#United States #San Francisco #Gastón Acurio #La Mar #Peruvian Cuisine

Passport to Peru Returns for Its Second Year

The vibrant Bay Area is once again the host for Passport to Peru, a three-week festival dedicated to celebrating the rich tapestry of Peruvian gastronomy. This year, the event kicks off from July 7 to July 27, 2025, and serves as a wonderful opportunity for food enthusiasts to delve into the authentic flavors of Peru while exploring some of the finest restaurants the region has to offer.

Organized by La Mar Cocina Peruana, a renowned establishment founded by celebrated chef Gastón Acurio, Passport to Peru encourages residents and visitors to experience the vast diversity of Peruvian cuisine. The initiative supports local Peruvian-owned eateries while promoting a variety of culinary styles. Participants can enjoy iconic dishes such as fresh cebiche and savory lomo saltado throughout the event.

A notable lineup of 22 participating restaurants is set to welcome diners during this culinary exploration. These include:

• - La Mar Cocina Peruana
• - Altamirano
• - Ayawaska Hilltop
• - Mochica Peruvian Kitchen
• - Sanguchon
• - and many more!

Jason Wiles, the General Manager at La Mar Cocina Peruana, expressed pride in the expanded selection of participating restaurants, further emphasizing the significance of this initiative in honoring Peru's culinary heritage. By fostering the enjoyment of savory dishes, the program not only highlights the distinct tastes of Peru but also invigorates the local Peruvian restaurant scene.

As part of the celebration, Passport to Peru provides diners with custom-designed ‘passports’. When participants visit a restaurant and order a main dish, they receive a stamp in their passport. To make the most of this gastronomic journey, diners are encouraged to visit as many of the 22 restaurants as they can during the festival.

Those who collect stamps from at least three restaurants will enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win an incredible trip to Lima, Peru! This grand prize includes:

• - Two round-trip economy tickets
• - A four-night stay with an excursion to the Caravedo distillery in Ica
• - A sumptuous lunch experience at La Mar Cebicheria in Lima
• - An exquisite 10-course dinner at Astrid & Gastón, one of Acurio's acclaimed dining spots.

With each additional restaurant visited beyond the initial three, participants earn more entries into the drawing. To be eligible, diners must send in their stamped passports to La Mar by or before July 27, 2025. Detailed entry instructions can be found at PassportPeru.com.

The celebration culminates on July 27, aligning with La Mar's annual Peruvian Market Day, which coincides with Peru's Independence Day. This lively event features local artisans, live Latin music, and a tantalizing array of Peruvian dishes, along with a dedicated pisco bar offering a selection of specialty cocktails. Tickets for this event are priced at $120 per adult, including unlimited food and drinks, and is strictly for those aged 21 and over.

For further information about Passport to Peru or to reserve a table at one of the participating restaurants, visit passportperu.com. Don’t miss this chance to embrace the vibrant flavors of Peru while supporting local culinary talent!

Conclusion

The second edition of Passport to Peru promises to be a memorable culinary experience for all Bay Area residents and visitors. Join us and savor the taste of Peru, one restaurant at a time!