Michel Portos, Chef of the Year, 2012

©Hervé Lefebvre / Twin
His father wanted him to be an accountant, he wanted to be a chef. But not just any old chef - Michel Portos has been named Chef of the Year 2012 by the GaultMillau guide. Originally from Marseille, and having worked with a number of top chefs including Troisgros in Roanne, Portos learnt the art of pared down cuisine from a Japanese chef who once asked him to clean up his ‘overloaded’ plate. Now in charge of the brigade at the prestige ‘Relais & Châteaux’ Saint James hotel in the Bordeaux region, this somewhat sensitive chef is said to be strict, impatient – but fair. This is someone whose daring and sense of humour makes for some amazing food – just try his water-melon with chorizo…