Chef Bridget’s Love for Southern Cuisine Runs Deep
- May 1
- 4 min read
SouthernGal in Portugal - Founder
Chef Bridget Jones
Born and raised in the South, Bridget’s love for southern cuisine runs deep. Perched on a stool in her grandma’s kitchen, she learned the art of southern cooking, and how to serve people with food from the heart.
Bridget launched a personal chef business in 2011, but after moving to California, worked in the corporate world.
In 2023, Bridget moved to Portugal, and vowed to only do what she was passionate about…cooking.
In 2023, SouthernGal in Portugal was birthed, and the rest is history! Her uncommon favor has gained her many happy clients throughout Portugal, and recognition globally through podcasts, TV interviews, and magazine features.
In 2024, She was featured on Good Morning America on segment “Americans Flocking to Portugal” where she was interviewed by Robin Roberts and quickly became a household name, and her grandmother’s biscuit recipe became legendary.
Bridget resides in Porto, and provides personal chef services to many clients locally, and throughout Portugal.
Her clients are as diverse as her cuisine; she has cooked for doctors, athletes, retirees, small and big families, and individuals. She has been invited to travel and provide catering services for birthday celebrations, retirement parties, bridal luncheons, as well as clients needing convalescence care.
One of Bridget’s most sought after events is her yearly Thanksgiving Dinner she hosts at one of the most iconic places in Porto, at a venue inside the Sao Bento train station. Guests travel via bus, train, and plane, from within the EU, to as far from the U.S. and Costa Rica, all gathering in the spirit of community as family, some celebrating a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for the first time in many years after moving abroad. What started as a crowd of 50 its inaugural year, rose to 90 last year.
Although Bridget enjoys feeding people, she understands it’s more than just about food; it’s about building community, over a shared meal. Whether it’s feeding two people, or a table of 90…good food has a way of bringing people together, reliving nostalgia in every bite.
Lisbon Catering Event
March 12-20th
Bridget had the good pleasure of providing private catering for 9 days for the Brafford Family and their group of friends and children. They wanted a mix of family-style and elevated dinners, along with starters and wine pairing nightly.
Bridget worked closely with the client curating an array of menus for them to choose from. What she most appreciated was how there was something for everyone! One of the kids was excited about BBQ ribs one night, and another guest raved about the Italian Meatballs and Parmesan Polenta, with Linguini as an alternative choice, as they loved pasta.
Cooking abroad has its challenges, as far as sourcing ingredients, so a little ingenuity goes a long way in recreating dishes using ingredients you can access, and improvising.
From making homemade breakfast sausage for the sausage balls, to making her own cornbread mix for cornbread muffins, Bridget enjoys bringing new life to dishes, and seeing how they can become even better!
“My clients really loved the New York Style Cheesecake, made with a Biscoff crust, rather than graham crackers, as it cannot be found here."
Having a personal chef who can anticipate what a client needs goes a long way. “After a long day of exploring with small kids, I wanted to make sure dinner was promptly on the table each night, the kitchen was cleaned and trash taken out, and that I gave them back their evening.”
SouthernGal in Portugal is always ready to provide you the very best in rustic cuisine with southern charm. I look forward to being of service to you, soon!
A Personal Recommendation From
Elevate Travel Group
I had the pleasure of recommending Bridget to my clients (Brafford's and McMahan's) during their stay in Lisbon, and the experience she created for them was nothing short of exceptional. She prepared nine beautifully curated dinners for a group of four adults and four children, thoughtfully designing menus that catered to everyone’s tastes and preferences. After full days of exploring Lisbon, they would return to a fully set dining table, with everything prepared and waiting, allowing them to truly relax and enjoy their evenings together.
One moment that truly stood out to me was
when the lead client looked at Bridget and said,
“Now how do we go back to cooking for ourselves?”
… a true testament to the experience she created.
If you’re planning a visit to this incredible destination, I would wholeheartedly recommend her services. She was an absolute joy to work with… professional, kind, organized, creative, and incredibly accommodating. Every detail was handled with care, making the experience feel seamless and truly magical.
Why Portugal Should Be
On Your Travel List
Portugal has a way of capturing your heart the moment you arrive and two of its most beloved cities, Lisbon and Porto, each offer their own unique charm and experience.
Lisbon, the vibrant capital, is known for its sun-drenched hills, iconic yellow trams, and breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the Tagus River. It offers a beautiful blend of history, culture, and energy from wandering through the cobblestone streets of Alfama and Belém to enjoying fresh seafood and the famous pastel de nata. It’s lively, dynamic, and perfect for those who enjoy a mix of exploration and a bit of city buzz.
Porto, where Bridget resides, offers a more intimate and romantic feel. Set along the Douro River, Porto is known for its colorful riverside buildings, historic charm, and world-renowned port wine. The pace is a bit slower, inviting you to truly savor the moment whether that’s strolling along the Ribeira, enjoying a wine tasting, or gathering around a beautifully prepared meal with friends and family.
Together, Lisbon and Porto create the perfect pairing, one offering vibrant energy and coastal beauty, the other offering warmth, charm, and a deeper sense of connection. Whether you choose Lisbon, Porto or any other neighboring regions, Portugal provides an elevated yet welcoming destination where meaningful memories are effortlessly made.
And the best part...Bridget offers her incredible personal chef services in Lisbon, Porto and throughout Portugal, allowing you to enjoy her signature southern charm and elevated dining experience no matter which city you choose to explore.
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