Monsieur Francois Porte was born in the picturesque village of Valentine, France and at an early age he discovered a love and passion for preparing traditional French cuisine. In his youth, he was inspired by the recipes and methods that were written by Escoffier who modernized traditional French cooking.

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After completing an apprenticeship in the kitchens of his home country his talents soon led him around the world via the Caribbean and England when in 1974, he opened his own highly acclaimed restaurant “Le Provencal”.

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His talents were recognized by the local community and he was asked in 1983 by one of his regular patrons if he would be interested in leading the kitchen team at Dubai Country Club in the United Arab Emirates. In those days, this was a courageous and pioneering adventure for Dubai was simply a desert and there was a lot of uncertainty in the challenges that lay ahead in setting up a kitchen and managing an F&B operation in a remote location in the middle east.

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Chef Francois quickly made a great name for himself at the Dubai Country Club with the members and regular visitors as it was the only fine dining restaurant of its kind at the time. After 7-years at Dubai Country Club, Chef Francois was established and well respected amongst the community and hospitality industry as one of the best Executive Chef’s in Dubai.

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Soon after he became one of the founding members of the Dubai Culinary Guild which is still the leading organization for Chefs in the UAE today with over 1,000 chef members. From time to time he is invited back to Dubai as a judge for Chef competitions in Dubai.

 

In 1990 he was asked to join the management team as Executive Chef at the world-famous Emirates Golf Club, Dubai, known as the “Desert Miracle”. This was the first 5-star golf course to be built in the desert. A vision that was realized by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Chef Francois for 23 years managed the golf club kitchens and “Le Classique” became known as the number one fine dining restaurant in Dubai and won a series of awards and accolades for its outstanding cuisine and impeccable service standards.

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Chef Francois prepared dishes for the royal family, world leaders such as Bill Clinton and famous golf celebrities such as Tiger Woods. Chef Francois has a fun-loving personality and dedication to this craft which has earned him a reputation as a father figure, always ready to help those in need of his expertise. The respect and affection in which he held by the UAE community is legendary.

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After over 30 years as an Executive Chef he decided to move to Thailand to enjoy his retirement in 2011. His desire to cook did not come to an end for very long. Shortly after moving to Thailand he met with his former colleague, manager and good friend Mohamed Juma Buamaim in Koh Samui and the golden memories of Le Classique and the years he spent in the UAE as a Chef had to be relived again.

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His passion for cooking saw the opening of “Chez Francois” in Bo Phut, Fisherman’s Village Koh Samui, Thailand - a place where the work and development of this well-known boutique restaurant that he undertakes keeps him active and young at heart. Chez Francois is frequented by locals and friends of the past and present who enjoy the culinary experience that Chef Francois brings to the table.