Portuguese Chefs master culinary skill around the world

Chefs of Portuguese heritage are attracting food lovers from all around the world. The  Mediterranean like cuisine is no longer simply known for it’s “Bacalhau” dishes.  The chefs master their culinary skill by fusing the influences of traditional flavors with an upscale modern edge to tempt the modern pallet.  They achieve their mastery of cuisine through their creativity and  heritage which stems  back to their forefathers;  the great explorers who introduced  flavorful spices from the East to Europe in the Fifteen Century. You will find that even the presentations of the classic dishes has evolved into stunning masterpieces of flavorful art served on a plate.  Just as the great explorers brought flavor to the world, the chefs have introduced the cuisine  of Portugal to the pallets of a new generation of gourmet food lovers.

Although some of these restaurants may not offer authentic Portuguese dining, you will find some elements of traditional spices and flavors incorporated into their menus reflecting a hint of  their heritage. There has always been a special connection with food in our culture which will never change because Portuguese chefs cook with love, passion and creativity which most likely began at an early age when they made that special connection to food like so many of us. Some of these great chefs have even been recognized around the world with Michelin Stars and James Beard Awards in recent years. I predict that many more will be awarded in the years to come. Below you’ll find links to award winning chefs and their restaurants.

Michelin Star Chefs:

– George Mendes – Michelin star in NYC

http://aldearestaurant.com/index.php

– Nuno Mendes – Michelin star in London

http://www.whitelinehotels.com/blog/london-nuno-mendes-wins-a-michelin-star-for-viajante/

– Jose Avilez – Michelin star in Lisboa (meanwhile he has already left the Tavares restaurant)

http://www.golisbon.com/blog/2009/11/27/lisbon-restaurant-news-the-chef-of-the-year-and-a-new-michelin-star/

– Serge Vieira – Michelin Star in France

http://www.cuisinenow.com.au/extensions/serge-vieira

– Martinho moniz – Hong Kong

http://www.ionline.pt/conteudo/91989-guia-michelin-2011-atribui-tres-estrelas-tres-restaurantes-hong-kong-e-um-macau

James Beard Award:

Emeril Lagasse’s New Orleans Restaurant wins James Beard Award

http://www.emerils.com/cooking-blog/3349/james-beard-awards-and-gala/

Emeril Laggase to open new Restaurant in PA.

http://www.emerils.com/newsroom/489/emeril-lagasse-to-open-%E2%80%9Cemeril%E2%80%99s-italian-table%E2%80%9D-at-sands-casino-resort-bethlehem/

More great Portuguese chefs:

David Santos – Hotel Griffou

http://www.griffou.com/

http://www.zagat.com/buzz/new-york-city/c/david-santos

Jason Santos – Runner up Hell’s Kitchen  Opens New Restaurant in Boston!

http://bostonherald.com/entertainment/food_dining/general/view.bg?articleid=1333554

http://boston.grubstreet.com/2011/05/a_glimpse_at_blue_incs_menu.html

Luisa Fernandes – wins Food Networks “Chopped” episode

http://www.chefluisafernandes.com/Press.html

http://www.thebestchocolatecake.com/history.html

Anthony Goncalves – serves up Brunch at RitzCarlton

http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Westchester/Dining/Bellota_at_42/Default.htm

http://www.summitwineandfood.com/chefs/anthony_goncalves.html

Our culture strives for ultimate success in everything we do, so why would we except our chefs to be anything but the some of the best chefs in the world?

So, I hope I’ve inspired you to visit their restaurants in the US and all over the world, buy their cookbooks, watch them on television,  or try one of their recipes.   If I left any out, I apologize because I know there are so many more creating great food all over the world. In fact, I bet there is a great Portuguese cook right in your hometown, and there’s even one standing right in your own kitchen!

Could you be the next great Portuguese Chef?

Keep cooking…. Tia Maria

2011 Michelin Star Restaurants in Portugal

http://portugalconfidential.com/2010/12/2011-michelin-star-restaurants-in-portugal/#comment-533

Largo do Poço at Hotel Casa da Calçada – Amarante
Chef:  Vitor Matos

Arcadas da Capela at Hotel Quinta das Lagrimas – Coimbra
Chef:  Albano Lourenço; Consultant:  Joachim Koerper

Fortaleza do Guincho at Hotel Forteleza do Guincho, Cascais
Chef:  Antoine Westermann

Tavares – Lisbon
Chef: José Avillez

Amadeus – Almancil
Chef:  Siegfied Danler-Heinemann

Henrique Leis – Almancil
Chef:  Henrique Leis

Ocean Restaurant at Vila Vita Parc – Porches
Chef:  Hans Neuner

São Gabriel – Almancil
Chef:  Torsten Schulz

Vila Joya at Hotel Vila Joya – Galé
Chef:  Dieter Koschina

Willie’s – Vilamoura
Chef:  Willie Wurger

Il Gallo d’Oro at the Cliff Bay Hotel – Funchal
Chef:  Benoît Sinthon