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Astrid y Gaston, Lima, Peru: A mini trip report for foodies only

Astrid y Gaston, Lima, Peru: A mini trip report for foodies only

Old Nov 15th, 2014, 11:48 AM
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Astrid y Gaston, Lima, Peru: A mini trip report for foodies only

We had heard wonderful things about the food at Astrid y Gaston in Lima, so decided to try to get a reservation there. We were only in Lima two full days, so on our first morning, we asked the concierge to book us a table that afternoon. Later, she said she was able to get us a table at 1:30. We were delighted – and a little surprised, as I’d heard it was difficult to get reservations.

We took a taxi to the restaurant, and, as we were a bit early, spent some time looking at the gardens where they grow many of their herbs and vegetables. At the appointed time, we presented ourselves to the person at the desk. He called a woman who said we had reservations for the tasing menu – was that correct? She told us the per person price and while it was expensive, it was sure to be a real experience. We had no idea we had reservations for the tasting menu, but love tasting menus, so said that was fine. She said the menu was based on the chef’s boyhood memories of foods he ate growing up. She said something about “my husband and I” and it struck us that we were likely speaking to Astrid. She escorted us into the kitchen and introduced us to the chef (Gaston?). We had a short chat, then she took us to our table. We were in a lovely room that had just three tables, two tables for two, one table for four. She asked us about any food restrictions, so they could customize the dishes to our needs. She also noted that the first dish was a drink with alcohol in it, and was that ok? Yes. Next came the sommelier. They had an option for wine pairings, were we interested? Our experience with wine pairings is that they are excellent, indeed. Since we were here, we might as well do the whole shabang.

The drink was made table side, started with a deep red liquid, then a ginger foam, then last, just the oil from a slice of lime skin. I have to say it was the best cocktail I’ve ever had. There were distinct layers of flavors.

This was a good introduction to how the meal would go. Astrid had told us it would take two and a half to three hours for the meal. Each course was one or two bites, and we were often insructed as to how to eat it. The wine pairings were exceptional and included some very limited production wines. All of the wines were organic as well. The wine pours were small (thank goodness!) and a few of them were larger as they were for two courses.

This is very labor intensive – both preparation of the dishes and the serving. Both the food and the service were exquisite. What an experience!

It is possible to make a reservation for the a la carte menu. There are five kitchens in the complex, we saw the one where all of the gastronomic menu selections are prepared.

Our total for the 28 course tasting menu, matched wines and gratuity was 1452 soles, about US$ 484.

At the end of the meal, you receive a complete menu for both the food and the drinks, and a book that tells the story of the menu. Yes, this was a very expensive 3 hour lunch, but what an experience!

Cheryl took photos of most of the courses (I think she missed the first two). If you enjoy food photos, this blog post is for you:

http://cherylmarland.com/gastronomic...-y-gaston-lima
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Old Nov 15th, 2014, 01:08 PM
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Looking forward to reading this! We loved AyG in Santiago but were disappointed in Buenos Aires (since closed). Sounds like great fun.
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Old Nov 15th, 2014, 01:30 PM
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They have tried A&Gs in Bogota, Caracas, Quito, Madrid, Panama City, as well as Buenos Aires, Lima and Santiago. The most recent opened in Mexico City. Quito and Panama are gone as well as BA.

After all, it's now a 'chain' and the man can't be everywhere at once.
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Old Nov 15th, 2014, 04:22 PM
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What a meal! we had a very good dinner there, but nothing like you described.
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Old Nov 15th, 2014, 09:48 PM
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Thanks for sharing, Kathie. Glad you and Cheryl were able to get into AyG, and that you had a good experience. All the dishes you had were different than what we tasted when we were there in August; even the serving vessels are different except for two of them. Enjoy Peru and all its gastronomic delights.
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Old Nov 16th, 2014, 03:57 AM
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Thanks, all. Peru is, indeed, a land of gastronomic delights. We have had excellent food everywhere so far. I will write about other places we ate in my trip report, but I thought AyG deserved it's own report!

We are leaving the Sacred Valley today for Cusco.
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Old Nov 16th, 2014, 04:52 AM
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That looks amazing! We didn't have enough time in Lima to plan anything food-related, unfortunately. Enjoy your time in Cusco, and looking forward to reading your trip report.
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Old Nov 16th, 2014, 06:34 AM
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Looking forward to the full report, and photos.
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Old Nov 16th, 2014, 11:02 AM
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The link above has the photos and more detail on Astrid y Gaston.

I've started my trip report, but we are still in the midst the trip - arrived Cusco today from the Sacred Valley.
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Old Nov 16th, 2014, 04:07 PM
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I enjoyed seeing the pics. Peruvian food is having a big moment now, and Gaston Acurio is one of the main reasons, I imagine. He has a new place in Mexico City as well, although I was steered away from it by the concierge at my hotel..

Here is a photo of Astrid and Gaston:

http://cdn.larepublica.pe/sites/defa...agen-19a_0.jpg
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Old Nov 16th, 2014, 05:04 PM
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I had heard of them, but this is the first time I've seen pictures of the meal. It looks wonderful!
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Old Nov 20th, 2014, 09:58 AM
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Great photos! I love tasting menus.

Last night I was going through my stack of months of unread magazines and there was a food article on Peru which, I think, was in one of my Departures magazines. Peru sounds culinary exciting.

Happy Travels!
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Old Nov 20th, 2014, 02:40 PM
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That looks like an amazing meal.
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Old Nov 20th, 2014, 04:58 PM
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those pics are sick!!!

we need to return to lima just for that experience... maybe they will still have your credit card number handy for me..
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Old Nov 21st, 2014, 06:01 AM
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Bob, Pook pointed out to me that Gaggan and Astrid y Gaston are right next to each other in the rankings of the best restaurants in the world - #16 & #17, if I remember correctly.
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Old Nov 24th, 2014, 03:49 AM
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Even though I'm not a "foodie" I did take a peek at the report above. I've also enjoyed a meal at A&G. Hope that's ok!
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Old Nov 24th, 2014, 05:02 AM
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NoFly, of course you are welcome to the report. I just figured that non-foodies would find it boring.
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Old Nov 28th, 2014, 09:46 PM
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Thanks for this. I went to A&G in Santiago years ago - divine, but I've heard it has gone downhill.
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Old Sep 27th, 2015, 02:47 PM
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The food photos have been moved:
cherylmarlandphotography.smugmug.com/Travel-Galleries/Astrid-y-Gaston-Lima-Peru
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