Peru Bound - The Green Llama

Chuyos for the Holiday!

2011-12-22T01:39:00.000-08:00

An Evening with Julian Rose ~ Nacional Rediscovered in Peru!

2011-05-11T21:03:00.000-07:00

This evening I had the honor of being part of an intimate gathering at the World Affairs Council event in Portland, Oregon where Master Chocolatier Julian Rose of local Moonstruck Chocolate gave us a lesson on the process for chocolate from the harvest at the farms near the equator to the table in one of Moonstruck's 5 local cafes. Learning the journey from the correct growing conditions to the science behind mastering the 3rd highest traded commodity in the world! Julian Rose delivered an engaging and informative course with a sprinkling of stories and chocolate politics. He demystified this historically amazing fruit.

As the science gets closer to proving that cacao originated in Central America, Julian Rose detailed for us his crowning accomplishment this past year in rediscovering the believed to be extinct Nacionale cacao tree. Over 100 years ago this crop was wiped out by fungi disease in Equador. Last summer Julian Rose, through a happy accident, bought some interesting beans from a farmer in a remote wild forest in a valley of Peru. Finding the flavor to be good he questioned some of the basic structures of the cacao pod that he had not seen before. The farmer, Fortunato, also found the pods odd with the expected "purple" beans, but also some white beans in each pod. After examining and having the documenting of the Gnome, it was discovered that the bean was from the Nacional line and that the mother tree was actually part of this small wild crop. This news was monumental for the chocolate industry and for proving that Peru has the actual origin Nacionale, not Ecuador. For Julian it was a rare discovery and professional accomplishment already recognized as one of the top 10 Master Chocolatiers in the world.

The good news for us Oregonians is Julian Rose bought the beans and formulated two versions of single source chocolate for the Moonstruck label. Named after the farmer and the number of tests to confirm its origin, Fortunato No.4 In a 68% bar or the sophisticated Dark Chocolate Tumbled Cacao Beans, this tasting was amazing. I may be awake all night, but the smooth and fruity tumbled bean was OH so worth it! Promising to tease our senses even further, Julian Rose is creating a drinking chocolate from Fortunato No.4 in time for Fall 2011!

Run, don't walk to experience this rare treasure or go online to Moonstruck to order the closest thing to Inca Gold available!

Peru Videos going Viral!

2011-05-06T16:45:00.000-07:00

Love these new branding videos coming out of Peru for the PERU image. So many rich resources, cultures, landscape, and accomplished world contributors to celebrate. Watch, enjoy, laugh!

Peruvian Super Stars

Peru visits Nebraska

Chuyos, The Real Peruvian Hat! 100% Alpaca and Reversible Style!

2010-12-10T17:42:00.000-08:00

Chuyos threw open its e-commerce window to bring the beautiful 100% Alpaca reversible hats to you for the holidays! Plush, warm and ultra soft, these classic style Peruvian hats make a modern fashion statement. The 22 year old entrepreneur and designer, Alexandra Saavedra, plans to donate a portion of her profits to the Amazon Shelter's in Peru, which works towards stomping out animal trafficking from the deepest darkest jungles of Peru to the main city of Lima. Join MJ's Table Talk in congratulating Alexandra for her vision and caring business focus by logging on, buying a hat and spreading the word!

Enter CHUYOS Here

Lizzy Wasi, Make it Your Next Destination!

2010-07-24T14:20:00.000-07:00

I am running behind on posting this week, but I must pass on an exciting note I received from my friend Liz in Peru. She and her husband Bill have opened a B&B in the Sacred Valley (Urubamba by Cuzco) called Lizzy Wasi! Make sure to check out their Facebook page and website! Liz is American born with a Peruvian mother and married Bill in Peru and has called it home for over 20 years. It has been her dream to have a B&B and the location they chose is one of my favorite places in the world. So stop in next time you are in Peru and say MJ sent you! Congratulations Liz and Bill!

LIMO Makes a Big Impression!

2010-06-26T05:52:00.000-07:00

We spent a wonderful evening at Limo in Uptown last night with friends. Portland weather was beautiful and we enjoyed the outdoor terrace as we toured the menu and found some new favorites! This little Peruvian gem is always a pleasure to explore!

Inka Kola Interview

2010-06-23T17:21:00.000-07:00

Livinginperu.com reports 21 June, 2010 13:09:12 | in General

Jhonny Lindley, owner of Inca Kola: Our goal is to have five megaplants

TRADITION. One hundred years ago, the Lindleys, a British family, started the company that now distributes Inca Kola and Coca Cola in Peru. Here, Jhonny Lindley, current director of the corporation, poses with his grandfather Isaac.

By Azucena León Torres, El Comercio
Adapted from Spanish by Diana Schwalb

In 2007, Jhonny Lindley took over the seat that once belonged to his grandfather Don Isaac in the company that taught Peru what color the national beverage is. Here Jhonny talks about the industry’s performance and the challenges that they will have to face in 2010.

What is the company’s report for the first five months of 2010? This was a very cold start for many…
If we look through May, I’d say the growth was lower than expected due to a series of reasons. On one hand, there is the summer season which had a very slow and weak start. January practically went unnoticed in the coast. Besides that (climatic) problem, there was low consumption due to the continuing effects of the global financial crisis. It was not until the second or third week of February that sales began to pick up, even though they were still not enough to compensate for the first period.

How much did you expect to grow?
We had projected 8% but we only grew 5%. The highest growth was reached in March but it dropped a month and a half later due to a seasonal factor (the arrival of winter in Lima) which we’re trying to compensate for in the provinces.

What is the outlook for the rest of the year?
We think that the economic recovery will show itself progressively and that by the second half of the year this will be more evident in the domestic demand. That is why we have made important investments during the first half of the year.

How much have you invested until now?
This year we have an investment plan of US $100 million. Part of that amount (US$36 million) was invested in the development of the plant in Callao. With that, Callao will become the biggest and most modern installation out of the nine that we have.

How much is the per capita consumption?
In Peru, it is 45 liters per capita. In Lima, the consumption is 75 liters, which is very similar to the main cities of the world. Some provinces are also gaining ground. However, despite that progress, there is still a lot of room to grow.

Has any city in particular surprised you with its growth?
In some cities in the north, consumption has practically doubled in the last five years, from 80 to 160 liters. Nonetheless, there are others like Huancayo, in the south of the country, where there is still a lot of room for growth and where our products still compete with boiled water and homemade juices.

That is one of the reasons why you decided to decentralize your operations…
Precisely. Now, a big part of our investment goes to provinces because the growth that has been registered in some cities justifies our revenue. The goal for 2015 is to have five megaplants that will replace the 9 units that we currently have and that will allow us to reach every corner of the country. The first step will be taken in Trujillo.

Have the construction works already started for this megaplant?
The construction (which will require up to US $55 million) has already begun, but it will not be inaugurated until 2011. The idea is to relocate the plant that we have in Mansiche, in the district of Moche in the north.

What will be its production capacity?
We still don’t know. It will all depend on the demand. This plant will also produce water and Frugos.

What will come next?
We have two more projects: southern Lima and south. All of our projects will be carried out simultaneously. When the construction of a megaplant is about to culminate, we will begin to build another one.

Where will be the Lima plant be?
In Pucusana. Construction works will begin in 2011.

Is a plant in Lima really needed? Isn’t this an already mature market?
The idea is to move to a larger space and work with a greater economy of scale. It is true that consumption is very high in Lima; however, there is still a small space to take advantage of.

Don’t you fear the progress of water and other products?
No, because while there may be important growths of 20% or 10%, in terms of volume, their participation is still very small compared to sodas. Besides, what is important to the corporation is to respond to the demands of the consumers of the different niches.

Ose, Where Everything is Beautiful!

2010-05-12T15:52:00.000-07:00

Ose opened in Barranco and is a delight to the eyes. Here is one of my favorite desserts all dressed up and disguised as a modern escape! Suspiro de Limena

OSÉ

Av. Grau 1502, Barranco, Lima

247-9666

Peru Dolphins, A Sacred Resource!

2010-05-12T15:44:00.000-07:00

Some of my favorite moments in Peru are observing the dolphins in the waves. Dozens swim past on any given day, and their antics dazzle the imagination. Pelicans often hoover over head looking to get the spoils, and one day I witnessed a dolphin emerge with a fish in its mouth and fling it up in to a pelicans mouth...amazing! Let us do whatever needs to be done to preserve these creatures!

Dophins in Peru: A biologist sees tourism as the way to conservation

While killing dolphins for their meat was made illegal in Peru in 1996, you can still find dolphin meat for as cheap as four soles per kilo in the black market. “Now, fishermen don’t touch the bottlenose dolphin, they hunt the darker dolphins instead,” says the German biologist Stefan Austermühle. “Once offshore, they cut out the meat in the ship’s hold and throw the bodies back in the sea to get rid of the evidence.” Austermühle has identified more than 1,500 dolphins off Peru's coast between Chorrillos and Paracas. (He also takes the amazing photos, shown above.) With an NGO formed with his Peruvian wife, they hope to start dolphin watching as a option for tourists and a strategy for dolphin conservation. Read more about dolphins in Peru and Austermühle's project.

Try Something Unique...Eating wood-grilled cuy in Ayacucho, Peru,

2010-05-06T08:07:00.000-07:00

For those brave enough to sample the Andes specialty, here are some sources for your next trip and culinary adventure:

Food tourism in the Andes: Eating wood-grilled cuy in Ayacucho, Peru
By Martin Huancas, El Comercio
Adapted from Spanish by Diana Schwalb

An unexpected purchase, a mysterious dream, but above all an immense faith and a good sazón were the first ingredients that Gloria Maria Zaga used 30 years ago to establish Las Flores, the best traditional restaurant of Ayacucho.

However, the road to get where she is now was not carpeted with rose petals. Men in ski masks and envious restaurant owners wanted to break this family business, but all they accomplished was to strengthen it, so much that the owner is now considering taking a leap and going to conquer the capital with her famous cuy, the guinea pigs and typical meat of Peru's Andean cuisine.

Here come the Guinea Pigs
The story of this business began with the purchase of 135 cuys, during a mysterious meeting preceded by a dream. Doña Gloria, a pious woman, says that divine help had to do with this unexpected acquisition, since she did not read more here.

In LIMA you can find the unique cuisine at the following location:

El Tarwi: Tender cuy, the great chocho bean and more from Ancash

By Nathan Paluck

In Peru's capital city, it's easy to enter the suculent world of seafood restaurants – ceviche, japanese, nikkei, scallops, more scallops – and never turn back. A wonderful cuisine to get lost in, for sure, but let's not forget to look east, to the highlands, the mountains, for good eats and gastronomic inspiration.

A couple weeks ago we thought of Andean cuisine and searched for something specific: the cute rodent, domestic friend and important nutritional component for highland families. The cuy, or guinea pig. read more here

A Return To Sunday Dinner #40, Kooza, Let's Run Away To The Circus!

2010-05-02T19:50:00.000-07:00

Cirque Du Soleil is in town and providing another great show! After a tough week of work and school papers, it was wonderful to slip out and celebrate a friends birthday with our husbands. A bite to eat and the cirque! The lights went down and our funny host began his antics. The tent seemed more intimate this year and it was a treat to sit close and see the amazing feats done by the artists. Truly gifted and inspiring abilities! One negative for me this year was the surprise of having the clowns, who provided humor in between set changes, focus their skits often on sexual content and smoking joints. I was a bit surprised with the young audience in attendance that they went this direction. Overall the show was fantastic and this content intrusion was so unnecessary.

Nothing like seeing the big tops and arriving early to enjoy the pre-show activity!

Peru Cuisine is Hot, Hot, Hot!

2010-04-26T09:11:00.000-07:00

The Peru Guide has a wonderful Peruvian Cuisine Glossary. There is also great touring information by region!

Peruvian Nachos Recipe!

2010-03-19T09:18:00.000-07:00

Nachos Peruanos / Peruvian Nachos (from livinginperu.com)

Ingredients

20 corn tortillas
cut into wide strips and fried in oil and salted
2 cups of sliced red onions
2 cups of sliced red peppers
1 cup of sliced Ají amarillo peppers
1 cup of chopped seeded tomatoes
1 lb or 450 grams of thinly sliced steak
2 cups French Fries
1 can of black beans drained and rinsed
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup of crumbled queso fresco
1 Tbsp. lime juice
1 Tbsp. soy sauce
salt and pepper to taste

Preparation
Make sure have ready the fried tortillas. On large baking sheet, spread out chips. Heat oil in skillet. Sauté the beef in batches until brown and tender. Place in a large bowl. Using the same pan, quickly sauté separately the peppers and onions. Add tomatoes and sauté just 2 minutes more. Add all to the bowl of sautéed beef. Sprinkle with lime juice and soy sauce. Fold in the crunchy cooked French Fries. Sprinkle the tortillas with beans, then the beef/vegetable mixture, then both the cheeses. Top with ground pepper. Place under broiler until cheese is melted. Serve immediately.

Tourist Makes Good in Flood Torn Region of Peru!

2010-03-19T09:12:00.000-07:00

This story started my day with a full heart of hope! One traveler turns her major disappointment of Machu Picchu being closed, into an inspirational journey of the heart!

A destroyed village in Cusco, Peru struggles after floods

By Jessie North

In January 2010 I finally fulfilled a lifelong dream and took a flight to Peru to hike the Inca trail to Machu Picchu. Unfortunately my arrival coincided with heavy rains and landslides in the Cusco region of Peru, and Machu Picchu and the Inca trail were closed. My disappointment was huge, but it soon gave way to concern for the thousands of local people whose homes and villages had been swept away in the mudslides. These people were now totally dependent on donations of food, water, warm clothing and blankets, and a friend and I decided we wanted to help. We went to the local market in Cusco to buy supplies - kilos of potatoes, rice, onions, corn, cooking oil, and piles of warm blankets - and we took them to one of the worst affected villages, Huacarpay. While there I spoke to some of the villagers and aid workers. This is their story.

Read complete story here.

Inca's Peruvian Cuisine in Tucson!

2010-02-22T12:00:00.000-08:00

While visiting friends in Tucson this weekend, we all enjoyed a wonderful feat at the Inca's Peruvian Cuisine! Delicious home cooked Peruvian favorites! The Lomo Saltado was my favorite and my husbands soup kept an eye on me through the whole time!

6878 E. Sunrise Dr., Tucson, AZ.

520.404.1911

Machu Picchu Closed Until Further Notice!

2010-02-09T21:41:00.000-08:00

Peru | 9 February, 2010 [ 09:27 ]

Peru's Institute of Culture suspends all visits to Machu Picchu citadel

LivinginPeru.com
Isabel Guerra

Peru's National Institute of Culture (Inc) suspended temporarily all visits to Machu Picchu citadel, at least until the weather, security conditions and the infrastructure allow them again.

This way the institution denied the authorization to allow visits by helicopter, issued by the regional Directorate of Foreign Trade and Tourism government.

“The only helicopters allowed and officially authorized are the ones intended to carry supplies and provide attention to Machu Picchu Pueblo,” states the press release.

The closure includes also the Inca Trail tour.

According to the Foreign Trade and Tourism Ministry, the railway to Machu Picchu will not be operational in at least six weeks.

Peru Film Gets Oscar Nomination!

2010-02-02T06:17:00.000-08:00

The Oscars have given a nod to Claudia Llosa's film The Milk Of Sorrow. The story of a maidservant in Lima and her wartime struggles and traumas. Trauma suffered by many of the Peruvian women of the time, they believed they passed this impact onto their daughters through breastfeeding. This is where the film got its name.

Check out this clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eog9g4iyWs8

Cuzco region Declared an Emergency Zone?

2010-01-27T18:06:00.000-08:00

All the buzz this week is around the terrible flooding in the highlands! Roads and train service is interrupted as roads wash away and landslides violently claim transportation routes. The worst pours in as death is swirling in the aftermath of the geological events! Read more at Living Peru!

Travel Peru By Train!

2010-01-22T11:17:00.000-08:00

Peru Rail is your one stop shopping for traveling the interior of Peru. Check out the options here!

MJ's San Francisco Travel Log and a bit of Peruvian history!

2010-01-17T18:03:00.000-08:00

Day 1: The hubs and I hit the travel route on Friday and arrived in time to have dinner with family and see my brother BBQ Barnes perform at a local club in Oakland. He was brillant, and managed to impress his niece and son with his cool harp skills and the variety of tunes his group could perform. The 6 member band are silcon valley cubical dwellers by day and at night they unwrap their alter-egos with amazing skill and fun! I would fly anywhere to enjoy one of their concerts! Great job!

Day 2: After sleeping in we piled all the cousins in the cars and headed to Frisco! We spent the day knocking around and exploring some old and new haunts. We were luck enough to have good weather with a storm looming in the distance that did not arrive until late in the evening. After our causal day we all headed over to El Limon, where Chef and friend Emanuel worked his magic preparing the best Novo Andina Cusine in the city! With a few Peruvian food first timers with us, we toured the menu of sea food, beef, and chicken, topped off with 4 amazing desserts! We moaned our way down to give the Chef our greatest approaval and rolled out the door. Then it was a quick walk over to the Pisco lounge. We met up with owner and friend Guillermo Toro Lira for an evening of drinks and stories. My daughters friends all joined us and these beautiful gals had a ball dancing salsa and trying a couple of the local specialities. The best part was hearing Gui tell about his experience writing the history of Pisco Punch with his wife Brenda and also how he came to open his new lounge with his partner James. To read more about Wings of Cherubs: The Saga of the Rediscovery of Pisco Punch Old San Francisco's Mystery Drink, go to TheGreenLlama.com

Day 3: Today we rolled out of bed in San Francisco's Omni Hotel and enjoyed a walk through the Financial District. We then headed sounth to Santa CLara where we will enjoy dinner and a movie with our daughter before heading on down the road...

El Darado Discovered? Look What Was Found In Amazon!

2010-01-10T06:28:00.000-08:00

SPHERE's own David Knowles is reporting on a study showing evidence of an ancient Amazon Civilization uncovered due to the deforestation of a large area in the basin on the Brazil side of the Andes. "According to Martti Parssinen, Denise Schaan and Alceu Ranzi, the authors of the study, the community likely had a population of more than 60,000 people. The researchers said they have only uncovered roughly 10 percent of the existing structures, which may date as far back as A.D. 800." Since the time the Spanish arrived on the continent, explorers were told by the natives about a massive city that was full of treasures. The explorers dubbed the city El Darado and thousands who have pursued this lost city have perished. Could this be the one? Satellite photos have revealed an area believed to be 150 miles in size and supporting great monuments!

It is an exciting time in archeology as our technology and access bring us closer to understanding some of the great mysteries of civilizations past. In this case the undesirable act of deforestation gave view to this magnificent culture hidden from the view of modern man. El Darado seems to be a little closer, a little more real, but what price will we continue to pay in our pursuits?

Chilcano Pisco Festival Week!

2010-01-06T16:34:00.000-08:00

Chilcano Festival in Lima, January 11-17!

That's right, it is a week where many of the restaurants and bars around Lima join together and offer special menus and prices. Peru produces 5 million liters a year of Pisco with 11 types from 5 distinct regions. Why not have your own Chilcano festival here, at home with friends. The recipe is simple! Shake it up by using pink lemonade,,,you are in the states after all :)

Ingredients:

4 ounces ginger ale
2 ounces pisco
1/2 lime (or 1 tablespoon key lime juice)

Preparation:

Fill a 8 ounce tumbler with ice cubes.
Pour the pisco over the ice.
Squeeze the lime juice into the glass.
Fill the glass with the ginger ale.
Enjoy!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-02T04:21:00.000-08:00

There is no where like Peru for New Years Eve and ringing in the New Year! The beach parties, Andian celebrations and general glamor and glitz give a special recognition to the flip of the calendar. My early experiences of celebrations on the beach provide wonderful memories of dancing and good friends.

As we all take assessment of where we have been, lets enjoy being right where we are and the rich tapestry that has brought us to this point in our lives! 2010 promises to be one of growth and opportunities. What will you do with it?

Blessings and Happy New Year!

Disney picks Peru for an exclusive vacation package!

2009-12-31T04:28:00.000-08:00

LivinginPeru.com reports:

Adventures By Disney's advertisement features Peru. (click to enlarge)

There it is on page 15 of the New York Times Magazine Winter Travel Issue: a cozy, corporate stamp of approval for el Perú. Disney chose Machu Picchu and a smiling little girl in a chuyo hat (see right) to publicize their luxury family vacation packages.

It is significant: Adventures By Disney only has 19 vacations spots around the world, and out of three Latin American destinations, Peru made the cut. (Costa Rica and Ecuador are the other two, while China and South Africa complete the list of developing nations chosen.)

Eight days of a Disney vacation in Peru is not cheap: $2,429 to $3,399 per kid and a few hundred more for adults, airfare not included. But just reading their itinerary online makes you want to get whisked away by the Disney people. They drop you off at Casa Andina Private Collection Hotel when first arriving in Lima, and the next day it's off to Cusco and a handicraft demonstrations by master weavers. You stay at Sol y Luna Lodge & Spa in the Sacred Valley.

The trip continues like that, with hands-on cultural activities during the day and a return to luxury lodging at night. On day three it's a raft trip down the Urubamba; day four's a tour of the salt terraces of Mara, then a cooking demonstration and make-your-pizza time in the evening. Day five is the train ride to Machu Picchu, where a guide shows the family around. And so on.

Disney might conjure up thoughts of a mass-produced, amusement park kind of vacation. But it seems like Disney travelers will get a lot of personal attention and an exclusive, tailored experience in Peru. Every vacation includes two expert guides, who "serve as concierge, guide and storyteller" according to the Adventures By Disney website.

The next date for a Disney Peru vacation is Feb. 8-16, but that's an adults-only trip (18 and up). For families, Jun. 7-15 is the first date, then there's 10 more options through the fall.

Detailed information can be found here at Adventure By Disney's website. Check it out.

Peru's cacao ready to conquer the world

2009-12-16T16:16:00.000-08:00

LivinginPeru.com
Isabel Guerra

The book Chocolate, del Perú al Mundo (Chocolate, from Peru to the World) highlights the chocolat as an outstanding product of the Peruvian gastronomy.

Cacao history and secrets have been registered at this luxurious book that was presented yesterday in Lima.

This publication looks forward to contribute to the diffusion of Peruvian gastronomy and also to show that this product is a fundamental piece for the programs of substitution of illegal cultivation of coca leaf.

The book contains images by Peruvian photographer Walter Wust and recipes from prestigious chefs, like Astrid Gustche, wife of Peruvian chef Gastón Acurio.

The book has been sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture, the United States Agency for International Development andthe Peruvian Association of Cocoa Producers and Agronomist and Vétérinaires Sans Frontières-Centre International.

Cows are invading Lima!

2009-12-09T21:54:00.000-08:00

The cows have arrived in Lima! This wonderful project has been around the world and the first time I saw them was in Zurich in 1998. Each country adds their local artists to the mix and places the works of art all about town. Check out the article in Living Peru for many pictures of our 4 legged friends!

Destination Kuelap in the Amazon Jungle!

2009-12-05T10:12:00.000-08:00

Here is a gem less talked about than our famous MP. I have put Kuelap at the top of my list for the next journey to deepest, darkest Peru. Come with me and explore why this should be on your list too...click here!

Snowy Pointsettia

2009-12-01T04:01:00.001-08:00

Snowy Pointsettia
Originally uploaded by Mary Mary On and Off

December 1 and advent has begun!

Casa Rossell Rios Is A Must See!

2009-11-30T06:45:00.000-08:00

Casacor is a group in Lima that selects homes that are architectural and historical significant to a neighborhood and restore them to their original grandeur. Here is a gem located in Barronco district taken from ruins to restoration. Living Peru says the inside is spectacular! I just can't wait to see it! Read more here. Photos by Living Peru.

2009-11-19T17:54:00.001-08:00

I love Ice Cream! I admit it, I would rather eat it than anything else in the world, and all day long! Unfortunately, I am one of the many who have to watch Lactose Intolerance. I can have small amounts and better when it is really fresh.

That is where my trips to Peru add to my joy. For many reasons I love my journeys south of the border, but Peruvian ice cream is rich, exotic, and simple wholesome ingredients are always a highlight. I seem to be able to indulge a little more with their versions of Italian gelato and fresh ice cream.

Here is a fun article about life as an ice cream provider in Peru...click here and ENJOY!

del Inti is even better! Welcome Jose Luis!

2009-11-14T22:06:00.000-08:00

Tonight the hubs and I escaped to Del Inti to catch up with friends and welcome the new chef addition. Owners Ignacio and Erin del Solar have asked Jose Luis De Cossio to join them in the kitchen. Magic is what was served on our plates. Imagine your two favorite chefs combining their talents and serving you a meal! That's what we got...perfection!

So I suggest putting this hot spot back on the to do list for the holidays! Enjoy a little Sobre Mesa and tell them MJ sent you!

~ Come Gather Around The Table!

New Pisco Sour Website!

2009-10-10T20:36:00.001-07:00

Some Peruvian entrepreneurs have gotten together and created a wonderful website featuring types of Pisco, recipes, a historic time tine of Pisco, and where to have the best ones in Peru! Delicioso! Piscosour.com

The traditional Pisco Sour and the Machu Picchu!

Gaston Acurio Takes Peruvian Food To The World!

2009-10-10T20:01:00.000-07:00

Here is the man...featured in TIME magazine with his quest to conquer the world!

Peru's Plans for Global (Foodie) Conquest
By Lucien Chauvin / Lima Wednesday, Sep. 16, 2009
Peruvian chef Gaston Acurio works in his kitchen
Gastón Acurio is a name the foodie cognoscenti will recognize. Though not quite a popular brand name like Mario Batali or Bobby Flay or Alain Ducasse, the Peruvian chef has created destination restaurants in the otherwise gray city of Lima that gourmands flock to whenever they can, eschewing the tourist havens of Machu Picchu and Cuzco. Hailed as the "next superchef" by some magazines, Acurio now has his eyes set on global conquest. His goal: to make Peruvian cuisine as familiar around the world as Mexican, Chinese and Thai.
He established a bridgehead outside Latin America in September, opening La Mar in San Francisco, which specializes in seafood and Peru's signature creation, ceviche. But that is just the beginning. He sees New York City as the real launching pad for rapid expansion. "If we make it in New York, we will be ready to green-light all of our brands," he says. "But first we need to pass the test there." Acurio has scouts checking out the city, looking for the right location for the right price. He hopes to firm up a deal shortly.

Peruvian authorities, businesspeople and even Acurio's competitors in Peru are cheering him on, hoping to cash in on an eventual boom in Peruvian food. Luis Kiser, head of the Peruvian Franchise Chamber, believes that the country's cuisine will put Peru on the map, opening the door for the export of other products, from multicolored potatoes to pisco, a local brandy. "Mexico got jalapeños and tequila on shelves in stores in the United States, with food leading the way," he says. "Peruvian food is the tip of the iceberg for everything we have to offer."
Peruvian expansionism is already radiating across Latin America. Acurio's fine-dining flagship, Astrid y Gastón, operates in seven countries outside Peru. La Mar has restaurant in six countries, and Tanta, which offers light fare, just opened its first locale outside of Peru in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. A number of other multi-star restaurants have also branched out to neighboring countries. Twelve Peruvian restaurants have franchised their formulas and are operating abroad, again mostly in the rest of Latin America. Another 20 are in the process of expanding beyond Peru's borders, and Kiser ticks off a long list of restaurants that could follow the same path. He expects there to be at least 50 Peru-based food franchises operating by the end of the decade. That's up from zero in 2000.

In the fast-food segment, Peru's Chinawok, which specializes in cuisine developed by the descendants of the country's Chinese immigrants, is one of the fastest-growing franchise businesses in Latin America, with 52 branches in operation and another 10 set to open by the end of the year. Bembos, a Peruvian hamburger joint, has operations in other Latin American countries as well as two in India (serving a non-beef burger).

Acurio takes heart from the success of Japanese cuisine around the world. He says that 40 years ago, no one imagined that raw fish, seaweed and super-spicy wasabi would be a worldwide craze. But now there are more than 40,000 top-quality sushi bars in the world; last year they generated more than $150 billion, and another $40 billion in related products were sold. That example is warming the hearts of Acurio and his compatriots who have visions of Peruvian restaurants on Main Street, U.S.A., serving up such staples as cuy (the national dish of roasted guinea pig), cow-heart kebabs and purple corn juice. Peruvians, however, do not want to wait decades to conquer the world's palates. "We are living the same kind of moment Japan did decades ago, inventing a market where one does not exist," says Acurio. The world is a different place from the one in which Benihana first branched out of Japan and opened in the U.S. — in New York — in 1964. Tastes have become more global and transportation allows fresh produce to move from a farm in Peru to a restaurant kitchen in Europe or the U.S. in less than 24 hours, making it easy to start — and sustain — a trend.

Peru's private and public sectors are both pushing for internationalization. There has been an explosion of cooking schools, with more than 6,000 students learning the art of haute cuisine, and Peru is a constant presence at all major international gastronomic fairs. The government passed a decree declaring that food is part of the nation's heritage, saying it "contributes significantly to the consolidation of national identity."Ernesto Cabellos, who directed a documentary on Peruvian chefs and food called Cooking up Dreams, says, "There are no loose ends. There is a systematic proposal to expand Peruvian cuisine, and I am willing to bet that in 10 years, we will have created a market that rivals Mexican food."

New Film: Soy Andina! and Machu Picchu in Danger!

2009-10-09T09:59:00.000-07:00

PBS is airing a series for Hispanic Heritage Month. Peru has a selection in the 8 part series, Soy Andina, a cultural exploration of going home! Tune in and read more here Showing in Portland on Oct. 20th at 11pm!

I could have told you this was coming. On my trip to Machu Picchu with friends in December '08, there were so many areas roped off and the ruins that were shifting. The guide said it was the saturation of the water in the ground, and I thought to myself that for 2000 years these ruins have survived more than rain. It seemed to me that all of us tourists swarming over the ruins were most likely the problem. Well, the The World Monuments Fund (WMF), agrees with me as they "announced the 2010 World Monuments Watch list, and the famous Peruvian Machu Picchu ruins are included in it.
According to the WMF report, the stone structures and platforms, which have withstood the ravages of time, wars and earthquakes, are now vulnerable because of the constant and significant increase in visits and the urbanization of surrounding areas." Read More here

It is my great hope that they will limit the number of tourists allowed into Machu Picchu each day. Yes, that will cause long waits to see this special place, but for the preservation of the ruins as well as the enjoyment once you go through all the expense and effort to get there, when you do arrive, less people is more in keeping with the spiritual experience of being there. Hard to meditate when people are tripping over you!

The Inca Trail Sights!

2009-09-29T08:29:00.001-07:00

Tourism to Peru has increased dramatically in the last 5 years. With terrorism held to the northern border, the country is thriving with rich offers for every visitor, none more impressive than the Peruvian cuisine. Peru and the United States have been bound throughout our history as many Peruvian explorers and entrepreneurs helped to unlock the west. This tradition continues today as Peru now brings it's rich cuisine to our shores, with an invitation to go and visit the great mysteries of the Inca! The Peruvian people love Americans and love sharing their country even more!

The most desired visit to the sights of Peru are Machu Picchu and the famous Inca Trail. Living Peru has presented a wonderful article on what you will see on and from the great journey. Click here to read more and let the journey begin!

Tumblers, Shakes, Earthquakes: Controlling the Fear of the Big One!

2009-09-03T13:37:00.000-07:00

Earthquakes are an unsettling to terrifying experience. With out a doubt, the last few years have seen a significant increase around the Pacific Ring for larger quakes. Part of preparing for an earthquake is understanding the best response during the quake for your area, and then having prepared yourself with supplies for the aftermath. In many of the large historical quakes of the past, more people were lost due to fire and disease after the quake, so prepare and have some peace of mind that you have done what you can.

If you live in Peru, Living Peru has created a wonderful brochure to help you prepare. You can download it HERE.

In the U.S. The American Red Cross has a wonderful brochure and pre-made safety kits for home, office, pets and car. They also offer CPR, First aid and Advanced training for emergency preparedness. They have wonderful trainers who can come to your home or office and train you on sight for a small fee. See information for your area HERE.

Looking to volunteer, ARC can always use your help!

Our Mission:

The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization
led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter
and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement,
will provide relief to victims of disaster and help people
prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.

Our Mission in Action:

Saving and rebuilding lives –

down the street, across the country and around the world.

Our Fundamental Principles:

Humanity

Impartiality

Neutrality

Independence

Voluntary Service

Unity

Universality

Limo Opens in Portland

2009-09-02T18:51:00.000-07:00

Limo Opens in Portland!

The hubs and I went out to the new Limo in uptown last night. The location is wonderful on NW Westover, and they have infused their style with the warm and enchanting feelings of Barranco, a burb of Lima in Peru. Josue, the talented chef and co-owner, originally from Peru who moved to the states at the age of 14, has only been in Portland for a couple months. He is thrilled with his dream coming true of having this little gem in the Northwest.

Limo greets you with a warm embrace. Intimate and blazing with candle light, there are about 10 tables inside and 10 tables outside. Currently their hours are from 5pm until 10pm, closed on Mondays. As they have just opened, they are testing and finalizing their menu. From wonderful offerings of Lomo Saltado Springrolls, to Causa (mashed potatoes with a meat topping) just the way you prefer, I was in heaven! For me, Josue's real secret is in his sauces!

For now you will have to wait to enjoy Peruvian desserts and Pisco Sours, while Limo management work out the details of their menu and liquor license. Josue secretly gave us some delicious comfort dessert from Peru made of fried bananas and vanilla bean ice cream, and sent us off with a smile.

I suggest you sneak in to discover a unique take on Peruvian cuisine before the rest of Portland discovers this little jewel!

Should You Invest In Peru?

2009-08-27T12:12:00.000-07:00

Living Peru's Isabel Guerra is reporting:

In the upcoming months, Peru will experience a quick, great flow of investments, both from public and private sectors, according to Standard & Poor's analyst Richard Francis.

The analyst considers that since Peru has recorded surpluses in recent years, “the country has now the necessary resources to start a countercyclical spending, an advantage that few countries in the regions enjoy."

"We think that public and private investments will grow at a faster pace,” he added, since the International Monetary Fund (IMF) foresees that Peru, Brazil and Argentina will benefit from rising commodities prices after the worst of the global crisis has passed.

Home-Sweet-Home!

2009-08-24T16:58:00.000-07:00

We arrived home last night after 36 hours of traveling to get here...long layovers. We spent are last day in Lima racing around with last minute errands and goodbyes. Lima seems to transform a bit each time we go. This time we noticed that many of the small, ancient, polluting micro-buses have been replaced with large transit buses. Also, we never once had a child come to our window begging. It took us awhile to realize that we were not seeing any street kids. Not sure how they managed to curb this problem, and I am praying it was by positive means. Another big change is the enforcement of driving laws. Don't get too excited fellow Peruvian visitors, people still make left turns from the right lane and ignore most stop signs, but they have a 0 tolerance policy for talking on the cell phone while driving; 700 soles is the fine, which is about $250 U.S. This is a huge amount for the average Peruvian who might make $1000 per month. So, things are coming along and the parks have never looked more beautiful. Even in the dreary Lima winter there are romantic couples embracing at Lovers Lookout and people strolling along the sea wall. As we drove to the airport we could see a dozen para-sail gliders who had just launched from the cliffs over the ocean. With the sunset in the background it was a lovely way to see our last ocean view before tucking into the airport terminal.

Until next time ~ Saludos!

Dear Friends and Dinner in Ruins!

2009-08-21T07:47:00.000-07:00

The good kind of Ruins! In the center of Miraflores is a special place called La Huaca. It is a resturaunt at the base of some ancient ruins uncovered many years ago in the center of town. In the evenings they light the ruins so while you are enjoying a wonderful Peruvian cusine, the backdrop is the beautiful ruins by night. Late Wednesday night we enjoyed a dinner at La Huaca with dear friends, while eating all our favorite traditional dishes of Peru. There is also a glass encased bar that allows you the full affect of the night view of the ruins. Next time you are in Lima for a visit, this is a must see!

The photos were a bit hard to take with the limited lighting and a flash ruined the mood, so click on the photos for a better look.

New Diggs! Enri has a new home!

2009-08-21T07:17:00.001-07:00

Wednesday night we celebrated Enrique's new diggs with a christening party and feast! Having a place to call your own is the classic American Drem. Here in Peru it is also a dream of every young person to have a place to call their own. It is typical here for young adults to live with their parents through college, their first job, and well into their late 20s. The reason is due to the cost of living in Peru and the fact that it is a cash society. Meaning that when you buy your first home you have to pay cash for the full amount. No easy task!

So, Enri's night was very special as we celebrated his new flat. With great fan fare, we all gathered to drink champagne, cut the ribbon, and smash a bottle of the bubbly before entering Enrique's new abode! Glee spread across his face as he assended the stairs, with Mamama in arm, and flew open the door for all of us to see! A true Passion for Place was felt by all in his home this night, and we all congratulated him and enjoyed a feast around the table to seal the celebration. A giant Alfajores was the center piece of the feast! Saludos Enri!

Shamwowza!

A little slice of joy!

2009-08-19T11:15:00.000-07:00

Today I had my first cooking lesson from Asunta! In all these years I have never learned to cook Lomo Saltado and I knew it was very easy, so she showed me her tricks for the best flavor. Here is the recipe for you to enjoy. I will warn you, the Peruvian cooks love to fry things, so you can adapt the recipe for your health concerns. When I am in Peru, I close my eyes to all the frying and cholesterol and then I eat oatmeal for a week when I get home!

Lomo Saltado
By Asunta
Serves 4-6 people

Ingredients:

2 lbs meat sliced in strips (or chicken, or fish)
1/2 tsp Adobo all purpose seasoning (use any you have)
1 tsp Ajo (looking for translation)
2 tsp Vinegar
2 Tomatoes, cut into strips without seeds or inside meat
4 Potatoes, cut into small french fries
1 Aji pepper, cut in strips without seeds or inside meat
2 Onions Medium, cut in strips
3-4 tsp Soy Sauce
1/4 tsp pepper
1 Tblsp chopped cilantro, fresh

Directions:

Combine meat strips with all purpose seasoning, ajo, vinegar, 2 tsp soy, pepper and let set aside.

Fry and drain french fries, set aside.

Now put a little oil in a wok or deeper pan and get very hot. Toss meat mixture in and stir fry for 2 minutes. Remove meat mixture and liquid into a bowl and set aside.

Again, add oil to pan and get very hot. Stir fry onions, aji, and tomatoes for 2 minutes, add meat mixture and turn off heat. Add additional soy sauce and all cilantro, toss. Cover until ready to serve.

Serve by tossing with french fries and serving over rice. Riquisimo!

For dessert try a slice of joy! Cinco Leches! I shared this piece with my hubs and we couldn't speak for an hour...Simply Shamwowza!

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Again!

2009-08-17T17:09:00.000-07:00

When visiting Peru the days blurrrr together as we go from one meal to the next, visiting with friends and family. The food here is amazing and often looks more like an artistic creation then fuel for the journey. Yesterday we had the family lunch at the club, which is on the beach. These shots are just a few of the dishes our party of 10 ate. After lunch I had time for a walk on the sea wall with my camera and this little guy managed to catch his gourmet lunch and did not mind at all that I was watching him eat. The Pelicans clearly had eaten and were enjoying their siestas :)

Today we spent most the day cursing our way through the Lima traffic. A good enough reason to avoid this country all together...such a pity. The food and fantastic quality of life just cannot make up for this one debilitating factor. My redeeming joy was spending a couple hours playing with my great niece and watching her watch me! Does it get any better than a 4 month old girl?

This Little Piggy Went To The Market...

2009-08-14T14:16:00.000-07:00

It is market day in Lima for me today. I headed off to pick up some yogurt and my favorite rolls called "Kardamondukas"! Little 2 inch breads that have a unique cardamon and slightly sweet flavor to them. I took this photo at the checkout because the row of checkout gals was so striking as I was standing there ready to pay.

Then I was off to the Indian market to find yarn and some items that Alex needed for her project she is doing for her business. On this dreary winter day in Lima I was able to get my happy on just by walking up and down the isles of color that burst out onto my path as I mingle and chat with the merchants. It really is a feast for my eyes!

Tonight I am heading out for the evening with girlfriends. We are going to a French film in a Spanish theater with English sub-titles...love that!

Day four...where did all the week go?

2009-08-13T21:39:00.000-07:00

I arrived in Lima early yesterday morning after circling the airport waiting for the fog to lift. By 130am I was in the bed next to my daughter, giggling and whispering until 3am as we caught up on all the news. Then we slept in, gathered our strength and set out to work on the details of her new business. Very exciting and I cannot wait to share it with all of you, once the trademark is in place...you know the ole CIA take on secrets...if I tell you I will have to kill you! Well, we don't want that!

By evening we gathered at my mother in-laws for the traditional weekly tea with all four generations attending. It was so warm and wonderful to be back around the big table catching up on everyone's lives and meeting my new great niece, Rafaela, who is a darling 4 month old. A and I stumbled home sleepy again and chatted it up before heading off to sleep. Today we enjoyed a few favorite Peruvian dishes that Asunta made for us. We also squeezed in a visit to the "Peluqueria" to get pedicures...someone has to do it. The rest of the day was spent working...really!

Tonight we gathered again around the table and enjoyed hearing about all the days adventures. Snifles, coughs, and general ill will caused everyone to head for bed early. Basically everyone in this country is sick. It is as if winter arrives in Lima and the entire country goes into a deep depression. Everyone looks awful and sad. Really, more then one tourist can take in a short trip. I want to scoop them all up and take them home with me. Yes, even the rains of Portland are more cheery then the grey, dull and very cold winters in Lima.

The most cheerful thing I saw all day was an Alfajores at Starbucks. I will add the photo tomorrow due to technical difficulties. I love starbucks here, the desserts are all Peruvian, naturally, and the drinks also have their own edge. Very fun!

Well, it is time to hit the hay. Buenos Noches amigos!

Day 1 ~ The Journey South

2009-08-11T10:14:00.000-07:00

Taking the red eye out of Portland last night was like being in a time machine. I boarded at 1020pm and landed at 5 am, yet the flight was just under 5 hours! I had just got to sleep after all the noise in the cabin and then a booming voice said we were ready to land! As I staggered off the plane I was determined to find the SkyMiles Club and give them my first born if necessary! The good news was they only wanted $50, the bad news...no lounger chairs! So, this desperate traveler crammed two padded chairs together and made my own :) As I squirmed to get comfy another gal grabbed the two chairs next to me and did the same. Before long we were both out cold. Twelve hour layover to fill and it is only noon! After a nice shower in the club and some lunch I grabbed some perfumes for gifts in the duty free. Now an afternoon of work, listening to my playlist on www.mjstabletalk.com and reading. Hope my fellow travelers don't mind me rocking out in my seat! Thank goodness for headphones! Until tomorrow, see you in Peru!

Happy Birthday Peru!

2009-07-28T07:48:00.000-07:00

Today is the celebration for the Independence of Peru! Unlike the celebration for us here in the U.S. where July 4th is all about the BBQ, heat and sun, Peru celebrates this month in their cold winter with hot chocolate and sweet panatone bread. Everyone bundles up and stays up until midnight and as the morning of the 28th arrives there is dancing and music in the streets and homes.

Happy Birthday Peru! I will be coming to visit in a few weeks! Salud!

Martha Stewart and Pisco Punch!

2009-07-27T09:16:00.000-07:00

What a delight to flip the pages of Martha Stewart Living Magazine this month and see the Pisco Punch story under Wine & Spirits on page 70. This is a lively variation of a Pisco Sour and believed by some to be laced with cocaine dust back in the day of the Bank Exchange. The owner would only serve one per client and never revealed his recipe before dying. The Wings of Cherubs was all he would say. To read the complete history, check out Guillermo Toro-Lira in past posts.

Martha's article does a good deed to showcase some of the lost history of San Francisco that Guillermo Toro-Lira uncovered, but yet there is no reference to him or his book in the article other than "historian"??? Was there another historian? Who was it? Great disappointment from this loyal Martha reader! Please give credit where credit is due! Read her article below:

Pisco Punch

Back when merchant ships plied the waters between California and South America, Peruvian pisco brandy found favor in bars all over San Francisco, where pisco punch and pisco sours were served day and night.

"I have a theory it is compounded of the shavings of cherubs' wings, the glory of a tropical dawn, the red clouds of sunset and fragments of lost epics by dead masters," Rudyard Kipling wrote after sampling the punch in 1889.

Nowhere was pisco punch more revered than at a saloon called the Bank Exchange, whose tight-lipped owner took the recipe to his grave in 1926. There it stayed until an enterprising historian reconstructed the drink in the 1970s.

Back when merchant ships plied the waters between California and South America, Peruvian pisco brandy found favor in bars all over San Francisco, where pisco punch and pisco sours were served day and night.

Ingredients

1 peeled, cored pineapple, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 bottle (750 milliliters) pisco (wine-searcher.com)
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1/2 cup fresh lime juice (from 4 limes)
Ice

Directions

Combine pineapple with pisco in a nonreactive bowl. Cover, and refrigerate for 3 days (make sure fruit is submerged). Bring sugar and water to a boil; stir to dissolve. Let syrup cool. Stir 1/2 cup syrup and lime juice into pisco mixture. Fill 6 glasses with ice and punch. Garnish with soaked pineapple.

First published in Martha Stewart: August 2009

101 Reasons to Love Peru Video!

2009-07-22T16:42:00.000-07:00

Click here to see Video

Jose Luis de Cossio Shares His Magic!

2009-07-22T09:24:00.000-07:00

Chef Jose Luis, who is the head Chef at Andina Restaurant in Portland, spent the evening teaching Mackenzie Treible some of his culinary secrets. As Mackenzie prepares to leave for college in the fall, these should come in handy!

The afternoon began with chopping and putting sauces to simmer while the mentor and pupil got to know each other. Soon the night sky softened and the kitchen began humming with the energy of a professional kitchen as laughter and thoughtful conversations unfolded, amazing smells wafted to all corners of the house, and the sound of clanking pots and utensils, sauces bubbling, and Bogart (the dog) sniffed and hunted around, hoping for something to fall on the floor!

Jose Luis worked his magic with three amazing dishes: Ceviche with an Asian Infusian, Causa, and Lomo Saltado. Five of us were lucky guests who enjoyed the rewards of the lesson on the outside terrace where hummingbirds flitted on the parameter of our space looking as if they were truly questioning which looked more tempting, the sweet nectar of the flowers or Jose Luis and Mackenzie's creations!

Mackenzie was an excellent student and even learned the proper shaking needed to create the perfect Pisco Sour!

The evening was a wonderful adventure and Jose Luis won many hearts and stomachs with his talents. Thank you Jose Luis and the Treible family for lending your kitchen! I think Mackenzie's new college room mates will be the luckiest people ever, as she dazzles them with her new Peruvian culinary skills!

~ Salud!

Calling all Peruvian Marketeers! Chocolate Campaign

2009-07-15T15:44:00.000-07:00

Living Peru is reporting on the increase in cocoa production in Peru. As a popular and expensive treat in other countries, Peru Entrepreneurs have a real opportunity to catch the artisan wave of chocolatiers moving through the foody scene. From the country that brought us Nuvo Andina lets see what they can do with chocolate!

Peruvian cocoa wins international markets

LivinginPeru.com
Isabel Guerra

The president of the Peruvian Association of Cocoa Producers (Appcacao), Hider Bocangel, said the United States and Europe are among the main buyers of Peruvian cocoa for chocolate production.

"Switzerland, Holland and Germany buy our cocoa. Likewise, the United States and Canada," said the head of Appcacao, quoted by Semana Economica.

He stated that Peru has 63,000 hectares of cocoa and an annual production of 35,000 tons, according to last year’s figures.

"The average production per hectare is between 700 and 800 kilos. The northern Peruvian region of San Martin has 18,000 hectares of cocoa. We need means of communication to further promote this product," he added.

Peru has put 5-Star hotels on sale...time to travel!

2009-07-13T18:31:00.000-07:00

Tourism is feeling the economic slowdown the rest of the world has been struggling through the last couple years. In response there are great opportunities if you are traveling south and want to enjoy a high-end location for a low-end price! Reports from

Living Peru

are reporting 30-50% discounts by many of Peru's 5-Star hotels. "Koechlin noted this is the first time that major hotel chains in Peru have reduced their rates so much during peak seasons. "

Photo is from the Monistario Resort in Cuzco.

Pisco SOur Festival begins Today!

2009-07-09T09:09:00.000-07:00

Living Peru is reporting on the Pisco Surco Festival that begins today! Lets hope for a wonderful turnout and continued support of the REAL Pisco roots!

LivinginPeru.com
Isabel Guerra

As an homage to Peru's Flagship Drink, the Municipality of Surco, the Ministry of Production (Produce) and the National Commision for Pisco (Conapisco) are opening today at noon a big festival called “Festival Pisco Surco 2009; our fatherland, our celebration.”

The first stage of this Festival is to be held at the “Parque de la Amistad” (Park of Friendship) located in that district, starting today until July 12th, and will gather producers and distributors from all around the country.

The American Dream is Alive, as told by a Peruvian!

2009-07-06T11:41:00.000-07:00

NC Times has a wonderful story reporting on a Peruvian immigrant who has followed her yellow brick road paved with chocolate gold! The dream is alive!

FALLBROOK: Peruvian chocolatier living sweet American dream

By GARY WARTH - gwarth@nctimes.com | Sunday, July 5, 2009 4:08 PM PDT ∞

Chocolatier Mariella Balbi sets a 4-pound truffle cake in a display case at her Guanni gourmet chocolates shop in Fallbrook. (Photo by John Koster - For the North County Times)

Chocolatier Mariella Balbi makes homemade gourmet chocolates at her Guanni shop in Fallbrook. (Photo by John Koster - For the North County Times)

These gourmet chocolates with Peruvian hot pepper and brandy are a favorite among customers at Mariella Balbi's gourment chocolates shop called Guanni in Fallbrook. (Photo by John Koster - For the North County Times)

FALLBROOK ---- Mariella Balbi came to the United States from Peru trained as a chef, but could only find work as a housekeeper. She diligently built up a business making specialized chocolates, then lost almost everything in the wildfires of 2007.

Setbacks, she admits. Challenges, certainly. But those are the types of things, she insists, that only made her stronger.

"You always hear outside the United States about the American Dream," Balbi said. "And you know what? I am living the American dream."

With a combination of small steps and leaps of faith, Balbi has built a passionate following for her business, Guanni, a word she concocted as a combination of the names of her three sons, Gianni, Guanalvaro and Ian. She has sold Guanni chocolates, tarts, cookies and cocoa online and at farmers markets since 2003, and with little fanfare she just opened her first walk-in shop, at 550 Industrial Way in Fallbrook.

While she doesn't expect the modest shop in an industrial park to become the hub of activity in Fallbrook, where she lives with her husband and two of her three children, Balbi does expect a new machine in the back kitchen to be a key in taking Guanni to the next level.

The German-built, $63,000 continuously tempering system machine, which calls to mind a famous episode of "I Love Lucy," keeps melted chocolate at a constant temperature that stabilizes cocoa butter, resulting in a smooth shell that does not smudge. Most important, the machine vastly increases the amount of chocolate Balbi can produce, meaning she can begin courting restaurants and hotels to stock Guanni products.

Her chocolate aspirations are not pie in the sky. For regular customers craving chocolates made with peppercorns, spices, brandy-soaked currants, the Peruvian beverage Pisco and other exotic ingredients, there are no alternatives to Guanni ---- and Balbi has watched her business steadily grow since introducing her sweets in 2003.

Balbi had worked as a chef and her husband, Andres, was in commodities in Peru. When the government slashed subsidies to the poultry industry, the bottom fell out of Andres' business as many farmers went bankrupt. The couple decided to immigrate to the land of opportunity. They headed for San Diego County, where Andres had family.

"We always knew that here, you can work and create something not based on your age or your gender, but just on what you believe in," she said about moving to the United States in July 2000.

Despite her training as a chef, Balbi could only find work as a housekeeper when she arrived nine years ago. After she convinced a client to let her cook, news of Balbi's culinary skills led to so many catering jobs that Andres advised her to focus on one field. With a $300 investment, just enough for a tent and a couple of coolers to set up at the Escondido Farmers Market, she began selling four flavors of chocolate in 2003.

By 2007, Balbi estimated she had between $30,000 and $50,000 in equipment in the rented Fallbrook house where she made her chocolates. She lost her home and all the equipment in the wildfires of 2007, and while she had no insurance to cover the loss, she found she had more friends than she knew.

Merchants from farmers markets offered knives, tables and other equipment, and within two weeks she was back in business. Customers also came through when they heard of the fire.

"People would say, 'I'm a friend of a friend of a friend, and I'm in South Carolina and would like to send a little check for you,'" Balbi recalled. "We didn't know how to express what we felt. It was so beautiful."

Balbi said she will begin hiring help as her chocolate production increases with her new operation, but also will continue making her truffles by hand.

"I'm romantic," she said. "I believe that if you forget where you started, you will get lost in the process as you grow."

Balbi's new store is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. Her chocolates also can be found in farmers markets on Sundays in Hillcrest, Hollywood, Santa Monica and soon in La Jolla, Saturdays in Del Mar and Poway, Tuesdays in Escondido and Thursdays in Oceanside.

Call staff writer Gary Warth at 760-740-5410.

Acurio's 500 Years of Fusion gets big award!

2009-07-02T07:42:00.000-07:00

One of my all time favorite chefs was just recognized by the acclaimed Gourmand Cookbook Awards! Living Peru is reporting, "The book “Gastón Acurio, 500 years of fusion,” written by the renowned Peruvian cook and edited by El Comercio, was awarded as the best gastronomic book, during the ceremony of the Gourmand Cookbook Awards, the most important in the culinary industry." So, make your way to one of his wonderful restaurants and in the U.S. that would be in San Francisco. If you are not able to experience first hand his recipes, do the next best thing and try his recipes at home! Fantastico!

Catching Raindrops!

2009-06-29T17:43:00.000-07:00

Rainwater has always been a valued resource, and resourceful green types have been very inventive in their methods for capturing the precious drops to use in their gardens and homes. This tradition continues now in these innovative systems that are easy, portable, and aesthetically more acceptable for our modern homes. Check out the links and find the system that fits your needs!

aridsolutionsinc.com
rainbarrelsource.com

homedepot.com

Fiskars
57 Gal. Spice Granite Tuscany Rainwater Harvesting System

Model 5997

gardeners.com/bhg

Rainwater Urn, 65 Gallon
$219.00

The Good Guide Should Be On Your Resource list!

2009-06-29T17:35:00.000-07:00

The Good Guide website is a wonderful place to find consumer information for your daily purchases. Good Guide is a "B" certified company, which means:

"B Corporations™ are a new kind of company which uses the power of business to solve social and environmental problems." Reviewing Food, toys, Household Chemicals, and Personal Products.

This site should be the first stop for any parent or consumer wanting to support good business and buy healthy products and food.

http://www.goodguide.com/

Plastic Bottles banned in Machu Pichu...Yeah!

2009-06-25T22:36:00.000-07:00

On my last trip to Machu Picchu I was so sad to see the pollution of the Urubamba river on my way in. Literally thousands piled high in every turn and fork in the river. Well here is a bit of good news as reported by Living Peru today...

Peru: Disposable plastic bottles banned in Machu Picchu

LivinginPeru.com
Isabel Guerra

The Municipality of Machu Picchu has banned the use of plastic bottles in the area, because the amount of the disposed bottles easily reaches 1 ton each month, generating a serious environmental issue.

The town ordinance will come into effect on August 23rd, so the sale and consumption of beverages in disposable plastic bottles will be strictly forbidden to avoid pollution in the area.

Read more at http://www.livinginperu.com/news-9437-environmentnature-peru-disposable-plastic-bottles-banned-in-machu-picchu

Nasca ~ Peruvians gone wild!

2009-06-24T22:15:00.000-07:00

Jaime and I took the visiting Peruvians to our favorite little haunt on the east side tonight ~ Nasca! If you are looking for the down home taste of Peruvian food, this is where it all happens! Nasca is coming up on its first year in business and the family owners are doing a fabulous job. As the five of us ordered 6 appetizers, Andreas warned us we would not have room for dinner, then smiled and brought us one delicious dish after another! The empanadas were my favorite, but all plates were literally licked clean as moans of pleasure came from each of the men folk. Once these plates were cleared 4 entrees were ordered followed by 2 desserts! Every dish was shared and all agreed that the flavors were like back home! From the Aji de Gallina to the Piccarones, every dish brought a contented smile to our faces. A warm and welcoming place to enjoy Sobre Mesa! Mui Rico!!!

Read about the Artisan mining of Gold in Peru!

2009-06-19T08:08:00.000-07:00

As reported by Living Peru:

14 June, 2009 10:56:21 | in Industry/Mining

No Dirty Gold: Illegal artisan mining in the eye of the silent Storm

by
José Gonzáles

“As you read this text, an artisan miner struggles with the elements of nature by digging into the earth in order to extract minerals by using his rudimentary tools and his brute strength” (Website “Minería Artesanal en el Perú, Centro Virtual de Documentación y Comunicaciones”). So begins a website about the reality of artisan mining in Peru, viewed of course as a chronicle of romance between struggling men and the untamed forces of nature in the search for minerals. Reality, though, could hardly be less romantic

Read More:
http://www.livinginperu.com/business-797-industrymining-no-dirty-gold-illegal-artisan-mining-eye-silent-storm

VOTE for Cuzco travel video!

2009-06-19T07:52:00.000-07:00

Hostels Worldwide is having a travel host contest! An Australian chap by the name of Anthony Fowlestone is in the top 6 and needs our help to win! He is featuring Cuzco and did a beautiful job...so go vote at http://www.hostelworld.com/videos/competition/videocompetition.php

Give the children Hats, Scarves, and Gloves!

2009-06-11T18:13:00.000-07:00

Living Peru reported today that more impacting than the swine flu is Pneumonia on the children in the Andes. With the bitter cold of winter closing in, clothing drives for hat, scarves, and gloves are critical.

This is an opportunity when visiting the country to make a difference. As a tourist visiting Peru or living at my home in Lima, I am often approached for money by small children. My niece taught me early on to not give money, but instead food or socks, etc. So when you visit Peru, take your woolies with you to hand out to the children in the high country. In my experience it is bitterly cold in the Andes and most Ketchuan homes have dirt floors and mud walls. If you don't have room in your luggage, there are many markets to buy local wool hats, scarves, and gloves for you to keep and handout. This has a dual benefit in supporting the local artisans and keeping their children warm.

Photo from http://www.livingperu.com/

Mint!

2009-06-10T13:05:00.000-07:00

Mint leaves. From left to right peppermint, Eau de Cologne mint (M. citrata), Japanese mint (M. arvensis var. piperascens, also known as var. japonica), horsemint or silver mint (M. longifolia), Moroccan green mint (M. spicata), pineapple mint (M. suaveolens) and Carinthian mint (M. carinthiaca = M. arvensis x M. suaveolens)

Photo and description from Gernot Katzer's Spice Pages.

I love when I go to my neighbor's house for dinner or a visit, she always offers me mint herbal tea over ice. Made fresh from her garden, I have become fascinated with how good it makes me feel. So, after some poking around I found it has so many wonderful benefits for the body and soul. It is known as the symbol of hospitality in Greek mythology, but that is only the beginning of its many uses.

Mint makes a revitalizing foot scrub or rub. Combine 1 cup of Epsom salt, 1/3 cup olive oil and 6 drops of Peppermint essential oil. Scrub your feet, or better yet, ask someone else to scrub your feet and do the same for them. Rinse and enjoy the tingle!

Lake Austin Spa has a wonderful recipe for taking away dandruff. Add one sprig of mint and of rosemary in 8oz of cider vinegar, let sit for a week, and then use after shampooing.

As a feel good all over, put mint in hot water to steep, then serve hot or over ice. It is fun to play with herb combinations, for a fun summer blend try basil or pineapple juice! Mint soothes the tummy and muscles.

Mint is also know for curbing hunger. Smell or sip tea and it will satisfy you enough to avoid those snack habits. Peppermints are low cal usually and provide the same benefits...but only one please!

At the end of the day, to get the full relaxing benefits of Mint, head over to NE Portland's Mint 829 Restaurant and enjoy a Pan American Bistro with influences from the Pacific North West, the Mediterranean and Latin America. "Located in the historic Frederick Torgler Building, Mint's sleek, yet cushy interior allows the vibrant drinks and cuisine to take center stage, inviting guests to relax and enjoy."

Casa Andina starts 5-star hotel project in Chincha

2009-06-08T10:46:00.000-07:00

My favorite hotel when I am traveling around Peru is Casa Andina. They offer all levels of stays, but are consistently clean and in the hot spots of the touring areas. This new one looks to be an exciting addition!

Living in Peru Peru: Casa Andina starts 5-star hotel project in Chincha

www.livinginperu.com

Source: www.livinginperu.com

Casa Andina Hotels started with its five-star hotel project, after receiving all required permits and approval from the National Institute of Culture (INC), as part of its 5-star Casa Andina Private Collection ...

Qoyllur Rit'i Festival

2009-06-08T10:27:00.000-07:00

Living in Peru Peru: Qoyllur Rit'i Festival to attract 40,000 pilgrims

www.livinginperu.com

Source: www.livinginperu.com

According to the Provincial Municipality of Quispicanchi, a total of 40,000 pilgrims are expected to attend the Festivity of the Lord of Qoyllur Rit'i in the Peruvian region of Cusco this year.This festivity ...

Peru and Cocoa

2009-06-02T00:08:00.000-07:00

There is many reasons to love Peru, but here is yet another: Peru produces cocoa beans! On my travels to Peru, I love to stock up on the famous Peruvian chocolate to make traditional Peruvian Hot Chocolate when I am sitting by a toasty fire in Portland during the long winters. Another favorite is to add a splash of the Helena's Chocolate Pisco to the brew and really warm up!

LivinginPeru.com
Isabel Guerra reports
There are approximately 65,000 hectares of cocoa cultivations in Peru, which produce some 32,000 tonnes and provide the income to 35,000 poor families," said Leyton.

Caral is up for Would Cultural Heritage consideration!

2009-06-02T00:01:00.001-07:00

Living Peru's Isabel Guerra reports that Peru's Caral likely to be considered as World Cultural Heritage

LivinginPeru.com
According to archaeologist Ruth Shady, the ruins of the ancient city of Caral (located at 207 km or 128 miles to the north of Lima) meet the conditions to join the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Shady is a well known researcher of the Caral civilization, based in Supe valley, province of Barranca in Lima region.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) said that they will assess request applications in this list of new sites around the world, including Caral.

Shady pointed out that Caral is considered the oldest civilization of Peru and America and is more than 5,000 years old.

"We are confident that the World Heritage Committee will recognize the universal values of Caral in order to declare this city a World Cultural Heritage site," Shady said.

Inti Raymi ~ Cuzco's Celebration of the Sun is June 24th!

2009-05-27T16:12:00.000-07:00

Living Peru is reporting:

One of the most emblematic festivals in all of Peru, the Inti Raymi (celebration of the sun) is scheduled to take place this June 24th in Cusco. The Inti Raymi is a series of traditional dances and Ketchua prayers held at the foot of one of the world's most fantastic ruins, Saqsaywaman. Last week a "sneek peek" event was held at the Governmental Palace at the center of Lima featuring a preview of many of the costumes and dances that will be featured at this year's Inti Raymi.

If you have the opportunity to travel up to Cuzco, try to plan it around one of these beautiful festivals!

"Rojo" the therapy Llama!

2009-05-23T08:43:00.000-07:00

Hear is a unique therapy animal that defies the normal personality of a Llama. Typically these beautiful creatures are quite fussy; kicking biting and spitting among their lovely habits when touched or bothered. Not Rojo! This gentle furball loves to snuggle with his fellow man dwellers. Guaranteed to put a smile on the face of someone who needs a little love, Rojo is available to visit non-profits like nursing homes and hospitals at no charge. Rojo will also come to your private celebration for a fee. Rojo has his own website, so for more information visit http://rojothellama.com/default.aspx

Rojo's Story

Incredibly touchable, and unusually people-friendly, Rojo is rapidly becoming recognized as somewhat of a local celebrity as he participates in local parades, and makes regular visits to schools and adult-care facilities in Portland, OR, and Vancouver ,WA.

From the day he was born on April 26th of 2002, Rojo has enjoyed being around people of all ages. His handler, Shannon Gregory, trained Rojo as a 4H Project Animal, and won Grand Champion with him at the local and state levels in the Public Relations and Handler Classes. While he was at the fair, a spectator observed Rojo's exceptionally gentle temperment, and suggested that he become certified as a therapy animal, so that he would be welcomed into various environments where his special qualities could benefit the lives of others. In July of 2007, Shannon and her mother, Lori Gregory, both completed the Animal-Assisted Therapy Training through DoveLewis in Portland, OR, and separately took Rojo through the final evaluation to become the first llama therapy teams ever certified by DoveLewis. Completion of the DoveLewis training and evaluation also automatically qualified both teams to be registered with the Delta Society Pet Partners Program.

Rojo has already made nearly 100 visits to local area senior communities, schools, and facilities for disabled children and adults. It has been very exciting to see the responses and progress that has resulted from these visits, and the love that is expressed for him wherever he goes. We have been given a very special gift in Rojo, and we are delighted to share him so that he might bless the lives of others!

Vicuña fiber is priced at US $ 650 per kilo!

2009-05-23T08:26:00.000-07:00

It is wonderful to see Peru farmers making use of their amazing resources that are sustainable! Vicuna wool is among the softest in the world if not the softest. These gentle creatures of the camel family cannot be domesticated, so sheering is truly a talent for these farmers. I have long been told that if a Vicuna is tied up they will kill themselves by bashing their head against something. Clearly the farmers in Peru that our breeding these animals for their wool have found away to get them through the sheering process that is humane and effective.

Vicuña breeders in Peru celebrated the first "chaco" of the year

LivinginPeru.com
Isabel Guerra

The first “chaco” of the year, that is, the festival where vicuñas are shorn, took place in Pampa del apu Huamanrazu, gathering hundreds of peasants from the community of Santa Barbara (Huancavelica region).

The joy of the farmers was justified because they expect to collect 100 kilos of vicuña wool during this year, “which means twice as the amount collected in 2007,” said Pablo de la Cruz Quispe, the responsible of this project (ProVicuña).

"The breeders have come to understand the importance of improving their skills and protecting the animals from poaching,” said Pablo de la Cruz, remarking that this problem is declining.

In 2006, the community of Santa Barbara collected 22 kilos of vicuña wool; in 2007 they collected 39.34 kg and in 2008 reached 40 kilos.

At present, a kilogram clean Vicuña fiber is priced at US $ 650

A bit of Honey!

2009-05-11T03:25:00.000-07:00

This June, Wisdom Quilts will be featuring Mackenzie Treible, an 18 year old Bee Keeper from Portland, Oregon who has made a business helping farms and residents set up Beehives on their farms and in their yards. Mackenzie's pursuits shed light on the plight of the Bees and how we can each help these critical members of world. To read her story you can sign up for the June news letter at Wisdom Quilts under the Threads of Wisdom newsletter.

To enjoy the sweet nectar of the bees, check out the Honey Board for some fun recipes using honey. One of my favorites is their recipe for,

Firming Face Mask:

Whisk together 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 egg white, 1 teaspoon of glycerin (buy at drug-store), and add enough flour to form a paste. Smooth over face and neck and leave on for ten minutes. Rinse with warm water and enjoy the soft, firm results!

The beautiful Bee photo is by Autanex.

"Salva la Selva" ~ Save the Rainforest!

2009-04-30T12:00:00.000-07:00

Deep in the rain forest of Peru it came to the attention of Gart van Gennip (owner of ikitos.com, a travel service in Iquitos, Peru) that batteries were not being recycled and are posing a real threat to the health of the rivers and environment of the jungle. After searching for recycling solutions in the country, he found none. Gart took the batteries he had collected back with him on a visit to his home country and recycled them there. He now encourages villagers to turn in their batteries to him and he then sends them with tourists back out to their countries for recycling.

This is an example of true green living. Here in the states we have wonderful programs for recycling our batteries that are easy compared to Gart's efforts, and still we dump them in the trash. Lets take a lesson from Gart and his amazing efforts to save his big corner of the world that we all depend on! And remeber when in Iquitos to stop by and get a hand full to bring home!

Sava la Mundo!

Recycle ideas:
http://www.masterrecycler.org/ Teach "How To"
Metro Region Hazardous Waste Information for Portland, Oregon www.metro-region.org/article.cfm?ArticleID=644 Search for one in your home town.

Photo taken in my backyard.

Pandemic Imminent

2009-04-29T14:15:00.001-07:00

As I watch the W.H.O. updates on the advancement of the alert system to level 5, I want to remind all of us that there are actions we can take in our own homes to prepare. Burying our heads will only promote the spread of this virus.

The local and national American Red Cross and our local Fire Departments are focusing on the Prevention activities until things change further. The recommendations provided by the CDC, state public health, and local public health agencies are:

Frequently wash your hands
Cover your mouth when coughing
Stay home from work or school when you are sick
Go to the hospital in an emergency situation

You can visit the complete Influenza guidelines at the American Red Cross. It is a great time to update emergency kits and personal procedures that you have in place for your home, work, and car; if you don't have a kit you can buy one at The Red Cross Store, or a local outdoor store. Always have latex gloves and masks contained in your kits. Because the situation in most parts of the U.S. are only being monitored and have not shown active cases yet, it is a good time to check in with neighbors who are shut-ins, and perhaps create a neighborhood network for supporting one another in case the situation worsens.

It is never a waste of time to prepare as there are always a multitude of natural events that are better survived with our preparation of plans and kits. This preparation allows for people to feel less panic and have the proper knowledge to help themselves and neighbors when a crisis does appear.

During all the media coverage, take care that children are not feeling anxious or hearing inappropriate information for their age. Discuss with all age children good hygiene and empower them that to avoid illness with these good habits. Review family plans as needed with your family and again reach out to neighbors who are elders or need special support to help them feel calm and know they are part of your plan. Also, have a plan in the event of your child's school closing; how will you care for them if your work is still open.

It is very unclear how this virus will develop. Panic and fear only work against our immunity systems and create chaos. Ask the questions in your family and community to be empowered, prepared and prevent. Then see how you can help others at work and in your community remain calm and prepare.

Photo is by Daniel James.

Andina ~ The Gem of the Pearl

2009-04-25T19:48:00.000-07:00

Jaime and I went to our favorite restaurant this afternoon and enjoyed some of our favorites tapas. We met up with Peter, one of the owners, to catch up on life and what new projects we all have been exploring. Peter has a wonderful ability to have many irons in the fire and still have time to chat. Jaime and I arrived just as the bar was opening and twenty minutes later there was not an empty seat in the house. Sitting back, I watched people from every walk of life as they enjoyed the wonderful concoctions from master Greg's Peruvian bar. Every glass was a different color as they peppered the tables around me, and by the expressions on the faces of those sipping... the drinks were muy rico! Then my food arrived and I went into a trance as my hearing shut off and my stomach only had eyes for the Papas a la Huancaina on the table in front of me. That was it, I was in the zone! By the end of the meal our wonderful server brought the dessert menu by and I opted for the ice cream of the day: Cheesecake Jalapeno! I know, very adventurous of me. As Peter and Jaime moaned over their Alfajores, I proceeded to lick the bowl clean with complete surprise at the unexpected combination of this refreshing treat! Thank you Peter for a wonderful escape filled with new flavors and great conversation!

Papas a la Huancaina

This recipe was given to me by a friend, but nothing I have tasted in the states compares to authentic Peruvian Hauncaina sauce except for Andina’s. This dish is a spicy Peruvian specialty that can be served as a starter or “tapas”. The sauce itself is very versatile can also be used as a dip for items such as shrimp, purple potatoes and yucca, to name just a few. The sauce should be used within one day for best results.

10 medium potatoes (Yukon are a good choice)
1 lb queso fresco
2-3 tablespoons Aji Amarillo paste (to taste)
½ tsp turmeric
4-8 crushed soda crackers
1 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic
salt and pepper
Lettuce
3 hardboiled egg (Quail eggs are traditional)
Olive

Directions

Boil, peel and cut potatoes in slices
In a blender, mix the cheese, aji, evap. milk, oil, garlic, crackers, turmeric, salt and pepper until smooth and thick. If too thick add a little more evap. milk, if not thick enough add more cheese and oil.
Lay a bed of lettuce in a serving dish and place the potatoes on top. Cover with the sauce. Cut the hard boiled eggs in quarters or halves and place on side the potatoes with an olive nestled next to it.
Serve room temperature to cool, not cold and not hot.

ENJOY ~

New Ruins in Cuzco Marriott

2009-04-24T12:50:00.000-07:00

Marriott Hotels is building a new hotel in Cuzco. During the construction preparation they have found an ancient Incan wall. Archeologists are surprised as they had thought the area was used for agriculture and was not part of the ancient urban landscape of the Inca. Marriott plans to incorporate the artifacts that were found as well as the stone walls into their hotel design. They will build suites that include the walls.

I applaud Marriott for preserving what they have found, however are they sure they are not building on top of a site that needs further exploration. I am curious as to what the laws are in Peru governing such finds on private lands. In my view it is a national treasure that should be accessed by all, not just the few who can pay for the Marriott suite. Peru has a long history of outsiders exploiting their resources and carrying away these natural resources, leaving no benefit; potatoes, rubber, pisco, etc., etc. Now it seems that even within the country a hotel can be built around cultural heritage site and shut off access of the average Peruvian. Be careful what Trojan Horses are allowed into the country and learn from your past Peru.

In these cases I believe a solution has to involve a partnership agreement where Marriott is allowed to make their profit and Peruvian Cultural Affairs have jurisdiction over preservation and exploration of the cultural site. These ruins are simply to ancient for a random corporation to take ownership of. Peru must protect its interests within the country. They are in the stronger position for negotiation. Every sales contract Peru offers for a piece of land should have a cultural ownership clause. Marriott Article

Earth Day, Smurf Day!

2009-04-22T12:37:00.000-07:00

It has been wonderful to watch this day of awareness grow and evolve. Here in Portland the weather is cooling today, but still gorgeous as Oregonians celebrate being the greenest state in the country...both environmentally and colorfully :) Today especially I keep Thomas Friedman's words in my mind that so far Americans are only having a Green Party, that to have a Green Revolution we would need to be in a lot more pain and act more purposefully. So today when the work day is done, I will sit on my deck over looking the forest and decide what I can do to bump up my daily efforts.

I have one big question that haunts me that I have been trying to resolve:

I own a Jeep SUV, not the most environmentally friendly car. However, dumping it on the used car market does not do away with its impact on the environment, nor does buying another car that uses even a drop of gas. Our car companies have had 50 years to get other options out to us and now they are crying bankruptcy and I am still stuck with fossil fuel consumption as my only choice. Radical transportation is what this consumer is looking for. IS ANYONE LISTENING? In the mean time I can only drive less and carpool. Ideas? This is one brain-storming session around the table I would like to attend! In the meantime I will fantasize that the little blue men will make it all better.

Picarones - Peruvian Donuts

2009-04-16T15:19:00.001-07:00

This is one of my husband's favorite desserts, for that matter most Peruvian's favorite! Living Peru posted this recipe and I just had to share! Can't wait to try this version! Enjoy! http://livinginperu.com/

Very Good

Ingredients

2 Lbs. white flour (about 6 cups)
1 lb or 450 grams sweet potatoes (peeled)
1 lb or 450 grams Zapallo (squash) or it can be replaced with pumpkin. (peeled)
3 tablespoons yeast
2 eggs
½ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons sugar
1 Tablespoon anise seeds
2 sticks of cinnamon
2 cups reserved cooking liquid oil for deep frying

Preparation
Fill a pot with sufficient water to cover sweet potatoes, add cloves, anise and cinnamon. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Then add pumpkin and squash and cook until very tender. Strain through a colander reserving 2 cups of the cooking liquid. In a separate bowl, add sugar and yeast along with 1 cup of the reserved cooking liquid. Let sit for 20 minutes. In large bowl add flour, salt, lightly beaten eggs, and yeast mixture. Stir very until you have incorporated everything well and you have a thick dough. If you find the dough is not wet enough you may add more cooking liquid. Place a towel over and let rise for 1 to 2 hours until doubled in size. (Many times it is allowed to rise 3 to 4 hours in Peru) Heat oil. Wet three fingers and take a bit larger size of a golf ball of dough and quickly poke a hole in the center and place it in the frying pan.

Semana Santa ~ Holy Week

2009-04-08T14:00:00.000-07:00

Holy week in Peru is full of ceremonies and rituals. All leading up to Easter with a feast and celebrations spanning from the ocean fisherman to the Andian natives. The wonderful foods of Peru take center stage as families gather. My favorite treat is the traditional Peruvian Tejas!

"Easter celebrations in the Peruvian Andes are a good opportunity to appreciate the syncretism between the Catholic traditions, introduced by the Spanish during colonial times, and the local traditions inherited by the Incas and other pre-Columbian cultures."

Find the rest of the article by clicking the "read more" below.
http://www.theperuguide.com/peru_travel_adventure_news/2006/04/11/easter-celebrations-in-peru/

Aliens built Machu Picchu? Yale 300- page report says, YES!

2009-04-05T21:15:00.000-07:00

Could this have any validity at all? The professors from Yale, who are accused of stealing artifacts from Peru and have been asked to return them, proclaim that the items are not from earth, so Peru has no claim! Let the games begin on this creative debate... read more at http://www.livinginperu.com/features-720-entertainment-machu-picchu-built-aliens-

I took this picture last December and did not see any aliens while I was hiking around. However, it was Christmas Eve and a pure white baby llama was born in the main arena...a very beautiful miracle, but not an alien.

El Chalan Peruvian food in Washington, D.C.

2009-03-25T15:32:00.000-07:00

Another Peruvian restaurant has made it onto my radar for my next trip to D.C. Taunted for its authentic flavors, El Chalan has a long history of pleasing the local palettes and offering up some favorite Peruvian dishes. Can't wait to check it out...

http://www.elchalanrestaurant.com/clients/elchalan/elchalan.nsf/Index2Page?OpenPage

El Chalan

1924 I Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20006

Farragut West & Foggy Bottom-GWU
Metro stations (Blue & Orange lines)

Switch off for the planet EARTH!

2009-03-25T15:24:00.000-07:00

This Saturday is your chance to send a message that something has to change now! By shutting off all your electricity eating devices between 8:30pm - 9:30 pm, you will be casting your vote for the earth and innovation! See more at

http://www.voteearth2009.org/home/

Light a few candles and play some board games with the family, or take a flash light and read a story out loud :)

Looking for good photo tips...

2009-03-24T23:50:00.000-07:00

Thomas Mangelsen is one of my favorite modern photographers! Surf Youtube for some great tips from this master before setting off on your own adventure travels! Start with http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHk2wDc6mA4

If you find yourself lounging in your jammies, flipping through your travel books, and still wanting more photo travel tips, tune in for Art Wolfe's Travels from the Edge on OPB (or your local public broadcasting station). He is on Sunday mornings in Portland.

Gringa's best photo tip is for you to get your camera out and about. Shoot, shoot, and shoot some more. Become one with your camera and if technical advice is needed, visit your local camera repair shop as they usually have experts offering one-on-one classes to ensure you are one with your camera before you set out on your great adventure!

I took this snap at a low angle to allow the drama of the length to be extenuated...do you think it worked?

~Say Cheese!

Solar jackets that charge cell phones and iPods sold in Peru

2009-03-21T07:11:00.000-07:00

What a unique and innovative idea. The jacket takes about 5 hours to fully charge a phone or MP3 player and the allows the device 45 hours of use. Living Peru reports: "A strip of cloth with solar cells can be attached to the area where the collar is," explained Mariella Tabini, head of Marketing for Designers, the company currently selling the jacket in Peru.

To read more...

http://www.livinginperu.com/news/

Photo from Living Peru

Finding the next patch of ice!

2009-03-06T11:07:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite passages from Thomas Friedman's book called Hot, Flat, and Crowded is about what we do next in the fight to save our planet; I call that "Finding the next patch of ice" in honor of the struggle I see with our Polar Bear population.

“We need to redefine Green and rediscover America and in so doing, rediscover ourselves and what it means to be Americans. We are all Pilgrims again… If we fail
to recognize that, we will indeed, become just one more endangered species.”

~Thomas Friedman

Walking the Amazon!

2009-03-05T11:29:00.000-08:00

Is the recession getting you down? If like me you are tired of all the bad news and the hits to the travel savings account, then come on this armchair escape and follow Ed Stafford, who is setting out from the mouth of the Amazon in Peru and walking the 4000 miles to its end in Brazil. Follow his blog and adventures as he captures the voices of the cultures as he travels the river. You can see his routes and progress at his home site and then tap into his blog for a superscription at:

http://www.walkingtheamazon.com/

Looking forward to seeing and reading about this culturally diverse journey and the beautiful people Ed will encounter!

February 8th is Peru's National Pisco Day!

2009-02-05T08:32:00.000-08:00

How will you celebrate? Break out of your routine and try a new recipe! Whether classic or creative...Enjoy!

Check out the new Inca Kola Ice Cream!

2009-01-29T18:58:00.000-08:00

That is right, Coca Cola released Inca Kola as an D'onofrio Ice Cream this month! Check it out...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svZKYfB7j38

Peruvian Exchange Student Is Shot in Portland

2009-01-27T12:40:00.000-08:00

It is a sad week in Portland as the snow falls. I am staring out my window with a sick heart wondering where the parents of Martha Paz De Noboa, known as "Tika," 17, of Peru are and how they, and all the other families affected by this event, can be coping right now. It is an amazing thing for a parent to send their child off to a foreign country and have any peace of mind. When my daughter was in Peru, well taken care of by family, and exploring her home and family culture, I did not sleep a full night the entire time. Always anxious when the phone rang in the middle of the night, but giving it up to a higher power so that I would not get an ulcer.

On Sunday, January 25, 2009, as the news broke that the night before a 24 year old male had opened fire randomly, shooting and killing two and injuring many more before shooting himself, my thoughts immediately went to the root of the problem, our children's suffering in America. Why are they suffering so much in this country; why are we not acting more extremely to aid the health of our children? When later in the day the news broke that many of these children were exchange students and one girl killed was from Peru, I wanted to be ill. My heart broke in two to imagine those parents getting this phone call. Their sweet accomplished child in a far off place chasing her dreams had fallen to a sick and desperate young adult with a gun.

I often hear others say after these shooting events, "what happened to the parents of the shooter, where did they fail, how could they not know?" I am frustrated by these questions, not because they are not accurate, but because it takes a village, as is said, to raise these children. Our children are hurting in this country from desperation and loneliness. They are lacking a purpose in their families and communities, and are disappointed when high-tech toys and quick-high shopping at the mall does not fill the void. Some families are doing it right, but that responsibility does not stop at your front door; it expands out into your community and culture. We must grapple with our time management and getting children back to the dinner table five nights a week. Somewhere we must find the discipline and strength to be parents who say "No" to outside demands in support of our obligation to our families’ well-being, and the social fabric of our communities.

As soon as you say it won't happen to my child, or in my community, you had better duck and cover. Violence to others by young men is not the only symptom of this depletion to our children's souls. Obesity, drug abuse, lack of involvement, teen pregnancy, and the list grows as children struggle to find their place in this world. In place of a magic wand it is up to each of us to start at home and build outwards, demanding from our own schedules, employers, our universities and education systems, and our government what we need to restore our family values. I am not here to preach a religious agenda, nor am I preaching my view of a family structure; I am simply pointing out that at least one adult and one child makes a family. From there it is the extended communities that must help raise this child while the parent(s) or guardian builds their life around this priority. We were not meant to do it alone, locked away in a house. I do not see any band-aids working, nor non-profit organizations or government programs tipping the trends. It must start at home, and our communities must adapt to these changes!

Tika and the other children were victims of the culture, not just a 24 year old male with a gun. Bad things happen to good people, but that is no comfort to the dozen or so families as they struggle with the loss of several children and wounded family members in a situation they cannot possibly understand. In the countries listed in the papers: Peru, Ecuador, Italy, and Japan, where these children came from, what is their experience with youth shooters? I believe this concept is so foreign to them that they will struggle for the rest of their lives to understand what happened, and I will struggle right along with them.

I send up a profound prayer of love, forgiveness, and peace to envelop the Paz de Noboa family and the other families of this horrific event. I pray for all of our own community to take meaningful notice; do more than feel grief; do more than give arm chair analysis; do more to take a stand for your own family and allow this to spill out onto our nation, a nation desperate for soulfulness and collective respect for each others value and contribution to humanity. Let's give our children back their childhood!

To read more about this event:
http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2009/01/saturday_nights_shooting_teez.html

I took this picture at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. on January 7, 2009.

Gloria Estefan in Peru

2009-01-26T09:53:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2G8mHOxDbA

Fabulous Fruit!

2009-01-25T12:27:00.000-08:00

I am continually fascinated by the fruit in Peru. There are so many types that we don't normally see here in the Northwest, although that is changing with the import gourmet markets. Here are a few shots from my last trip. Yes, those are monster grapes, and naturally this big. L posed so we could see the real impact of their size. Yummers!

Relaxation in the jungle?

2009-01-22T09:02:00.000-08:00

Anyone who has gone, or plans to go to the jungle in Peru, has usually found options in Iquitos , Peru that are pretty rough around the edges. Here is a link to more of what you might be looking for if trudging knee deep in mucky waters is not your idea of a relaxing getaway.

www.puertopalmeras.com

Puerto Palmeras boasts large beds and tropical drinks pool-side. Looks interesting!

2009-01-15T09:06:00.000-08:00

BREATHE!

By MJ Saavedra

Moment of Luxury Episode

2009-01-14T12:58:00.000-08:00

Here is a beautiful special on the Luxurious aspects of Lima. Enjoy!

http://www.wliw.org/productions/video/mol111.html

Bon Appétit Magazine says "Lima: The Next Big Food City"

2009-01-13T07:44:00.000-08:00

My friend Lucia writes:

I just received this message which I must share with you. The article appeared in the world-renowned Bon Appétit Magazine.

Peruvians, BE PROUD.

French chefs: BEWARE!!! We are taking over….heck yeah!!

See the January 2009 issue of Bon Appétit Magazine for the full article. Fresh, honest, and about time! http://www.bonappetit.com/magazine/2009/01/lima_the_next_great_food_city?currentPage=1

My favorite quote in the 3-page article: "IF RUBIO IS PERU'S great culinary curator, preserving traditional recipes, and if Acurio is Peru's great culinary popularizer, then Pedro Miguel Schiaffino is the experimentalist, applying classical European technique to exotic ingredients."

Trekking to DC!

2009-01-10T16:37:00.000-08:00

Not 24 hours after landing in Portland, A and I were once again in a plane heading to DC. Snowing all around us and exhausted, we made our way across the country, where it was also snowing as we landed. DC is a beautiful city, and 2 weeks before the Presidential Inauguration, the city is a buzz. After getting A all settled in her semester program and moving her into the dorm, I set out to explore this special city. I walked the streets of the NW neighborhoods, explored several museums, and also fell in love with Georgetown. I was most impressed by the feel of DC. Buildings here seem to all be the same height, so the brilliant blue sky can be seen no matter where you are, there are many parks, trees, and the Potomac of course. The energy around DuPont Circle is young and old professionals, all clearly engaged with what they love.

A note of interest is the the ritual for the parade route of the President elect on Inauguration day. Each of the lamp posts along the route have a golden eagle added to the top of them.

The taxi drivers are the best I have experienced in the world. I put my hand up and in moments I am in the back seat being whisked off to my desired destination. Each of these drivers I talked with have children in college and I am so impressed as all of the drivers were immigrants, mostly educated. I wonder if their children know how lucky they are to have fathers working so hard to provide these opportunities. One man beamed as he told me his children are now a lawyer, a teacher, and one finishing school. It made me wonder if they would support him in return so he could stop driving a cab 12 hours a day.

It is my last night in the city. I am surprised by my feelings that compel me to return soon for another visit. Tonight I escaped for dinner on my own to explore the local Peruvian Cuisine. A wonderful little hole-in-the-wall up on 18th NW. It is in the Georgetown area, so the building is a sliver of a facade on a row-house street. As I walk in I am transported to Barranco with the rich colors and Spanish wrought iron and carved wood decor, a little gem! I ordered the papa la huancaina, Aji de Gallina, and a specialty of the house, Chocolate Quinoa Cake...a must try! Everything was delicious; the Aji de Gallina was HOT, HOT, HOT and very generous; the quinoa cake was interesting on the first bite. I almost stopped there feeling is was a bit to natural tasting for this chocoholic. Several bites later I realized it was an acquired taste that was so satisfying that I had to keep going. The hark of A's voice in my head saying "save me some!" kept me from polishing it off. The ambiance of the place is upscale, family warmth. Americans tucked in every corner talking about how yummy the food is and Peruvian locals coming in to celebrate births and anniversaries. Very Bohemian, just like Barranco. This critic gives it a thumbs up!

Las Canteras
2307 18th Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009
202-265-1780

DC is a special place where it is hard to escape the idealism that our history has tried hard to hold onto through all the muck of making it a country to be envied even in our worst of times. With all our flaws and failures, we still are the place where dreams come true and a boy from a split home and biracial background can become president. ~God Bless America and all the peoples of the world!

Rule #1: When ordering pharmacuticals in a foreign country, ask for help!

2009-01-02T07:07:00.000-08:00

With my head between my legs, I am making my best effort to control my breathing as my head spins and colorful images appear inside my brain. J is standing next to me saying "Oh my God, what did we take?" I am not comforted by this comment or the panic in his voice. He is my rock and he is quickly fading into the seat next to me.

We arrived at the airport a few minutes early to gather up the Americans flying in from their trip to Puno. My cold was weighing me down and J had a touch of a headache. We had a full night of New Years Eve celebrating to do, so we decided to get some Tylonol from the airport pharmacy, where you can buy anything over the counter. I asked the man for Tylonol and he handed me a generic pack and said it was just the same. J and I proceeded to take 2 each. Within 20 minutes we were both flying high and wondering what from this planet the guy could have given us. By the time our friends arrived, I was on the floor in my own little world and J was barely hanging onto his faculties. Some how they all managed to get me in the truck and Jaime got us all to the American's hotel. Then for some insane reason drove us alone back to our apartment where we collapsed in bed and could do nothing to help ourselves.

In my pocket was my nextel and while I drifted in and out of hell, I managed to Nextel Miss A, who of course freaked to be so far from her parents in their time of demise. Everyone was in the south for all the big parties, that we were missing. The Americans were at the hotel. Miss A managed to call out the national Peruvian contingent of experts for help in the extreme cases of stupidity that we had found ourselves in. She is quite connected :) After an assessment that the drug was actually morphine with a dash of opium, that of course we had OD on, we spent the rest of the night throwing up and calling the devilman pharmacist every 4 letter word we could think of in SPanish and English.

Our friends and family did an incredible job of basically saving us from ourselves before setting us off to a miserable slumber where it would be 24 hours before we would emerge and even manage to recall we were actually alive.

Today is our last day in Peru. Not a happy note to end on, but our trip (not the psycho one) was stunning, and being with family for the holidays was the best. A big lesson learned that hopefully we will be able to laugh about with a bit of distance. To celebrate the living we went out for dinner with everyone last night and J and I ate our way through the menu. Hmmmm, wonder what side effect that is :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR! IT CAN ONLY GET BETTER FOR US!

Day 11 A day to rest

2008-12-30T06:20:00.000-08:00

A whole day spent in bed, letting my body recover from a virus. After a couple hours in the clinic, I came home to pass out and let my body process whatever little bug decided to attack me yesterday. A enjoyed seeing friends, and J went off to renew his driving test and have lunch with the folks. A normal day in Lima!

I took this photo at the market in Lima.

Day 10 Fun in the Sun!

2008-12-28T17:03:00.000-08:00

Cruising down the freeway this morning was a bit surprising. Billboards dotted the sand scape all the way south, extravagant and unusal displays. Also, so much of the roadside is now built up with formal gas stations and housing. Progress is sweeping through the villages that once lined this freeway. We arrived at a friends farm late morning and enjoyed a cold glass of water. They have begun to build a beautiful bungalow and we sat on their porch enjoying the view and hearing all about their plans for the farm. By 2 we were off to the south to Coco beach, a modern and beautiful beach club. We spent the day catching up with friends, riding bikes, and eating good Peruvian food. As we drove back to Lima, we were both very unimpressed with the traffic. It has gotten worse, and what should be a 45 min drive turned into a 2 hour drive, as beach goers attempted to return Sunday night. Tucked into our flat tonight, we have decided to stay home and go to bed early. Yeah!

I took this photo at the market. One of my favorite potters.

Day 10 More eating....

2008-12-28T05:30:00.000-08:00

We began yesterday with brunch at a favorite Trattoria. A went with us to pick up her cousin D and we shared a relaxing breakfast. Afterwards we headed to Mamama and Papapa´s house for a late Christmas dinner with the family, turkey and all the trimmings. The day flew by and by 8pm we were meeting with friends for dinner and catching up on all the local news, falling into bed at midnight, early by Peruvian standards!

We are off to a beach in the south for the day and I am hoping the sun stays hidden behind the fog that has rolled in this morning.

I took this picture in the Urubamba. It is a roof blessing, combining the Catholic and Inca traditions. One pot holds the blood of Christ (wine), and the other water for the Inca power.

Cheers!

Day 9 Lima Sun

2008-12-27T06:58:00.000-08:00

Waking up in Lima is a bit of an assault to one´s senses. Depending on where you live, it can be pleasant or it can be shocking. A busy street outside ones window is like living on the freeway...the noise is overwhelming, but it you live on a quiet side street you are greeted to the morning with the call from doves, vendors selling wares and organics, each with a different call or sound to announce their presence. I am lucky enough to enjoy the latter.

Yesterday morning we gathered our belongings to prepare for the trip home from Cusco. We said good-bye to the Americans as they set off on a city and country tour of Cusco. They will be staying for 2 more days and then heading to Puno for a few days before returning to Lima for New Years with us. Once our good-byes were said, Jaime and I took off for the main square for one last visit. We popped into the larger of the two cathedrals for a visit and ran into the Irish once again. After a good visit with them we began to explore every niche of the old church. I noticed in one of the confessionals a priest was hearing confession, a Catholic sacrament where you own your wrong doings and confide them to a priest and then ask God for forgiveness and strength to stay on the good path. A rather cleansing experience, something like Yom Kippar for the Jewish religion. We came across a priest on our wanderings and had a wonderful visit with him, hearing about how he came to Cusco and sharing our travel stories. From there we walked back through the narrow roads to our hotel, threw the bags in a cab, and got to the airport in time to catch an earlier flight. I always like to leave Cusco as early as I can. The later you leave the more turbulent the ride is, and often afternoon flights are cancelled because of the turbulence.

Arriving home we were greeted by A and several of her friends. All the friends home from college in the states and looking so grown-up and happy. We spent the afternoon catching up on the happenings and then unpacked. Our evening was spent with the family at the club and having Chifa. A favorite Peruvian dinner is the wonderful Chifa or Chinese food available here.