Peruvian Chef Sets Sights on D.C.

It's about 14 degrees in Washington right now. In Lima, Peru, it's 80. Anyone want to go to Peru?

Even if you're trapped at your desk, take solace in this little piece of sunny news: Food&Wine reports that one of Peru's best known chefs, Gastón Acurio, plans to open a branch of La Mar Peruvian Cebichería in Washington soon. (No location is mentioned.) It's a concept the chef hopes to roll out internationally in his quest to bring Peruvian cuisine to the world. "The tuna seviche with tamarind leche de tigre (chile, lime, red onion and cilantro) is not to be missed," according to the magazine.

The chef owns numerous restaurants in Peru and South America. You can read a translated interview with him here, and check out Acurio giving Anthony Bourdain a tour around Lima in this (long) clip from Bourdain's show "No Reservations" (fast forward to 3:50 to see Bourdain and Acurio meet up):

Comments

::Alejandro:: said…
You're lucky to be getting the first La Mar in the US. It opened a branch a couple of months ago in the Santa Fe area of Mexico City, and I read he was thinking of one in Toronto, besides the one opening in Panama.

Astrid & Gaston is also international: Bogota, Caracas, Santiago,

Here's a link to the Astrid y Gaston website.


Nice to know people are learning about Peruvian food.


Alejandro
Peru Food
2/05/2007 10:25 PM
Amanda said…
Thanks for stopping by, Alejandro. And for translating those interviews!
2/06/2007 10:56 AM
Anonymous said…
If he's still looking for a location, I'd recommend Columbia Heights (and yes, I'm biased here). Unique combination of a lack of top-flight local restaurants, a huge influx of new condos without a corresponding level of food options, and a big latin american population to boot. Plus, tons of available commercial space, including a great space on the corner of Park Road and 11th which can be custom built to suit this type of place, and plenty of spaces in the new condos / DC USA complex around 14th street.
2/12/2007 11:36 AM
PalacePool said…
This is fantastic news. I went to Peru over Thanksgiving, and enjoyed ceviche (and pisco) every day. It is the worlds most perfect food. Great tasting and very good for you.


Has anyone gone to Ceviche in Silver Spring, or Costa Verde in Arlington? I crave ceviche constantly. Only recently enjoyed this seafood treat again at Francescos in Miami. It is owned by the same people who own Francescos in Lima. The only thing missing is the great view of the peruvian coast.
2/16/2007 2:00 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

STYLE } Bar Styling Tips with Framebridge

Image
  I've always been noncommittal when it come to putting anything on my walls. Art? Photos? Prints? But what if I change my mind? Add the hassle of framing something and voila, a growing pile of unframed prints and photos gathers dust on a shelf. So I much appreciated a recent gentle nudge from friends at  Framebridge , a DC-based company that's making it easier and less expensive to get those pretty-if-neglected pieces framed and on display. We hung out at my place, whipped up some Green Hat gin and tonics, and I shared tips for stocking and styling your bar at home. (Any old table will do!) And yes, I actually put a nail in the wall and hung a print. Head this way for my full interview with Framebridge . Cheers! all photos by  Laura Metzler Photography  for Framebridge
keep reading »

ENTERTAIN } For The Love Of Salt

Image
I'm bidding a reluctant adieu to summer on this first day of fall and looking back with fond memories on one of the season's highlights — our Summer Salt Fest at the Gordy's Pickle Jar headquarters. Ever since opening Salt & Sundry three years ago, I've been dreaming of a down-home party that celebrates all things salty. With the perfect partners in crime, Sarah and Sheila of Gordy's, and my phenomenal team at Salt & Sundry, we hosted a gathering of good friends and toasted our shared love of salt. The feast included fried chicken, boiled peanuts ( made by my husband !), Rappahannock' s Olde Salt oysters, deviled eggs topped with Gordy's Sweet Pepper Relish, and probably the best fried pickles I've ever eaten (yes, I've eaten a lot) ... Gordy's Sweet Chips and Cajun Okra dipped in roasted garlic aioli. There was crisp Virginia rosé from Early Mountain Vineyards , local brews from 3 Stars and DC Brau , and a watermelon cooler tha...
keep reading »