About Chef Lazo

A Culinary Journey Rooted in Heritage and Passion

Chef Alex Lazo de la Vega, affectionately known as Chef Lazo, is a culinary artist deeply connected to his Peruvian heritage. Growing up in Brooklyn, NY, Chef Lazo was immersed in the rich flavors of both coastal and mountain Peruvian cuisines through his family. This diverse culinary upbringing has profoundly influenced his approach to cooking, infusing his dishes with authenticity, tradition, and a touch of innovation.

Early Influences and Culinary Beginnings

Chef Lazo's journey with food began at a very young age. Born into a family where Peruvian culture and cuisine were sources of immense pride, he was introduced to the rich culinary traditions of Peru by his aunt, who played a pivotal role in his early culinary education. "Growing up in Brooklyn in a predominantly Puerto Rican setting, I felt a strong connection to my community. However, my deepest connection to my Peruvian heritage was formed in the kitchen, specifically through my aunt's cooking," Chef Lazo recalls.

A Deep Connection to Peruvian Culture

For Chef Lazo, food is more than sustenance; it is a profound connection to his roots. His family hails from Mollendo, a coastal town in the Arequipa province, where he was exposed to a variety of culinary traditions during his visits. "Growing up, I was exposed to both coastal and mountain cuisine," he explains. This blend of influences is evident in his cooking, where he seamlessly integrates flavors from different regions of Peru. "Food was a way for me to transport myself to a place that I visited as a kid but even before visiting, I felt like I could understand through taste and smell where I was from," he says.

The Turning Point: Embracing a Culinary Career

While cooking had always been a significant part of Chef Lazo's life, it wasn't until the pandemic that he decided to turn his passion into a profession. "I never took cooking as a profession until around the time of the pandemic when all work slowed down," he reflects. This period of reflection allowed him to reconnect with his love for cooking and commit to it fully. A pivotal moment in his culinary journey was a trip to Peru in 2018, which rekindled his connection to Peruvian food and further solidified his desire to share his culinary heritage with the world.

Inspirations and Influences

Chef Lazo draws inspiration from a variety of sources, both traditional and contemporary. He is deeply influenced by the picanterias of Arequipa, traditional eateries known for their democratic seating and authentic dishes. "I'm very much inspired by all the picanterias in Arequipa. The food is very, very traditionally Arequipan, and that's something that is a huge inspiration for me," he shares.

In the United States, Chef Lazo finds inspiration in several notable chefs and establishments that maintain an inclusive and unpretentious approach to food. He admires Chris from Hainan Chicken, a Malaysian restaurant in Sunset Park. "The way he's able to bring his culture to the forefront while adding his personal touch creates an atmosphere of care without any pretension," Chef Lazo notes.

Additionally, Chef Lazo is inspired by the small, unassuming spots Al Toke Pez and Huerta Chinen in Peru. "Al Toke Pez and Huerta Chinen are a huge inspiration for me individually as the people who run their kitchens because they run very small, unassuming spots that are very much loved by the locals. That kind of atmosphere that makes you feel like you're stepping into someone's house is the same feeling that I like to have within the plate of food when I'm consuming food as well as when I'm serving it," he explains.

A Commitment to Inclusivity and Connection

At the heart of Chef Lazo's culinary philosophy is a commitment to inclusivity and connection. He believes that food should be accessible and shared, creating bonds between people. "The beauty of food is in its sharing, not in its exclusivity. There's nothing that brings people together more than being in the kitchen," he emphasizes.

This philosophy is evident in his culinary experiences, such as the Allyu Experience and Taller de Ceviche, where he invites guests to not only taste but also learn and engage with Peruvian cuisine. Each dish he creates is a reflection of his heritage, a story told through flavors and aromas that connect people to the rich cultural tapestry of Peru.

Looking to the Future

As Chef Lazo continues to share his love for Peruvian cuisine, he remains dedicated to creating unique and memorable culinary experiences. While he currently focuses on pop-up events and private culinary experiences, he envisions a future where he might explore other avenues, such as a food truck or a stand, to make his cuisine even more accessible.

"My goal as a chef is to give people those connective feelings, whether they have experience with Peruvian food or not. The best feeling that food can give you is the feeling of connection," Chef Lazo affirms. This dedication to creating meaningful connections through food is what drives him and what makes his culinary journey so inspiring.

Chef Alex Lazo de la Vega invites you to join him on this journey, to experience the rich flavors and vibrant culture of Peru, and to create lasting memories through the universal language of food.