MISTURA, THE POWER OF FOOD - LONDON PREMIERE!!!

For the bargain charity-donating price of £8, you now have the choice of two AWARD-WINNING documentaries to see at Shortwave Cinema (http://www.shortwavefilms.co.uk/) in support of Kiya Survivors (http://www.kiyasurvivors.org/) and as part of the festival.

I am sure you are already very well-acquainted with the first documentary 'De Ollas y Sueños' (and if not, see the trailer in the 7th of September post) so I will move quickly onto announcing the LONDON PREMIERE (yes, PREMIERE) of Patricia Perez's award-winning documentary 'Mistura, the power of food', which we, in collaboration with Discovering Latin America (http://www.discoveringlatinamerica.com/documentaries-event/events/flavours-of-peru.html) are proud to present before your curious eyes on Thursday 20th October 2011 at 19.15-20.00, preceeding 'De Ollas y Sueños' at 20.30-21.45 (NOTE the time change from previous post)

Book your tickets quickly from Shortwave's website:
http://oscar01.savoysystems.co.uk/Shortwave.dll/

We have also been tipped off that the well-known Silvio DJ (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Silvio-DJ/159282833157) may be spinning some tunes after the screenings, how spoilt for choice!


As a temptation, here is the synopsis and trailer (the documentary will be screened in Spanish wit English subtitles):

'In Peru, cooking and eating go beyond the kitchen.
The nation's passion for food transcends pots and pans, Peru finds in its cuisine its missing ingredient:
A way to celebrate being Peruvian.
A way to love, show respect and be proud.
Mistura, the gastronomic fair that happens in Lima every September, is the best example.

This project is an attempt to capture a slice of the immense spectrum of experiences that are simmered in Mistura every year. A place where cooks and patrons passionately teach us not only about the food but most importantly about life.'

Ch-ch-ch-changes

In a style less jovial than the David Bowie-esque title would suggest, we do need to inform you of some bad news...

Our very special guest Christine Audat, who was set to perform at the festival, has been taken ill with a horrible virus and cannot come to perform. We are as sad as you are about this and are endeavouring to do everything we can to find a wonderful replacement. Once we have found somebody, we will inform you - we are very sorry but WATCH this space.

Our next exciting announcement may come as no surprise to some.. for the puns alone, we felt it would be a shame if there were no cookbooks at the Cookbook Cafe. So in partnership with the beautiful 'Books for Cooks' shop in Notting Hill, we will be offering you the chance to make your own Peruvian cuisine at home through the very worthy investment of a Peruvian cookbook, so you can re-live 'Flavours of Peru' again and again.

The 'Books for Cooks' shop will be stocking some of the range on display at the festival so if you miss out on the day, have no fear - you can still venture down to the shop or if you do get your hands on the books at the festival, this is a fabulous place to visit anyway. As well as being cookbook heaven, they also put on a range of cookery workshops if you prefer interactive learning - take a look here for more details www.booksforcooks.com

Onto the books...

Making their UK Debut, from publishing company Unimundo in Peru we have 'Pisco, Art and Tradition' and 'Cebiches and Tiraditos'  (both in Spanish and English)

From American author Tony Custer - 'The Art of Peruvian Cuisine'

And from UK-based Peruvian Flor Deliot - 'The Food and Cooking of Peru'

So three things to remember: Cookbook Cafe, Books for Cooks, Cook Books. Quite a tongue-twister I think you'll agree.

Here is one of the most important posts so far, so listen up! We have an official press release that you can read here and an official flyer to go with it. With 'official' in mind, we are pleased to 'officially' tell you that bookings are already available for the festival! So you can call or email...

020 7318 8563 or hello@cookbookcafe.co.uk

There is the golden nugget of information - make sure you book quickly so you don't miss out!

Here is a little more information that comes with the press release - don't worry, you don't need to learn this bit off by heart!

 ‘FLAVOURS OF PERU’

PERUVIAN CUISINE FESTIVAL AT INTERCONTINENTAL LONDON PARK LANE HOTEL

17 – 23 OCTOBER 2011

The Embassy of Peru is delighted to announce that Cookbook Cafe, at InterContinental London Park Lane, will host ‘Flavours of Peru', a week-long gourmet food festival celebrating traditional and contemporary Peruvian cuisine. Acclaimed chef Virgilio Martinez of ‘Restaurante Central’ in Lima will create the culinary festival that runs from 17^th – 23^rd October 2011.

‘Flavours of Peru’ at Cookbook Cafe will reflect the growing celebration of the diversity of Peruvian cuisine. The menu will be preceded by renowned Pisco Sours; a unique and elegant cocktail made with Pisco, a distilled Peruvian grape brandy. Musical entertainment during the Festival and the screenings of the Peruvian documentary 'Cooking up Dreams' at the ‘Shortwave’ cinema, will contribute to bring Peru’s rich culture to London on that week.

Peruvian Cuisine has a long and distinguished history. The potato was brought back to Europe having been originally grown high in the Peruvian Andes. With migration from Spain, Africa, China, Italy, and Japan, a huge variety of influences and techniques have been brought to bear on the native cuisine; the impressively eclectic results include ceviches, stews and chifa (a traditional Peruvian-Chinese fusion). A strong regional identity predominates, with dishes from the Andean region still featuring ingredients from pre-Inca times; or the cuisine of the jungle, which has its own distinctive fish, fruit and vegetables.

Virgilio Martinez has held the position of Executive Chef at ‘Astrid y Gaston Restaurante’, listed on the ‘San Pellegrino World’s Best Restaurants’ list. He is currently chef patron of ‘Restaurante Central’ in Lima, which has received critical acclaim since opening in 2010. Before opening in his home city, Virgilio worked in notable kitchens in New York, London, Singapore, and Spain. He is set to open his own restaurant in London next year, with a site earmarked in Shoreditch. 

 

 

When Pisco met Paris

We all know the many great things common to both Peru and France; rich culture, fantastic cuisine, beautiful landscapes... the only thing that may be wrongfully missing from your list is the exciting musical talent of Christine Audat (also known as ODA). Her half-Peruvian, half-French heritage offers her double the creative scope as she sings both Spanish and French lyrics and mixes them with the fiesta beat of the Peruvian drum.

And now finally she comes to English shores! Our festival 'Flavours of Peru' currently appeals to most of the senses; the taste sensation created by Virgilio and his team, the colourful visual delights of handcrafted Peruvian fabrics and textiles... but we felt that the one thing vitally missing from the Cookbook Cafe would be a live musical accompaniment to your meal. Thus, Christine ODA herself will be joining us for the festival with her guitar to entertain your ears- have a sneak preview of her here:

She certainly caters to all tastes and will showcase her voice in a more intimate way for the weekday dinner performances, but 'viva la fiesta' at the weekend lunch and dinner performances, as she will be joined by some other musicians to give you a chance to dance away, night and day..

As you marvel at her talent, we must offer a note of thanks to Journey Latin America for bringing Christine over for the festival and for all their support so far.