Attendees can enjoy a fun evening dining, sipping, and learning as Chef Arnaldo Castillo of Tio Lucho’s prepares a four-part small plate menu. Guests will learn new recipes and taste freshly prepared courses paired with wine.
Schedule: Wednesday, October 2, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Fee: $85 (Members $80)
Deadline: One week before session
About Chef Arnaldo Castillo
Chef Arnaldo Castillo, the owner and executive chef of Tio Lucho’s in Atlanta, Georgia, is an enigma; born in Peru and raised in the South, he embodies both cultures.
These distinct worlds influence his culinary style, presenting Chef Arnaldo with the unique opportunity to either adhere to his formal training and create traditional fare from each region or explore uncharted territory. A James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef in the Southeast, he shares his culinary journey one plate at a time. Castillo has aimed to introduce Atlantans to Peruvian cuisine through a southern lens, a mission that began long before the Poncey-Highland eatery opened its doors in 2022. As the creator of the popular food pop-up, La Chingana, he first showcased Peruvian flavors in the city through sought-after ticketed tasting menus, private dinners, and à la carte pop-ups.
Inspired by his father, Luis, a cook and caterer, Castillo has been immersed in the restaurant industry since age 16. He has held various positions during his culinary journey, learning the ropes of the industry as a server, dishwasher, cook, sous chef, and chef de cuisine at esteemed Atlanta restaurants including Minero, Pura Vida, Empire State South, and Little Trouble, where he played a pivotal role in the opening.
The dream of opening Tio Lucho’s was born post-pandemic when Castillo realized his at-home cooking heavily featured Peruvian-inspired dishes. As executive chef, he excels in the creative process of developing food and beverage recipes using seasonal, local, or regional products while designing an inviting atmosphere to introduce guests to Peruvian culture. As the owner, he balances his time in the kitchen with managing daily operations, overseeing a team of hospitality professionals, and ensuring a great experience for every guest at Tio Lucho’s.
A resident of Decatur, Georgia, Castillo enjoys hikes with his wife and their two rescue dogs, and they are expecting their first child this spring. With family at the heart of both his personal and professional life, Castillo named Tio Lucho’s as a tribute to his father’s nickname, who sadly passed away just two weeks before the restaurant opened. He credits any good fortune the restaurant has encountered to his father, whom Castillo believes has been their patron saint from the beginning.
Event Venue: Atlanta Botanical Garden
