"Chefs Sem Reservas," by former journalist, writer, and food curator Nelson Marques, launched an essential collection of literature dedicated to Portuguese gastronomy.
The first edition, in 2019, brought us a transparent portrait of ten of the biggest names in gastronomy. Through it, we learn about the "confessions, mistakes, and lessons" of Anthony Bourdain, Massimo Bottura, Alain Ducasse, José Avillez, Hans Neuner, Andoni Luis Aduriz, Alex Atala, Ljubomir Stanisic, Nuno Mendes and Vítor Sobral.
In 2022, “Chefs Sem Reservas: segundo prato” was served, revealing the careers of chefs such as Alexandre Silva, Clare Smyth, Dominique Crenn, Eneko Atxa, Henrique Sá Pessoa, Joan Roca, João Rodrigues, Marlene Vieira, Pedro Pena Bastos, Pian León, Ricardo Costa and Vladimir Mukhin.
This “journey through the life stories” of prestigious names in gastronomy continued in 2024. In “Chefs Sem Reservas: terceiro prato”, we learn about the challenges that marked the careers of Ferran Adrià, Dabiz Muñoz, Virgilio Martínez, Rui Paula, Rasmus Munk, Benoît Sinthon, Mauro Colagreco, Vasco Coelho Santos, João Oliveira, Ana Ros, Arnaldo Azevedo, Helena Rizzo, Luís Gaspar, Louise Bourrat and António Bóia.
FN hotelaria, which had already participated in the launch event for this book in 2024, held in the Churchill's gardens in Vila Nova de Gaia, supported the 2025 reissue of the first volume of this collection dedicated to the world of haute cuisine. Beyond its deep connection to gastronomy, FN hotelaria finds inspiration in the work of our chefs and fully identifies with the inspiring life stories told within these pages.
In the new book "Chefs Sem Reservas: edição revista e aumentada," we find "15 great chefs in a fabulous portrait of haute cuisine." The 10 interviewees from the original edition are now joined by Rui Silvestre, Janaína Torres, Diogo Rocha, Rodrigo Castelo and José Lopes. The presentation took place at SUD Lisboa Hall on July 17th.
We are very proud to have been part of this initiative that celebrates the chefs, extolling their talent and persistence, but above all, revealing the passion that drives them to continue despite the challenges and difficulties that mark their paths. Our role is to be there for them, as we have always been for many of the names that make up these books.
