CHEF

Gastón Acurio is a chef, writer, businessman, and ambassador of the Peruvian culinary arts. In 2005, he was named “Entrepreneur of the Year” by America Economía Magazine – the most prominent and influential business magazine in South America. With 48 restaurants in 12 countries, the Acurio Organization is leading the Peruvian culinary revolution.

During the late 1980s, Acurio attended law school. However, his passion for food proved stronger, so he left law school to begin studying culinary arts at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. During his time in Paris, Acurio met his German-born wife Astrid. In 1994, they opened the restaurant Astrid & Gastón in Lima, Peru, establishing it as one of the first restaurants of Peruvian haute cuisine in the world.

Currently, he is still involved in the organization as a member of the board. His philanthropy work extends to being the primary supporter of the culinary instruction institution, Pachacutec School of Cuisine, located in one of the poorest areas in Lima. Pachacutec provides underprivileged youth across the region a place to study their craft under industry-leading professionals as they pursue their culinary careers.

Acurio has authored and published 20 national best-sellers in Peru. His latest publication 500 Años de Fusión (500 Years of Fusion) was voted the best cookbook worldwide at the 2008 Gourmand “World Cookbook Awards.”