How Virgilio Martinez Skated Into the Kitchen and Put Peru on the Map

Virgilio Martinez

Skated Into the Kitchen and Put Peru on the Map

Food & Beverage / Sustainability

Reading Time:

Minutes

Script & Narration:

Nate Kan

Audio:

Elphick Wo

Photos:

Eugene Kan

170303

In a generation where people leave their hometowns in search of culturally or creatively greener pastures and the allure of the exotic elsewhere, Virgilio Martinez represents a very notable exception. With a skateboarding career cut short by injury, the now restauranteur from Lima, Peru went on a long and contemplative journey across the world to learn, cook and discover.

Along the way, he not only found a veritable library of new ingredients and dishes, but also had an epiphany that would take him home a changed man, and a changed chef.

“I remember that I really wanted to be a pro skateboarder and I put all my dreams into it. So for me it was really quite devastating to go back to Peru with a broken shoulder.”

“It’s just finding luxury in very simple things.”

“Every single trip is different. Every single person is different. Going to the jungle, it’s different than when we go into the Andes and to see the Pacific coast.”

_______________

Central by Virgilio Martinez

In 2009, Virgilio Martinez opened Central, based in Lima, Peru. The restaurant focuses on food inspired by the diverse ecosystems of Peru. In 2016, Phaidon and Virgilio Martinez published an eponymous book which delves deep into the philosophy and mindset behind both Central and Virgilio’s approach to cooking. In 2015, Central was ranked the fourth best restaurant in the world while Virigilo earned the title of number one chef in Latin America.

Central, published by Phaidon and authored by Virgilio Martinez is available at select bookstores and online at Phaidon.

“At Central we cook ecosystems.” —Virgilio Martínez

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