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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