OLLUCO
Moscow, Russia (2019-2021)
Restaurant

World acclaim arrived for Peruvian chef Virgilio Martinez, after being awarded by his peers with prestigious ‘Chef Choice Award’ in 2017, and then with World No. 6 on 2018 and 2019 at 50 Best for his restaurant Central in Lima. His next challenge was to open a new restaurant in the emerging culinary scene of Moscow. He and his think-tank Mater Iniciativa, asked us to join the all- Peruvian team that would entirely design the Russian endeavor: concept, menu, space, art, tableware, etc. “We set out to make Andean cuisine, with our methodology of research and classification, but with the highest possible percentage of local products. Likewise in architecture, interior design or the staff itself.” Martinez said.

Our approach consisted on providing the best spatial context to the culinary experience. The space should be a harmonious translation device providing those essential ecosystems to understand the diverse background where this food is coming from. We found surprising geographical, biological and cultural similarities within Russia and Peru. We managed to create a luxurious Russian restaurant with a sober Peruvian flavor.

DESIGN TEAM: César Becerra, Fernando Puente Arnao, Manuel de Rivero with Karina Leon, Cristian Zuñiga, Michelle Cavero, Joel Aranibar, Oscar Apaza.
SURFACE: 388m2
LOCATION: Moscow, Russia.
YEAR: 2019-2021
ADVISORS: Claudia Paz (lighting), Maria Zhukova (local architect), Ishmael Randall-Weeks (artist)
CLIENT: Virgilio Martinez
PHOTOGRAPHY: