Teresa Ocampo, one of the living legends of Peruvian gastronomy, received the Order of Merit —from the Peruvian government— for her personal contribution to the development, promotion and internationalization of Peruvian cuisine.
Peruvian Ambassador to the United States Carlos Pareja presented the distinction at the Consulate's headquarters in Dallas, in the presence of Ocampo's family and friends, as well as personalities from the Peruvian community and business representatives.
"Without a doubt, you symbolize, better than anyone, the success in spreading the Marca Peru [Peru Brand], associated —thanks to you— to culinary excellence," Ambassador Pareja expressed.
"Without your contribution, the current stars of Peruvian gastronomy would not have had the same possibilities of successfully inserting themselves in the world," he added.
Likewise, the Ministry of Culture also designated Ocampo "Meritorious Personality of Culture" for her important work, commitment to research, promotion and dissemination of Peruvian gastronomy worldwide.
"The only thing I have done is to put a little flavor to a passion that [has] always accompanied me, from very young," Ocampo said.
At the same ceremony, the most important Peruvian chefs greeted her in a video that has become viral, reaching almost 200,000 views in less than 48 hours.
Natural of Cusco, Teresa Ocampo is known as the "Lady of Gastronomy" and last October she celebrated her 86th birthday. For more than 28 years she was a prominent figure in Peruvian television, spreading her typical recipes and family secrets. Author of several books dedicated to Peruvian gastronomy, the cook lives in Dallas surrounded by her closest relatives.
Note: Information provided by the Peruvian Embassy in Washington D.C.
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