Maître Rôtisseur Gonçalo Queiroz was born in Lisbon and grew up in Barreiro, a municipality on the southern shore of the Tagus estuary directly opposite Portugal’s capital city. At 18, he moved to Évora to be with his wife, Eugénia, and studied hospitality/restaurant management at the Escola Profissional da Região Alentejo (EPRAL).

[Ed. Since March 2024 Gonçalo’s wife Eugénia “Genny” has been Échanson of Portugal.]

Gonçalo began his career at Bica do Sapato in Lisbon with Chef António Alexandre, followed by stints at M’ar de Ar Hotel Aqueduto in Évora and L’and Vineyards, an exclusive 5-star romantic wine retreat and luxury hotel in the Alentejo, where he became a Sous Chef. In 2013, he headed the kitchen of the Picante restaurant in the Four Points by Sheraton in Dubai.

In 2015, he returned to Portugal and with Genny opened Origens in Évora, a restaurant focusing on Alentejo flavours using local products presented in a contemporary manner. The restaurant is a family project, with the art of good cooking and superior hospitality at its heart.

Gonçalo joined the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs at the invitation of friends. He considers it an honour to be part of the Confrérie, which, at the time he joined included Maria de Lourdes Modesto as a member, a fact which was a significant attraction for him.

[Ed. Chevalier d’Honneur Maria de Lourdes Modesto (b.1930 - d.2022) was known as "The Diva of Portuguese Gastronomy". It was on Portuguese public television that for 12 years she presented the most popular cooking programme in the country's history. Her individual style, favouring live and improvisation (she was the Portuguese pioneer of “live cooking”) won her many admirers.]

Gonçalo hopes the Chaîne will continue to grow in Portugal, promoting gastronomy and strengthening the bonds among members. Looking ahead, Gonçalo aims to help energize events like “Chaîne Natur”, where members can enjoy gastronomy and camaraderie. He believes in the Chaîne's potential to remain a platform of excellence and fellowship, both in Portugal and internationally.

Anna Oshkalo
Chargée de Presse

Origens
Rua de Burgos 10
7000-863 Évora

Web: origensrestaurante.com
Tel: +351 964 220 790