PEOPLE Who’s behind Mesa do Chefe

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Going green A talent for Tapas Forget watering and maintenance with lush synthetic lawn... at Mesa do ChefeA slice of heaven is the best way to describe this family run Bistro.

John and Emma Hogan, along with their 6 year old daughter, Deanna, came to live in the Algarve a little over 4 years ago. John, who is also sales manager for Penguin air-conditioning, recalls that the decision was made whilst Deanna was young so that she could be schooled through the Portuguese system. They lived here back in 1999 for 2 years, but had to return to the UK for personal reasons, whilst there, got married, had Deanna and returned to Portugal as soon as they possibly could. John and Emma love Portugal and are now totally settled. Emma has always loved to be in the kitchen, and although John is a trained Chef, it is Emma that has always loved to cook. Emma has always had a desire for her own restaurant here in the Algarve – and although John admits to being a little sceptical at the beginning, Mesa do Chefe has turned out to be just what they wanted and they are both loving their work. John takes care of front of house and strives for the perfect customer experience. John and Emma found the premises quite by chance after responding to an advert for a property advertised in the East Algarve magazine. The house wasn’t for them, but in the same meeting they found that the Bistro was available in Moncarapacho. Not wanting to miss a business opportunity, they arranged to meet the owner that same day, and they set the ball rolling. On Boxing Day last year, John phoned his brother Stuart in the UK, who also has extensive experience in professional kitchens as well as a shared love of Portugal and asked if he would like to come out and work at Mesa do Chefe, bringing with him his own culinary flair. He accepted and is now in the kitchen with Emma cooking up many tasty treats. Emma and John made the decision to make Mesa do Chefe a Tapas and Wine Bistro, with the emphasis on great quality at a reasonable price. The atmosphere is relaxed, and you can have a few dishes to share, or several – making it a complete meal with many different and exciting flavours. The feedback from customers so far has been fantastic and repeat business has been very high. Clients have also commented that the house wines, at 5€ a litre, are superb, and John believes, after careful research, “the fun bit!”, that they are the best house wines for miles around. A new idea for the bistro, starting in May is to offer a mixed tapas plate – a full meal for one person with a covert and glass of house wine for €8.50 at lunchtimes. Emma explains, “lunchtimes at present are unpredictable and can be quite quiet. The reason for this, is historically, this restaurant has never opened at lunchtime.” It is open from 12pm to 2.30pm Tue to Sun & 7.00pm to 10.30 pm Tue to Sat. Word is spreading and each week the lunchtime trade is increasing. They offer an extensive tapas menu, all freshly cooked to order, with dishes from all over the world, “rather than just Spanish

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tapas”. They also offer home made stone baked pizzas, made by Emma using her own special dough recipe. All ingredients are simple, fresh and tasty and the pizzas are rolled and baked to order. Emma explains, “the perfect pizza should have a crisp base, yet with plenty of topping. You can either choose from the menu, or simply build your own using a Margarita base. We can offer pizzas for take away too, simply phone your order through on 289 792 087, or call in and have a drink whilst you wait for your order.” Evenings are amazing. According to John and Emma, they have only been open for twelve weeks, and already booking is highly recommended. With the warmer weather they are able to double their seating capacity using the lovely bougainvillea shaded terrace. In the future, they are looking to expand and to take Mesa do Chefe tapas experience to other towns in the East Algarve region. Why not give them a try one lunchtime or evening and sample some of the mouthwatering tapas, such as Sticky Ribs, Spicy Meatballs, Seared Tuna, Garlic and Chilli Prawns, Emma’s home-made coleslaw, chips, and an array of freshly made desserts, with a glass or 3 of wine! Find them in Moncarapacho, by taking the road from the main street, up the right hand side of the market. It is approximately 100 metres up on the right hand side set on the facing corner. For bookings please call 289 792 087.

Below from left to right; Stuart, John and Emma Hogan

TAPAS & WINE BISTRO

NEW LUNCHTIME SPECIAL - COVER, MIXED TAPAS AND GLASS OF WINE €8.50 PER HEAD

With seating both inside the Bistro and on the Bougainvillea shaded terrace, relax and while away the hours with a choice from the carefully selected wine list and a plate or three of Tapas from the extensive menu. ◊ INTERNATIONAL TAPAS ◊ NEW LUNCHTIME

MIXED TAPAS PLATE ◊ SUPERB WINES ◊ STONE BAKED, HAND MADE PIZZAS ◊ DAILY SPECIALS BOARD ◊ TAKE AWAY PIZZAS

OPEN FOR LUNCH 12PM-2.30PM AND DINNER 7PM-9.30PM (CLOSED SUNDAY EVE AND ALL DAY MONDAY)

Telephone 289 792 087 Rua do Carmo; No15, Moncarapacho, 8700-096, Olhão