To celebrate Pastuso’s debut at Taste of Melbourne, we caught up with culinary creative and Head Chef Alejandro Saravia to find out what we can expect from this dynamic restaurant.
It’s exciting to see Pastuso join the lineup at Taste of Melbourne. What can visitors expect when they visit Pastuso at Taste of Melbourne?
We want to bring the heart of Peru in to this year Taste of Melbourne.
It’s going to be a party at Pastuso’s site with live Latin music, the first Pisco (grape base spirit, traditional from Peru) bar ever done in Australia presenting our famous Peruvian Pisco sour and an explosion of Peruvian flavours from the Coast, Andean Sierras and Amazon Jungle of Peru.
I want to see people dancing and celebrating with us the beautiful flavours of Peru at Taste of Melbourne, and experiencing what I lived growing up in Peru.
Taste of Melbourne has become one of Melbourne’s iconic food events. What do you think makes it so special?
For me as a chef and as an active member of the hospitality industry Taste of Melbourne is the opportunity to celebrate what we love – great food and drinks all in one place, sharing our passion for great hospitality directly with customers is something that we enjoy.
Where do you draw your inspiration from in designing the menu?
Our menu has been design to showcase Peru’s three different regions (Coast, Andean Sierras and Amazon Jungle), we work with unique Peruvian ingredients and the best local produce ( Bundarra Berkshire Pork, Black Angus from Gippsland and Ora king Salmon).
South American food has become very popular in Melbourne. Why do you think that is?
I am so glad that finally Melbourne has the opportunity to enjoy more and better South American food, all these years that I had been promoting Peruvian cuisine in Australia I have seen a growing interest in to learn more about South America.
Many are choosing South America for their next holiday destination and a few Australian companies are investing in South America as well, all these people are coming back with incredible stories about the amazing culture around all the South American countries and their amazing food. So a Ceviche (Peru’s national dish) or an Asado (Argentina’s BBQ) are not unknown for the Australian customer.
What are you looking forward to most at Taste of Melbourne?
I am looking forward to celebrate and share my countries cuisine with the local Melbourne foodies. I am doing two demos at the Electrolux Taste Theatre which brings me the best opportunity to get closer to my customers. It’s just going to be amazing!!!
In your spare time where do you like to eat?
I really like to explore Melbourne’s food scene which is constantly evolving and growing. Lately I have been working and learning a lot on dry ageing and different methods of curing. I really enjoy visiting the markets and having a chat with the local producers, buying their products and learning from their experiences and techniques.
Victoria’s Farmers market, Queen Victoria Market or South Melbourne Market are some of my favourites.
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