Hélio Loureiro his graduated by Escola de Hotelaria e Turismo do Porto and he is a creative and forward-thinking Chef with more than 30 years of experience. He is a researcher in the art of cooking and a wine expert. Hélio Loureiro is author of more than 20 cooking books. In 2018 his book “eat à la Moda do Porto” won the third prize among the worldwide gastronomy books in the world greatest contest that occurs in China. He is a media personality either in television as a program presenter or as a newspaper columnist. In 2017, together with Dr. Patricia Padrão (University of Porto) he was the television host of Nutriciência, a television program aimed to promote the Portuguese gastronomy in parallel with the best nutrition guidelines. This program was the winner of the eighth edition of Food & Nutrition Awards! He is, frequently, invited to be a member of national and international juries of cooking competitions. After 3 years as chef of Futebol Clube do Porto soccer team, he was invited to be the chef of the Portuguese football team. Founder and President of Confraria das Tripas à moda do Porto. He promoted both Portuguese gastronomy and products in several festivals.
Hélio Loureiro started his career in Zé da Calçada restaurant (Amarante). He was a member of Meridien Porto setup team. In Algarve he was the executive sous-chef in the setup team of Hotel Quinta do Lago of Orient Express. Hélio Loureiro was executive chef in: Sheraton, Porto Palácio Hotel, Solinca Eventos e Catering, Dunas Douradas Beach Club, Douro Palace and Douro Royal Valley. Hélio Loureiro has also formation in restaurant les Champs with 2 Michelin stars, in Yamato Japanese restaurant and in several restaurants of Starwood hotels.
Prizes and distinctions:
- Chef of the Year in 2003 by Portuguese Gastronomy Academy;
- Oficial da Ordem de Mérito by Portuguese Government attributed by Dr. Jorge Sampaio;
- Diploma of Honour and Gold Medal by ARHESP;
- Diploma of Merit and Gold Medal by Vinho Verde Wine Commission;
- Cavaleiro after elevated to Infanção of Confraria do vinho do Porto;
- Honour and Merit Medal of Porto City by the President Rui Rio.
At present, Hélio Loureiro is consultor of Grupo Trivalor, Continente (Sonae), SóCatering and ASPOC.