Grown in well-to-do family in Lima, Gaston Acurio surprised his parents when he announced his plans to become a chef, and then headed to France to learn from the better. When he returned to Peru with his wife; Astrid, whom he met in Europe; Acurio opened in Miraflores a restaurant that has become a hub for business diners and the upper echelon of the Limeña society. The kitchen melds traditional Peruvian mainstays, such as ceviche, and the highlands potato dish slathered in spicy cheese sauce, papa a la huancaína, with European seasoning and preparation. Both Astrid and Gaston are Cordon Bleu chefs.