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 in Seafood (including Sushi) as well as Mediterranean cuisine is essential. Separate local accommodation is provided close to beaches. Drivers only, and candidates should be independent and able to relocate.
This role is not suitable for those who only have chef experience gained in restaurants or working freelance for families. A minimum of 2-3 years working full time/permanently for a private family is required.
The family resides in a stunning contemporary 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, and in an adjacent house is a large chef's kitchen (great for preparation work), used for meetings and entertaining. The staff consists 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 very few guests staying over during the year, with as many as 30 guests visiting during Christmas. There are dinner parties about once or twice a month with a maximum of 8 guests.
There is a strong family structure, and the family meets to have meals together. They often have Sunday lunch or a BBQ (informal buffet style) and frequently go out for dinner and lunch (when the chef is given time off). There are no special diets or allergies, though one person eats lactose-free. Meals are usually discussed and decided the day before.
Breakfast is served at around 10 am, lunch around 2:30 pm, and dinner around 8 pm or 8:30 pm. Once served, the family is 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, and dinner is more formal. The family loves Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Pan-Asian, Asian cuisines, and British traditional dishes, but no French cuisine. Food is served either family style or plated (no dots of sauces). The family loves all seafood (lobster, clams, prawns, scallops, crabs, oysters, etc.) and a variety of fresh vegetables. The mother eats no poultry or fish, with a preference 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 include:
Preparing breakfast (fruit, freshly baked pastries, fresh breads, eggs to order, pancakes, 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.)
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 minimum 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)
Well experienced in Mediterranean Cuisine, Asian, Sushi, and British dishes
Fluency in English; Portuguese and/or Spanish is 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 and 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. They are very friendly, warm, and treat their staff as they wish to be treated. The family is spiritual and observes mindfulness. 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, and candidates should be able to drive a manual car. The nearest supermarket is 5 min by car, and the nearest shopping centre is 15 min by car.
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8 am–12 noon and 5 pm–9 pm 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 (including 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 a permanent role.
#J-18808-Ljbffr