Blending tradition and modernity: gastronomic experiences in High Peruvian cuisine

ABSTRACT

This study examines the design and delivery of gastronomic experiences at restaurants of High Peruvian cuisine. Besides the presentation of creative dishes, food is also used to communicate a discourse of authenticity and innovation. Changes in local cuisine were originally initiated by a group of chefs who received education or work experience abroad and later decided to return to Peru to open their own businesses. The aim was to identify particular criteria employed in the development and delivery of gastronomic experiences at these restaurants. This qualitative study used narrative inquiry to capture the participants’ stories and the particularities of the socio-cultural context where they took place. A total of 15 in-depth face-to-face interviews took place with renowned chefs. Findings indicated that chefs, identified as cultural brokers, selectively chose to retain elements of the local culinary system as the foundation of their creations, however, menus also reflected the chef’s creativity and innovative style. The provision of superior service was also a key component of the gastronomic experience. This included utilisation of quality ingredients, attention to ambience and consistent service provision. Gastronomic experiences created and delivered by local chefs could then play a major influence in the development of the food sector.

KEYWORDS:

• Cultural brokers
• gastronomic experiences
• High Peruvian cuisine
• local chefs
• innovation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sandra Cherro Osorio

Sandra Cherro Osorio is Head of Program for the Bachelor of Hospitality Management at Melbourne Polytechnic. Sandra has extensive industry experience in the areas of tourism and hospitality having worked in various managerial roles back in her home country, Peru, as well as in the United Kingdom and Australia. For the past nine years, Sandra has worked as lecturer teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels at various universities in Australia. Her research focuses on cultural tourism in particular community development, gastronomy and indigenous destinations. She has published book chapters, journal articles and recently co-authored a book.

Elspeth Frew

Elspeth Frew is an Associate Professor in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management in the La Trobe Business School, La Trobe University, Melbourne. Dr Frew has almost 30 years of experience as a university academic, researcher, leader and educator in tourism, hospitality and event management. Dr Frew's research interest is in cultural tourism, with a particular focus on: dark tourism; industrial tourism; and, event and attraction management. She has published work in these areas as journal articles, book chapters and edited books - most recently on dark tourism and the relationship between tourism and national identities.

Clare Lade

Clare Lade is a lecturer in the Bachelor of Hospitality Management at Melbourne Polytechnic. Dr. Lade has held previous research/lecturing positions in tourism, hospitality and events at both La Trobe University and Monash University, Victoria, Australia. With 20 years of experience in academic research and university teaching, her research interests include regional and international destination development, dark tourism, gastronomic tourism and event management. She has published work in these areas as research books, journal articles and book chapters - most recently on international tourism futures and change.

Kim M. Williams

Kim M. Williams is a Lecturer in the Faculty of Higher Education at William Angliss Institute, Melbourne, Australia. Kim lectures in event management and human resources. Her research background is diverse but tends to focus on human resources issues, with a prime emphasis on professional development and training. She is also interested in event management, gastronomy, fashion, and wine tourism. Kim has published in a variety of journals such as Journal of Heritage Tourism, Managing Leisure, Journal of Teaching in Travel & Tourism and The Australian Journal of Teacher Education and has contributed to a number of research books.