Gaston Acurio is a master chef whose passion and innovation have elevated Peruvian cuisine, making it an exciting expression of the rich local culture. Abandoning legal studies, Acurio graduated in European cookery and returned to Lima where, in partnership with his wife, he opened the first Astrid y Gaston restaurant. He experimented with the local cuisine, which has 12 distinct regional variations and numerous immigrant influences, researched local foods and encouraged farmers to reintroduce varieties that had begun to disappear. Reinventing and adapting traditions, he creates delicious food that celebrates the history of Peru’s cultural development and the nutritional diversity of its natural resources.
Acurio has set up a range of eating places based on different Peruvian specialities including fish restaurants, informal snack bars, popular market-style delis and tropical juice bars. Ensuring high quality food and service, he has successfully established restaurants across Peru, in major Latin American cities, Europe and the USA. Acurio spreads his ideas through a popular television series and books such as Peru: A Culinary Adventure, which highlights the wide range of natural ingredients and styles. His Instituto de Cocina Pachacutec combines cooking classes with lessons on democracy and provides opportunities for disadvantaged students. He is now a role model for Peru’s young generations, with positive influence and direct impact on social and economic development
Gaston Acurio is honoured for his significant contribution to culinary arts, for raising the profile of Peruvian cuisine and introducing its unique delights to the world, for fostering local development through creating pride in Peruvian culture and identity, and for highlighting the essential relationship between nature’s biodiversity and cultural diversity.
Gaston Acurio
Gaston Acurio teaching
Gaston Acurio
Gaston Acurio on Wikipedia
www.astridygaston.com
