Private Chef, near Faro, Portugal

For a lovely ultra-high net worth family of three living near Faro, Portugal we are looking for a permanent experienced Live-in Private Chef. Strong experience of Seafood (incl. Sushi) as well as Mediterranean cuisine is essential. Separate local accommodation provided close by to beaches. Drivers only and candidates who are independent able to relocate.

*This role is not suitable for those who only have chef experienced gained in restaurants or working freelance for families. A min. of 2-3 years working full time/ permanently for a private family is required. Thank you for respecting this.

The family live in a stunning contemporary recently refurbished villa consisting of 7 bedrooms and 13 bathrooms set within its own grounds. The property is very high tech and mostly run from a mobile. The main villa has a show kitchen. In an adjacent house is large chef´s kitchen (great for preparation work), used for meetings and entertaining. The staff consist of a housekeeper, a domestic couple and contractors to look after the villa. There are no pets.

The property is a full-time residence and the owners are a couple (South African/ Portuguese) in their sixties and their son in his late twenties who lives between the UK and Portugal. The father and son frequently travel on business with the mother remaining at the house. 

There are normally no or only very few guests staying over during the year. For Christmas as many as 30 guests are visiting. There are dinner parties about once or twice a month with a max of 8 guests. 

There is a strong family structure and the family meeting to have meals together, they often have Sunday lunch or a BBQ (informal buffet style), they also frequently go out for dinner and lunch (when the chef is given time off). There are no special diets or allergies and one person eats lactose free. Meals are usually discussed and decided the day before. 

Breakfast is at around 10am, lunch around 2.30pmand dinner around 8pm or 8.30pm. Once served the family are not disturbed while eating.

Breakfast is served and left at the table. Lunch is usually left for the family to take when they are hungry. Dinner is more formal. The family love Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Pan-Asian, Asian cuisines, but also British traditional dishes, but no French cuisine. Food is served either family style or plated (no dots of sauces) , the family love all seafood (lobster, clams, prawns, scallops, crabs, oysters, etc.) and a variety of fresh vegetables. The mother eats no poultry or fish. The preference is for red meat pork, beef and some lamb). There is more information on who likes what available.

The atmosphere is friendly, calm and laid back with a little more formality on occasion. 

The duties of the Private Chef:

• Preparing breakfast (fruit, freshly baked pastries, fresh breads, eggs to order, pan cakes etc.)
• Creating lunches and cooking dinners
• Ensuring kitchen cupboards are well stocked and clean
• Sourcing and purchasing ingredients (plus twice a month go shopping with the mother or housekeepers)
• Preparing snacks throughout the day (finger sandwiches for meetings, smoothies, etc.)
• Preparing charcuterie or cheese boards
• Baking cookies, cakes and breads
• Assisting with wine sourcing and pairing (the son likes to take care of the wine fridges with the help of the chef) 
• Keeping both kitchens clean and tidy
• Keeping account of expenses and tracking budgeting 
• Regularly preparing some dishes for the weekend

Requirements for the Private Chef:

• A min of 5 years´ experience as a Private Chef
• Legal to work in the EU/ work visas can be obtained (candidates should currently be in the EU/ UK)
• Clean drivers` license
• Well experienced in Mediterranean Cuisine, Asian, Sushi and British dishes
• Fluency in English, Portuguese and/ Spanish an advantage
• Hygiene Certificate and high level of hygiene standards
• Excellent presentation skills (must be able to work clean in the show kitchen)
• Aware of a lactose free diet
• No piercings or visible tattoos 
• Longevity in past roles
• Excellent written references from past employers
• A recent security check (to be obtained)

The current Private Chef has been with the family for over 5 years. He is leaving in July or sooner to get married. A handover of two weeks is anticipated after an initial trial. The family is looking for a chef who fits in well with them and can offer flexibility. The family are very friendly, warm and treat their staff as whey wish to be treated. The family is spiritual and observe mind-fullness. Please note that the parents both smoke indoors.

Accommodation is a one bedroom apartment in a condominium 200m away (photos available) which is a 5 min walk from a stunning sandy beach.

A staff car (automatic) is provided. Candidates should be able to drive a manual car. Nearest supermarket is 5 min. by car, nearest shopping centre 15 min by car.

Hours: Mon- Fri, 8am – 12noon and 5pm – 9pm with some flexibility if needed. If work at the weekend is required, time in lieu is given. Lunch for staff may be provided, this is to be discussed.

Salary: €5000 - 6000 gross a month plus 28 days holidays (incl. bank holidays), depending on experience on a live-in basis. Work is required over the Christmas period, other bank holidays can be taken off. This is permanent role.

To start: As soon as possible