Teamwork, transparency, consistency and perseverance are terms used by the Peruvian restaurant team Central to thank the title of best restaurant in the world in 2023 a distinction revealed this Tuesday (20) at a ranking ceremony for the The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
This is the first time that a Latin American restaurant tops the selection since the beginning of the list in 2002.
“After 21 years of the 50 Best happening, Latin America is there. It is a result of our beautiful cultures, from South America to Mexico, from Central America to our people, art, cultures and the work of an incredible team and my beautiful wife Pía,” he said. Virgil Martinez at a press conference shortly after receiving the award.
Virgilio leads the Lima restaurant alongside his wife and chef Pía Leon . Still on the award stage in Valencia, Spain, she thanked the collective work:
“To the entire team, thank you for joining us on this adventure that is Central, and thank you Virgilio for your perseverance – you are a unique example of what it means to work hard to follow your path.”
Peru in the spotlight
Peru has long been a thriving territory when it comes to gastronomy. The scenario now gains even more relevance – and worldwide attention – with the result of the award.
“We are grateful for the territory, for Latin America and for the strength that we are. Because it was Peru’s turn to take home the number one, but from now on, know that the track is paved and the region has found a direct access”, wrote the official profile do Central on social networks after the victory.
It’s not about being number 1, it’s not about competing or being the best. It’s about doing what we love every day, continuing to reach our beautiful goals, and just seeking the truth.
Virgil Martinez
In addition to Central, three other Peruvian restaurants, all from the capital Lima, are on the current list of the 50 best in the world. Are they the Maid (6th place); O Kjolle (28th) and the mayta (47th).
In all, 12 restaurants in the ranking are from Latin America, with emphasis on The House of the Pig , São Paulo restaurant by chefs Jefferson and Janaína Rueda (12th place); O don julio in Buenos Aires (19th) and the Borago in Santiago (29th).
Still on stage, Virgilio pointed out that he seeks to give consistency and credibility to the industry, South America and Peru with the work at the Central.
Malena Martinez , the chef’s sister, echoed the message. “Let’s use this spotlight responsibly because we are now representing something new that is happening on this list. But it will definitely reflect something that is happening in the world, ”she declared at the press conference after the result.
Malena is co-director of Mater Iniciativa , an interdisciplinary organization that is considered the driving force of Central and is led by the chef duo. Mater was born with the aim of researching ingredients native to Peru to incorporate them into the restaurant’s menu. Today the project goes further and brings together a network of anthropologists, botanists and linguists who travel and research indigenous ingredients in the country.
All the meticulous research results in a menu that is a true journey through Peruvian ecosystems . Diners can currently choose from four tasting menus, which can reveal creations with ingredients from 12 to 14 ecosystems or even from 12 to 14 different altitudes in the country.
“We have to be special because we are a representation of our territory, our mega diversity and our culture. So we are very proud to be a part of it”, concluded Virgilio after the award.
Source: CNN Brasil
Johanna Foster is an expert opinion writer with over 7 years of experience. She has a reputation for delivering insightful and thought-provoking articles on a variety of subjects. Her work can be found on some of the top online news websites, and she is currently lending her voice to the world stock market.
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