
The view as we flew over the Andes into Lima, Peru
I am coming to the end of a brief trip to Peru. Deeply sleepy, quite full, and getting ready to go back to London, I am reflecting on a most inspiring 4 days. I have had 4 tasting menus in 4 of Latin America’s best restaurants in Lima, eaten at a superb home restaurant, eaten at an Amazonian restaurant, had lots of wonderful ceviche and acquainted myself with the magic of the Peruvian potato (so varied and incredibly delicious). I attended Latin America’s 50 best restaurants, met some really inspiring chefs and food writers, attended the Chowzter Latin America’s Tastiest Fast Feasts and ate my way around Mistura. I ate guinea pig (twice) and alpaca – both traditional Peruvian meats.
I am ready to come home and I feel so inspired to cook. The food is so vibrant and characterful, full of colour and flavour. I will definitely be back for longer and to explore more of Peru – particularly the Andes.
I have so much to write about. But lets start with a postcard, as I like to do :)

Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants

Astrid y Gaston receiving the best restaurant in Latin America award

Javier Wong, at Chez Wong, making ceviche from flounder

I met Rick Bayless at Mistura!

Fantastic chicharron sandwich at El Chinito

A wall of pork and pork crackling cooking over a fire at Mistura, Peru

Tasting Menu at Central, Lima

Virgilio Martinez at the pass in Central, with his head chef (and wife) Pia in the background

Gaston Acuria at Astrid y Gaston

Alain Ducasse and Diego from Astrid y Gaston

Diego, head chef at Astrid y Gaston, presenting the elaborate (and delicious) desserts at the end of the 18 course tasting menu

The winning dish at the Chowzter Tastiest Fast Feast of Latin America Awards

Confit cuy (guinea pig) at Maido (part of the tasting menu)

Terrific octopus dish at Maido, the potatoes were magical, as though a potato had been crafted from butter

Squid ink pasta at La Mar

A producer at the market in Mistura

Potatoes! Lots of wonderful potatoes

More potatoes at Mistura

…. still more potatoes

… and a potato rainbow (at the end of this rainbow is pure joy)

One of the producers at Mistura

Dancers at Mistura

Tamale seller at the mercado (and they were delicious)

Corn at the market

Cocoa pods at the mercado (in the center)

Lace maker at the market
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