Rui Paula

Chef at Casa da Chá da Boa Nova** (Leça da Palmeira, Portugal)

Held as an essential reference in modern Portuguese cuisine, Rui Paula's recipes reveal the memory of his origins, preserving flavours, textures, aromas and colours, in ultra-original recreations.

Born in Oporto, simplicity and a sense of humour shaped his personality. His roots in northern Portugal encouraged his interest in cooking, and the women in the family - his mother and grandmother - were the inspiration behind the basics that would turn him into a chef. His food is inspired by the traditional flavours and aromas of his childhood, but he conveys it in creative Portuguese recipes.

After completing his studies in cookery and pastrymaking, Rui Paula began work at some of Portugal's leading restaurants. In 1996 he opened his first restaurant, "DOC", in Folgosa, at the heart of the Duero Valley, a celebrated winemaking region in Portugal. It was not long before the restaurant met with success.In subsequent years, Rui Paula boosted his gastronomic portfolio with other top-class restaurants, such as "DOP" in Oporto and "Casa de Chá da Boa Nova" in Leça da Palmeira. The latter now has two Michelin stars.