Hi, I´m Joe Devine.
For the past 5 years and alongside writing and publishing my own cookery book I have been working hard as a private chef and caterer.
I can draw on over 30 years of gastronomic experience and with an attention to detail, great food and a flexible, friendly attitude I have happily built a loyal and expanding customer base.
I aim to provide a professional yet personal service. The food plays the starring role and my culinary style is uncomplicated, beautifully presented dishes with an emphasis on flavour. The Algarve provides a wealth of fantastic ingredients and I endeavour to utilise these with intelligence and respect, resulting in a memorable dining experience.
From the lowly yet important role as dish washer in my Uncle´s restaurant during the school holidays I have, from an early age, been fascinated by all things ´food´. My career has since covered many facets of the industry. I studied at the Guildford college of food technology whilst working in one of Surrey´s best restaurants, The Running Horses in Mickleham.
A job offer at the Amsterdam Hilton took me across the channel. Amsterdam provided a broad spectrum of culinary experience. I worked in the kitchens of the restaurants Le Hollandais and Het Jagershuis, taught at Keizer Culinair cookery school and wrote recipes for various publications.
My last position before leaving the Netherlands was executive chef at the exclusive catering company of Wendy Welvaars where some notable guests included Prince Willem Alexander, future King of Holland, Leonard Cohen and Jesus (prince of Nazareth).
My first year in the Algarve found me heading up the kitchen of the established and excellent restaurant Aquasul, in the beautiful East Algarve town of Tavira. A stint at the renowned Noelia´s in Cabanas followed where I gained a good grounding in Portuguese cuisine.
Since then I have been going it alone and apart from reviving old favourites and revitalising some past classics, I haven´t looked back.
Please contact me for more information
Thanks,
Joe Devine.
