Hola!

My name is Christian Perez, but my friends call me

Chino.

I was drawn to the kitchen from a very early age.

 My mother’s kitchen was a community epicenter. Sharing native Peruvian recipes amongst family, friends, and neighbors gave us all a sense of cultural pride and immense respect for the power of food. I was not allowed to help cook, but the scents, the sounds, the energy… it called to me.

In 1996, on my own at the age of 20, I moved to the United States. Alone and low on funds, I bought a camping stove and began teaching myself to cook in my tiny, new apartment. I cooked noodles and rice… and vegetables when I could get them. And as I cooked, I watched television and I taught myself to speak English.

To keep me connected to my culture and make new friends I began preparing the Peruvian dishes I had seen as a kid. The smells, the colors, the flavors, the friends… it brought me back to a simpler time in my mother’s kitchen.

In 2008 I moved to Oregon and enrolled in nursing school. I studied my ass off, but could never ignite the passion I knew was needed to pursue a career in medicine. It just wasn’t the answer.

Something else called me.

For the next few years, I worked a variety of odd jobs always searching for the answer.

How does a man support himself without compromising his ideals?

 My mind kept drifting back to the smells, the colors, the flavors, and the community of food.

I cook. It brings me peace. And I discovered that sharing my food and my peace with friends, watching their surprise and delight at these flavors, my heart overflows…

EVERY SINGLE TIME.

Can I share my passion for cooking and also bring people together to satisfy their stomachs as well as their hearts? Will the World ever value a shared meal the way that I do? Will you invite me into your kitchen.

Over the years I have already honed my skills by hosting countless dinner parties in kitchens all over the world. Casually, I dreamt of Kichana for years. Among friends my dream became real.

In my dishes you will find fusion: my Native Peru blended with inspiration from the many places I’ve traveled and all the people, passions, and even pains that this life has gifted me.

My food is fragrant, vibrant, flavorful, and nourishing.

It still inspires me… every day.

Following your dreams is terrifying.

I say, do it anyway.

Kichana is my dream.

Because I’m so inspired whenever I witness the unifying power of a shared meal.

Food is art.

¡Buen Provecho! 

- Christian “Chino” Perez, Owner / Chef