New Latin America specialist Miraviva pinpoints stars of region's burgeoning gastronomy scene

Miraviva, the Latin America high-end specialist operator, heralds the coming of age of Latin America as a bone fide gastronomic destination. Founders Marc Eschauzier and Charles Tyler, a former restaurateur, believe that by discovering the culinary riches of the region now, their guests are in the vanguard of a food revolution that extends far beyond the expected menu of beef, beans, ceviche, rice and robust wines.

Discerning travellers to Latin American may already be familiar with the Coffee Triangle of Colombia and the wine regions of Argentina and Chile, the splendour of Argentine beef and the succulence of ceviche, but bespoke Miraviva itineraries ensure that guests will discover there is still much more to the region’s cuisine.

Whether it is savouring a hearty Brazilian ‘feijoada’ (black beans and pork hot pot) or sipping a cup of coca tea to help alleviate altitude sickness in the high Andes, Miraviva guests can be assured that their palate will benefit from the personal experiences of Marc and Charles across eight Latin America countries.

“Discovering the space-age history of quinoa and tasting lupin seeds with a local Peruvian chef, eating giant barnacles, abalone and king crab on the Chilean coast, sipping an exotic Camu Camu juice in the Amazon, and tucking in to an alpaca fillet fresh from the barbeque in the high Andes are among some of the mouth-watering experiences that make Latin America so memorable,” says Marc. “Each of our bespoke itineraries – whether they embrace upscale urban hotels, Amazonian river cruises or indulgent beach breaks – can be tailored to feature local gastronomy”.

The dining scene in Brazil is flourishing, led by the award-winning D.O.M. and Mani in Sao Paolo, the established culinary capital, with the burgeoning gastro districts of Humaita and Botafogo in Rio de Janeiro showcasing young talent such as Felipe Bronze at Oro.  The southern suburbs of Barra de Tijuca and beyond offer more traditional dishes and one restaurant of note, Bira de Guaratiba, may be an adventure to find, but serves some of the best Moqueca in town.

Charles, whose career includes several years managing world-class restaurants, says: “Peru is leading the way in terms of food culture in the region and its ‘Novoandina’ cuisine – the brainchild of chef Gaston Acurio – draws inspiration from the country’s eclectic culinary roots using ingredients from the Andes, the Amazon, the Spanish colonial era and a strong Chinese influence on the coast. Lima now boasts an annual food festival with a global profile, and a number of top restaurants in Brazil, Peru, Argentina and even Colombia are attracting increasing attention from those in gastronomic circles.”

Being in the region on a regular basis enables Marc and Charles to personally vet food and drink experiences and to keep abreast – and ahead – of gastronomic trends. 

Marc concludes: “We meticulously research accommodation and destinations to create bespoke experiences that reflect our guests’ individual preferences and personalities. The very best in food and drink can be placed at the heart of each itinerary and we only recommend restaurants that we’d be happy to dine in ourselves.”