MEET THE CHEF: GASTON ACURIO

Gastón Acurio Jaramillo (born October 30, 1967) is a celebrated Peruvian chef, restaurateur, author, and global ambassador of Peruvian cuisine. Known for revolutionizing Latin American gastronomy, he is the founder of several acclaimed restaurants around the world, including La Mar, which showcases the vibrant flavors of Peru’s coastal cuisine.

Acurio’s contributions extend beyond the kitchen, he is also a television host and contributor to culinary publications in Peru. His innovative spirit and dedication to culinary excellence have earned him global recognition. In 2018, he received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring his profound influence on the international culinary landscape.

A 2022 study by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) highlighted Acurio’s pivotal role in reshaping Latin American cuisine, traditionally influenced by European standards. Through his leadership, a new generation of renowned Peruvian chefs, such as Virgilio Martínez, Micha Tsumura, Pedro Schiaffino, Toshi Matsufuji, and Héctor Solís—have risen, all acknowledging Acurio as a mentor and a unifying force in the culinary community.

In 2019, the IDB invited him to teach the Enrique V. Iglesias Chair on Culture and Development, recognizing his impact on the region’s cultural and economic growth through gastronomy. As Trinidad Zaldívar of the IDB noted, his work exemplifies how the Orange Economy, driven by creativity and innovation, can powerfully contribute to social and economic development across Latin America and the Caribbean.