Lima, Peru- June 20, 2024
Today, more than ever, gastronomy is constantly evolving, influenced by multiple disciplines. Against this backdrop, during its annual meeting in Peru, the International Council of Basque Culinary Center updated the "Open Letter to the Chefs of Tomorrow," first presented in Lima in 2011. The new "An Evolving Declaration: An Open Letter to the Chefs of Today and Tomorrow" offers contemporary reflections on the challenges and opportunities in the ever-changing culinary sector.
The chefs of the International Council, hailing from various generations and regions, view cooking as more than just meeting the need for nourishment or the pursuit of enjoyment. They see it as a powerful tool for transformation, capable of reshaping global eating habits through the collaborative efforts of chefs, producers, and diners. Gastronomy is a vast community that brings together diverse sectors, realities, and professions, providing a unique opportunity for mutual support and cooperation. This letter aims to inspire the gastronomic community.
Chefs who contributed to creating the letter include Joan Roca (Spain), Gastón Acurio (Peru), Pía León (Peru), Dominique Crenn (France/USA), Yoshihiro Narisawa (Japan), Manu Buffara (Brazil), Elena Reygadas (Mexico), Trine Hahnemann (Denmark), Thitid Tassanakajohn (Thailand), Josh Niland (Australia), Narda Lepes (Argentina), and Mauro Colagreco (Argentina/France). The council members advocate for collaborative efforts across different culinary realities to strengthen the gastronomic ecosystem.
"An Evolving Declaration: An Open Letter to the Chefs of Today and Tomorrow" is organized around five core themes: nature, knowledge, society, values, and the culinary sector. Each theme explores various perspectives and reflections from the culinary world.
EVOLUTION OF THE MANIFESTO
In 2011, also in Peru, the International Council of Basque Culinary Center shared its vision for the future of gastronomy in the "Open Letter to the Chefs of Tomorrow." The following years confirmed those predictions. In 2021, a decade later, young graduates of the Basque Culinary Center added their contributions, resulting in the "Letter to the Chefs of Tomorrow." Now, in 2024, the Council returns to Peru to update and present " An Evolving Declaration: An Open Letter to the Chefs of Today and Tomorrow."
The letter was presented in Lima, Peru, at the T’impuy event, which attracted over 700 attendees. Organized by the Basque Culinary Center with Gastón Acurio (Acurio Restaurants and PUCA) and Pía León (Kjolle and MIL) as hosts, the event was supported by institutional sponsors like the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru (PUCP) as an academic partner, and additional support from Hotel Belmond, Explora, Filo, LATAM, Turibus, and BEevents. Local sponsors included Andea - spring water from Cusco, Barsol Pisco, Blue Ice & Water, Bombilla Tostaduría, Qaya Ecoenvases, VCC Event Technology, and the communication agency Enorme.
