Portuguese chef José Avillez wins the prestigious Grand Prix de L’Art de la Cuisine

For the first time ever, a Portuguese chef has been awarded with the prestigious Grand Prix de L’Art de la Cuisine by the the International Academy of Gastronomy. Well-known chef and restaurateur José Avillez, who counts two Michelin-starred Belcanto among his many fine dining establishments, now joins a distinguished list of names in the culinary world who have received this prize, including Alain Ducasse (1993 and 2007), Ferran Adrià (1994), Massimo Bottura (2010), Joan Roca (2011), René Redzepi (2012/2013), Grant Achatz (2014) and Alex Atala (2015).

Avillez’s main focus has been promoting Portuguese gastronomy and to contribute towards establishing Portugal as a top gastronomic destination.

“I’m grateful to the International Academy of Gastronomy for this award. We’ve worked hard, aiming to promote Portuguese gastronomy throughout the world, and this award is an important recognition of the effort we’ve made. It will certainly help to bring more visibility to Portuguese cuisine”, said José Avillez, taking the chance to sensitize the audience with this award, considered by many one of the most relevant distinctions in the Gastronomy world. “I’m very pleased to receive the Grand Prix de L ‘Art de la Cuisine and join a group of chefs where I find so many of my references”, he added.

Avillez has several restaurants in Lisbon and in Porto, and though they all offer different gastronomic experiences, they all express his great passion for cuisine. Belcanto distinguished with two Michelin stars and considered one of the 100 best restaurants in the world by the prestigious “The World's 50 Best Restaurants List”—- Beco – Cabaret Gourmet, Mini Bar, Bairro do Avillez (that includes several restaurants), Cantinho do Avillez in Lisbon and in Porto, Café Lisboa, Pizzaria Lisboa and the three restaurants in the Gourmet Experience of El Corte Inglés Lisboa: Tasca Chic, Jacaré and Barra Cascabel.