“Connect to Peru” Feeds Leading Greater Miami, Florida Portal with Peruvian News

I’m excited to share some great news: our friends from MiamiPeru.com have posted a “Connect to Peru” link in their website!

MiamiPeru.com is a leading portal that keeps its readers informed about the latest Peruvian news, events, restaurants, nightlife and art in the Greater Miami, Florida area. Its editorial team is led by Marino del Varco, former reporter at The Miami Herald, Washington, DC’s El Pregonero and El Latino, Peruvian newspaper Expreso, among others.

With this link, we look forward to keeping the many Peruvians and Americans living in the Greater Miami, FL area informed about the latest Peruvian news.

Back On Track!

Hi everyone!

Well, it’s been some crazy busy February work weeks and an awful flu I finally battled and went through before getting back on track to writing again.

I’m sure more than one reading this post has been working or somehow thinking on how they could be affected by the Economic Stimulus Package – the main reason for my several nights of insomnia and long hours working in my main job as a publicist in the Washington, DC area.

Also, I want to thank my BFF the Nyquil bottle for helping me successfully battle the worst point of a week and a half long flu working (whenever I wasn’t drowsy) from my bed.

Anyways, “Connect to Peru” and this humble writer of yours is back on track and ready to continue giving you the most exciting and fun things about what Peru can offer for your next big trip to my beloved South American hometown.

Thanks for all the wonderful feedback and comments, and for coming back every day to read our daily updates! It has just been three months since launched, and a wonderful journey!

Cheers to you all, and let’s get back to the show! 

The Specially Designed Riedel Crystal Glass Exclusively for the Peruvian Pisco

Worldwide Introduction of the Peruvian Pisco Glass by Riedel Glass Corp.

Just as the white wine, the red wine, the champagne, etc. have their own glass design to correctly appreciate and savor their kindness to the taste, the pisco has its own specially designed glass designed and produced by the world renowned Austria house Riedel.

Chosen among 29 final prototypes, the exclusively designed crystal glass for Peruvian pisco was presented in Vienna on May 11, 2006, and shipped to Peru on July 24, 2006. It is a tulip-shaped glass.

Click here top watch a video that walks you through the Riedel headquarters in Vienna, Austria and how they produce their unique designs, including the pisco glass. Although the video is in Spanish, it includes an interview in English with the Riedel’s House President George Riedel at the beginning of the video, and then further comments on minute 6:50.

If you want to learn more about pisco, click here for a great website in English (click each of the yellow icons on the bottom of the site). Click the icon with the glass image in the middle bottom row to get the specs/measurements of the Riedel glass.

Cherry Piscotini, Recipe Exclusively From Las Canteras Restaurant

Cherry Piscotini by Las Canteras (Washington, DC)

Washington-DC based Las Canteras co-owner Gary Lee shares with us another one of his innovative pisco-based drink recipes exclusively with “Connect to Peru” in celebration of “Pisco Day”.

So here is the recipe, and hope you have fun trying it at home!

Cherry Piscotini
Ingredients (1 serving): Two and a half ounces of cherry-infused Pisco, one half ounce of blackberry schnapps, a half ounce of cherry juice, juice from 1/2 lime, a splash of soda, a scoop of ice.

To make the drink, mix all of the ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake well until nicely chilled. Serve in a chilled martini glass.

Optional decoration: sugar around the rim of the glass.Garnish with a cherry.

Enjoy!

Macadamia Crusted Salmon Filet with Pisco-Based Sauce, Exclusively From Taranta

Macadamia Crusted Salmon Filet with Pisco-Based Sauce by Taranta (Boston, MA)

So today we are kicking off Day 2 of our “Pisco Day” Special Weekend Edition! And it’s great to do it with a wonderful recipe exclusively from Taranta‘s owner Jose Duarte, a Peruvian top chef and one of America’s leaders in “green” restaurants. Taranta is one of the very few restaurants in the U.S. to be a Certified Green Restaurant. In fact, Taranta was recently named among the “50 Best Restaurants in Boston” by Boston Magazine.

And if you are in the Boston, MA area, you might want to stop by Taranta this weekend. Taranta will be offering a Pisco Sour tasting to all its customers in celebration of “Pisco Day”!

So here it is….today, chef Duarte shares with us his recipe for a Macadamia Crusted Salmon Filet with a Pisco-based sauce….YUM! Thanks to chef Duarte for sharing this great recipe with us!

MACADAMIA CRUSTED SALMON FILET

By: Chef Jose Duarte, Taranta (Boston, MA)

 

Ingredients: (Serves 4)

4 pieces of salmon 8 oz each

1/2 cup Crushed macadamia nuts

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1 spoon lemon zest

1 cup of Sicilian Blood Orange Juice

1/4 cup of Peruvian Pisco

1/2 cup of heavy cream

Bunch of Asparagus, grilled

2 cups of Arborio Rice

Thyme

 

To make the risotto cake:

Make rice following a standard risotto recipe, expand in a sheet pan and let it cool, place in a mixing bowl and add, salt, pepper, 1/4 cup of cream and sprinkle some thyme, make muffin shape pieces and cook until the sides are crispy.

 

To make the crust:

Mix breadcrumbs with macadamia, lemon zest, add salt and pepper to taste.

 

To make the sauce:

In a medium sautee pan bring the juice o a boling point then add pisco and cook for 2 minutes, reduce flame and gradually add 1/2 cup of heavy cream mixing with a wisk. Salt Pepper to taste.

 

Cooking the Salmon:

Season salmon pieces, then sear on high heat on a large pan, Remove and crust with macadamia mix, place in preheated oven at 350 for 10 – 15 minutes until crust is golden color. Do not overcook the fish otherwise it will dry.

 

Serve by placing the risotto cake on the bottom of the dish, then the asparagus, then the crusted salmon and finalize with the sauce.

 

Bon Apetit!

The Origins of the Pisco

Instead of writing a post about pisco and its origins, here is a two-part video named “Pisco, cultural heritage of Peru” that walks you through the origins of pisco, including locations where it is produced in the south coast of Peru, official documents from centuries ago proving pisco is authentic from Peru (and nowhere else — others claimed to be pisco are really a totally different liqueur not 100% from grapes — a key characteristic of the authentic pisco), as well as interesting recipes you can make with pisco. You might also want to take note of the locations mentioned in this video which are great places where you can visit and see how pisco is produced.

Part 1

• The history
• The old cellars
• The name
• Pisco tourism

Part 2

• Bar and Kitchen — includes commentary from Peruvian top chefs Isabel Alvarez, Gaston Acurio and Pedro Schiaffino
• Cultural Heritage

How is Peru Celebrating “Pisco Day”?

Tourists Enjoy Pisco Sours in Lima (Andina)

The Pisco Sour, the most symbolic beverage of Peru and considerd a “national cultural patrimony”, will be starring this weekend’s crowded festivals in Peru, with thousands of free tastings, contests and dances throughout the country, as the largest Peruvian newspaper El Comercio reports.

Many activities, such as free tastings, competitions and dances are taking place in the capital city of Lima, and throughout the nation since Thursday, February 5 thru tomorrow Sunday, February 8.

In Lima, the Municipality of Surco, Peru’s Ministry of Production and the National Commission of Pisco (Conapisco) will host the 6th National Pisco Sour Festival at the Parque de la Amistad in Surco district.

Andina news reports:

Visitors will have the opportunity to sample Peru’s flagship drink and enjoy a series of artistic and cultural activities. The festival will open at 12:00 (local time) with a Pisco Sour toast and thereafter local authorities will unveil a bust of Victor Morris, creator of the original Pisco Sour recipe.

At 15:00, several young students will participate in a Pisco Sour contest; while at 18:00, the “Pisco Sour: History and Tradition” book by Guillermo Díaz Vera will be presented.

Afterwards, Peruvian historian Luis Repetto, journalist Raul Vargas and deputy foreign minister Gonzalo Gutiérrez will comment on certain particulars of this book.

The Pisco Sour contest will continue on Saturday, Feb. 7, at 15:00 with the professional category and then Creole singer Cecilia Barraza will perform for the audience at 21:30.

The celebrations will end on Sunday, Feb 8, at 15:00 with the final of the Pisco Sour contest in the champions category. All these shows and activities are free.

The Parque de la Amistad (Friendship Park) is located in the Limean district of Surco, a block from the intersection of Benavides and Caminos del Inca Avenues.

In the provinces of Peru, many free demonstrations will take place this weekend, as well as dances and all kinds of activities to promote the Pisco Sour.

In the southern region of Ica, where the pisco originated, visitors will receive 3,000 free Pisco Sour drinks, and the Pisco Producers Association will elect its “Queen of the Pisco”.

Contests will take place where bartenders, chefs, students or fans will prepare their own recipes and look to win the prize for the “Best Pisco Sour”.

Where to Celebrate “Pisco Day” in the U.S., by Macchu Pisco CEO and Owner Melanie Asher

Our friend and owner of Macchu Pisco Melanie Asher provides a list of the hottest places in the main U.S. cities to celebrate “Pisco Day” this weekend. Here is the list and a link to their websites to get more information!

In New York: PDT (113 St. Marks Pl., in the East Village) or Yerba Buena (23 Avenue A)

In Washington, DC: The Gibson (2009 14th St. NW, in the U Street area), Bar Pilar (1833 14th St NW, in the U Street area) or Las Canteras (in Adams Morgan)

In Virginia: PX Lounge (in Alexandria) or The Majestic (in Alexandria)

In Maryland: Aroma (in Olney)

In Boston: The Four Seasons (200 Boylston Street) and Eastern Standard (528 Commonwealth Ave)

In Las Vegas: Sushi Samba (3325 Las Vegas Blvd. South)

And, to this list I’d also add:

In Boston: Taranta (North End) and Orinoco (22 Harvard Street in Brookline, or 477 Shawmut Avenue in downtown).

Happy Pisco Day, and thanks to Melanie for sharing these tips with Macchu Pisco fans!

“Pisco Day” Special Weekend Edition: Sour Haas Pisco Drink Recipe Exclusively From Las Canteras Restaurant

"Sour Haas" by Las Canteras Restaurant (Washington, DC)

It’s finally here! Every first Saturday in February, Pisco Day is celebrated in Peru and around the world to commemorate such a delicious liqueur, and the basis for preparing what people are claiming to be the hottest drink in 2009: the Pisco Sour.

Throughout this weekend, we will be publishing several pisco-related posts to celebrate this special day, including pisco recipes exclusively from Gary Lee – the co-owner of Washington, DC-based Peruvian restaurant Las Canteras – who is an expert on creating innovative pisco-based drink recipes, exclusive interviews, as well as tips on where to get good pisco sours, among other fun things.

This morning, we are kicking off the Pisco Day Special Edition with a recipe for Sour Haas, named after Hass avocados, one of the key ingredients. It’s designed to be a delicate balance between avocado, mint, pineapple juice and Pisco. Thanks to Gary for sharing this recipe with us! DO try it at home…or stop by tonight at Las Canteras restaurant to get it straight from Gary!

Sour Haas Recipe (1 serving)

Ingredients: four teaspoons of ripe avocado, eight leaves of mint, two and a half ounces of Pisco, two ounces of pineapple juice, two teaspons of simple syrup, and a scoop of ice.

 

Muddle the mint gently in a cocktail shaker. Mash the avocado into the mint with the muddler. Add the Pisco,  juice, simple syrup and ice and shake very well. The avocado and mint should be blended nicely together. 

 

Serve in a highball glass, garnished with a sprig of mint.

Enjoy!

Welcome to “Connect to Peru”

Welcome to “Connect to Peru”, my new blog for YOU to become part early on of this whole new revolution that Peruvian cuisine and its culture is starting to emerge as it becomes the “next big thing” in the US and around the world. Maybe you will laugh today, or you might think I am exagerating. But wait, and see!

Perhaps you know nothing about Peru, perhaps you don’t even know where the land of the Inca Empire is located in the world map. No worries. That is the whole purpose behind my blog.

I am a native Peruvian who has lived her first 20-something years in Lima, Peru. But don’t let my accent confuse you (I might be fluent in English — hehe). Deep down inside there is this girl who was born, raised, educated, and left her whole life, friends and family many miles south of the US to come to this country for which I am thankful for the many opportunities it has, and keeps, offering me on a personal and professional level.

It’s with this feeling of thankfulness and reciprocity that I’d like to share with you what to be a Peruvian in the US is all about, for you to learn more about my culture, about where I come from, what makes me be the person that I am – and particularly, how you can also learn the many wonders and mysticism that the land of the Incas can perhaps bring to your life and hopefully have you visit someday soon!

The idea of creating this blog was also to create the first “one-stop” source of information for Peruvians living abroad, Americans or other foreigners in an easy-to-read format where you can find useful and entertaining information, not just plain news reporting or a whole bunch of links to other different sites that god forbid eventually turn into Spanish. In fact, one of the biggest challenges I have noticed these past years from living in the U.S. is that most of the information that my friends in the U.S. and abroad might be interested in reading and learning about Peru is all in Spanish or they don’t know how to access it. Today’s news wires and international publications rarely cover a Peruvian story that is not related to the global economy, an unfortunate earthquake, or a crisis of some sort that would make it worth covering.

A lot of the stories that give examples on how Peru is progressing as a country, is serving as a role model around the world (such as its green efforts or its renowned FTA with the U.S.), cultural and artistic forms of expression that are capturing many people’s attention around the world, its food, and even great deals you could get on airlines or hotels to visit Peru for less than what you think, are the type of stories I am looking to post in my blog.

I am not trying to become an expert of Peruvian economics, politics, etc., but rather just someone who’d like to share interesting things about my country that you can enjoy even if you live abroad. And if you happen to visit someday Peru, I hope the information in this blog helps you in finding out what could be the things you’d like to do during your stay.

Hope you enjoy this blog, and I welcome your thoughts and comments to make this blog…YOUR blog.

Thanks for visiting, and make sure you add it to your “favorites” folder and/or subscribe to RSS feeds!

Catherine Castro
connecttoperu@gmail.com

Peru: Intro to Living the Legend

Perú, the land of the Inca Empire and located in South America, is a magical spot which involves one of the richest biodiversities of the Earth, and is a melting pot of different cultures who together are forging the promise of a better future.

Over 40,000 restaurants across the country reflect the diversity of a nation that has mixed its native traditions with the cuisines of Europe, Arabia, China, Africa and Japan. The result: unique flavours that make Peruvian cuisine one of the best and most varied in the world.

Ten thousand years of history are lived through 180 museums and historical places. While Peru inevitably evokes images of Machu Picchu and the Inca empire, the country is also riddled with archaeological sites which are a legacy of even more ancient times, when great civilizations bequeathed a legacy of their art, customs and rituals, their wisdom and skills.

Is Peru a “green” country? Of course and for many years! It is home to 84 of the 104 life zones that exist on our planet, making it a privileged destination for nature lovers. Close to 20% of the world’s birds and 10% of the world’s reptiles live in Peru. And it has converted 13% of its territory into Protected Natural Areas.

So what is this mysticism all about? Take a look at this video, and let me know what you think!

Peru Riding Strong the US Economic Crisis, 9.5% GDP Growth in Q3

Peru’s economy is said to be one of the countries in Latin America that will handle best the U.S. economic crisis given its economic and political stability.

Bloomberg reports that Peru’s National Statistics Institute released the country’s GDP to have “expanded more than economists expected in the third quarter”. Construction and investment in heavy machinery and equipment led this growth.

Miami: First Peruvian School for Chefs in Latin America, Opening of Restaurant in Doral

A sign of the popularity that Peruvian cuisine is gaining in the U.S. (and ask Boston-based chef and celebrity restauranteur Todd English predicting Peruvian food is the “next big thing”), the first Peruvian school for chefs in Latin America named “Don Ignacio” has been inaugurated in Miami, Florida, as Peruanos en USA magazine reports in its latest issue.

Founder is Raúl Diez Canseco Terry, a renowned Peruvian investor in successful franchises in Peru, who has also just opened a restaurant under the same name where 80% of the ingredients are imported directly from Peru. Among its specialty dishes is the Quinoa Risotto, and native Peruvian dishes like the Lomo Saltado, Ceviche, and Arroz con Pollo.

I will definitely plan a stop on my next trip to Miami. But for those lucky enough to live in that city, “Don Ignacio” restaurant is located in 10395 North West 41st Street Suite 125. Doral, FL 33178. If you go, let me know how it goes. Bon appetit!!!

Lucky You, San Francisco: The Acurio Empire Has Arrived!

One of Peru’s greatest cuisine treasures is Gaston Acurio. A native Peruvian chef, his unmatched vision and superior quality while preparing the food has just arrived this fall in San Francisco, CA (and now I am feeling SO envious to be in the East Coast!). This is his first restaurant in the U.S.

Acurio just opened this fall La Mar Cebicheria Peruana (means The Sea Peruvian Cebiche Restaurant) in the newly renovated Pier 1 1/2 – just north of the Ferry Building. It’s been said that the rear of the restaurant will open onto the marina. Similar to his La Mar restaurant in Lima, Peru, the menu includes “classic Peruvian dishes and ingredients, such as potatoes, tomatoes and chiles, as well as pastas combined with seafood and chile-infused sauces, all adapted to Northern California’s sensibility and ingredients”, as the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Other La Mar restaurants around the world are in Mexico, Costa Rica, and Chile.

This week, the Chronicle also reported chef Jose Luis de Cossío left to return to Andina, the Peruvian restaurant in Portland where he was executive chef before coming to La Mar. Taking his position will be chef Victoriano Lopez, the head chef for all of Acurio’s operations, who helped design the menu and has been at La Mar since it opened in Peru.

And if you want to get to learn more about this “next super chef “, check out his Conde Nast profile story, which states:

Acurio is the most famous chef you’ve never heard of. In the last five years, the 41-year-old has emerged as a celebrity south of the equator: He has more than a dozen high-end restaurants in Peru, with outposts in Mexico, Panama, Chile, Ecuador, Venezuela, Panama, Colombia, and even Spain, plus a comfort-food chain, two fast-food franchises, a culinary school in Lima, a luxury eco-hotel opening next year, and a hit cooking show that plays constantly on Peruvian TV. Acurio’s businesses reportedly made $65 million in 2007, and revenues are expected to nearly double to $120 million in 2008.

So I guess I will either better start planning that trip to San Fran pretty soon…or start working on pitching him the idea to get a La Mar in the Nation’s Capital. Uhhhh…can’t wait!

And thanks to Marcelo Pimentel, my dear friend and correspondent for sending us the scoop from Lima, Peru.

Iron Maiden Fan and Visiting Lima? Mark Your Calendar: March 26, 2009

The long-awaited confirmation of Iron Maiden stopping by Peru as part of their Latin American tour is finally here! If you are a fan, they will be at the National Stadium (Estadio Nacional) on March 26.

According to an article from Peru’s largest print publication El Comercio, the show will be similar to those the band does in Europe, including 5 Eddies (the group’s pet), fireworks, and 12 tons of equipment they will bring in the Ed Force One, the plane that will be flown by Bruce Dickinson himself.

3D Tech: An Innovation Bet Among Young Peruvians

It is said that one of the characteristics of Peruvians is their strong sense in being creative and innovative, particularly if you are in need to make progress in life and even more so if you are young and have all that energy to learn and grow.

Given limited funding, Young Peruvian professionals are betting on 3D technologies to show their work on applying 3D design technologies for different verticals, including shoe design, vehicle motor designs, and even car design — without the need to actually create them physically.

As the magazine SoyEntrepreneur.com states, this is what Master Group Perú (MGP), a local insitution in Peru’s capital city, is trying to promote.

That’s a great way to not only generate innovation in Peru among the young audience, but also make them participants to address the need of countries to generate and remain innovative in today’s global competitive market.

Cindy Lauper Just Wrapped Up Her Tour Stop in Peru

Cindy Lauper just finished her stop by Lima, Peru presenting her “Bring Ya to Brink” South American tour. Today Saturday Nov 29 she will be in Venezuela. Other countries her tour includes are Chile and Argentina. More than 6,000 fans convened at the National Stadium (Estadio Nacional) in Lima where she performed her 80′s hits “Time after Time” and “Girls Just Want to Have Fun”, as the newspaper El Comercio reports.

LivinginPeru.com includes a brief press statement by Lauper:

“I’m tired, but happy. People have been telling me about Machu Picchu but I won’t be able to go. I’ve also been told about Peruvian food and I’m going to try it.”

Hopefully on her way to the airport she got some chicken from Pardo’s, and a good pisco sour…at least!

Possible Ancient Pre-Incan City Found in Peru’s Amazon

Citizens in the north East of Peru In Utcubamba, Amazonas are said to have found a pre-Incan city including also two caverns with ancient ceramics, according to local press El Comercio. Local government representatives will be visiting the site in the following days. The regional government in Amazonas is requesting for the implementation of a tourism circuit in the area given it is also nearby the Lejía falls.

Looking for a Book to Read after Christmas? Or a Belated Xmas Gift?

Marie Arana (a name most of DC-based book fans might be familiar with from the pages of The Washington Post where she is the book editor — and a successful Peruvian) will be releasing her new fiction book “Lima Nights” on December 30, 2008. You can get the book via Amazon.com, for example.

A good friend to one of my colleagues who is also a former Post reporter (and hopefully soon we finally get to schedule that lunch we’ve been shooting for since two years ago!), Marie’s books bring up Peru’s food, sceneries, lifestyle, customs, and many other things that if you are a Peruvian I am sure you will be pretty familiar with and easily relate to.

Check her book out — and hopefully sometime soon we finally get to connect maybe in-between one of her many months-long trips to Lima and get the download on her experience as a successful Peruvian living in the U.S.

Leading Chilean Supermarkets Chain D&S Opening 3 Stores in Lima, Peru in 2009

Chilean “Distribución y Servicio” (D&S), one of the top ten Latin American supermarket chains, will be opening three of its “Súper Bodega Acuenta” stores in the low-medium income areas in Lima, Peru sometime in 2009, according to a story in the local newspaper Expreso. They will be promoting mainly their self-branded products.

D&S is also in the process of evaluating opening 50 other stores under their “Súper Bodega Acuenta” and “Ekono” brand names in 2009.

American Football? Sheesh, not a Clue. Soccer? Our Life!

If there is something that Peruvians most likely will never understand (or better said, will never care about learning) is American Football. I guess we keep ourselves too busy tracking soccer around the world to think about learning about a new sport. Not to underestimate or not appreciate the American sport, but soccer is in our blood, we grow up with it since we are very little. It touches our heart. Alianza Lima (with colors blue and white) and Universitario (yellow beige) are the two “classic” teams and big rivals regardless of time.

Even myself being a girl while I was in Peru I would go to the soccer games in Matute (home of Alianza Lima), the National Stadium (Estadio Nacional), or for a few times when it was just built the Monumental Stadium (Estadio Monumental, home of Universitario). I was the girl sitting, waving, jumping, singing, or whatever made sense at the stadium on the Western side with my family, or my dad at the minimum. And as a fan for Alianza Lima, I still remember the songs you’d scream to cheer up the team. The group of really huge fans (largely guys) will be in the South side of the stadium called “Trinchera Sur” or as we say in Alianza “Comando Sur”.

Every time I go back to Peru, I try to go to a game where Alianza is playing, and if it is a “classic” game, even better! Arriba Alianza!

Today, for instance, a “classic” game took place in Matute and sadly Alianza lost 2-1 to Universitario, but we are still fighting to get in a good position in the second half of the year games called “Clausura”. With this win, Universitario can still hope to get the #7 position in the chart. Here is the story from the biggest publication in Peru, El Comercio (it’s in Spanish though but if you’d like to check out the video).

This game will be available on Monday, December 1 via Fox Sports at 7:30 pm if you’d like to check it out!

Student Opens a Homestyle Peruvian Restaurant at MSU Named the “New Thing” in Town

Mississippi State University’s local student newspaper The Reflector reported they finally got a Peruvian restaurant in their neighborhood and it’s considered the “new thing” in Starkville, Mississippi. With a peculiar name, “Gordo’s” (which means “Fatty’s” in Spanish but it is often used as an endearment term in Peru) just opened its door primarily to students who will be able to enjoy the typical Peruvian dishes including the Ceviche.

With a homestyle type of food, the founder is Eduardo Reyes, a young MSU graduate student pursuing a masters in accounting and has been a member of the Starkville community for two and a half years.

It doesn’t need to be a huge empire as Gaston Acurio’s as I mentioned in my earlier post, but it is great to see how young Peruvians (and their families) are getting on board of this new Peruvian cuisine boom even in a small town as Starkville. Congrats!

Peruvian Artisan Fair in St. Louis Benefiting Artisans in Peru

If you are planning to be or if you already are in St. Louis, you might want to check out a Peruvian Artisan Fair that will take place at Northminster Church on Sunday, December 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the church on 1570 Chambers Road in Dellwood.

What’s neat about it is that proceeds will be sent directly to local artisans in Peru — a very talented group of Peruvians that given unfortunate lack of funding and access to the international market they cannot demonstrate the immense business and art potential they have to the world.

This is indeed a cause very close to my heart. My grandfather (who is now in Heaven and resting with God) was one of the most renowned ceramic artisans (“retablistas“) in Peru from Ayacucho. Love ya, bulito!

Craving for a Peruvian-Style Breakfast in VA this Weekend?

One of my favorite spots when in the mood for a typical homemade Peruvian style breakfast is in Costa Verde Restaurant where they serve Cafe con Leche (coffee and milk), Chicharron (pork) with Sweet Potatoes, Tacu Tacu (beans) with Steak, and even Papaya juice, among other typical plates, every weekend — Saturdays from 10 am – 12 noon, and Sunday from 9:30 am to 12 noon.

Costa Verde Restaurant is located at 946 N Jackson St, Arlington, VA 22201. And there is free parking (although really few spots) at the restaurant’s entrance lot.

You can also get there via Metro — the orange line will take you to Clarendon, and the restaurant is 2 blocks away headed west towards Ballston.

YUM. Who’s in??!!??

Update to My Welcoming Post

I realized there is one more thing I wanted to add to the intro of my new blog “Connect to Peru”.

It’s about access to Peruvian news from abroad. Check it out here and let me know your thoughts.

Thanks and hope you find useful my daily updates

Cheap Flights to Lima, Peru from Washington, DC (DCA)

If you are planning to visit Peru in December for the holidays, check out Spirit Airlines’ website (www.spiritair.com) for great deals. It is not a Virgin-type of flight with high-class service and a glass of champagne, but it is pretty decent and at a great price!

For example if you are in Washington, DC, a flight from DCA (yes! perfect to avoid driving all the way to Dulles) to Lima, Peru (with a stop in Miami) in December is approx. $600 roundtrip including taxes, compared to $1,000 that American Airlines or even Spirit via Travelocity will charge you. And remember DCA is metro accessible (blue line).

Other airlines like Continental or Delta are either promoting or planning to promote flights (hopefully direct) to Lima, Peru. If you know about direct flights at great prices, let us know!

The Peruvian Potato: The Answer for Fighting Global Hunger and Poverty, Potato Museum To Open 2nd Half of 2009

If you go to the supermarket here in the U.S. most likely you will find maybe three, four, ok…five types of potatoes. Did you know there are thousands of types of potatoes…and one country in the world holds all of them? Yep, all just in Peru! Check out this BBC story about this year’s Peruvian potato boom. Particularly as rice and wheat prices rise around the world, the Peruvian potato is a perfect alternative and even provides nutrition that other products can’t.

The potato originated in the Andean highlands and was first domesticated in the southeast of Peru about 7000-8000 years ago. Spanish explorers brought the potato plant from South America to Spain in the mid-16th century and then spread throughout other European countries.

And if you are planning to visit Peru next year, you might want to check out the Potato Museum which is currently under construction and is expected to open the second half of 2009 at the headquarters of the International Potato Center (Centro Internacional de la Papa – CIP) located in La Molina – that’s just 30-40 minutes away from the main tourist area in Lima, Peru. CIP maintains the largest collection of potatoes in the world, including almost 5000 varieties of about 100 wild species. The collection is maintained in trust under the auspices of the United Nations.

The United Nations named 2008 the “International Year of the Potato” naming the potato a staple food in the diet of the world’s population and calling the need to focus world attention on the role that the potato can play in providing food security and eradicating poverty in support of achieving internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals.

A whole array of events has taken place this year. In fact, today Sunday, November 30 in Argentina, ALAP 2008 will convene experts from all over the world (including the U.S., Holland, Canada, France, and other Latin American countries) to advance the use and commercialization of the potato around the world. CIP’s Peruvian representatives will be talking about potato biotechnology, genetics, among other topics. There are four more events happening in the UN-FAO’s agenda around the 2008 potato international campaign: a Potato Exhibition in Rome, Italy; the Global Potato Conference in New Delhi, India, a Potato Festival in Kemorovo in the Russian Federation, as well as the 7th World Potato Congress in Christchurch, New Zealand.

And if you are interested in getting into the details of what CIP has planned for 2009-2011, click here (and it’s in English).

For some interesting potato facts, click here, but here is a snapshot:

• The potato is the most important root and tuber crop in the world.
• The potato is the 3rd most important food crop in the world, after rice and wheat.
• The potato yields more nutritious food more quickly on less land and in harsher climates than any other major crop.
• Potatoes are rich in protein, calcium and vitamin C
• Potatoes can be harvested in the tropics within 50 days of planting – a third of the time it takes in colder climates.
• Potatoes contribute to health by providing calories and providing nutrients.

Here are some videos you might want to check out:

• United Nations video (not CNN as the tag says) on the Peruvian potato, including images of the International Potato Center (the video is 4:30 minutes only, the rest is repeated)
• United Nations video about the “International Year of the Potato”
• Fun video on just some of the different types of potatoes
• Fun ads “Este Pechito Come Papa” (This One Here Eats Potato) by the Peruvian Agricultural Ministry – part 1 and part 2

So now that you know at least the highlights of the Peruvian potato story, hope you stop by at the Potato Museum on your next trip to Peru, whenever you are at the store you can tell your friends where the world’s largest variety of potatoes is, and now you know how you can help the world in fighting poverty by just buying potato — and you will also help generate jobs in Peruvian agricultural families, and share the idea of helping poor countries around the world consume the potato and fight hunger and malnourishment.

Cameron Diaz in CW’s “4REAL Peru” on December 4

If you have MTV Canada or CW on your cable, don’t miss Cameron Diaz’s series of 4REAL Peru on December 4 airing at 4 am, 6:30 am, 9 am or 11:30 am Eastern Time.

And if you don’t, no worries. Just click here to watch the series on demand.

Cameron and Sol Guy travel to the Andes mountains of Peru where Puma Singona, a young medicine man, is keeping his people’s ancient knowledge and wisdom alive.

It is a great way to get an idea of the cultural immersion experience you can have when you visit the Peruvian Andes. You see how women weave their textiles with techniques that go back centuries, the perfect line up of stones one on top of the other to build the street in Cuzco, how music serves as a natural healer, and even Bungee jumping!

So…what’s Pisco? Here’s the 101.

Pisco is the Peruvian grape “aguardiente” obtained from the distillation of recently fermented musts exclusively grapes (grape juice). It has been produced since the 16th century on the mid-south coast of Peru, including the departments of Lima, Ica, Arequipa, Moquegua, and Tacna.

Lexicographers, chroniclers and historians state the word “pisco” comes from the pre-Hispanic Quechua word “pisko” meaning “bird” as the Incas were captivated by the huge number and diversity of birds in this coastal region.

There are two groups of grapes for producing the pisco:

• Aromatic grapes: Albilla, Italia, Muscatel (Moscatel) and Torontel
• Non-aromatic grapes: Mollar, Black (Negra Corriente), Quebranta and Uvina

According to the Peruvian Ministry of Production’s Technical Norms, these are the types of pisco you can get from these grapes:

• Pure (Puro): From Quebranta, Mollar or Black grapes
• Aromatic (Aromatico): From Muscatel grapes
• Green Mosto (Mosto Verde): From the distillation of grape musts in fermentation process (this refers to the musts in which sugar has not been transformed into alcohol)
• Blended (Acholado): From the distillation of musts of different grape varieties

And now you wonder which one of these grapes and types of piscos is best for the pisco sour?!?!? Well, the most preferred is the Pure type of pisco from Quebranta grapes. There are other drinks you can make with pisco, such as Chilcano, Pisco Libre, Fruit Cocktail, Captain, Bible, Pisco Sunrise, among many others.

Even President Bush and global world leaders got a kick out of the Peruvian pisco sour!

Stay tuned for some easy-to-make recipes coming up soon!

Peruvian Leading Author Mario Vargas Llosa Visiting Pennsylvania on December 3-4

Mario Vargas Llosa, a Peruvian novelist, playwright, essayist, journalist and literary critic, will be visiting Dickinson College in Pennsylvania this week to give lectures on December 3 and 4, and for a book signing event on December 3, according to a local report from The Sentinel.

Vargas Llosa is one of Latin America’s leading authors of his generation and former Peruvian presidential candidate.

Peru’s Pharma and Healthcare Industry to Double in 2012 to US$317 million from 2007

Independent firm Research and Markets report announced in Dublin, Ireland today estimates de Peruvian pharmaceutical and healthcare industry will double its size in 2012 compared to 2007 levels, to US$317 millionfrom US$ 180 million, respectively.

The report highlights the reason behind this expected growth is Peru’s current small market size and low per capita spend on drugs.

According to a MarketWatch article today, “the government is committed to the improvement of generics penetration, as part of wider healthcare system reform, which has already attracted a number of foreign players”. This same article also states:

“Peru will retain its place among Latin America’s investment grade elite, underpinned by our long-held view that Peru’s sound macroeconomic fundamentals and robust economy, driven largely by domestic demand, make it a highly attractive destination for long-term foreign investors.”

So…How is Peruvian Food Like? Learn through this Video.

Many of my non-Peruvian friends often ask me…so how is Peruvian food like? And I often answer “it’s got everything you can imagine”. And it is tough to explain without being able to walk them through an illustrated book.

But no need to wait or wonder anymore. Check out this video and learn through these images. Includes dishes with fresh seafood, steak, duck, potatoes, chicken, etc. and even fruits and vegetables I am sure you’ve never heard in your life, such as chirimoya or lucuma. But no worries, if you follow my blog you will learn one step at a time about each of their backgrounds so you start becoming familiar with them.

Dish names are in Spanish, so I’d recommend you take note of what you liked the most and let me know to post an easy-to-make recipe in this site.

So sit down, relax and enjoy while watching this video. But I am warning you…you might end up hungry at the end of it! Enjoy and don’t forget to take note and let me know which one you liked best!

Peru In Search of Another Guinness Record: The Largest Ceviche in the World

This Sunday December 7, more than 450 chefs in Lima, Peru will convene to prepare the world’s largest ceviche in the world and look to gain its leadership back from 2004 as Peru’s largest newspaper El Comercio reports.

Ingredients will include 5 tons of fish, 3 tons of lemon, 2 1/2 tons of onion, 440 lbs. of salt and 440 lbs. of Peruvian chilli.

In 2004, Peru won the Guinness world record after preparing 9,127 lbs. of ceviche.

Ceviche is one of Peru’s cuisine flagship dishes largely known around the world — and please make sure restaurants serve you on a plate like this, not a glass (!) and with large-sized corn, and sweet potato on the side. That’s a good tip to keep in mind to make sure you are eating a real ceviche! Bon apetit.

Limited Edition Campari 2009 Calendar to Feature Celebrity and Semi-Royalty Peruvian Photographer Mario Testino

It is most likely you have ran across many of his famous celebrity photoshoots in top fashion magazines without knowing the guy behind the camera is actually…Peruvian.

Semi-royalty photographer chosen by the Prince of Wales and Princes William and Harry, Mario Testino today announced his work for the limited edition of the Campari 2009 Calendar, including star Jessica Alba, as an article in Peru’s RPP highlights. With a femme fatale theme, Alba is the latest addition to Testino’s roaster of celebrities’ photo shoots which include Salma Hayek and Eva Mendes for the 2007 and 2008 campaigns, respectively.

Testino’s resume also includes late Diana, Princess of Wales for her famous Vanity Fair cover in 1997, as well as Gisele Bundchen and Kate Moss.

Mario Testino was born in 1954 in Lima, Peru. Click here to read his Vogue profile.

For the Jessica Alba Campari 2009 Calendar pictures, click here.

Miami, Mark your Calendar: Friday December 12. The Last Jose Val Concert in 2008!

Jose Val, a very dear friend of mine and an amazing, heart-felt Peruvian song writer and actor will be giving his last Latin pop concert of 2008 in Miami, Florida on Friday, December 12 at 10 pm at Macondo restaurant in South Beach.

You might remember him from his participation at the Billboard Video Music Awards, one of his many performances in Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia, Puerto Rico, or Panama with the hit children’s show “Nubeluz”, or perhaps on his co-lead role in the Peruvian show “Sueños”.

Click here to RSVP on his Facebook event page.

Macondo restaurant is located in 665 Washington Ave., Miami, FL 33139.

Lost City More Than 1,000 Years Old Found in the Jungle of Northern Peru’s Amazon

A city has been found in the northern jungle area of Peru’s Amazon dated more than 1,000 years old belonging to the ancient Chachapoya tribe, as UK newspaper The Telegraph reports.

This tribe is said to have been beaten into submission by the mighty Incas in 1475, and eventually wiped out by small pox and other diseases brought by the Europeans.

The discovery also includes very-well kept ancient ceramics and undisturbed burial sites.

It’s Been Named the “Acurio Mania”: La Mar Photo, Reviews and Acurio’s Profile in Food & Wine Magazine

Following up from my post on Gaston Acurio’s new La Mar restaurant in San Francisco, CA, Acurio has been profiled in the November 2008 issue of Food & Wine magazine under the title “Peru’s World-Class Cuisine.”

Reviews

“Once in a blue moon, an ambitious new restaurant lives up to its buzz. The principles behind La Mar Cebicheria Peruana, an outpost of a sleek, modern cebiche place in Lima, Peru (where the dish was invented), chose a dream location by the water next to the Ferry Building to open a breezy, resonant and amazingly self-assured operation. Everything about it feels right. “

— By The San Francisco Examiner, and “San Francisco Food Lovers’ Pocket Guide”

“The first U.S. branch of a Lima-based seafooder from Peruvian celebrity chef Gastón Acurio, La Mar Cebicheria Peruana is the latest arrival on the Embarcadero’s up-and-coming Restaurant Row, where it’s serving ceviche and other midpriced Peruvian fare in a setting that includes a large patio overlooking the Bay; the separate Pisco Bar and Lounge, specializing in cocktails made with the titular alcohol, faces the Downtown skyline.”

— By ZAGAT Buzz

“I was pleasantly surprised {…] All my dishes were flavorful and satisfying and yet seemed very light [...] I loved the food and the atmosphere. Freshest catch in town. It’s not cheap (I would say our tab was Bar Tartine-like, maybe because of all the small courses adding up), but all in all I think I will go back. Soon.”

— By Chowhound

Chicago, IL Resident Among 2,600 Foreigners Warmly Welcomed Today in Lima, Peru in South American Cruise

In their South American stop on Lima, Peru, a group of 2,600 foreigners arrived today in Lima, Peru via “Star Princess”, the largest fleet of Princess Cruises as they begin their South American 32-day tour coming from San Francisco, CA, as the local newspaper El Comercio reports — including an interview to an American from Chicago, IL.

Foreigners were warmly welcomed by traditional music and dancers and the Peruvian pisco sour at the Main Square in the capital city. A video of their welcoming is available here.

Their next stops in South America will be Chile, and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

Peru is Biggest User of Internet Cabins by 10-18 Yr Old Kids, Latin American Survey Says

Internet Cabins in Peru

Peru is the biggest user of Internet cabins by 10 through 18 year-old kids, according to the first Latin American survey conducted by Telefonica and the University of Navarra to more than 25,000 urban-based kids in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela and Peru, as the largest Peruvian news radio station and online news site RPP reports. Other highlights of the survey include:

• More than 80% of the kids access the Internet
• 95% of the kids access the Internet regularly
• 83% of kids with 9 years old and up have their own cell phone

One of Peru’s Music Young Treasures: Jorge Pardo Joins Other 3 Peruvian Tenors in Concert This Weekend in Lima, Peru

One of Peru’s treasures in vocals is Jorge Luis Pardo Valdespino (second from the left), a good friend of mine and heart-felt, high-range singer and composer who will be performing a new series called “Tenores II” (Tenors II) concert in Lima, Peru this Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 6 with Sony Center among one of its sponsors.

Jorge and other 3 Peruvian tenors will be performing songs by Queen, Coldplay, Elton John, Joan Manuel Serrat, Verdi, legendary Peruvian singer and composer Chabuca Granda, among others. Around 30 musicians will be on stage.

Jorge is a former winner of the singer awards “International Music Festival Vina del Mar”. If you’d like to watch the hit song “Mi alma entre tu manos” (My soul between your hands) that made him a glorious double-award winner, click here (go to 4:50 in the video to listen him perform this amazing song).

Well done, guys! Wish you as much success as your first series “Tenores I”.

Peruvian Tennist Luis Horna To Receive Fox Sports Award on December 9

Luis Horna (Source: Andina)

The Peruvian tennis star Luis Horna will be among a select group of Latin American tennis players to be awarded by Fox Sports for his tennis career, as Andina news agency reports.

The award ceremony will be held on December 9 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Congrats!

How an Arkansas Man’s Life Changed After His Trip to the Peruvian Amazon

Tremblay with an anaconda snake in the Amazon

I came across this interesting story on how a trip to Peru and other South American countries can change your life for the better. If you are of the adventure type, this is a must read.

After leaving his girlfriend behind, quiting his job, and stuck with non-refundable tickets and other travel expenses, Arkansas resident Marc Tremblay made the best of this travel which turned out to change his life to take the job of his dreams: become a canoe guide on the Mississippi River.

Perhaps you won’t change your job, or perhaps you will get to travel with your significant other. But the one thing that will remain similar to Marc’s story about yours is it will become an eye opening adventure.

To read Marc’s story published in the Reader Travelogue section of Commercial Appeal, click here.

Obama-Inspired Pisco Sour to Star Holiday Kick-Off Party in New York City

Not every party around Obama happens around the Beltway. New York City will be the location where the “PiscObama Sour” is expected to become the star among  business, government and social jet-setters on December 18 at 6 pm at m1-5 located at 52 Walker Street in the TriBeCa area.

Organized by Golden Networking, the “PiscObama Sour” is the Obama-inspired Peruvian pisco sour to be served and developed in partnership with Macchu Pisco, a leading Peruvian pisco brand available in the U.S.

I spoke with Edgar Perez, founder of Flavors of Peru who launched Golden Networking, about his upcoming event, and he said:

“Our Holiday Kick-Off Party TriBeCa Style will be the first of networking events we will organize every month. As we expect to attract an upscale and diverse audience, we thought it would be important to promote our favorite cocktail, the PiscObama Sour. For more than a few of our guests, it will be their first time enjoying the flavors of the authentic Peruvian Pisco.”

For more information about this “Holiday Kick-Off Party TriBeCa Style”, click here.

It is a great opportunity to enjoy a Peruvian pisco sour in the Big Apple!

SAVE THE DATE: Inauguration Party New York Style, Venue: Highbar, Date: January 15, 2009, Time: 6:00 pm.

Staying Green: Peru’s Commitment to Global Environmental Sustainability

In the search for global environmental sustainability, Peru is a key player in protection of tropical forests. In fact, Peru has the fourth largest area of tropical forest in the world after Brazil, Democratic Republic of Congo and Indonesia.

As a BBC Latin America news article states, the Peruvian government has committed to US$ 5 million a year in its fight to preserve climate change via the presevation of its tropical forests. The government has calculated that Peru needs about US$ 25 million a year for the next 10 years to be able to save or conserve initially at least 54 million hectares of forest, which could rise to 60 million.

So on your next trip to Peru, a wonderful diversity of tropical forests awaits you. But please be mindful of the need to preserve them in a clean and safe way to ensure we provide the best this world can offer to our future generations.

Peru Announces $13 Billion Stimulus Package To Ride US Economic Crisis Strongly

I don’t typically write about economic-related news but more on fun and useful information about Peru. But I think it is worth mentioning how Peru is actually riding the US economic crisis.

As I mentioned in my November post, Peru is one of the few countries in Latin America that will be able to ride the crisis better than others with estimates of 9 percent in 2008 and 6.5 percent in 2009. In fact, the first statistics showing a downturn include:

• Copper and minerals prices are tumbling, thus exports fell in October for the first time in more than six years and down 11.4 percent from the same month last year.
• In September, Peru registered a trade deficit for the first time in more than five years, followed by a US$ 506 million shortfall in October.

As a result, the Peruvian government today announced a US$ 13 billion stimulus package for housing, highways and other projects in 2009, as Reuters reports today.

It’s Official: Peru Wins Guinness Record for Largest Ceviche in the World

Following up from my earlier post, Peru today won the Guinness World Record for preparing the world’s largest ceviche weighing 4.5 tons, as Peru’s newspaper El Comercio reports.

You can watch two pictures of this historic event by clicking here.

Peru Leads Employers’ Hiring Intentions Global Survey for First Quarter 2009

According to a survey conducted by research firm Manpower, Peru leads the #1 position in the world in terms of employers’ hiring intentions for Q1 2009 with a score of 24%. Costa Rica and India were in second and third place with 19% and 18%, respectively.

Despite the current financial crisis, Peru has become one of the most attractive countries for investment. In Peru, the financial services industry shows the largest percentage (46%), followed by the transportation and public services industry with 30%.

The lowest scores belonged to Singapore with -31%, followed by Ireland with -12%, and Spain and Italy both with -9%.

On March 10, 2009, results for Q2 2009 will be announced.

For more information and to read the full report, click here for an El Comercio article.

Google Bets in Latin America Despite US Crisis; Google Survey Shows Peru’s Main Access to the Internet Via Cabins

Google’s head for Latin America Alexandre Hohagen expressed his optimism in Latin America despite the US (and global) economic crisis, according to a Reuters Latin America article.

Also, and in line with my post on Peruvian kids being the biggest users of Internet cabins in Latin America, Google also just released a survey conducted by Pyramid Research stating Peru is the #1 country in Latin America where Internet users prefer accessing the Web from cabins as opposed to doing it from home, as El Comercio newspaper reports. Another interesting statistic from this survey is that Peru is in third place (lead by Ecuador and Uruguay) where Internet users are not too much into using online banking.

The survey also reveals that online advertising in Latin America will grow 5-fold to reach $2.6 billion in 2013. Which means Latin America will represent 9% of the world’s online advertising market versus current 2%.

Peru’s Minister of Economy Visiting NY, Boston, London and Spain to Promote Country’s Economic Strength

The Peruvian Minister of Economy Luis Valdivieso will be visiting New York, Boston, London and Spain starting tomorrow December 11 thru December 18 to promote Peru’s economic strength despite the US and global crisis, as Andina news reports.

The goals behind this tour named “Non Deal Road Show” include to:

• Demonstrate Peru’s attractiveness and strength for foreign investments
• Promote Peru’s commitment to its investment policies to improve its business environment and reduce poverty based on free market principles
• Promote the recognition from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OCDE) as Peru became the 41st country to join the International Declaration of Investments and Multinational Businesses

Peru’s Weather Diversity Treasure: Where Should I Go? What Should I Do?

Besides Peru’s cuisine, one of the questions I often get from foreigners is where to go on their next visit to Peru. And the answer has much to do with the weather. My first reaction is “my question to you is, what do you like to do?”

Peru’s topography and weather is one of the richest in the world. In just one country, you can find the eight different types of weather (ordered from coast to the jungle): Costa (also called Chala), Yunga, Quechua, Suni, Puna (also called Jalca), Janca (also called Cordillera), Selva Alta (also called Rupa Rupa), Selva Baja (also called Omagua). Thus you can easily accomodate your favorite thing to do with recommended destinations for your next trip.

Surfing, parachuting, tennis, golf and fishing in the Costa (the capital city Lima or Piura, for example); hiking, rock climbing or kayaking in the Yunga; snowboarding in the Quechua; mountain climbing or skiing in the Suni and Puna, trekking in the Janca (includes the highest mountains and sites like Macchu Pichu); hunting or canoeing in the Selva Alta (this is the East side of the mountain skirts), and also canoeing, hunting, trekking, or site seeing in the Selva Baja (includes the Amazon jungle).

Although Macchu Pichu has become largely known following its designation as a New Wonder of the World, it is certainly not the only place to go if you want to make the best out of your trip to Peru. In fact, there are many places where you can go for cheaper rates than Cuzco (the department where Macchu Pichu is located). For instance (and these places are just a few hours on plane from the Lima International Airport):

• Piura has amazing seafood and wonderful beaches – try Mancora, my fave!
• Arequipa has very nice views and great food
• Ayacucho is close to Cuzco (Macchu Pichu) with beautiful churches — if you are religious or a Catholic, this is a must.
• Ica is the capital of the famous pisco where you can go to the town under the same name.
• Ucayali has beautiful conservation areas for the adventurer
• And many more!

In future posts, I will talk in depth on each of these departments for you to learn more about them, or if you rather stay in one more department and get the best out of it.

In the meantime, check out this site I found that has great photos on a mountain climbing and biking adventure in Peru by folks from Gettysburg, PA.

Inbound Tourism to Peru Up 12 Percent in Jan-Aug 2008

Inbound tourism to Peru increased 12% in January -August 2008 compared to the same period last year, according to the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur).

For more information reported by Andina news, click here.

Great Article in The Economist: Preparing For Tougher Times; Credit Suisse Conservative 4.5 Percent GDP Growth in Peru

This is the title of a great article in today’s Economist print and online issues that provides an economic overview and outlook of Latin American countries, including Peru, and puts the region’s economy in perspective as it rides the U.S. and global economic crisis. The article begins saying:

In the five years from 2004 Latin America’s economies grew at an annual average rate of over 5%, inflation remained generally low, credit expanded and exports boomed. All this meant that the proportion of people living in poverty fell from 44% in 2002 to 33% this year, according to an estimate this week by the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean. Now the task facing the region’s policymakers is to limit the damage as the world economy deflates.

Highlights include:

• GDP estimates in 2009: Brazil 4%, Mexico 0.4%. And as mentioned in my earlier post, Peru is expecting to grow at least 6% according to government estimates.
• The two main factors contributing to Latin America’s downturn are: a) Continuing steep fall in commodity prices because of worries that China’s economy is stalling. Commodities, from Venezuelan oil to Peruvian minerals, Argentine soya and Brazilian iron ore and orange juice, make up a big chunk of the region’s exports;  and b) Banks in Latin America have turned cautious. Many foreign banks are cancelling credit lines to the region, or renewing them for shorter periods or at higher rates.

Additionally, Credit Suisse just released a report for Latin America, where Peru is slated to show the highest growth in the region, although takes a conservative 4.5% GDP growth, as Bloomberg reports.

What Makes Pisco Unique From Other Types of Brandy? by Renzo Palacios

My friend Renzo Palacios, also a native Peruvian living in the U.S., is known for his great knowledge and taste on making the best pisco sours. That’s why I had to make him the first of my contributors to my blog, one because he is the coolest, and second because it is great to know things about the authentic pisco which is made in Peru. And take note he likes reading this book you can purchase on your next trip to Lima called “Pasion por el Pisco” (Passion for Pisco) written by Jhonny Schuler from where he got some of the information to write this piece. Thanks Renzo!

Pisco, the flagship drink from Peru, is a pure grape juice distillation without any other ingredients, compared to the Italian Grappa, the Galician Orujo, the French Marc, the Greek Tziroupo, the German Trestten, and the rest of brandy in the world which aren’t pure.

Pisco is made from the must just fermented, whereas other brandy are made from the distillation of orujos which is comprised by the rests from the grape after pressing it to make wine and includes grape skin, seeds, and parts of the bunch.

Another difference pisco has to other types of brandy, is its noble nature since the beginning. A good pisco embraces the richness of its aromatic palette and its tasting structure that comes from the different types of pisco grapes used for its preparation.

Also, pisco doesn’t go through certain rectification processes as happens with other brandy that need to age to obtain their new features.

Finally, pisco doesn’t require water to regulate its alcoholic content as other types of brandy do.

In Peru, the production of pisco has significantly grown. Currently there are more than 400 bodegas producing pisco in the country. In fact, statistics about consumption of pisco continue increasing between 10-15% in the past eight years, and exports of pisco have grown in average 40% since 2002.

Food & Wine Magazine: Top 5 Places to Eat in Lima, Peru

The November 2008 issue of Food & Wine magazine listed the top five “must-go” restaurants.

These are great restaurants but typically pricey. In a later posting I will compile some smaller-scale restaurants which still give you the great Peruvian cuisine for a lower price. Tough times, tight budgets!

In the meantime, here are the top five:

Astrid Y Gastón: Gastón Acurio’s modern Peruvian spot offers remarkable dishes, like lacquered goat cooked with chicha (corn beer).

Chez Wong: Javier Wong’s restaurant, inside his house, has no menu. Meals start with simple sole ceviche; the next course depends on the chef’s whim and the day’s catch.

El Rincón Que No Conoces: Chef-owner Teresa Izquierdo is a champion of African- and Spanish-influenced Criollo cooking, notable for endless pots of great beans and tripe.

Fiesta: A sophisticated spot serving distinctive dishes from north Peru’s Moche civilization, like quickly grilled cured grouper.

La Mar: Acurio’s ceviche restaurant, which has a San Francisco outpost, serves dozens of versions of cured fish, including a delicate sea urchin. [Check out my earlier posts on the San Francisco La Mar here, and its ratings here]

If you go to each of them in the article, it will give you more information about each restaurant, including exact location in Lima.

Where to Get a Good Pisco Sour in Boston

In search for a nice place to grab dinner in Boston, my sister took me to this restaurant called “Orinoco”.

Despite not having Peruvian dishes (more of a Venezuelan/Latin American cuisine style), to my surprise they made this great pisco sour. Spoke with the bar tender who isn’t Peruvian, and he pretty much gave me the original Peruvian recipe which explains why it was so good!

I went to one of their two locations in 22 Harvard Street in the Brookline area (off the train – or “T” as they call it here – stop). Their other location is in 477 Shawmut Avenue in the Boston area.

You should check it out if you are in the Boston area. Click here to go to their website.

Peru Becomes First South American Country to Get Travelers Guide by National Geographic

In early February 2009, you might want to make sure you get a copy of Peru’s Travelers Guide to be published by National Geographic, the first one from countries in South America. There are only 58 other countries to have a guide in the world.

Featuring unique information on local culture, food, history and population, Peru’s Travelers Guide will release a record number of copies of 17,000 versus just 6,000-8,000 for other countries given the increasing interest in Peru by foreigners.

A Spanish version will also be available late 2009, as Andina reports.

“Connect to Peru”‘s Group Now Available on Facebook!

 The “Connect to Peru” Facebook group is now available by clicking here!

 Join the dozens of readers already visiting the blog every day — in such a short time since its launch!

Thanks to everyone for your support and feedback that keep making the “Connect to Peru” blog stronger and stronger with time.

Handmade Macchu Pichu in Chocolate Showcased in Marriott Hotel in Lima, Peru

What’s best than staying at a centrally-located Marriott hotel in Lima, Peru? A chocolate handmade Macchu Pichu replica on display at its lobby!!

More than 2,000 blocks made of 350 lbs. of chocolate took to build it in just 45 days, as AP reports via El Comercio newspaper. Click here to check out some pictures.

Yum!

U.S. Congressman Hinojosa Visits Peru, Calls Support for FTA to Ride Global Economic Crisis

U.S. Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (D-TX) meets with the Peruvian President Alan Garcia., as Andina reports via a video (in Spanish).

During his stay, the Congressman made a statement to the press calling to support the Free Trade Agreement between the U.S. and Peru to increase commerce, investments, and generate employment opportunities in Peru and also in the U.S. to ride through the current global economic crisis.

Peruvian Minister Provides Update on Investment Road Show to US and Europe

Following up from my earlier post on the Peruvian Minister of Economy Luis Valdivieso visiting New York, Boston, London and Spain, today he made a statement on how his “Non Deal Road Show” is progressing, according to a report from Andina.

Today Valdivieso is in London and stated investors in the U.S. and the U.K. are surprised that Peru continues growing and with a low inflation despite de international economic crisis.

Below are quotes from his declaration to the press (translated to English):

“They were all surprised that we keep growing with low inflation and are very interested to know which are our fiscal plans and monetary policy, as well as which are our investment plans. [...] It is important to communicate to the market where we are and where we are headed to.”

America’s Green Cuisine Gem…and He’s Peruvian!

While in Boston, I am getting to know great sites and restaurants, but I didn’t expect to learn about Peruvian-related green cuisine! Ladies and gentlemen…let me introduce you to Jose Duarte, a Peruvian successful chef and restaurant owner of Taranta. Jose’s gastronomic style brings the wonders of two of the best cuisines in the world: Italian and Peruvian. I tried a gnocchi made with a culantro-based sauce that clearly reminded me of the Peruvian “seco de cordero”. It was a taste that brought me back home.

Located at the North End in Boston, the entrance door welcomed me with a pair of opening curtains perhaps as a sign I was entering into something new…and it was. I was greeted by Jose who since the beginning was really nice and patient to walk me through his business, his background, and of course his culinary expertise which was very exciting.

According to the Green Restaurant Association, Boston is the second largest green city (after New York) and it was great to know one of its leaders is actually Jose. According to a recent Boston Globe article, here are some of his green achievements:

• The wine list is biodynamic, sustainable, and organic
• The restaurant is eliminating bottled water, putting in its own carbonation and bottling system
• The straws are green – they’re made from a corn-based polymer
• The business cards are made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper and printed with soy ink
• He wears an organic chef’s coat
• Uses LED candles instead of wax

And particularly about bottled water, his Taranta “Going Green” blog on a December 4, 2008 post says:

“Just installed our own bottling and carbonation system for water, a very eco friendly alternative to bottled water with a carbon footprint. We will be filling and reusing our own bottles, this will reduce our storage space, less boxes being driven and less bottles to recycle. The flavor is excellent and we are continuing our funding program by donating $1 for each bottle sold to the City of Boston Green Energy Fund. We will also feature an aluminum portable bottle in our Peruvian Culinary Adventure to in March 2009 courtesy of Natura Water.”

Great, huh? But here’s what was also pretty interesting to me: I tried the Peruvian flagship drink Pisco Sour and Jose made me notice something peculiar about it: the foam. His pisco sours are made from powdered egg whites, which ensures health standards are met and avoid viruses such as the salmonella that most other restaurants don’t keep in mind. The taste and body of the pisco sour is great made out of a great quality pisco from Peru. With that excuse, I made sure I had one for dinner after my chat with Jose.

As a Peruvian, it is great to see how he is leading the way on green restaurants. And even more so if you can enjoy a great Italian delicatessen with a Peruvian kick (yum) and support environmental sustainability! Go Jose!

Taranta is located at 210 Hanover Street, Boston, MA.

Luis Horna Recognized Best Peruvian Tennis Player in 2008

On December 17, the Peruvian Tennis Federation will award Luis Horna as the best professional tennis player in 2008 for his great performance at the Davis Cup and Roland Garros, as Andina reports.

This is the second recognition Horna gets following his Fox Sports award in Argentina last week, per my earlier post.

Renovations Along Lima Beach Area “Costa Verde” Could Bring More Attractions for Tourists by 2010

If you have been to Lima, most likely you have seen the Larcomar shopping center right on the beach and the Costa Verde (Green Coast, in English) in search of a good ceviche in the Miraflores district.

According to Peru’s newspaper El Comercio, the Costa Verde area will be renovated, and will include:

• A greek amphitheatre with ocean view for approx. 3,000 people
• Two ocean water pools (similar to the ones you might have seen in Portugal) — one for swimming and the other one for families
• Recreational and sports areas, including bike trails
• New access areas (bridge between the hill and the beach area)
• Development of green areas

This project called “La Nueva Costa Verde” (The New Green Coast) will start to be built next year and is expected to be finalized by 2010.

Should be a nice area to hang out if you stay in the hotels nearby the ocean in the districts of Miraflores or San Isidro — two common areas tourists stay at.

New Ancient Civilization Found, Now in Chiclayo

If there is one thing about Peruvian history is that it goes way back thousands of years BC. With the nature of Peru’s landscape being so diverse and the Andes mountains crossing it vertically, it is no surprise that once again an entire ancient city is discovered — check out my earlier post on a Chachapoya tribe ancient city found in Peru’s Amazon. This time is a city in the north of Peru called Chiclayo, as BBC News reports.

Archaeologists claim to have found “the missing link between the ancient cultures of the Wari people and the earlier Moche civilisation [...] because it explains how the Wari people allowed for the continuation of culture after the Moche.”

The Waris were the first strongly militaristic and urban culture of Peru who conquered the Moches by trying to enforce their own values and suppress local oral traditions and regional self-expression. The Wari empire ruled between approximately 100 AD to 700 AD – a few centuries before the Inca empire.

Here’s something to remember: if you get to visit Chiclayo, you will have a great archaeological and site seeing tour, but also one of the best beach areas and seafood in Peru!

Hundreds of Bronze Artifacts Back from Inca Empire Discovered

Seems to be a busy day on Peruvian archaeology. In Cuzco (close to Macchu Pichu), archaeologists have discovered hundreds of bronze artifacts that date back from the Inca empire, including 179 plumbs (cylindrical cone-shaped weights) of different types and 98 nose rings, as Andina reports.

This discovery would confirm the hypothesis that Incas had different methods of construction used to build their houses, and employed high-quality techniques to control vertical alignments of their buildings.

James Blunt Performing in Lima, Peru on February 1, 2009

If you are planning to visit Lima early February and are a fan of British songwriter and singer James Blunt, you might want to make sure you book your calendar on the evening of February 1!

As part of his South American tour, Blunt will be performing in Lima, Peru at the Jockey Plaza Center in the outdoors stage, as RPP reports. As a reference, the Center is approx. 45-minute drive away from the Miraflores/San Isidro area where typical tourist hotels are located.

Blunt has more than 16 million copies sold around the world, and his hits song include “You’re Beautiful”, “Back To Bedlam”, “Goodbye My Lover”, “High” and “Wisemen”, among others.

Tickets will be sold starting this Friday, December 19 via the TuEntrada website.

You Can Make a Difference: Support Disabled Children in Peru this Sunday December 21

This Sunday, December 21, the biggest charity campaign will take place nationwide in Peru supporting disabled children with the support of the Peruvian government and participating private companies called “Teleton 2008″. The fundraise will benefit the home where all these kids are medically treated named “El Hogar Clinica San Juan de Dios” (Home Clinic St. John of God).

For many years (and goes back all the way when I was a child myself), my family and I participated in donating money by depositing in a bank account in Lima. My parents will do it as a way to develop generosity and support to other children who weren’t as lucky as we were.

And you don’t need to be Peruvian to participate. If you want to make a change in hundreds of lifes of poor disabled children in Peru, you can call the Peruvian Consulates throughout the U.S. and they’d be able to give you more details.

If you are in the Greater Washington DC area, the Peruvian Consulate in DC’s Advisory Committee and its volunteers will be all day  this Sunday at two locations receiving donations in two Peruvian restaurants (what about donating and enjoying a Peruvian-style lunch!?!):

• Maryland: Ceviche House – 7236 Muncaster Mill Rd, Rockvile, MD 20855
• Virginia: Restaurant Macchu Pichu – 5912 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041

And if you’d like to make a donation directly to a bank account in the DC area, you can also make a deposit in an HSBC bank under the name “Embassy of Peru/Teleton 2008″.

You can also mail your checks to the Peruvian Consulate payable to “Teleton 2008″ and sending it to 1625 Massachussets Avenue, NW, Suite 605, Washington, DC 20036.

Join the millions of Peruvians, as well as public and private organizations donating this Sunday. Together, we can make a huge difference for these kids that really need our support!

So Now That I’m in Peru, What Food Should I Eat?

Heard some friend’s friends are going to Peru in the next month. And I realize if you go to a whole new continent and with SO much food to try, wonder if a non-Peruvian visitor would know where to even start?!?

But here is a list of the top five “basic” dishes you might want to make sure you eat before catching that flight back to the US or elsewhere. And when you order, ask what varieties they have: maybe chicken, pork, fish, etc. so you can have what you like.

Top 5 Appetizers

1. Ceviche (fresh fish marinated in lemon juice with onions, sweet potato and corn)
2. Papa a la Huancaina (boiled potatoes with a creamy sauce of yellow chili sauce, milk, crackers, and cheese served with boiled egg and black olive on top)
3. Tiradito (this is similar to the ceviche but just the plain fresh fish marinated in lemon juice – it’s a delicatessen and not too many places have it outside of Peru, so here is your chance!)
4. Cocktail de Camarones (fresh shrimp with avocado and golf sauce)
5. Anticucho (grilled steak skewer, many types to try, served often with grilled potatoes and corn)

Top 5 Entrees

1. Lomo Saltado (stew made of steak, french fries, onions, tomatoes and white rice)
2. Aji de Gallina (shredded chicken with a yellow chili sauce served with slices of boiled potatoes and white rice)
3. Seco (this can be made of lamb or steak, it is a stew with cilantro, and served with white rice and beans)
4. Arroz Chaufa (this is similar to a Chinese fried rice, but make sure you go to a “Chifa”, the name of the cuisine that mixes Peruvian and Chinese flavors. If hungry, this is a perfect place to go as you can get many other types of dishes that you can enjoy with this Arroz Chaufa)
5. Chupe de Camarones (this is perfect for shrimp lovers, similar to a chowder)
6. Extra! You might also want to try “cuy”, the famous Andean rabbit. Some people like it, some others don’t. It is a novelty to have tried it.

Top 5 Desserts

1. Suspiro de Limena (made with an egg yolks base, milk and meringue on top)
2. Alfajor (cookie sandwich with condensed milk-based sauce in the middle)
3. Mazamorra Morada (Peruvian pudding made of purple corn with pieces of fruit, such as pineapple, raisins, etc.)
4. Picarones (Peruvian doughnuts served with a caramel sauce)
5. Arroz con Leche (Peruvian style rice pudding)

Top 5 Drinks

1. Pisco Sour (the Peruvian flagship drink made of the authentic Peruvian pisco (alcoholic) , the same all APEC leaders tried weeks ago)
2. Inca Kola (this is the national soda, and Peru is the only country where a local soda beats Pepsi and Coke on market share)
3. Chicha Morada (purple corn-based non-alcoholic drink)
4. Chicha de Jora (traditional drink that goes back to the Inca empire times, made of yellow maize and is prepared with different degrees of alcohol, similar to an apple cider)
5. Beers: depending on your preference, you can try Pilsen, Cuzquena (my favorite), or Cristal.

Tip: The safest bet if it’s your first time in Peru is to go for a buffet restaurant. Ask your hotel to recommend places where they serve buffets. That way you get a better chance to get a little bit of everything, and go for what you like.

And if you go to a more camp-like restaurant, you might also want to try “Pachamanca” (see picture above). It is food cooked underground with hot stones the same way the Incas did. It can be chicken, pork, steak, etc. and you can also have it with sweet potatoes, corn, potatoes, etc. This is a very unique way of cooking the food, a tradition that has gone through many generations.

And here are the top 5 places to eat in Lima, Peru according to Food & Wine magazine from my earlier post.

Hope this list helps you try some of the best traditional Peruvian dishes during your stay. There are many more options, so if you got plenty of time over there, go for it! The sky is the limit!

Bon appetit!

Iron Maiden to Visit Macchu Pichu Around Upcoming Concert in Lima, Peru

Iron Maiden’s lead singer Bruce Dickinson and his crew announced they are planning to visit Macchu Pichu around the time of their concert in Lima on March 26, as El Comercio newspaper reports.

As mentioned in my earlier post, there is great expectation for this concert. More than 40,000 people are expected to attend the show. Around 6,000 tickets were sold just on day one. As of date, nearly 12,000 tickets have been sold.

Tickets are available for sale online (it’s in Spanish) by clicking here.

Looks like a concert to definitely check out if you are planning to be in Lima late March.

Peruvian Restaurant “Pardo’s Chicken” Now in Miami!

You can ask any Peruvian about Pardo’s Chicken, and I assure you will get an expression of excitement on their face right away! It is one of the well-known local restaurants in Peru, particularly in the capital city Lima, where millions of people gather with friends and family to get a rottiserie chicken, french fries, wonderful steamed and fresh salads, Peruvian-style BBQ, Peruvian soda called Inca Kola, and other dishes and flavors of Peru.

Well, Pardo’s Chicken has just opened a new location in Miami, FL!!!!! 

If you are not familiar with Pardo’s Chicken, check out their website from Peru available in English and you can check out their menu!

The exact address is 2312 Ponce De Leon Blvd, Coral Gables, FL 33146, right in the heart of Coral Gables.

TIP: If you have time to kill while in the Miami International Airport, the restaurant is just 20-30 minutes away driving via all LeJeune Rd.

Yay! Can’t wait to get that yummi chicken!!!

Physician from Wisconsin Brings Health Services to Peruvians in Amazon Since 1990

It is so inspiring when I read stories on experiences foreigners have when they visit Peru but end up actually moving over there captured by its culture, its forest, its food, or any other of its wonders. This is similar to the story from my earlier post on a man from Arkansas who after his trip to the Peruvian Amazon ended up changing his life to take the job of his dreams: become a canoe guide on the Mississippi River.

Click here to read this story I found in a Wisconsin local newspaper The Eagle on Dr. Linnea Smith, a medical practitioner from Wisconsin who ends up leaving her family medical practice in Prairie du Sac to take her doctoring deep in the Amazon rainforest in Peru, and thought to share it with you all.

The story is about how in an adventure of finding out where her plants came from, Dr. Smith decided to travel to Peru’s Amazon where she has lived since 1990. She serves thousands of residents, both children and adult, in very remote areas.

As the story reports, in 1998 she published a book on her experiences titled “La Doctora.” In 2005, the Wisconsin Medical Society chose Smith as the Wisconsin Physician Citizen of the Year. And this fall, she received a Distinguished Alumni Award from the Wisconsin Alumni Association, which takes trips that visit her clinic in Peru.

Take a read, and let me know what you think. Captivating story — and thankful to her for bringing so much love and health support to those kids and their parents who have very limited access to hospital care.

Peru-China Free Trade Agreement to be Signed on March 2009

China's President Hu Jintao with Peru's President Alan Garcia (Reuters)

As the local newspaper El Comercio reports, Peru and China are expected to finalize and sign a Free Trade Agreement on March 2009, and should become effective the second half of 2009.

This FTA should be the second most important agreement for Peru following the one signed with the U.S. which is already bringing mutual benefits particularly as a way to fight against the current economic crisis.

China and Peru would agree to a goal of zero tariffs on 90 percent of all goods traded between the two countries, including for example electronics, home appliances, machinery, vehicle motors, chemical, vegetables and fruits by China, and fish flour, mining, fruits by Peru.

Click here to read a Wall Street Journal article title “China’s Latin American Tango”.

Additionally, an FTA between Peru and Canada is also in the works and pending approval, as El Comercio also reports.

Pisco Sour: The Perfect Family- and Friends-Gathering Companion for this Holiday Season

So now that you know what “pisco” is (if not, you can read my earlier post), and with the upcoming Holiday season and surely many family and friends gatherings, here is a great way how to keep your guests entertained with some good Peruvian pisco sour!

This recipe comes from a site recommended by my friend Renzo Palacios, a contributor on matters of pisco for my blog. In this English site, you can get a lot of the basic information by clicking the yellow icons on the bottom, including: what is pisco, how it is made, the fine crystal glass designed by the Austrian house Riedel with an ideal form to correctly appreciate its taste best, how to recognize a good pisco, etc.

So here is an easy-to-make recipe pulled from this site, with some tips when preparing it:

• 3 oz. pure pisco
• 1 oz. lemon juice
• 1 oz sugar syrup
• 1 egg white
• ice cubes (just a few enough to cool it)
• angostura bitter

In a blender, mix the egg white and lemon juice. Add the sugar syrup, the ice cubes, and pisco. Mix again. Pour into a cocktail glass or champagne flute, and add drops of angostura bitter on top in the middle.

And here are some TIPS:

• The secret of a good tasting pisco sour (besides using a good pisco) is the shaking of its egg whites. The more air the egg whites get when shaking, the better it will taste. That’s why many people prefer preparing it on a cocktail shaker instead of a blender.
• Here are some fine old-renowned pisco brands you might want to try asking at your local specialty liqueur store: Ocucaje, Santiago Queirolo, or Tacama. The best type for pisco sours is the pisco coming from Quebranta grapes (read label). If you don’t find it, you can try any other brand out there, but make sure you get a Peruvian-made brand to get good quality results – and get the real pisco, not a different type of grape-made liqueur.
• The angostura bitter will come in a bottle similar to wine or smaller. The liquid is browned-colored. You might be able to find it at a specialty liqueur store. All you will need is 2-3 drops of it in the middle of the pisco sour at the end (I personally prefer just the bitter versus adding also the cinnamon).
• Don’t try using regular or powdered sugar instead of the sugar syrup. You will get a totally different taste.
• Don’t replace lemon for lime. The taste of the pisco sour is great when you bring the acidity of the lemon into the mix.

If you don’t know where to get pisco or angostura bitter, you might want to check out a specialty liqueur store in your city. In the Washington DC area, I love buying my supplies at the Wine Specialist located at 2115 M Street NW (www.winespecialist.com). You can order the angostura bitter if they don’t have it on stock.

There are several ways to make a pisco sour (some change the proportions), but this one I found to be the easiest one to make.

Pisco Sour is not the only drink you can make from pisco. So make sure you stock up on those precious pisco bottles and stay tuned for more pisco-based recipes later on!

Let me know how you did! It will be a great way to rehearse for the upcoming “Pisco Sour Day” in early February!

Salud!

More than 50 Percent of Foreigners Who Visited Peru Since August 2006 Changed Visa Status From Business to Work

The Immigration and Naturalization Direction (Digemin), a similar organization as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) reported today that more than 25,785 foreigners visited Peru from August 1, 2006 thru December 9, 2008. This group largely consisted of foreigners coming from the U.S., Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Argentina, India, Canada, Brazil and Spain who largely come to Peru interested in knowing the investment opportunities and then return decided to do it.

Out of the 25,785 foreigners, 12,813 foreigners requested their immigration status change from a business to a work visa.

As El Comercio newspaper reports, a representative from Digemin stated (translated to English):

In these past years, Peru has become one of the best options for foreigners given not only by its great tourism attractiveness, but also as a country where important business opportunities exist.”

The Basics: Map of Peru and Initial Common Questions

As I further talk about different things to do, tips, or news, thought would be helpful to have a map of Peru handy for your reference — particularly if you are not Peruvian and/or not familiar with it. Click here for an easy-to-see map.

Peru is comprised of 24 departments (similar to America’s 50 states) and its neighbor countries include Ecuador and Colombia on the North, Brazil on the East, Bolivia on the South East, Chile on the South, and the Pacific Ocean on the West.

The country is divided into three main regions: the Coast, the Highlands (Andes Mountains), and the Jungle (Amazon). Each of these regions have several types of landscape which explains the many different weathers available in Peru as mentioned on my earlier post.

And click here to access a great website in English if you’d like to learn more about its population, geography, languages, etc. This site should be more accurate than Wikipedia given it is developed by PromPeru, an organization who’s mission is to support tourists.

Here are a few initial questions you might be wondering about if you have never been to Peru:

• So where’s Macchu Pichu on the map? It is located in the South East of Peru in the department of Cuzco.
• And where is the city “Pisco” from which the pisco was named after? It is located in the South of Lima in the Coast region in the department of Ica.
• Where is the ceviche from? It is mainly from the Coast region including all the departments with access to the Pacific Ocean where fresh fish is caught to make the ceviche from.

If you have more questions, send them over to me and I’d be happy to help you out.

Cajamarca To Become Peru’s Carnival Capital in 2009

Cajamarca is one of the 24 departments of Peru located in the far north Highlands region (see my earlier post to get a map). In order to promote it as a tourist attraction all throughout the country and around the world, the local government will be registering Cajamarca to be known as “Peru’s Carnival Capital” to the National Institute for the Defense of Competition and Protection of Intellectual Property (Indecopi).

As Andina reports,

One of the most important carnival celebrations is the Cajamarca Carnival, considered one of the country’s most famous festivals during February and March. During the carnival, locals from different parts of the region compete with other neighborhoods in a dance and music contest. Afterward, a parade is organized where all can enjoy the festive music and dances. This celebration lasts for one month with eight main days.

For those who have gone to the Brazilian Carnival, Cajamarca’s carnivals aren’t as big or crazy of a party. Very differently, they are traditionalist and a place where you can enjoy the colorful folkloric dresses and dances that have gone through several generations in history. And most likely, there will be great traditional dishes sold at stands and restaurants nearby.

It is a great target if you are planning to visit Peru between February and March 2009! And if you have several days of stay in Peru, you might want to enjoy a trip driving from Lima to Cajamarca which takes 12-13 hours, but worth making stops along the way to enjoy the local dishes and archaeological sites. And if you don’t have too much time, you can also catch a flight from Lima.

Here is a good video where you can get a glance of the drive from Lima to Cajamarca. You can also watch Cajamarca’s main square, archaeological sites, as well as the “Banos del Inca” which are the saunas used back at the time of the Inca empire as spiritual purifiers for the royalty.

And here is a good map of an illustration of Cajamarca’s tourism sites nearby.

Lima Named “Gastronomic Capital of South America” by Bon Appetit Magazine in January 2009 Issue

Bon Appetit magazine’s January 2009 issue includes an amazing feature story on Peru’s capital city gastronomy with a great background on the origins of its cuisine, naming it the “Gastronomic Capital of South America”!!

Here is a great excerpt to summarize the richness of Lima’s cuisine:

“Peru really is blessed with an almost ludicrous variety of natural resources, from the great seafood of the Pacific coast to the vegetables of the temperate highlands of the Andes to the wild tropical abundance of herbs and fish from the Amazon. And the country has one of the world’s most interesting natural culinary fusions [...] Perhaps most importantly, Peru is in the midst of a nationwide awakening about its own cuisine…”

And this story is a great source for those who are planning to visit Lima to make sure you try the restaurants named, including:

• Malabar
• Restaurant Huaca Pucllana
• Costanera 700
• Toshiro’s Sushi Bar
• Chifa Kam Men
• La Mar Cebicheria Peruana

And it is even with greater pleasure to share this story after reading how a dear friend from high school has grown so much. Well done, Pedro! Very proud to see your gastronomic success around the world!

Merry Christmas a la Peruvian, by Las Canteras’ Executive Chef Eddy Ancasi

Located in the Dupont Circle/Adams Morgan area, Las Canteras Restaurant & Bar is one of Washington DC’s Peruvian food hot spots where you can get several authentic dishes and of course Pisco Sours. For today’s Christmas post, its executive chef Eddy Ancasi – a native Peruvian from Arequipa, a department located in the South West of Peru – is our special guest!

A typical Peruvian Christmas starts with a big dinner on the 24th with a table full of dishes similar to Americans’ Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey is the typical main dish, although lately there have been variations of pork or chicken; side dishes include potatoes or white rice; as well as traditional homemade hot chocolate, and paneton (an Italian sweet bread). At midnight, everyone hugs and grabs their presents from underneath the Christmas tree and opens them, while fireworks start going on everywhere. After a few hours of kids enjoying their presents, everyone goes to sleep after much chit chat. The next morning, the family gathers again for lunch to eat leftovers or they all go to a nice family restaurant and continue the celebration. If you are married, having a two-day celebration gives you the chance to spend at each other’s families.

And, here is how chef Eddy Ancasi remembers his own Christmas family gatherings:

Over the years, the celebration of Christmas has evolved. In my childhood — in the mountain town of Chuchibamba — Christmas was a mostly Catholic affair. It centered around singing — carols and folk holiday songs called villancicos. And there was always hot beverages made from dark Peruvian chocolate and paneton. Later, when I moved to Arequipa, Christmas eve was a time of family reunion. All my relatives gathered around a long table laden with turkey, mashed potatoes and different kinds of salads — Russian salad, potato salad and so on. Still later, when I moved to the Washington D.C. area, Christmas became a time for gift giving, seeing friends, and of course, gorging on “Causa de Pollo” and other classic Peruvian dishes.

I guess to nobody’s surprise Peruvian food is the main guest of the party regardless of where in Peru you are from. No wonder the expression “love grows through the stomach”.

Have a wonderful Christmas Day!

Great Beach Getaways in Piura: White Sands, Warm Water, and Sun

As Peru kicks off the Summer season, lots of places start promoting tourism-related packages, including hotels, beaches, archeaological site tours, etc. In today’s major newspaper El Comercio, an article features the department of Piura, located in the north Coast of Peru.

Below is a list of the most popular beaches, from North to South:

• Mancora is the most visited beach among domestic and international tourists of the young type, including surfers and adventurers, which explains hotel price ranges from $5 to $ 15 per night. Hotel Las Arenas is one of the most known in the area.
• Las Pocitas and Vichayito are two great beaches to go to for a more sophisticated tourist or if traveling with the family. Hotel prices range from $20 to $100 per night and is highly recommended to make reservations with months in advance, particularly during peak season which is around New Year’s, July 28 (Peru’s Independence Day), and Holy Week (a Catholic holiday around late March/early April).
• Punta Veleros, located in the district of Los Organos,  is starting to become increasingly popular. Its beach is good if you like surfing. If you are looking for a relaxing trip this might be the right beach for you. And the area has 5 small hotels and houses you can rent in advance.
• Cabo Blanco is a beach largely preferred by surfers due to its big waves, as well as those who like to fish. This was the beach that inspired the American writer Ernest Hemingway for his novel ”El Viejo y el Mar” (The Old Man and the Sea). The beach has a few small hotels. The best way to access this beach is if you have a car given its limited access via public transportation.
• Lobitos is another beach for surfers with small hotels made out of wood (similar to cabins). The best way to access this beach is driving. If you don’t have a car, there is public transportation leaving from Talara but the wait could be up to an hour.

There are more beaches going further South, including Yacila, Cangrejos, Colan, Sechura, San Pedro, San Pablo, Matacaballo, Playa Blanca, Loberas, Reventazón, and Chulliyache. However, these beaches are not much tourist-friendly given its lack of access, hotels, and other basic tourism needs. But if you are the adventurer type and have a car via a friend who is local, you might want to go and explore these areas if you’d like but make sure you leave early and come back early before it gets dark for safety on the highways.

Personally, my favorite beaches area Mancora and Las Pocitas where I used to hang out with friends during my Summer vacation in Peru. And regardless of what beach you stay at, the seafood of that area is fantastic, perhaps one of the best available in the country. Make sure to order a ceviche with a cold beer – the best feeling ever! A shrimp omellette for lunch is really good as well.

Click here for a great trip planner in English made available by Peru’s tourism entity PromPeru, including the local cuisine, places to stay, local map, transportation, etc.

TIP: The quickest way to travel from Lima to Piura is by taking a flight. Recommended airlines include LAN and TACA. Once you get to Piura, the recommended way of traveling to your hotel and commuting is either walking or by taking local buses instead of driving. Ask your hotel to get the best routes and bus companies to where you want to go. I wouldn’t recommend renting a car if you are a tourist without any native Peruvian friends traveling with you. Some local routes might not have clear signs/labels, it creates a hussle to ensure you get a safe place to park it at nights, and hussles of filling up the tank when the closest gas station is several miles away from the beach.

Backstreet Boys Performing on February 25 in Lima, Peru

As El Comercio reports, the Backstreet Boys announced they will be performing on February 25, 2009 in Lima, Peru to promote their latest album “Unbreakable” as part of their South American tour. The concert is scheduled to start at 8:00 pm local time at the Estadio Monumental (Monumental Stadium).

The four members of the band — Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell and AJ McLean — will also be making a stop in Argentina, Venezuela, Chile and Brazil as part of their South American tour.

If you are a BSB fan, you might have heard about Brian Littrell’s son recently diagnosis with A-Typical Kawasaki Syndrome, a disease that causes swollen blood vessels and can result in aneurisms and cardiac arrest, as ABC News reported on December 23. This could be a good opportunity to support the singer in this tough personal journey.

Tickets for their South American “Unbreakable” tour are available via their website by clicking here.

Machu Picchu Continued Capturing Presidents and Celebrities’ Attention in 2008, including The Simpsons and South Park

Throughout 2008, Machu Picchu and the neighboring city of Cusco has welcomed several celebrities, royalty personalities, and sports stars, as El Comercio reports, including:

• Alicia Keys: received the 2008 year in Cusco and then visited the archaeological site. Click here to watch her appearance in the Letterman show talking about her visit.
• Jenna Bush: visited Cusco and Machu Picchu on January, and also stopped by the Andean communities in Paucartambo, nearby Cusco, as part of her Unicef agenda in favor of local poor children. Click here to watch a raw Associated Press video of her visit.
• Marguerite of Borbon, Infant of Spain: visited Cusco in April and enjoyed a show with Peruvian folkloric and flamenco music before heading by train to Machu Picchu. Despite her blindness since birth, she very much enjoyed it from the windows of the train.
• Canadian singer and composer Bryan Adams arrived to Cusco following his concert in Lima in a private plane, and then headed to Machu Picchu in a helicopter.
• Several Presidents from around the world and political personalities visited Machu Picchu around the Latin American, Caribbean and European Union (ALC-UE) Summit and the Asian Pacific (APEC) Forum between May and November, including the Foreign Affairs and External Affairs Commissioner of the European Commission Benita Ferrero-Waldner; the President of the same organization José Manuel Barroso; the Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk, the President of Guatemala Álvaro Colom; the Chancellor of Slovakia Jan Kubis; the Chancellor of Hungary Kinga Goncz;  and the wife of the Executive Chair of the region of Hong Kong Selina Tsang Pou Siu-mei.
• The goalie and captain of the Spanish soccer team Iker Casillas visited Machu Picchu in July accompanied with a group of children that the sports star supports through an NGO. Together with the former Spanish soccer star Emilio Butragueño, they visited Patabamba to visit children in that community.

And if you are a fan of The Simpsons and South Park, you might recall they ”visited” Macchu Pichu in an episode where all the members of the Simpsons family end up at the archaeological site following one of Bart’s adventures, and the characters of South Park visit as they fight against an attack of “giant guinea pigs”.

Click here to watch a YouTube video with The Simpsons episode, and click here to watch the South Park episode.

In 2007, actresses Olivia Newton John and Cameron Diaz (click here to check out her visit while taping for the 4REAL show from my earlier post), the multimillionaire Bill Gates (click here for a video of him attending the Inti Raymi, the most important ancient ceremony praising the Sun), the Princess of England Beatrice, and the actors Woody Harrelson and Owen Wilson.

It has certainly been quite a busy city in 2008!

Peru: A Premier World Archaeologic Discovery Center in 2008

If you are into archaeology, ancient art, or history, this is a post you’ll be very interested in reading. An article in Peru’s largest newspaper today highlights relevant discoveries throughout 2008. Here is a list grouped by department that perhaps you might want to consider for your next trip to Peru. And once again, the map of Peru referenced in my earlier post will help in locating them and aligning them to your travel plans.

AMAZONAS (province of Utcubamba)

• A pre-Incan city was discovered by an expedition of local authorities. Click here to read my earlier post for details.
• Several ancient graphics, homes with ovens, ceramics, paintings,  caves, thermal waters, petrified seashells, as well as a wide variety of orchids were also found.
• A pre-Incan cemetery was found including remains of about 200 bodies accompanied by ceramics in a cave 70 meters long and 15 meters wide.
• Another expedition reported finding a 670 meters-high waterfall named Lejía. The area will become part of a tourist site.

LAMBAYEQUE

• A mummy (fardo funerario in Spanish) was discovered in the Historic Sanctuary called “Bosque de Pómac”. The remains belong to a royal personality of the Lambayeque culture who is holding a golden stick back from 750-800 AC.
• In this Sanctuary was also found the remains of a royalty member of the Sicán culture with a chest armour, golden vases and other ornaments as old as 1,000 AC.
• Two religious temples were found in the archaeological site of Collud-Zarpán belonging to the starting ages of the consolidation of the high civilization of the North region of Peru. Also, a mural with a spider-shaped God was also found.
• An ancient city of the Wari culture was discovered in the archaeologic complex of Cerro Pátapo, representing “the missing link between the ancient cultures of the Wari people and the earlier Moche civilisation [...] because it explains how the Wari people allowed for the continuation of culture after the Moche” as archaeologists explain. Click here to read my earlier post about this discovery.
• A total of 11 human skeletons belonging to sacrified women were found in the archaeologic complex of Huaca Chotuna. One of them included the low jaw bone of a fetus.

CUZCO

• A total of 277 bronze artifacts were discovered in the archaeologic site of Sacsayhuamán
• Two pre-Hispanic cities near the cerro Huanacaure were found which are considered to be major religious sites back from the Incas empire. Both ancient cities remained hidden for more than 400 years since the Spanish conquered the Incas, and was only heard about them through Spanish chronicles that date back from the 16th and 17th centuries.
• An Incan religious ceramic shop was also discovered in one of the Inca temples in Sacsayhuamán, as well as an Incan temple which remained hidden for centuries underneath soil and an eucalyptus forest.
• An archaeologic fortress named Manco Pata was discovered in the district of Kimbiri.

ANCASH

• John Rick, an American archaeologist, discovered an underground tunnel where religious offerings occured in the archaeologic site of Chavín.

PUNO

• A gold necklace of around 4,000 years old was found next to the Lake Titicaca — perhaps the oldest gold necklace in the Americas.

PIURA

• A religious center or cemetery for the hierarchy of the Vicus culture was discovered in the province of Morropón.

British Religious Task Group Looking for Volunteers to Visit and Help the Poor in Peru

I just came across this article from Worcester News, a British local news site. The article calls for volunteers to join the Diocese of Worcester’s Task Force in 2010. The article states people could be tasked for 2-3 weeks with “building a new classroom, helping with the administration of a medical campaign, or with working in a centre for children and people who have disabilities.”

Even though travel and accommodation expenses are paid by the volunteer, this might be a good cause to pursue if you enjoy social work, or perhaps if you are a Peruvian living in the U.K. and are interested in giving back and helping the poor in your native country. It could actually be a good excuse to align your volunteer work with a great trip to Peru.

Click here to visit the website of the Diocese of Worcester’s Peru Task Force.

A Dozen Luxury Hotels, Including a 7-Star Hotel, will Open in Cuzco in 2009/2010

In 2008, more than a million tourists from around the world visited Cuzco, the department where Machu Picchu is located. To address the increasing demand expected in the coming years, a total of 12 luxury hotels are planned to open in 2009-2010, some of them by the world’s largest hotel chains, as El Comercio reports.

Here’s the timeline, so make sure you take note of them as you plan your next visit to Cuzco!

Q1 2009

• Urubamba Luxury Collection will be opened in the area of Valle Sagrado by the Peruvian chain Libertador Perú
• Río Sagrado, a boutique hotel by a Peruvian investment group
• Marriott will open a hotel that looks to surpass 5 stars
• San Agustin, a local Peruvian chain of hotels, will open a 3-star hotel in Urubamba, and a 4-star hotel in Cuzco.

Q2 2009 and beyond

• Acqua Hotel Resort Spa, a local chain of boutique hotels, will open between May and June 2009. It will consist of the renovation of a colonial mansion from the 17th century. A second 5-star location will also be opened in Urubamba.
• Hilton Hotels Corp. will start building a 5-star hotel in mid-2009 to be located just 4 blocks away from Cuzco’s Main Square.
• Aranwa Sacred Valley will build a 5-star hotel in the area of Valle Sagrado and another one in the city of Cuzco which is expected to be inaugurated in 2010.
• The American company Revolutions Perú will build the first 7-star resort in Peru
• Casa Andina plans to open its second luxury hotel by 2010.

Click here for a related story from today’s Washington Business Journal covering Maryland-headquartered firm Marriott and Hilton.

Australian-British Travel Guru Tony Wheeler Names Peru “Hot Destination 2009″

One of the purposes of my blog is to allow for its readers to stay ahead of the curve on the popularity that Peru (both as a country and as a brand) is getting throughout the world. With restauranteur Todd English predicting Peruvian food to be “the next big thing” (read my post here), Bon Appetit magazine naming Peru’s capital city Lima as the “Gastronomic Capital of South America” (read my post here), and a dozen luxurious hotels including the world’s largest hotel chains to be built in 2009 and 2010 in Cuzco (read my post here)…now another travel tag adds to the mix — and all the way from Australia!

Australian newspaper The Age just wrote a story about world-renowned traveller guru Tony Wheeler, co-founder of the Lonely Planet guidebooks sold around the five continents (click here to view an interview done to Wheeler by Travel Channel). Among travelling tips and profiling the Australian traveller, Wheeler highlights his 2009 hot destinations…and yes, Peru is one of them!

Here is what the paper writes about Wheeler and his take on Peru:

The founder of Lonely Planet guide books, Tony Wheeler, predicts big growth in travel to South America, particularly Peru. He says Peru has “everything in one package”, from the “lost city” of Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail to surf breaks, canyons and Lake Titicaca.

How Are Peruvians Welcoming 2009?

So how do Peruvians plan to celebrate the New Year’s? An article in RPP Noticias, the leading news radio and online site, states the options are either camping at a beach, at a friends’ or family’s place, or at a public venue for the long weekend that began yesterday for most.

For the New Year’s Eve, traditionally there are superstitions on receiving the New Year with a positive attitude and good luck, including wearing a yellow underwear (typically bought by someone else to bring more luck), eating 12 grapes at midnight, having yellow flowers, among many others. And regardless of where they will be, people plan ahead to stock up on alcohol and beers, bottled water, as well as canned food if you will be away from home.

According to the article, this is how the New Year’s Eve is looking like in Peru, particularly in the Coast region:

Campers along the beaches have already began to travel mostly by car to their preferred beach or to their friends’ or family’s beach house since the past days according to their vacation schedules. The main inter-department highway along the Coast called “Panamericana” (similar to the I-95 along the East Coast) is already busy with thousands of cars and SUVs with families or groups of friends going north or south from Lima, the capital city. Several police cars are along the highway to address any potential jams, and giving away brochures with safety and driving recommendations. To help the flow of drivers from Lima to the south of Peru, the highway has been opened today to be all southbound, and will change on January 4 when all drivers plan to come back to the city to start work on Monday.

Hundreds of people are also along the highway selling goods for those last-minute needs, including yellow flowers, balloons, bottled water, and other yellow goods to bring up good luck at midnight.

And for those who decide to stay at home or at a friends’ or family member’s place, a dinner similar to what they had for Christmas (a big meal similar to Americans’ Thanksgiving dinner) will be served tonight. The main course could be chicken, turkey, or pork, accompanied by paneton (an Italian-style sweet bread), salads, and several sides such as mashed potatoes and white rice. And to drink, there will be champagne or sparkling wine.

And once the clock hits midnight, fireworks all around the country will be heard. This replaces the typical “ball drop” Americans have.

Happy New Year to everyone, regardless of where in the world you will be!

South Korea Looks for FTA with Peru in 2009

Looks like 2009 might be the year of Free Trade Agreements between Peru and the Asian countries.

In addition to the Chinese FTA expected to be signed on March 2009 (see my earlier post here), now it is South Korea’s Foreign Ministry announcing it intends to promote negotiations for an FTA with Peru.

As the Living in Peru article states, South Korea’s president said he expressed his “admiration” for Peru’s “dazzling” economic growth, which makes it an attractive country to increase investment.

A Peruvian Looking to Become Olympic Best Cross-Country Skier

Today’s New York Times print and online issues include a story about Roberto Carcelen, a 38-year old Peruvian who is looking to become the only Peruvian cross-country skier in the 2010 Olympics. Carcelen, one of only a handful of South American skiers with sights set on the Vancouver Games, is training while also being a consultant for Microsoft.

As the NYT story states, Kent Murdoch is a two-time medalist in the World Masters cross-country championships who is a member of Carcelen’s training group, and says about this Peruvian:

“Roberto is like many of us. He wants to see how far he can go. But what impresses me every day is that he is doing it in a new arena, and with a drive and intensity that most people just dream about.”

What is remarkable about this story is Carcelen’s energy and dedication to achieve his dream in such a unique niche in Peruvian sports. As I mentioned in my earlier post, Peru has so many things to do given its weather diversity, including surfing and running, two of the activities Carcelen has experience at. But nobody practices cross-country skiing as a sport.

Click here to read the full NYT story. Good luck, Roberto! You are already a winner to our beloved Peru!

Boston: Two Traditional Peruvian Restaurants Just Across the Street From Each Other

While in Boston, one of my last stops wondering around the city to search for Peruvian restaurants was at Machu Picchu restaurant. Located in Sommerville, MA, close by to the Cambridge neighborhood and accessible via bus (look for # 86 bus route), the restaurant ended up being a great option if you are looking for authentic Peruvian food. As soon as you arrive you are welcomed with toasted corn (Peruvians call it “cancha“) which is originally from the Andes region in Peru. Here is an overview of my experience.

As a good Peruvian, the dinner kicked-off with a Pisco Sour — wouldn’t recommend it at this restaurant. You could actually feel you were drinking alcohol versus tasting the mix of its ingredients.

For an appetizer, I enjoyed a Causa de Pollo which is a mashed potato-type of cake filled with layers of onions and chicken. It was good, but tried better ones. As an entree I liked the Aji de Gallina, a traditional entree with boiled potatoes, shredded chicken on a creamy sauce made with the Peruvian yellow aji (chili). For dessert I had the Combinado, a two-in-one serving consisting of Arroz con Leche (similar to a rice pudding) and Mazamorra Morada, a purple corn-based compote with pieces of fruit.

To get a glance of Machu Picchu restaurant’s menu, click here.

Although the restaurant is not at a fancy, downtown-ish location as Taranta (a great green-certified location to enjoy Italian food with a wonderful Peruvian kick) or Orinoco (for the best pisco sour I had in Boston), it is a good option to enjoy traditional Peruvian dishes if you are driving or don’t mind walking in the suburbs of Boston.

And the latest about this Machu Picchu restaurant…the spin-off of its Peruvian rottiserie chicken right across the street! This just-opened restaurant is named “Machu Picchu Charcoal Chicken & Grill”. The menu looked pretty interesting, and the chicken looks pretty good and authentic. This type of chicken is perhaps Peru’s second flagship dish after the Ceviche. What is unique about this restaurant was the Quinoa side, as well as Peruvian-style beef kabobs we call “anticuchos”. Quinoa is originally from the Andes mountains of South America, with Peru at the center of the Inca Empire, and is a great source of protein that many generations have enjoyed. So if you are hungry, perhaps you might want to save some room after your meal at Machu Picchu to get some rottiserie chicken, or better yet anticuchos as an appetizer.

To get a glance of Machu Picchu Charcoal Chicken & Grill restaurant’s menu, click here. 

TIP: And if you are a big beer fan, you might want to try the local Peruvian beers available at both restaurants, including Cuzquena (my favorite) and Cristal.

Machu Picchu Restaurant is located at 307 Somerville Avenue, Somerville,  Massachusetts 02143.

Machu Picchu Charcoal Chicken & Grill is located at 25 Union SQ, Sommerville, Massachusetts 02143.

(PS – Although it doesn’t matter if you have in mind enjoying a great Peruvian meal, the one thing I was “nervous” about was the many typos the menu and marketing materials had. Sorry, must be the PR girl in me! Hahaha.)

Where to get Inca Kola in New England and in the Washington DC area?

Inca Kola is the Peruvian local soft drink (soda) and is also named ”the Golden Kola”. It gets its yellow color from Hierba Luisa (Lemon Verbena in English), a natural ancestral herb. The uniqueness of the story behind it is that Peru is perhaps the only country in which a local soda beats Coca Cola and Pepsi in market share  – a case study that Harvard’s Business School has covered for more than a decade.

Some like it, some don’t mainly for its sweetness. But if you are in the first group, or you’d like to try it, you can get it in the International aisle of most (if not all) of the Stop and Shop grocery stores in New England (Boston, Connecticut, Rhode Island, etc.). It is available in 2 liter plastic bottles, and some stores carry smaller sizes of bottles and/or aluminium cans.

And if you are in the Greater Washington DC area (DC, MD, VA), you can get Inca Kola at the Giant stores in their International aisle.

If you’d like to read further about Inca Kola, a good place to read is at its Wikipedia entry by clicking here.

Want to share where you get Inca Kola at your local city? Post it in the comments section to share it with the world!

Why is Foreign Investment Peru’s Top Priority in 2009?

One of “Connect to Peru”‘s regular readers, Juan Carlos Seminario, was kind to share with me his insights on the optimism and risks that Peru could face in 2009. A native Peruvian executive who has worked for Fortune 500 Companies like P&G, Johnson, and Loreal, and principal professor for the Diplomacy Academy of Peru, among other credits, I thought would be interesting to share what he has to say via his blog “Latinopinion“.

In summary, Seminario outlines inflation, devaluation and the drop of net international reserves are among the top risks Peru could face in 2009. But the way it can best face all of these risks is via foreign investments. Well, sounds pretty in line with what I have been writing about in my recent posts, including the Minister of Economy’s tour to key cities in the U.S. and Europe, and the two upcoming FTAs with China and South Korea in 2009, for example.

Peruvian Jose Duarte’s “Taranta” Ranked Among Top 50 Restaurants by Boston Magazine

It is always great to hear whenever a Peruvian succeeds abroad. Boston Magazine’s latest Dining Features Article names Jose Duarte’s restaurant Taranta among the “50 Best Restaurants” in Boston!

If you have been following my postings, I am sure you might recall the note I did on Jose’s innovative efforts on implementing “green” initiatives in the restaurant business. Click here to read my post if you missed it.

Here is how Boston Magazine’s ranking worked:

What we’ve come up with is an unprecedented ranking of the top 50 restaurants in the city, as collectively judged by the Globe, the Herald, the Phoenix, Zagat, Yelp, the Phantom Gourmet, and select posters from the Boston board on Chowhound. And, of course, ourselves, in the persons of food editor Amy Traverso and features editor Jolyon Helterman (a Cook’s Illustrated alum), with help from our critic, Corby Kummer. We reviewed the reviews, standardized the scores, and, using a little statistical wizardry, calculated a hierarchy of culinary excellence.

Listed under # 34, Taranta is described as:

Peruvian cuisine is a dizzying fusion of Spanish, African, Asian, Italian, and French influences. At this North End spot, Peruvian meets southern Italian for an even headier mix. ORDER THIS: Pork chop with sugar cane–rocoto pepper glaze.

Congratulations to Jose, and keep up with the success!

Peruvian Government Further Strengthens Position Towards a “Greener” Peru

The Peruvian Ministry of Environment announced the creation of its new organization “Organismo de Evaluación y Fiscalización Ambiental” (OEFA) which will be responsible for overseeing and sanctioning mining and energy businesses that don’t comply with environmental standards, as Andina via RPP reports.

Starting tomorrow Thursday, January 8, OEFA will be recruiting and hiring in the next three months, and will be ready to open in March 2009.

This new entity is another way in which the Peruvian govenrment continues promoting its commitment in making Peru a “greener” country, including its investments in the next years to protect its tropical rainforests as I mentioned on my earlier post.

Peru Aims To Plant 40 Million Trees by February 20 To Mitigate Climate Change

Reacting to “green” specialists stating little could be done to avoid average global climate to raise by 2 degrees Celsius, the Peruvian Ministry of Agriculture is aiming to plant 40 million trees nationwide in a project that has been planned for months, as El Comercio newspaper reports.

The areas targeted for plantation were carefully selected according to the quality of the soil and water. The government expects capturing around 573,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year from this project.

What is relevant about this project, in addition to its “green” benefits, is that it will generate about 128,000 temporary jobs in the first quarter, and even business behind the fact that the cost per ton to develop “clean” mechanisms or carbon bonds around the world is 12 Euros and considering you can capture more than 25 tons of carbon dioxide from 1,000 trees.

“The Georgetowner” Names Peruvian Pisco Drink as Cocktail of the Week

One of the many yummi things to try at Peruvian restaurant Las Canteras is its innovative ways of preparing pisco-based drinks. Located in the Adams Morgan area in Washington, DC, Las Canteras‘ Sour Haas was named Cocktail of the Week by The Georgetowner, and Gary Lee, one of its restaurant owners and former Washington Post travel writer, shares the recipe!

Gary begins by muddling fresh mint leaves in a glass. Next he carefully slices a portion of ripe avocado, which is added to the crushed mint. The ingredients are rounded out with a dash of simple syrup, pineapple juice and pisco. To properly merge the elements, Gary gives the components a good workout in a cocktail shaker. Because the drink consists of four distinctive ingredients, Gary notes that it is very important to shake it fully to make sure it is well blended. When he pours the combined mixture into the glass, the result is an opaque, pale green beverage.

Go ahead and try making it at home! But if you are in the Washington DC area, you can get a taste from its creator at Las Canteras restaurant located at 2307 18th Street NW, Washington, DC.

As you might recall, its executive chef Eddy Ancasi was our special guest revealing his Peruvian-style Christmas a few weeks ago. But most importantly, stay tuned to my upcoming post as I uncover the story behind Las Canteras and its chef, and other surprises coming up soon!

Where Can I Buy Peruvian Food Supplies in Virginia?

I have been getting questions on where to get Peruvian food supplies in the DC area, and here is the scoop. One of my favorite spots to do my Peruvian grocery shopping is in El Chaparral Meat Market located at 2719 Wilson Blvd in Arlington, VA. It is a small store right across a Wholefoods Market, and carries a pretty decent variety of authentic imported supplies from Peru, including:

• Aji panca (great to make Lomo Saltado or Anticuchos, for example)
• Aji amarillo (the “secret” flavor behind the Papa a la Huancaina or Cau Cau)
• Yuca (comes already peeled, cut into blocks and frozen, great to make the yuca fries with the Huancaina sauce — for first-timers you can get a taste of it at Guarapo a few blocks away)
• Packaged instant sauces (a big life savior if you cannot find all the Peruvian native ingredients)
• Paneton (the Italian sweet bread on every Peruvian table around Christmas and New Year’s)
• Chocolates I used to enjoy when I was a kid, including Cua Cua, Sublime, Princesa, Lentejas, etc.

And as we come closer to Spring and getting ready for BBQ season, El Chaparral is a great spot to get some fresh meat ideally prepared for Anticuchos. The great thing for those who aren’t Peruvian is that its employees are familiar with Anticuchos, and can guide you as to what is the best meat to use.

Writing this post is making me hungry and now craving for a Papa a la Huancaina. Getting a couple of potatoes and the Huancaina packaged sauce is a quick way to get my craving satisfied right away. Yum!

Former Aston Villa and Newcastle Soccer Winger Nolberto Solano Is Back in Peru

If you are a European soccer fan, most likely you’ve heard of Nolberto Solano. The 34-year-old former Aston Villa, Newcastle and West Ham winger is leaving Greek club Larissa to go back to Peru and join one of its largest soccer teams “Universitario”, as ESPN reports. Universitario is one of the “classic” soccer teams in Peru.

Solano is finally landing in Peru today Sunday after waiting for his contract to be finalized and after dealing with flight delays due to weather conditions. Solano expects to play for two years in Universitario, then will end up his soccer career as a player, and perhaps begin as a trainer in Argentina.

If you are planning a trip to Peru or other South American countries, you might want to consider tracking the 50th edition of the Copa Libertadores regional championship which is scheduled to begin on January 27 and will last til April, and check out Solano playing with the Universitario team.

Peru’s Skies Connecting to Cuba’s Starting March 23 via TACA

Starting March 23, TACA airlines has announced they will be serving direct flights between Lima, Peru and La Havana, Cuba, as an article in Living in Peru reports.

There will be 3 flights to and from both cities every week.

So perhaps a little stay in La Havana before heading to your final destination, or maybe making a stop in Peru coming from La Havana on your Latin American tour might be a good option to consider now!

Afro-Peruvian Rhythms with Novalima Coming Up to New York in March 2009

Diversity is a pretty good word to describe Peru — its culture, its history, its food. Among the diversity of cultures and races that still remain in Peru are the descendants of the immigration flow from the African continent several centuries ago. Afro-Peruvian music is perhaps one of the most treasured rhythms you might want to learn if you are exploring Peruvian native music.

New York Daily News writes an article about “Novalima”, a new fusion-type of band who will be releasing worldwide their new CD ”Coba Coba” this month and will be performing in New York in March. Click here to watch a video on one of their hit songs “Machete”.

Just so you get a taste of what traditional Peruvian African music is all about (and who served as inspiration to Novalima), click here to listen to the authentic song behind “Machete” called “El Mayoral” performed by Eva Ayllon, one of the most widely known ambassadors to Afro-Peruvian  music.

And if you go to Peru, Chincha is a city in the department of Ica (south of the department of Lima) where you will be able to find the oldest generations of original Afro-Peruvian families. You can get to Chincha by driving the Panamericana Sur highway with some nice beaches along the road. One of the most known native family names is the Balleumbrosio’s, and you can click here and here to watch videos on this exotic dance you might be able to enjoy live on your trip!

Lima International Airport Inaugurates Phase II of Expansion

On your next visit to Peru as you arrive into Lima’s International Airport “Jorge Chavez” you might notice changes compared to your last visit. The infrastructure modernization program of the airport was inaugurated and will benefit its 10 million tourists estimated to arrive in the next few years, as El Comercio reports.

The Phase II expansion will bring the following benefits to tourists:

• More immigration counters for quicker service particularly during peak hours
• Expansion of the duty free
• Improved luggage service

Never been to Peru? Here is a great video produced by the German TV network Deutsche Welle on the airport management group and improvements made to the Lima International Airport, including safety for tourists and efficiency of its operations. And here is another video with a glance around the airport.

Surfin’ U.S.A.? Try Surfin’ Peru!

One of Peru’s most beautiful and fun beaches, San Bartolo, will be the venue wherethe best surfers in the world will be competing for the World Championship of Women and Men Professional Surfers 2009, as an article in RPP reports.

So if you are planning to be in Lima, Peru between January 23 thru February 1 and like surfing, you might want to consider a trip to San Bartolo which is just a few miles south of Lima (TIP: to drive from Lima to San Bartolo take the Carretera Panamericana Sur, drive until kilometer 50, and then make a right).

Among the 10 surfers representing Peru is Sofia Mulanovich, a multi-world champion surfer and the first South American to be inducted into the Surfers Hall of Fame. Check out a video interview to Sofia here.

As of date, the teams from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico,  Puerto Rico, U.S. and Hawaii have confirmed their participation.

Ready to Fly? Paragliding in Lima, Peru

If you are of the adventure type, paragliding might be something you’d like to try for your next visit to Lima.

It is done in the Miraflores/Larcomar area right next to the beach which is where most of the top hotels (e.g. Marriott) in Lima are located. So ask your hotel or travel agent for a paragliding company nearby.

Here is a fun video of what you’ll be able to enjoy. Are you ready?!?

BREAKING NEWS: Bush Puts US-Peru FTA Deal Into Effect!

Just a few moments ago, President Bush proclaimed the approval of the US-Peru FTA agreement!!

This is a very important accomplishment for Peru on its way to become an economic leader in Latin America and in the world — and of course will also bring foreigners closer to Peruvian goods in the U.S.

Click here to read President Bush’s Proclamation signed today.

As the Associated Press (via BusinessWeek) reports:

U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab says it is the first free trade pact to reflect enhanced labor and environmental standards outlined in an accord the Bush administration reached with Congress in 2007.

For the first time in history, Schwab said, U.S. exporters will be able to sell the vast majority of their products in the Peruvian market duty-free.

Two-way trade between the two nations totals more than $9 billion a year. For Peru, the pact will make permanent and build on temporary trade preferences that have benefited Peruvian farmers, workers and entrepreneurs through the Andean Trade Preference Act.

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative issued this press release (full version click here):

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Trade Representative Susan C. Schwab made the following statement today regarding the entry into force of the United States–Peru Trade Promotion Agreement:

“With the President’s issuance of a proclamation to implement the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement as of February 1, 2009, I am very pleased to be able to celebrate the entry into force of this important trade agreement.

“We have worked closely with the Government of Peru to ensure that the obligations and responsibilities of each party have been met under this Agreement. We have engaged in this effort as true partners, and I want to thank President Garcia and his government for their hard work and dedication over the course of the last year.

“I want to thank those in Congress who worked with the Administration to develop a bipartisan trade policy template, paving the way for the approval of the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement. This is the first free trade agreement (FTA) in force that will reflect the enhanced labor and environmental standards set out in the May 10, 2007, agreement between the Administration and the congressional leadership.

“Today’s proclamation marks an important milestone in our relationship with Peru, one of our strongest allies in Latin America. For the first time in history, American exporters will be able to sell the vast majority of their products into the Peruvian market duty-free. Through this Agreement, we have seized the opportunity to lead by strengthening our partnership and helping promote economic growth, prosperity and well being in Peru and throughout the hemisphere.”

“Trade and trade expansion will be a vital component of our effort to restore economic growth in the global economy. The additional market openness brought by this agreement will enhance our trade and prosperity in the future and support existing and future high-paying American jobs, particularly in manufacturing and agriculture.”

Very exciting! Looks like it will be an amazing year for Peru despite the global economic crisis!

Argentinean Blogger Travels to Peru Inspired by “Connect to Peru” Blog Post

A blog post woke me up in a gratifying way this morning as I read an Argentinean blogger named “Seba” was going on a two-week vacation as a hitchhiker to Peru, and particularly to the northern beaches in Piura after mentioning Hemingway finding inspiration for one of his books in Mancora from my post on “Great Beach Getaways in Piura: White Sands, Warm Water, and Sun”.

Here is a translated version of an excerpt of his post:

As it reads. This humble server is out on vacation. Leaving with Sun. Two weeks. Already got the yellow fever shot, backpacks ready, passports up to date and tickets in hand. Destination is Peru, first Cuzco and then the beaches in the north, definitely Mancora (I want to know that place since I learned that Hemingway got inspiration from that place to write “The Old Man and the Sea” (“El viejo y el mar”). [and then he links his blog to my post]

Seba – If you read this post, thanks for reading “Connect to Peru” all the way from Argentina! Enjoy your trip to my native Peru. I am sure you’ll run out of camera memory with all the wonderful things you can explore particularly when hitchhiking! Best of luck, and we’d definitely like to hear from you on how your adventure went two weeks from now! Buen viaje!

Discovering ‘Lost’ Kingdom of the Ancient Inca

This is the title of the travel article in today’s Miami Herald. It includes a pretty good summary on the most recent developments behind the stories on how the Machu Picchu citadel was “lost” and rediscovered.

The article states:

For decades, the story has been that Yale professor Hiram Bingham, in a feat that smacks of Indiana Jones, ”discovered” Machu Picchu and its treasure in 1911. In fact, according to Beto Rengifo Solano, one of Peru’s leading archaeological guides, Bingham was led to the site by a barefoot, young boy. When he got there, four families were living among these grandest of Incan ruins. Its greatest treasure had long since been plundered.

A recent article in The New York Times goes one step further, reporting the existence of property records that show repeated purchases and sale of lands including Machu Picchu before 1911, and suggesting the possibility that a German logger may have made off with the site’s best treasures. Other early visitors may well have included a British missionary and a German businessman.

Click here to read the full article. The debate about being lost and its discovery might take decades, but as the article states Machu Picchu “itself remains an endless enchantment.”

Forbes Magazine Ranks Peru Among “World’s Top 10 Culture Capitals”

Forbes magazine ranked Peru among top 10 “World’s Culture Capitals”! 

In the travel section of its most recent issue, Forbes magazine states:

Known both for its textiles and folk art as well as ancient structures and biodiversity, the OECD says Peru classifies 93% of its tourists as cultural tourists. However, Peru is different from many other cultural meccas in that it targets young travelers who spend less per day, but tend to stay longer. Along with volunteer tourism, those with an International Student Identity Card receive discounts on everything from hostels to Inca Trail tours. [...]

And according to the Peruvian government, the country’s tourism dollars reached $2.22 billion in 2008, an 11% increase from $2 billion in 2007.

“In a downturn like this, many young people will choose to travel at the end of their degree, rather than immediately embarking on a career,” says Richards. “They might be the most effective target [for cultural tourism].”

To read the full article, click here.

Expectations from NY Bronx Peruvian Immigrant at Today’s Inauguration Ceremony

Today’s New York Daily News’ Bronx issue published a story on dozens of Bronx residents visiting Washington D.C. for the Presidential Inauguration celebration. And a Peruvian immigrant Alejandra Delfin among them shares her expectations:

Alejandra Delfin, 42, a Peruvian immigrant and artist, is going because her daughter, Misra Walker, 16, got tickets by working in [Rep. Jose] Serrano’s office.

They were prepared to sleep in their car, but will instead use sleeping bags on the floor of a three-bedroom apartment.

“The Election Day was so amazing, but it is not real in a way,” she said. “Being there is almost to say this is really happening and we are part of it.”

She said the visual image of Obama, the son of a Kenyan father and a white mother from Kansas, gives hope to all people with darker skin.

“I feel he’s more understanding and open-minded,” she said. “Even just to see someone who looks like us in leadership, it’s wonderful.”

To read the full article, click here.

News from our Argentinean Friend Seba on his Trip to Peru, Headed to Piura

Ernest Hemingway in Cabo Blanco, Piura, Peru

Our Argentinean friend Seba seems to be having fun in Peru, and he wrote a comment to our post saying (translated from Spanish):

“Thanks for the post. Yesterday we went up to Machu Picchu, very nice. I will be arriving to Piura in the next days. The goal is to stay until February 2. Looking for the calmest beach in Peru, which one would that be? Accept all recommendations.”

Hi Seba – Glad you are having a wonderful time in Peru. In Piura, I would highly recommend you going to the District of Mancora where you can pick and choose among wonderful beaches and you can relax with a ceviche and a really cold Peruvian beer (ask for Cuzquena, another option is Cristal). Food is amazing, make sure you try one of those omellettes with shrimp (they are huge and delicious) for brunch. And don’t forget to ask for “cancha” as a little appetizer which is traditional — it is dry, toasted salted corn. It’s vicious! The good thing about Mancora is its size. It is small enough you can actually walk it all along, and then you can catch a bus (ask for buses or “combis”) that will take you to nearby beaches. In terms of stay, and since you are hitchhiking, the best option is to check out for small hotels nearby. Since it is peak season, might be tough to get into the big, fancy hotels. You might also want to ask for Inns or sometimes families rent rooms as a small business during peak season.

To help you navigate the beaches, it is helpful to use the km. you are along the Panamericana Sur (highway) as a reference. The District of Mancora is located at km. 1165. So here is a list of nearby beaches in Piura going southbound you might want to check out:

• Playa Mancora is on km 1165 — This is my beach pick. Check out the Punta Ballenas Inn (named ballenas as some years ago you could see whales in the shores). Great spot for relaxing and enjoying a fun nightlife. Along the main street in the Panamericana Norte you can check out traditional shops for arts and souvenirs, and rentals for surf boards if you are into it. You can also find information sites, including a bus stop. Bars at night can go all the way til early hours of the morning with reggae music, cold beers and Maracuya daiquiris.
• Playa Pocitas (also called Mancora chico) is on km. 1160 – many people claim it is the best beach in Peru, you can get there walking, taxi cab or moto-taxi from Mancora, Vichayito or Los Organos. It is a bit more calm than Mancora given it is farther from the city. The name “pocitas” was given due to its beach forming small natural swimming pool-type of beach spots once the sea level is low. You can find good quality hotels in the area, and families are often among its tourists.
• Vichayito is on km. 1155 in the District of Los Organos. This is a very calm beach, wonderful to relax. You can find a beach spa, and bungalows to stay at. Great spot for kite surfing or ocean diving.
• Los Organos is on km 1150. Punta Veleros is the best beach in this neighborhood. It is a great beach but most likely you will need to make reservations in advance for staying at one of the bungalows or hotels. Might be a bit tough given the peak season.
• Cabo Blanco is on km 1137 in the District of El Alto. This is the beach you liked to explore from where Ernest Hemingway got inspiration to write his book “El Viejo y el Mar” (“The Old Man and the Sea”). He liked fishing the Merlin Negro (big marlin). This beach holds world records on fishing, and is a great spot for surfers.
• Lobitos is on km 1100 in the District of Lobitos. This is a beach a bit far from the others, which explains why its weather and beaches are a bit colder. It is a windy city, and there aren’t as much tourist facilities as the other beaches. Perhaps you might want to check it out, but wouldnt recommend you spending the night here.

And if you have a bit more time, here is a list of beaches in the Department of Tumbes (north to Piura, close enough to the borders with Ecuador) you might want to check out:

• Punta Sal located in km 1187. It is 15-20 minutes driving from Mancora. A great beach spot with several hotels and restaurants for tourists. You might want to call in advance to make sure you have somewhere to stay given it is peak season.
• Zorritos in km 1241. This is a good beach spot for relaxing. Has various hotels and restaurants, and is close to the city of Tumbes (capital of the Department of Tumbes) and the frontier with Ecuador. If you go, you might want to check out Hervideros, a small site of natural thermal water pools. Zorritos has several bus agencies, pharmacies, mini markets, etc.

Since you were interested in Ernest Hemingway, here is a snapshot I found:

In the 1950s and 1960s, fishermen traveled to Cabo Blanco to hunt big marlin. Ernest Hemingway caught a 700 pound marlin while filming the motion picture based on his novel , The Old Man and the Sea. In 1953, Alfred Glassell Jr. caught the IGFA all tackle world record black marlin, weighing 1560 pounds.

Have fun, and keep us posted on your trip!

Got tips for our Argentinean friend on his trip to Piura? Feel free to share and post them here!

“Slumdog Millionaire” Latin American Premiere in Peru on February 19

Everything is ready for the Latin American premiere of Danny Boyle’s film “Slumdog Millionaire” on February 19 in Peru — the first Latin American country showing it, as El Comercio reports.

“Slumdog millionaire” has already received several nominations and awards, including the Critic’s Choice Awards, the Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and the recognition it got from the public in the festivals of Austin, Chicago and Toronto.

If you haven’t seen it yet, you should! And if you are traveling to Peru by February 19, make sure you add it to your itinerary!

Peruvian Artist Gian Marco’s Album Listed Top 5 by Billboard Magazine en Español

Now this is a post that’s very exciting to me and is close to my heart…my favorite Peruvian artist: Gian Marco.

Billboard Magazine en Español just published its list of best albums in 2008, and it is great to know that Gian Marco’s “Desde Adentro” album is listed # 5! He shares this ranking with renowned Latin American artists, including Julieta Venegas, Soda Stereo, Café Tacuba, Juana Molina, Bajofondo, Fonseca, The Pinker Tones, among others.

As El Comercio newspaper reports, Billboard highlights Gian Marco’s album is a unique production, and gives credit to the Peruvian singer and composer for great songs like ”Hoy”, “Hasta que vuelvas conmigo”, and “Me cansé de ti”.

For those who are not familiar with the artist, the song “Hoy” (click here to watch the video) was actually written by Gian Marco and inspired by Peru as a country. It was a winner of the Latin Grammy Awards in 2008. When you listen to its lyrics in Spanish it might sound like it is a couples love song, but it really is about the love he has for his country and longing to come back home. Towards the middle of this video, you can listen and watch traditional Peruvian music and dancers. The small guitar his musicians play is called the “Charango”, a native Peruvian instrument and the dance is called the “Huayno”, both go back for many generations since the times of the Incas. It is in fact one of my favorite songs, brings me emotionally and mentally back home…and perhaps even you’ve heard it being performed by Gloria Estefan (check out her version here). In her video, you will notice she tried keeping the Peruvian spirit on it, including the llama, the colorful bag at the beginning of the video, her belt, and of course taping it from Machu Picchu.

For those who want to see Gian Marco perform, he is currently in Mexico launching his first tour around the main cities, and is planning to perform on February 13 and 14 at the Centro Cultural Asia when he is back to Lima, Peru.

Peruvian Fruit Producers and Exporters to Attend Fruit Logistica 2009 Event on Feb 4-6 in Berlin, Germany

On February 4-6, the leading trade fair for the international fresh produce trade Fruit Logistica 2009 will take place in Berlin, Germany.

While going through the list of exhibitors, it was great to see so many Peruvian firms and associations participating, including the Peruvian associations of producers of Hass avocados, citrus lime, lemon, asparragus, mango, grapes, among many others.

Consorcio de Productores de Fruta (CPF, and translated the Consortium of Producers of Fruit) is one of the Peruvian companies exhibiting. In a press release, Eugenio Oliveira, CPF’s Commercial Manager, says:

“With our projected volume growth in coming years it will be very important in 2009 to continue the development of our business and establish our brand “Malki” in new international markets. We are looking to new markets in Russia and Asia and plan commercial trials to the Middle East. Increasing production, exchange rate volatility and global recession are all factors in leading us to look at new markets as part of our long term vision”.

To learn more about this event in Germany, click here.

Colorado Reporter Qualifies the Inca Heart as “Strong and Mysterious”

It is always interesting to read how foreigners explore Peru and share their journey with the world. In a recent local Colorado newspaper “Summit Daily News” reporter Megan Wheat documents her trek to Machu Picchu. It was great to read how she summarizes her trip:

Our journey through Peru was simply put — an adventure. For me, Machu Picchu was the highlight, and provided education and exploration. In Peru, the culture is rich, the faces friendly, and the ruins and Incas who built them, wondrous.

To read about this reporter’s journey to Peru, and to get her great traveler’s tips, click here.

Join the “Connect to Peru” Facebook Group!

Just a reminder that “Connect to Peru” is available via Facebook!

Click here to join the dozens of readers already getting their daily updates via Facebook!

Associated Press Reporter Gives Travel Advice for Baby Boomers; Peruvian Amazon His Spring 2009 Destination

There seems to be a Peru travel media boom lately…this time is the story of an Associated Press retired executive planning a trip to Peru following his retirement! If you are in that time where retirement is an option and looking to destress by taking an educational world tour, this article is a MUST!

Picked up by The Mercury News, Rick Spratling talks about his experience travelling with his wife under a non-profit organization’s travel program. Elderhostel was founded in 1975 on five college campuses in New Hampshire, based on the idea of inexpensive lodging and noncredit classes.

An excerpt of the article states:

By 1980, participation grew to 20,000 people in 50 states and Canada, and in 1981 Elderhostel offered its first international programs. Today Elderhostel says it attracts more than 160,000 participants annually to nearly 8,000 tour packages in more than 90 countries.

Elderhostel says the average cost of programs in the United States and Canada is a little over $100 per day, while international programs, not including airfare, average a bit over $200 per day. Elderhostel emphasizes a package price that covers meals, taxes, gratuities, lodging, lectures, excursions, activities and travel within a program, such as shuttles to various sites.

Participants provide their own transportation to domestic programs. For international programs, you can book the flights yourself or have Elderhostel do it.

Rates vary widely by destination and type of trip. My wife and I paid just under $10,000 to visit Israel. Our planned trip to Peru will cost around $11,600 for two. Both pricetags include roundtrip airfare from the United States.

Also on the high end is a 24-night study cruise of Antarctica, the Falkland Islands and a nearby island called South Georgia for around $14,000 per person. This price covers expert lectures, experienced group leaders, field trips, lodging, most meals, gratuities, taxes, ship travel, air shuttles and round-trip air fare from the United States to Buenos Aires. The cost varies by departure city.

But Elderhostel also offers programs for less than $600. You can study “The Cajun Experience” in Louisiana for $547 per person, including meals, five nights of hotel lodging and expert-led sessions ranging from how to dance the Cajun waltz to the history of Acadian migration from Nova Scotia to south Louisiana. You provide your own transportation to and from the program site in Lafayette, La.

While Elderhostel makes no claim to five-star luxury, we gave good marks in Israel to our hotels, food, guides and expert lecturers.

Sounds like an interesting option for baby boomers looking to travel and explore!

To read the full article, click here.

Peruvian Amazon Women Handcrafted Baskets in San Diego and Chicago Museums and Zoo

Ever wondered how you can support the native poor women from the Peruvian Amazon from the U.S.?

The New York Times wrote an article about how women from a remote Amazon village weave baskets as a way of living to export them to the US.

As the article states, their first international buyers are the San Diego Natural History Museum and San Diego Zoo, and they plan to sell to other museums and home décor purveyors like the Field Museum in Chicago and eventually Cost Plus.

What is unique about their weaving ability is that they use fibers from the branch of the chambira palm tree and turn them into anything they need — fishing nets, hammocks, purses, skirts and dental floss.

And here is what Nancy Stevens, manager of retail and wholesale operations for the San Diego Natural History Museum, states when talking about selling Peruvian handicrafts to retailers in the US:

“These baskets represent so much more than simply a basket. When I began to hear their story from a local project into a story of sustainability, where they’re being developed as a responsible use of the natural resources of this Amazon region — it just clicked so beautifully with the mission of this museum.”

To read the full article, click here.

Join “Connect to Peru” Via Twitter!

Just a reminder that “Connect to Peru” is also available via Twitter:

http://twitter.com/connecttoperu

lared and Fulbright Commission in Peru Sign Agreement to Benefit Young Peruvians via Scholarships to Learn English for Free

One of my favorite things is to work to benefit Peruvians with limited resources who cannot afford to have the education that I was able to get since my early years. I have always believed that education is certainly a critical factor that needs immediate attention in order to fight poverty, hunger, quality of life, and establish strong values to young Peruvians.

 

Through this post, I am delighted to share great news that will benefit many young Peruvians with limited economic resources in several provinces of Peru. A not-for-profit group of young professionals living abroad to which I belong, lared, has just announced an agreement with the Fulbright Commission in Peru to manage and assign the funds we generate through different events and activities for educational scholarships to study English.

 

Although in Spanish, here is a link in Fulbright’s website already promoting and calling applicants.

First Shipments of Peru-US Exchanged Goods Arrive to/Depart from Peru

The first goods exchanged between Peru and the U.S. around the recently signed Free Trade Agreement arrived to Peru and were shipped to the U.S., correspondingly, according to an article in El Comercio.

In a historic celebration, the first shipment coming from the U.S. to Peru’s international port of Callao arrived yesterday Monday, February 2 including apples from California worth US$17,542. And the first shipment of Peruvian textiles to the U.S. left Callao.

The vast majority of goods coming from the U.S. to Peru free of customs charges include complementary and industrial goods, supplies, and machinery for Peruvian producers.

The U.S. is Peru’s largest commercial partner. In average, trade among both countries reaches nearly US$ 9.4 billion per year.

Click here to watch a news video on this relevant trade accomplishment for both countries.

Key US-Peru trade facts, according to El Comercio:

• Since last Sunday, products imported to Peru from the U.S. are entering free of customs — in the past they included a 9% or 17% customs charge.
• In 2008, 18% of the US$31,163 million of total Peruvian exports were shipped to the U.S.
• In the following months, the Free Trade Agreements with Canada, Singapore, China and Chile will become effective.

How is the Economic Stimulus Package Going in Peru?

As we expect news on the American Economic Stimulus Package in the next two weeks, Reuters writes about the status of the Peruvian’s stimulus package which will help Peru ride best the global economic recession with government estimates reaching up to 4-5% GDP growth in 2009.

The Reuters article reads:

Peru started the first part of spending under its economic stimulus package (…).

The first bit includes 4.5 billion soles ($1.42 billion) of price cuts and spending. It includes a 10 percent reduction in fuel prices, 3 billion soles in social spending, help for non-traditional exporters, and infrastructure projects.

The finance ministry said it also has been working to keep credit lines open and obtain loans from multilateral agencies.

Newest Pre-Incan Museum “Huaca Rajada” Opens Nearby Lord of Sipan’s Tomb in Lambayeque, Peru

In the northern department of Lambayeque, the newest display of Peruvian archeology just opened in a museum named “Huaca Rajada”, as Reuters reports. The museum showcases masks, ceramics and jewelry from the ancient Moche culture (prior to the Inca empire) which flourished on Peru’s coast from about 100 AD to 600 AD. Click here to watch a video with images on what you can find on your visit. And at the museum, there is an area where locals manufacture native-styled textiles for sale to visitors as souvenirs.

It is worth noting that the museum is located very close to the golden tomb of the Lord of Sipan — dubbed the “Tutankhamen of the Americas”.

These two sites – the new museum and the tomb – could be two great stops for your next trip to Peru if you are of the exploration, archaeology, or historian type. Once you get to the capital city Lima via its international airport, you can take a bus or fly to Lambayeque.

Here is a good site where you can get further information about where to go and what to do in Lambayeque.

And click here to watch a great video to learn who was the Lord of Sipan and why it is so important not only for Peruvian history, but also why it is treasured by historians from around the world.

Engineer and Son from Rochester, Minnesota Explore the Peruvian Amazon and Machu Picchu

The Post Bulletin paper from Rochester, Minnesota, recently published a travel article written by engineer April Horne who decided to travel to Peru with her eight-grade student son Garrison Komanieckiand.

The destinations within Peru included Machu Picchu, one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World”, and the Amazon River/Rainforest, which is currently ranked No. 3 in the voting for Natural Wonders of the World.

While at Lima (where the major international airport is located), they explored the city and said:

“We walked through beautiful cathedrals, including one with extensive catacomb structures, an engineering marvel that had survived numerous severe earthquakes. We also saw pre-Incan ruins dating back to about 600 A.D.”

While in the Amazon, she highlights:

“We learned how to shoot a blow gun and danced around a fire with the villagers. We were struck by the simple life of the villagers, with minimal possessions, open-air huts and a diet consisting of fish, bananas and the occasional sloth or monkey. We ended our rainforest stay with a “recovery” stop at Ceiba Tops, a luxury resort with hot and cold running water and a swimming pool.

And on her trip to Machu Picchu, she says:

Our guide told us about the different sections of the Lost City, pointing out agricultural areas and living quarters, temples, channels for drinking water and waste water. He showed us how structures were built to study the stars and movements of the sun. We finished with a hike up a portion of the Incan Trail to the Sun Gate.

Click here to read the full article.

Calling Las Vegas, New York and Miami…Gaston Acurio’s Peruvian Cuisine is on the Way!

Traditional Lomo Saltado

According to today’s Associated Press story published in today’s Florida’s Sun Sentinel newspaper, Gaston Acurio – one of Peru’s top chefs and one of the leaders in Peruvian cuisine around the world – announced his empire will be opening more La Mar seafood restaurant locations in Las Vegas, New York and Miami.

As the article states,

“Acurio hopes to inundate the U.S. and European markets with his brands, from a mall-friendly stuffed potato franchise to microwavable Peruvian favorites and seasonings for grocers. Acurio says investors have been eager to back his projects.”

Acurio brings the best of Peruvian cuisine to the palate of the international gastronomy fans — also named “neo Peruvian cuisine” which is a bit different from what traditional native Peruvian cuisine is all about. So how do you know which one is which? Might be a bit tough if you are not Peruvian or you don’t have a Peruvian friend at your table. Let’s see…I will show you the difference from visuals that might help for one of Peruvian cuisine’s most traditional dishes, the Lomo Saltado. The photo above is the traditional-styled Lomo Saltado which is more home-y, more rustically served, this is how Peruvians eat it every day. Now check the picture in the AP story and you will see it is a bit more refined and styled up. Neither of them are right or wrong, just two different styles. If you want to have the authentic one, you might want to try the traditional style of course. That is how many Peruvians have enjoyed their cuisine for many generations.

There is no question about how Acurio’s efforts have benefited and promoted tremendously the Peruvian gastronomic art (yes, it is an art) around the world. And if you want to learn more about Gaston Acurio, get a refresher of the postings I did earlier, one on his new La Mar restaurant opening in California, and another posting about its ratings.

Look forward to trying the new locations! And if you are a local in any of these three cities, let us know how was your experience!

British Woman to Trek the Peruvian Andes to Raise Money for Mental Health Charity

Great to read that Peru’s geographic landscape will be witnessing such a nice gesture for mentally disabled people in the UK.

Sara Burden, a woman native from Belper, United Kingdom, will be treking the Peruvian Andes in September 2009 to raise funds for the Mental Health Foundation, a

Burden states in the article:

“The trek is seven days across the Andes. We will trek for eight or nine hours a day and will train for 16 weeks.”

How can you support her? If you are in the UK, you might want to stop by at her art auction at “The Little Gallery” on Bridge Street from February 7 – 21.

Good luck on your treking adventure in Peru, and congratulations on such a nice gesture!

Update from our Argentinean Blogger Friend Seba on his Trip to Peru

We just got a message from our Argentinean blogger friend Seba as he is back in Argentina after a couple of weeks vacation in Peru — a trip he just did following our posting about a northern Peruvian beach called Cabo Blanco where Ernest Hemingway got inspiration from to write his book “The Old Man and the Sea”.

Here is a translation of his comment posted this morning:

“Well, I am back in Argentina since yesterday, will be a week of reaccomodating myself to work but I promise a super post next week. Your country (Peru) is really beautiful, with things to discover in every single corner, and, as an extra gift, with prices really but really cheap. Hugs and thanks for everything!”

Looking forward to reading all the details about his experience in Peru next week!

“Connect to Peru” is now “Engaging Latinos”

Dear friends…it’s been a while, but “Connect to Peru” has now expanded its horizons and grown to be named “Engaging Latinos” which will cover not just Peru, but Latin America, and particularly focus on how Americans can get to know more (and better) Latinos through their rich culture, history, gastronomy, and all those things that make Latin America a great place to live and enjoy.

So come over and join the bigger familiy of nations I will be blogging about at http://engaginglatinos.com, and also on your favorite social media platforms:

Facebook page: “Engaging Latinos” – http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Engaging-Latinos/182932255136692

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/72362301@N02/

Twitter: @EngagingLatinos, and use the hashtag #engaginglatinos

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/engaginglatinos

You will start seeing great content on these channels, so stay tuned!

Happy reading,

“Connect to Peru” — now “Engaging Latinos”