. Chef. A life shaped by discipline, artistry, travel, and flavor now shared through every experience at Yaku Superior.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH VAUGHN PUBLIC LIBRARY
Peruvian Culinary
Master Classes
HERITAGE · INGREDIENTS · TECHNIQUE · STORY
Discover the Stories Behind Peru's Cuisine
Join Chef & Sommelier Carlos Keil for an engaging culinary journey through Peru's remarkable food culture. These hands-on educational experiences combine history, geography, native ingredients, cultural influences, and live cooking demonstrations, offering a deeper understanding of one of the world's most diverse cuisines.
Hosted in partnership with Vaughn Public Library, Ashland — warmly received for their educational approach, interactive format, and authentic exploration of Peruvian culinary traditions.
“Food tells the story of a people. My goal is to help you taste that story while understanding the history, traditions, and cultures that shaped it.”
— CHEF CARLOS KEIL
Registration is required. Whether you're a home cook, traveler, or simply curious about world cuisines, reserve your place in an upcoming session.
The Culinary Logbook
The Culinary Logbook
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
Each dish is an entry in our culinary logbook: a guided journey through culture, memory, migration, and discovery from the Andes to the shores of Lake Superior.
COMPASS · VOYAGE · MEMORY
THE OPENING CHARTER
Layered Yellow Potato Terrine / Causa Limeña — $28
Potatoes Huancaína Style / Papa a la Huancaína — $25
Peruvian Crispy Fish Bites / Chicharrón de Pescado — $25
Peruvian Chicken Feast / Pollada Peruana — $35
Peruvian Ceviche — $30 (Consumer Advisory)*
THE MAIN STORY (PERUVIAN COURSES)
THE CHEF’S JOURNEY (SIGNATURE DISHES)
Peruvian Paella / Paella Peruana — $38
Jumping Beef / Lomo Saltado — $35
Pickled Coastal Fish / Escabeche de Pescado — $35
DESSERTS
Our signature flaky apple empanada with Tetzner’s ice cream — $11
GALLERY
From the very first cut to the very last detail, every dish at Yaku Superior is a work of craft, culture, and memory. Welcome to our world.
Private Experiences
EVENTS & EXPERIENCES
Yaku Superior offers curated private dining and culinary experiences led by Chef & Sommelier Carlos Keil Montoya, blending Peruvian heritage, international cuisine, and refined hospitality.
Each event combines elevated cuisine, curated wine pairings, and cultural storytelling to create sophisticated and unforgettable experiences.
Elevate your next event with a chef-led culinary journey inspired by Peru and the world. Contact us to discuss customized menus, wine pairings, and exclusive private dining experiences.
Each event combines elevated cuisine, curated wine pairings, and cultural storytelling to create sophisticated and unforgettable experiences.
Private Culinary Experiences
RESERVATIONS
Reserve your experience
The Culinary Logbook
Dinner Experience
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
THURSDAY – SATURDAY
📍 CORE Community Center
Bayfield, Wisconsin · South Shore of Lake Superior
LATETS NEWS
WHAT’S NEW
Join Chef & Sommelier Carlos Keil at Vaughn Public Library in Ashland for a complimentary series exploring Peru's rich culinary heritage through history, ingredients, traditions, and live demonstrations. Registration is required. Visit the Vaughn Public Library website to sign up for one or more sessions.
Peruvian Culinary Master Class Series
Our handcrafted Peruvian empanadas are now available by pre-order, making our most popular flavors more accessible while ensuring every batch is prepared fresh with the quality and care that define Yaku Superior. Reserve yours in advance and enjoy authentic Peruvian flavors made just for you.
Empanadas Now Available by Pre-Order
Artisan Peruvian Empanadas
A NORTHERN WISCONSIN FAVORITE
Our artisan empanadas have become one of the area's most sought-after specialties, earning a loyal following for their flaky pastry, generous fillings, and authentic flavor — handcrafted in small batches with premium ingredients, cherished family recipes, and time-honored technique. Every empanada is baked to order.
Handcrafted with the soul of Peru
Beef — $7
Ribeye — $9
Pork — $7
Pulled Pork — $7
Chicken — $7
Vegetarian — $7
Cheese & Jalapeño — $7
SAVORY EMPANADAS
Apple — $7
Blueberry — $7
Strawberry — $7
SWEET EMPANADAS
Half Dozen (6) — $42
Half Dozen (6) Ribeye* — $54
One Dozen (12) — $84
One Dozen (12) Ribeye* — $108
EMPANADA PACKS
Experience the empanadas Northern Wisconsin has embraced — crafted with the authentic flavors, traditions, and culinary heritage of Peru, exclusively at Yaku Superior.