Chef Virgilio Martinez impresses at wedding of the year with Peruvian feast

At one of the most luxurious weddings of the year, renowned Peruvian chef Virgilio Martinez, owner of the celebrated restaurant 'Central'—rated the best in the world by 'The World's 50 Best 2023'—delighted guests with his exquisite Peruvian cuisine. Anant Ambani, son of tycoon Mukesh Ambani, and Radhika Merchant, daughter of pharmaceutical magnates Viren and Shaila Merchant, chose Martinez to create a 100 % vegetarian menu, blending global culinary excellence with Indian cultural traditions.

Photograph: César del Río / Restaurante Central

Central's vegetarian menu

The wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant was not only a celebration of their love but also a showcase of how Peruvian cuisine can shine on the global stage. The selection of Virgilio Martinez and his team for this event underscores the growing influence of Peruvian gastronomy worldwide.

The menu prepared by Virgilio Martinez and his team stood out for its innovation and elegance. Guests enjoyed a vegetarian banquet that included:

• Zucchini and asparagus Tiradito with purple amaranth: A mix of textures and fresh flavors.

• Avocado and Peruvian corn emulsion: Smooth and creamy, with a native touch.

• Melon and burrata Cebiche: A fresh and delicious reinterpretation of the Peruvian classic.

• Cashew nut rolls with mountain chimichurri and fresh cheese: A perfect balance of crunchy and creamy.

• Triangles of dates and lentils with pistachio Leche de tigre: Intense and sophisticated flavors.

• Extreme altitude seeds with smoked tomato: A dish that reflects Peru's geographical diversity.

• Amazonian cassava textures with coconut milk: A culinary journey to the Peruvian jungle.

• Burnt cauliflower with strawberry, aji limo pepper, and saffron: A bold dish full of contrasts.
   

The combination of rich Peruvian tradition and the opulence of a multimillion-dollar Indian wedding resulted in a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

Photograph: Ernesto Benavides / PROMPERÚ

An event of extraordinary magnitude

On July 12, Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant exchanged vows in a lavish ceremony in Mumbai, estimated at over USD 100 million. The celebration drew prominent guests from the United States, Europe, and India. At the Jio World Convention Center, a team of thirteen from Central restaurant served their finest dishes to 600 of the 3,000 attendees, delivering an unforgettable culinary experience.

Among the wedding guests were internationally renowned celebrities including Kim and Khloé Kardashian, Nick Jonas, John Cena, Adele, Mike Tyson, David Beckham, Hillary Clinton, Drake, and Lana Del Rey. Indian celebrities such as Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, and Salman Khan were also present. This event not only celebrated the union of two prominent families but also highlighted the culinary excellence of Virgilio Martinez.

Photograph: Ernesto Benavides / PROMPERÚ

Central: An emblem of Peruvian gastronomy

Virgilio Martinez, born in Lima, stands as a trailblazer in Peruvian gastronomy. His restaurant, Central, nestled in Barranco district, stands out for its unique focus on Peru's ecosystems. With indigenous ingredients and ancestral techniques, each dish at Central narrates Peru's geographical and cultural diversity, spanning from ocean depths to Andean peaks and the Amazon.

Central has garnered global acclaim, achieving top honors last year and this year ascending to the 'Best of the Best' hall of fame among former #1 restaurants, reshaping the world's gastronomic landscape.