Portuguese Chef Ricardo Goncalves will be bringing his energy and gastronomic flair to the kitchen of Bistrot Bagatelle. Chef Goncalves has garnered 12 years of experience working in Portugal, France and the UAE, with his sights now set on the restaurant, where he will be responsible of a brigade of 18.
The chef’s love for cooking began at an early age, dating back to when he’d help his grandma in her kitchen in Portugal. At 16, he took a summer job at one of the busiest restaurants in his hometown. Enthralled by the environment of a bustling kitchen and quickly developing a love for fresh produce, Chef Goncalves then moved to France where he lived and worked for three years. During that time, he graduated from Montpellier Culinary School and undertook an internship in the kitchen of Chef Pierre Auge at the famous La Maison de Petit Pierre.
In search of new pastures after holding several roles in fine-dining French restaurants, he joined the Dubai culinary scene with Cocktail Kitchen in 2016. He oversaw and managed the kitchen during the restaurant’s transition to Axe House. Chef Goncalves created a menu that paid homage to British classics from London’s foodie hotspots such as Shoreditch and Borough Market.
From Axe House, Chef Ricardo moved to Zabeel House in the Greens – by Jumeirah followed by a short spell at La Carnita in the Dubai Marina. Yet the Chef couldn’t resist his French culinary roots, and found himself “back home” by joining Bistrot Bagatelle. 18 months later and a promotion to Head Chef, Chef Ricardo can be found producing his favourite creations such as Crudo de Sériole à la Truffe Noire and Linguini au Homard Epicé with his fine team of chefs, serving the discerning diners of Bagatelle.
Bistrot Bagatelle is located on the 1st floor of Fairmont Hotel Dubai.
