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| Gastón Acurio in one of "The World's Most Influential, creative and important Chefs" |
Gastón
Acurio is a renowned chef, writer, businessman, and a principal
promoter of the Peruvian culinary arts. In 2005 he was named
Entrepreneur of the Year by América Economía magazine. He has received worldwide recognition for beginning a revolution that celebrates Peruvian cuisine.
During
his stay in Paris he met his wife, Astrid, who is German by birth, but
fascinated by Peruvian culture. While they both were pursuing their
careers as chefs, Gaston and Astrid decided to make a life for
themselves in Peru. So, in 1994 they opened the restaurant bearing their
names, which was one of the first restaurants to feature Peruvian haute
cuisine.
It
has been over 17 years since Astrid&Gastón first opened their doors
in Lima. Their efforts over this time have borne fruit, and in 2012
their restaurant was included at the number 35 spot in the S. Pellegrino
World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, the most prestigious ranking in the
industry.
As
a result of all these years of hard work, in 2009, the chef was
bestowed with a Prince Claus Award in the “Collective Memories and
Journalism” category for his significant contribution to the interaction
between culture, nature and new ideas. That same year, within the
framework of the Madrid Fusión “gastrofestival,” he was honored by the
panel for being a defender of biodiversity in Peru and Latin America.
Peruvian cuisine has grown exponentially in recent years, making the
city of Lima the gastronomic capital of South America, and host to
Mistura, the biggest food festival in the region. Acurio has headed the
festival’s organization for three years as president of Peruvian
Gastronomic Association (APEGA).
