Gastón Acurio

Gastón Acurio is a chef, writer, entrepreneur, and champion of Peruvian cuisine. With 33 restaurants in 12 countires, 20 publications in his portfolio, and a weekly cable TV show, Acurio has received worldwide acclaim for starting a gastronomical revolution in Peru. This goal is at the forefront of all of his concepts, projects, and community organizations.

In the late 1980s, following the advice of his family, Acurio began his studies in law school. But his passion for food was stronger, so he decided to pursue a culinary arts career at Le Cordon Bleu Paris. While abroad, Acurio met his wife Astrid, a German-born woman who was also working toward a career in the kitchen. In 1994, the couple returned to Peru and founded their eponymous restaurant, Astrid & Gastón. With their Parisian background, the restaurant was originally pegged as French, but over time Acurio began to experiment with Peruvian ingredients, and the restaurant became one of the first beacons of Peruvian haute cuisine. In 2011, 17 years after Astrid & Gastón opened its doors, the restaurant was included in San Pellegrino’s “World's 50 Best Restaurants” list.

The restaurants La Mar Cebicheria Peruana, Tanta, Panchita, Chicha, and Madam Tusan followed, each focusing on a different specialty in the vast catalogue of Peruvian cuisine. Acurio’s empire continues to evolve and grow with projects like the Italo-Peruvian fusion restaurant Los Bachiche, opened in 2012

His international reach helped earn Acurio the “2005 Entrepreneur of the Year” by America Economía magazine. He has received honors for his work promoting Peruvian cuisine, including the international “Prince Claus of Holland” award in the category “Collective Memories and Journalism.” He was a featured speaker for 2011 Madrid Fusion and is a main supporter of the Pachacutec School of Cuisine, providing underprivileged youths with access to a culinary education.