Podcast Episode

Erik Ramirez Revisits His Culinary Peruvian Heritage

Erik Ramirez is the creative culinary hit-maker behind New York restaurants Llama Inn and Llama San. In both locations, he explores the historical traditions of Peruvian cuisine, while simultaneously expanding it based on the seasons of New York. As a first generation American, his summer visits to Peru growing up gave him exposure and appreciation for the regional and cultural styles of cooking throughout the country. 
Today, he talks about the different influences that shaped the Peruvian cuisine, his sources of inspiration, and the food concepts at his New York restaurants. 

What you'll learn with chef Erik Ramirez

  • Two factors that define Peruvian cuisine (3:05) 
  • The ethnic influences within Peruvian cuisine (3:51)
  • What Peruvian cooks learned from the Japanese (6:20)
  • How Chef Erik Ramirez is adapting his restaurant concept to New York (9:13)
  • His favorite Peruvian food growing up (10:20)
  • When Chef Erik Ramirez changed his mind about Peruvian cuisine (11:33)
  • How his first opportunity to cook Peruvian food came about (13:28)
  • The concept behind Llama Inn (16:00)
  • Balancing tradition with creativity on a menu (17:52)
  • One of the defining ingredients in Peruvian cuisine (20:15)
  • Chef Erik Ramirez creative process when conceptualizing a new dish (21:02)
  • How the pandemic affected his business (27:10)
  • How a new recipe idea makes it on the menu (30:50)
  • Blending classic French technique with Peruvian traditions (34:30)
  • Making Ceviche 101 (36:01)
  • When you can expect a cookbook (42:18)
  • Series of rapid-fire questions.
  • Link to the podcast episode on Apple Podcast

Links to other episodes in New York

Links to most downloaded episodes (click on any picture to listen to the episode)

Jeremy Umansky in Cleveland
3 Chefs in Austin - What is more important: techniques or creativity?
Misti Norris in Dallas
Carlo Lamagna in Portland

Social media

Chef Erik Ramirez

Social media

Restaurant Llama Inn

Social media

Restaurant Llama San

Links mentioned in this episode

Emmanuel

Recent Posts

Exploring the Houston Food Scene: Creativity & Culture

In this special episode of Flavors Unknown, recorded during StarChefs Rising Stars Houston and presented…

5 days ago

Inside the Bold New Cleveland & Detroit Food Scene

Cleveland Food Scene. Today on Flavors Unknown, I sit down with five dynamic culinary voices…

3 weeks ago

Chef Roberto Alcocer on Valle & Mexican Fine Dining

In this episode of Flavors Unknown, I sit down with Chef Roberto Alcocer, the visionary…

1 month ago

Inside Tamasha: Chef Bhavin Chhatwani’s Journey

In this episode of Flavors Unknown, I sit down with Chef Bhavin Chhatwani, the visionary…

2 months ago

Orujo Chef Carlos Portela Breaks All the Rules

IThis week on Flavors Unknown, I travel to San Juan, Puerto Rico to speak with…

2 months ago

Chef William Dissen on Cooking with Purpose

Today on Flavors Unknown, I’m talking with Chef William Dissen — chef, owner, and visionary…

2 months ago

This website uses cookies.