The influential newspaper The Washington Post has praised the work of the internationally-acclaimed chef Gaston Acurio for promoting Peru’s cuisine and its products worldwide and turning it into the nation’s proudest export
“The history [of Peruvian gastronomy] is divided into two epochs: Before Gaston and After Gaston,” said Nick Miroff, columnist at the Washington-based daily, in a wide-range and extensive
article published Wednesday.
The journalistic work highlights Acurio’s ongoing efforts of exporting the Andean nation’s cuisine around the world by setting up a franchise of 44 international eateries, including three in the United States.
Miroff hails the pledge of the 46-year-old Peru’s top chef “to the culinary school of thought that views ingredients as a series of political and moral decisions shaped by environmental principles, cultural statements and ethical choices.”
“The publication crowns the daily efforts of our culinary star [Gaston Acurio]," Peru’s ambassador to the United States, Harold Forsyth, said following the release of the news story.
The diplomat continued,"It ratifies his leadership of placing globally a new concept of gastronomy, based on the respect and appreciation of our cultural and social diversity".
“The chef is someone who acts as a bridge between consumers and farmers, fisherman, industry and nutrition and health,” Acurio was quoted as saying by the Washington Post.
“It’s been a giant boost for the country’s self-image as we used to take pride in Machu Picchu and now we’re proud of our food," said Indira Vildosola, a Lima-headquartered restaurateur interviewed by Miroff. "Gaston made Peruvian cuisine fashionable".
"When Acurio’s fame spread, foreign restaurant owners began to ask her to prepare Peruvian ceviche, chicken and other dishes," the Post reporter wrote.
(END) NDP/RES/LOG
Published: 7/24/2014