QUINOA DELIGHTED ATHLETES AT THE PAN AMERICAN VILLAGE

The boom of Peruvian cuisine continues to captivate the world. An example of this takes place at the Pan American Village, where over 4000 athletes enjoy the best of Peruvian food in the huge dining hall of this venue. 

One of the most popular foods is quinoa, a millenary cereal that has conquered the world and is now the enjoyment of athletes who consume it because of its nutritional properties. 

The huge dining hall covers the length of one and a half football pitch, where 700,000 meals are expected to be served until the end of the Games. Giorgio Mautino, mayor of the Pan American Village, said that athletes are very happy with the food provided at the dining hall, which is open 22 hours a day. 

Athletes can pick the food of their choice, as it is a buffet service. They can choose among many options: Peruvian food, meat, carbohydrates, salads and fruits, and they can repeat as many times as they like.  

Giorgio Mautino, who is also former national athletics team member, explained that food choices varies depending on the sport where athletes compete. “Some want to stay at their current weight, so they can pick mostly vegetables. Others choose carbohydrates and many others do not eat meat before competitions as it may be harder to digest,” he said. 

Mautino also highlighted how Peruvian food keeps on delighting palates around the world, something evidenced by the positive feedback and compliments received from delegations who stay at the Village. “Lomo Saltado is one of the most popular dishes requested by athletes. They all feel happy and at home, and that is the idea. Here in the dining hall, they can choose what they want and repeat as many times as they like,” he explains. 

On the other hand, Aldo Cardini, head chef of Sodexo, company responsible for the catering service provided to athletes, said that 600 people are working at the Pan American Village dining hall. The chef mentioned some fun facts. For example, the amount of mozzarella cheese to be consumed at the Pan American Games equals the weight of four Volkswagen Beetles.  

The amount of spaghetti could cover the distance between Lima and Machu Picchu. One million liters of beverages will be served at the Village, which equals four Olympic pool lanes. All meals are served using biodegradable dishes and cutlery for the benefit of the environment. 

Cardini revealed some of the athletes’ favorites. “They love quinoa, a product that has really caught the attention and appetite of athletes. They are aware of its millenary properties, and this is why they choose it,” he said. He also mentioned that during the Games opening ceremony, they served ceviche, one of our typical dishes, and many first triers loved it. 

Cardini explained that, so far, 100,000 meals have been served during the Games. 

Meanwhile, Micaela Vásquez, Lima 2019 catering manager at the Village, said that athletes are free to eat at any moment and according to their specific needs. She reveals that nutritionists are also taking care of athletes’ diet.  

Sunday, August 4 will be a key day for the catering and accommodation services at the Village, as it will receive almost 5000 athletes from across the continent. They also receive advice or requests from nutritionists of the different delegations to ensure athletes are eating the right foods.  

Today, for example, 3200 people registered for breakfast. Also, an average of 600 kg of bananas are consumed every day. Athletes can also eat desserts. Among the most popular are tiramisu, gelatin and flan. There is no doubt that athletes are enjoying their stay at the Village and our world-renowned gastronomy.