In Conversation with Private Chef Francis Tavarez

In Conversation with Francis Tavarez

Can you share your culinary background and what inspired you to become a private chef in Lech?

I have 19 years of experience working in the high-end culinary market, including 2-3 star restaurants. After a long time working in restaurants, I received the opportunity to become a private chef in Lech at Chalet 1551. My role involves delivering a high level of culinary experience with a focus on creativity, quality, and uniqueness. My goal is to mesmerise our guests by offering them a unique dining experience with carefully curated products and dishes.

What qualities & skills are essential for excelling as a private chef in a chalet compared to a restaurant?

Strong organisational and planning skills are crucial as a private chef in a chalet, especially in a remote mountain location. You must be highly self-reliant and proactive, as working in a high-altitude environment presents unique challenges. Logistics and advance planning are key, as not everything is readily accessible here. This requires careful coordination, precise work, and adaptability to ensure that high-quality products and ingredients are available when needed.

What is your approach to sourcing & selecting ingredients, especially in a high-altitude location like Lech?

In a high-altitude location like Lech, careful planning and sourcing are essential. I prioritise working with local suppliers for the freshest seasonal ingredients, especially winter-related products. We always try to source locally as much as possible, but I also plan meticulously to incorporate high-quality ingredients from outside the region, including France, Spain, Italy, and Japan. By blending local and international products, I ensure a consistent supply of premium ingredients while adapting to the specific logistical challenges of the area.

How do you go about designing a menu for guests with diverse dietary needs and preferences?

This is where experience is key. We always send our upcoming guests a questionnaire to gather information about their preferences and any dietary requirements. Based on their responses, I customise the menu to ensure a tailored dining experience that meets their needs while still delivering quality.

What types of cuisine do you specialise in?

I consider myself an all-around chef, always eager to explore different cultures and styles, and constantly learning something new. However, I specialise in Mediterranean cuisine, particularly progressive Spanish cuisine. My focus is on highlighting the main product while enhancing its flavours without losing its unique essence.

What do you consider your signature dish?

I have several signature dishes, but one ingredient I particularly enjoy working with is langoustine. One of my standout dishes is Langoustine Poached à la Nage with champagne sorbet, cucumber textures, a hint of kaffir lime parfum, tandoori foam, and sauce verte.

What do you enjoy most about being a private chef in Chalet 1551?

What I enjoy most is the unique opportunity to make our guests happy by providing them with an unparalleled dining experience that is unlike anything else in the area. The satisfaction of crafting memorable moments  that our guests can’t find anywhere else is truly rewarding. Additionally, I love skiing and the mountains, which is another reason why being here is so special for me.

Can you describe a particularly memorable or unique dining experience you've created for guests?

We have had many memorable experiences, but one that stands out was in February 2024 for the chalet owner and his friends. We hosted a special four-hands dinner (two renowned chefs teaming up to create one unforgettable meal) at the chalet with my former mentor, Jacob Jan Boerma, a renowned former 3-star chef. The evening was an extraordinary culinary event, featuring a collaboration that brought together our combined expertise and created a truly grand and memorable dining experience for our guests.

Can you give us some restaurant recommendations in Lech?

One restaurant I highly recommend is Murmeli in Oberlech. It offers beautifully refined Austrian cuisine and is owned by a couple who are wonderful hosts. The atmosphere is charming and warm. Another place I enjoy is Hotel der Berghof in Lech. While it’s known more for its romantic and elegant ambience, with beautiful piano music, it provides a lovely dining experience.