Chef João Oliveira of the prestigious Vista restaurant at the Bela Vista resort in Portimão has received the ‘Prix au Chef de L’Avenir’, an accolade awarded by the International Academy of Gastronomy to talented young chefs around the world.
Oliveira received the award last Friday (May 24) from the hands of members of the Portuguese Academy of Gastronomy, who were treated to several mouthwatering dishes made by the young chef including Mediterranean ‘Carabineiro’ shrimp and Minho-style veal.
“Gastronomy is an art, and this meal was indeed an artistic moment. It was because we knew Chef João and his work well that we suggested his name for this prize,” said Bento dos Santos, one of the members of the academy.
João Oliveira said he was delighted to receive the distinction and described it as a “huge honour”.
He shared the credit with his staff, adding that he has the “privilege of working every day with the best local ingredients, especially those that come from the sea”.
