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With trendspotters predicting the rise of Peruvian flavors in 2012, the country’s culinary ambassador and local hero is preparing to expand his empire with five new brands next year.
Chef Gaston Acurio, who enjoys rock star status in his country for his culinary prowess and has been described as the Jamie Oliver of Peru, is planning to launch five new brand concepts to add to an empire that already spans Chile, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela, Spain and the US, reported Peruvian press agency Andina.
The concepts include Los Bachiche, Gringacho, Macambo, Super Chicha and La Chingana, though few other details are available.
Between 2012 and 2013, his restaurant franchise will open up 20 new establishments around the country.
His first New York outpost of La Mar Cebicheria Peruana opened to critical acclaim this year.
Javier Wong is another Peruvian stalwart who’s garnered a cult following for his closed-door restaurant Chez Wong in Lima, which serves what’s been described as the “best ceviche in the world.”
Meanwhile, Peru hosted an international food festival that attracted the world’s culinary elite, including Ferran Adrià, René Redzepi and Michel Bras, who helped put Lima on the gastronomic map this year.
Restaurant consultancy group Baum + Whiteman also predicts that Peruvian cuisine -- the source of the world’s “most exciting ceviches and tiraditos” -- will enjoy the culinary spotlight next year. (Relaxnews)

Published 26.12.2011