Peru's largest food festival Mistura on Thursday officially opened its doors to local and foreign foodies, drawn by worldwide-known national gastronomy.
On its 10th anniversary, the international culinary fair will bring cooks and experts together, who will assess and spread knowledge about the Inca country's cuisine.
Mistura returns to its essence at a fairground that is warm, welcoming and closer to the public.
"The design will be more inviting, with colored awnings and wooden stalls that will replace the large tents of previous years, and the street foods will be sold from their original carts," reads its website.
Over the last decade, Mistura has consolidated its position as Latin America's most important food fair. Likewise, opinion polls by Ipsos-Peru rank it as one of the two best brands representing the Inca country.
Location
On this occasion, a new venue is located in the historic district of Rimac, the source of ancient traditions, as well as the birthplace of Peruvian Creole music and cuisine.
Peruvian Gastronomy Association (
Apega) has chosen Rimac's historic center as the backdrop for this 10th edition, a district that represents the country's diversity and integration from its pre-Hispanic origins, the later Spanish colonial period, and the large Afro-Peruvian population that settled in the classic neighborhood of Malambo. And, of course, the influx of migrants from different regions of Peru.
Those —who visit the fair— will have the opportunity to admire the area's main attractions, which comprise the
Historic Center of Lima, the Cultural Heritage of Humanity recognized by
UNESCO.
A stroll by the Ingunza Lookout point or through the Convent of the Barefoot Friars and the romantic Alameda; a walk along Jiron Trujillo or the Paseo de Aguas; or a visit to the stone bridge or the Acho bullring are just a few of the activities that visitors can enjoy in this district known as "under the bridge."
Gastronomy
Mistura is renewing the gastronomic proposal for the current edition, with several restaurants and contemporary trends such as Ceviche bars, market stalls, health food restaurants and innovative bars. Tradition will also be well-represented by restaurants, food cars, and
delicious typical desserts.
"To pay homage to the enterprising efforts of Peruvian cooks, this year the event will be welcoming the women of Catacaos and their traditional cuisine, strong and supportive women who overcame the tragedy of
Coastal El Niño floods in northern Peru," it adds.
Their businesses seek to recharge their economy after the losses and difficulties earlier this year, and being a part of Mistura is a good way to turn the page, as well as carry on their traditions and flavors.
Along the same lines, and in alliance with the Let's Eat Fish program, Mistura will have a pavilion of delicious and nutritious seafood dishes cooked by the talented wives of fishermen.
Cacao and Chocolate
Cacao, chocolate, and coffee will be given a special pavilion at which they will be paid tribute. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the varieties of flavors and aromas and the ways they are prepared.
As always,
pisco will be given a special place to display the best-distilled spirits from different production areas of the country.
Another news this year will be an area dedicated to broths, chowders, bisques and other traditional soups from all over Peru. Visitors will be able to savor varieties from a delicious shrimp chowder to a chicken and peanut soup from the rainforest called Inchicapi.
Grand Market
The heart and greatest pride of Mistura are the Grand Market, this year with a new design and the presence of small farmers, who will bring their supplies of excellent and varied products typical of different parts of the country.
The best Peruvian cooks will give demonstrations on how to use the market products to cook delicious and healthy meals.
The fair takes place from October 26 to November 5 at Club Revolver in Rimac district.
Note: Based on information provided by Mistura.
(END) NDP/JAA/MVB
Published: 10/26/2017