Chef
André Simão
Chef André Simão, a native of Portimão, developed a passion for cookery from an early age, especially for fish, seafood and tinned food, influenced by the rich local gastronomic culture.
After three years at the Portimão School of Hospitality and Tourism, he began his career at the age of 18 at the Bela Vista Hotel & Spa, where he quickly stood out for his dedication and talent.
Under the guidance of experienced chefs such as Rogério Calhau, João Oliveira and Rui Silvestre, he perfected his skills in Fine Dining and comfort cuisine full of flavours, valuing authenticity and the story behind each dish.
Today, his cuisine stands out for its use of local produce, preserving the original flavour and incorporating influences from his travels around the world, further enriching his gastronomic approach.
Sommelier
Fernando Côrtes
With experience in high-end restaurants such as Eleven and Rocco over the past five years, he has honed his knowledge and established valuable connections in the wine industry. His pursuit of excellence is evident in his training with internationally recognised credentials such as the prestigious Court of Master Certified in London and the respected WSET 3 in Portugal. His goal is to stand out as an authority in the wine industry, encouraging others to appreciate wine as a meaningful cultural and historical expression.
As Vistas Monte Rei resident Sommelier, Fernando has created a cellar that is filled with his personal selection of outstanding portuguese wines, from the usual names to the rising stars of this extremely rich wine producing country. He has always the perfect – and surprising – wine pairing for your choice of menu.
