JUNGLE FOOD PORN

I like to eat pretty much everything, but when I first began exploring the exotic foods of the Amazon, this attitude got me into trouble. My over enthusiasm had so many foreign foods entering my body, that I spent days nursing my poor bowels in the +35 degree heat of the Jungle. But what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, and now my resilient stomach and I freely enjoy eating all the jungle has to offer. Needless to say when El Sombrero de Paja, one the Amazon’s most famous restaurants, asked if I would come out and photograph their headlining dishes for an upcoming image re-brand, both me and my stomach jumped at the opportunity.

we had an outstanding two days sexing up their exotic menu to capture some mouth watering imagery.

Though I have vast experience eating the foods of the world, I have limited experience actually photographing them. But as with all challenges in this line of work, a little research and willingness to try, go a long way. With the help of El Sombrero’s food stylist Andrea Vela Alarcon and her Grandmother (and El Sombrero menu creator) Celia Chong (aka Cheli), we had an outstanding two days sexing up their exotic menu to capture some mouth watering imagery.

the owner has 3 pet alligators on the premises…and he is missing one of his fingers.

If you find yourself in Iquitos, Peru, I highly recommend eating at El Sombrero de Paja…did I mention the owner, Golber, has 3 pet alligators on the premises….and he is missing one of his fingers? Buen provecho!