November 2011 – Aqua Expedition’s first cookbook ‘From The Kitchens of Aqua Expeditions’ launches this month hot on the heels of Ferran Adrià’s first visit to Peru and his recent jaunt on Aqua Expeditions new boat the M/V Aria. The cookbook features a selection of Peruvian recipes created by Aqua Expedition’s Executive Chef, Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. In addition there are a host of interviews with chefs, restaurateurs and guests; all of whom have travelled with Aqua Expeditions in a quest to experience some of the world’s most unspoiled points of the Amazon and enjoy a taste of some of Schiaffino’s delectable creations.
The result of a 500 year melting pot of Spanish, African, Japanese and Chinese immigration and native Quechua culture, means Peru is enjoying the spotlight as Latin America’s most acclaimed foodie capital. Together with the success of the Mistura Gastronomic Fair in Lima which took place this September and a spate of Peruvian restaurants popping up across the UK, Peruvian cuisine is rapidly cementing its reputation on an international scale.
With a growing profile and a great knowledge of Amazonian produce, Schiaffino’s interest in food began at the age of thirteen, while helping his father ontheir family farm. He opened his own restaurant, Malabar in 2004 in Lima to great acclaim, which prompted Francesco Galli Zugaro, CEO of Aqua Expeditions, to seek Schiaffino’s help with the cuisine onboard Aqua Expeditions two luxury, 5* Amazonian river boats, the M/V Aqua and the M/V Aria which launched in May 2011. Schiaffino’s renowned nouveau Andean recipes range from cocktails (the infamous Pisco Sour) and starters such as Amazon bass tiradito in sashimi style, to main dishes such as grilled tiger catfish with star fruit chutney and desserts including camu camu jellies.
The cookbook is available to purchase for $45 onboard the M/V Aqua, M/V Aria and $55 online at www.thetravelerscollection.com - Just in time for Christmas!
