Gastón Acurio

• Founder and Chef, Gastón & Astrid Restaurants, Peru

1980s, attended law school; studied Culinary Arts, Le Cordon Bleu, Paris. Chef, writer, businessman and promoter of Peruvian culinary arts. 1994, co-founded with wife Astrid the restaurant Astrid&Gastón, which was included as number 35 in the World's 50 Best Restaurants list (2012). Led the Mistura festival organization for three years as President, APEGA, the Peruvian gastronomy society. Still involved in the organization as Member of the Board. Main supporter of the Pachacutec School of Cuisine, which provides underprivileged young people with an institute with leading instructors. Has published 20 books, including award-winning “500 Años de Fusión” (500 Years of Fusion). Host of weekly cable TV show “Aventura Culinaria” (Culinary Adventure) and reality show "Master Chef". Global Gastronomy Award, Stockholm (2013). Prince Claus of Holland international award in the category "Collective Memories and Journalism" (2009). Entrepreneur of the Year, America Economía magazine (2005).