Tears at 30,000 Feet:
A Culinary Journey

Today, instead of my usual Wednesday food article focused on an ingredient and its health benefits, I feel compelled to pause and share a deeply personal experience from last weekend. This journey not only touched my heart but also reignited my passion for culinary art. It’s a story that deserves to be told, and I hope it resonates with you as much as it did with me. Enjoy the journey!

 

As I soared through the clouds on my way to Switzerland to reunite with my beloved son, Theo, hone my skills in Swiss-French cuisine, and visit friends and family, I never anticipated this flight would become an emotional odyssey—one that would lead me to tears at 30,000 feet.

 

Just before my departure from Lima, my father’s wife, Marina, gifted me a book titled La Mar, authored by Gastón Acurio, known as the ambassador of Peruvian cuisine and a culinary icon whose influence resonates across kitchens worldwide. Marina understood well that my journey would be extensive—spanning 18 to 20 hours from door to door. With a knowing smile, she insisted that this book would be the perfect travel companion.

 

After nearly three weeks in Lima, where I focused on intensive culinary retraining while also spending quality time with friends and family and raising a toast in advance to celebrate Christmas and New Year 2025, I was eager to unwind and immerse myself in the rich tapestry of flavors and memories contained within its pages.

 

During my overnight flight from Lima to Europe, I chose to rest; the weeks prior had drained my energy. However, once I boarded my connecting flight to Switzerland, an unexpected surge of excitement compelled me to open the book.

 

Each page revealed Acurio’s journey from childhood to culinary mastery, beginning with a reflection on cebiche, the cornerstone of La Mar, resonating deeply within me. I savored every word, immersing myself in his stories that evoked nostalgia and admiration.

 

As I turned to page 19, the first line captivated me: "Cuando era niño" (When I was a child). In that moment, I knew I was about to delve into Acurio’s formative experiences and untold stories. Tears filled my eyes as I read about the fishermen braving the ocean, the farmers laboring in the fields, and the chefs mentoring aspiring cooks—each a custodian of Peru's vibrant culinary heritage.

 

This experience reminded me that culinary artistry extends beyond preparing food; it encompasses building emotional connections and preserving the stories that define us. Each dish tells a story, and every ingredient holds a memory that transports me back to my roots. They are the forgotten heroes of our cuisine, and it fills me with pride to honor their contributions, which fueled my passion for opening my restaurant, Amaru Gourmet, in Brattleboro.

Seated in row 29—my lucky number, echoing my birthday and the grand opening of Amaru—I was enveloped by the emotions stirred by Acurio’s words. The stories ignited a profound connection to our culinary culture, filling me with happiness and pride as I reflected on Peru’s culinary prominence and Acurio’s pivotal role in its evolution.

 

Startled by my heartfelt display, fellow passengers noticed my tears. One concerned traveler leaned over and asked if I was okay. Unable to articulate my emotions, they fetched a flight attendant, who approached with a worried expression. After regaining my composure, I explained, “I’m a Peruvian chef, and reading this extraordinary story from an idol has deeply moved me."

 

Demonstrating empathy, the flight attendant returned a few minutes later with a small glass of water. “We don’t serve champagne, but this water represents the pure essence of life as you celebrate this emotional moment.” Her kindness ignited in me a humble smile and a warm flame of gratitude in my heart, prompting applause from the surrounding passengers and creating an atmosphere of shared joy and connection.

 

Upon landing in Geneva, as I do with every flight, I congratulated the pilot on an excellent journey. He shook my hand with a smile and enthusiastically said, "Chef, thanks for flying with us." His acknowledgment of my heritage and passion for our cuisine left me in awe. Stepping off the plane, I felt invigorated and eager to share my journey’s sentiments first with the love of my life: my son, Theo.

 

This journey—rooted in my Peruvian heritage and reaching the heights of culinary innovation—serves as a poignant reminder of the power of passion and connection. Acurio’s book reignited a fire within me, culminating in an unforgettable experience I can only describe as intensely beautiful.

 

As I reflect on this transformative journey before heading home, I am struck by the power of a book to transcend borders and evoke deep emotions, reminding us of our shared humanity through food and culture. A heartfelt thank you to Gastón Acurio for crafting

such rich narrative that reignited my culinary ambitions and deepened my pride in my heritage.

 

At Amaru Gourmet, we proudly serve authentic Peruvian cebiche, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This honor highlights cebiche's cultural significance and celebrates the artistry that unites palates across the globe. I want my guests to savor not just the flavors but also the stories and histories in every dish, cultivating a connection to the journey that binds us.

 

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to overlook the beauty of slowing down and fully experiencing each moment. My emotional flight has reminded me of this truth, igniting a desire to create and share, inviting others into the rich narrative of Peruvian cuisine that goes beyond taste.

As I prepare to return to Brattleboro, I carry invaluable lessons learned along the way. I dream of crafting a space where laughter echoes, stories flourish, and friendships blossom over shared meals. Together, we'll embark on culinary adventures, celebrating food's power to unite, the beauty of diverse cultures, and the joy of storytelling around the table.

 

So, I invite you to join me at Amaru Gourmet, where each bite is a gateway to our shared heritage, and every dish tells a tale worth savoring. Let’s keep the flame of passion for food alive in our hearts and kitchens, honoring those who came before us and forging new paths in the ever-evolving tapestry of culinary art. Together, let’s create unforgettable journeys that nourish our bodies and souls, celebrating life and culinary excellence.