Armando Campana’s first memories of cooking are from when his family used to go to his grandmother’s house in the Andes in Peru, where he grew up. “I remember the smell of food from her kitchen so clearly – hot bread from the clay oven and freshly ground spices. And the smells outside in her courtyard too – fresh figs, peaches and mangos. It was amazing.”
Armando came to New Zealand in 2014 with his partner, Alessandra. At the end of their university studies, they decided to apply for a one-year Working Holiday visa – and ten years later, they’re still here, and still in love with New Zealand.
We feel so lucky to have Armando opening his first solo venture, Mayu, with us at 269 as he’s worked with some of the best in the industry at places like Pasture, Inca Platform8, Sidart and Onemata at the Park Hyatt.
Alessandra and Armando want to share their passion for good food with Parnell locals and visitors from all over the country. “It’s the Peruvian flavours of our childhoods with a modern twist that people will love as much as we do”