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Peruvian chef stopped with 40 frozen piranhas at U.S. airport

13:13 | Los Angeles (U.S.), May. 9.

Renowned Peruvian chef Virgilio Martinez —named best cook in the world by Chef's Choice 2017— was stopped for five hours at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in the United States as he brought 40 frozen piranhas in his luggage.

The cook, owner of Central —his award-winning restaurant located in Lima, Peru— arrived in Los Angeles last week to take part in the Los Angeles Times' month-long food festival Food Bowl.

When Martinez was going through customs, officers asked him what was inside his bag, and he responded with a laugh saying "bones and flesh."

According to an article in the Los Angeles Times, Martinez told customs officers that he was doing a special dinner with a friend who he really respects.

In fact, the chef had to take his book and show them a few photos to make himself understood about what he wanted to do with the piranhas.

The Peruvian —who was featured in the third season of Netflix's "Chef's Table"— was not able to attend one of his culinary engagements —at Vespertine— due to the delay, but at Somni, he dried the piranha skins and served them in the piranha heads.

"I told the people at the Somni dinner that I spent five hours for you, so you better enjoy it," he said.