16/10/2012
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_zivCsaTS4
We have much to thank Gastón Acurio for. This iconic chef has been the catalyst for the great movement in popularity for Peruvian food across the world. His first restaurant Astrid y Gastón’ was an instant success in the city of Lima, and over the past decade his food and restaurant empire has gone from strength to strength. With over 30 restaurants and a weekly TV show, Gastón is Peru’s most famous chef, and arguably the best known Peruvian in the world. He is now set to open his 2nd restaurant in Spain in the heart of Barcelona. The Tanta Bistro will bring all the richness of Peruvian cuisine to the people of Barcelona. All cravings of Peru will be met, and there will no doubt be new avid fans of Peruvian food.
Gastón recently collaborated with Jordi Roca, famous Spanish Pastry Chef for the BBC’s Collaboration Culture Project. The BBC joined 14 creative people from around the world together, and then paired them up to work on an art project together. Jordi Roca flew to the city of Lima, where himself and Gaston devised sweets made from different varieties of Peruvian potatoes grown high in the Andes, such as potato and chilli jellies and roses made from potato petals and caramel. Gastón and Jordi took to the streets of Lima to give people the chance to taste their collaboration. The Mayor of Lima and the president’s wife were among the few who were lucky enough to taste their take on Peruvian potatoes.
The growth in popularity of Peruvian cuisine would not have been possible without him. His mission isn’t just about opening restaurants, but about selling the country of Peru to the world. He has been known to describe his country as a happy marriage between history and opportunity, melding a profusion of international influences: Amerindian, European, African, Chinese and Japanese, with Peru’s extraordinarily diverse climate and geography as it’s backdrop.
Food is a big part of the Peruvian way of life and subsequently a focus across all of the Inkaterra properties. We blend traditional Andean food with contemporary cuisine, creating an innovative fusion-style fare, and always impeccably served. For those that love indulging in organic and fresh produce, Peru is the go-to-destination, with Inkaterra the ideal place to rest your head.
As Peruvian food continues to grow in popularity, so too will Gastón. Long may the love of Peruvian food foster across the world.
Featured Image: Gastón Acurio – Gabriela Hengeveld via: http://bit.ly/1jX2ZGu
16.10.12
