A 25-year-old entrepreneur from the Dominican Republic has transformed a South Lake County hotspot by incorporating unique flavors that can’t be found anywhere else.

Leddys Ynchausti’s MUSE Bar + Bistro in Clermont offers a unique dining experience with a vibrant fusion of Peruvian, Caribbean and Latin flavors. 

Originally an American-Mediterranean restaurant, MUSE now offers a diverse array of dishes that are a tribute to Leddys’ Latin roots, with a particular emphasis on Peruvian cuisine. 

Leddys purchased the restaurant a year ago and gave the place a quick facelift, including new floors and a refreshed bar area. 

“We wanted to add our own touch, and I think it’s turned out great,” she says, referring to the inviting patio and cozy interior.

Leddys began her career as a social media manager in the Dominican Republic but was looking for a better opportunity to expand in the United States.

“We didn’t know exactly where to invest, but we fell in love with this place after months of searching,” she says. “My mom helps me, but she travels back and forth from here and the Dominican Republic.” 

The MUSE Bar + Bistro menu blends her cultural heritage with contemporary tastes. 

“We wanted to bring more flavor to the menu, something that reflected our culture,” Leddys says. 

The result is a menu that marries traditional Latin ingredients with innovative culinary techniques.

Kick off your meal with an enticing starter such as the Pork Belly with a bold peanut sauce and Korean BBQ, or the Yuqita Bites, a crispy yucca delight paired with a harmonious Huancaína sauce. Another favorite is the BBQ Chicken Bites, where boneless chicken thighs are perfectly glazed with a house-made BBQ sauce that delivers a smoky, tangy experience that leaves a lasting impression.

For those who enjoy a more traditional start, the refreshing Av, Mi Amor! ceviche blends avocado and traditional Peruvian elements in a coconut sauce that dances on the palate.

For a creative twist on ceviche, try the Las Esferas del Dragón featuring lightly fried balls of seafood that are crispy on the outside and tender inside.

The MUSE Truffle Burger is a standout. It features a signature beef blend topped with truffle aioli, caramelized onions and a decadent house-made sauce, all nestled in a brioche bun. The Aloha Burger, another popular choice, offers a tropical twist with grilled pineapple and cheddar cheese.

For those seeking a lighter option, the Colossal BLT Sandwich delivers with layers of crispy bacon, fresh lettuce and ripe tomatoes elevated by the addition of a bright lemon aioli. In the mood for something with a bit more zest? You must try the MUSE Tacos, which offers a choice of blackened or grilled fish, shrimp, or veggie filling wrapped in soft corn tortillas and garnished with vibrant, fresh toppings.

For entrees, consider the Lomo Saltado, a classic Peruvian dish featuring tender strips of beef stir-fried with onions, tomatoes and soy sauce served alongside fries and rice—a comforting and satisfying choice.

Seafood lovers will enjoy the Caserola Marina, which combines calamari, shrimp and mussels in a rich, tomato-based sauce. Another standout is the Chaufa, a Peruvian-style fried rice dish that blends aromatic soy sauce with a choice of protein that offers a satisfying balance of savory and umami flavors.

The Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a fusion of flavors, with pan-seared shrimp and al dente pasta tossed in a creamy, spicy Cajun sauce, while the Princess Diana Grilled Churrasco offers a regal experience with a perfectly grilled skirt steak served with sautéed vegetables and your choice of tostones or fried yucca.

A visit to MUSE wouldn’t be complete without indulging in one of their dessert cocktails, such as the Chocolate Martini or the Wine Milkshake.

In addition to its food, MUSE is known for its impressive drink menu. The restaurant offers a wide selection of champagne cocktails, piscos, mojitos, and other classic drinks.

Lettys, who juggles various roles from cooking to marketing, takes pride in the fact that everything at MUSE is made from scratch. 

“It’s tough, but I like it because it keeps me alert and focused,” she says, adding that the restaurant has been well received by the local community, particularly during the busy snowbird season.

Lettys is already working on a new menu, filled with even more creative ideas, so be on the lookout for new specials.  

Meltdown Burger

Salmon Peruvian Eggrolls

Lomo Saltado

*Lomo Saltado is a popular Peruvian dish that blends Chinese and Peruvian flavors. It’s a stir-fry dish that features marinated strips of beef, tomatoes and onions, served with French fries and rice.

Photos: Cindy Peterson