Chef Francisco “Chico” Mendonça of Bem Bom Cuisine passed away after a brief battle with cancer this past Saturday May 15 at the age of 57.
Chef Mendonça and his wife Dee founded Bem Bom Food Truck in 2012, featuring some of the best Portuguese food in Orlando.
In 2018, the family opened their brick and mortar location on Corrine Drive in the Audubon Park neighborhood, whipping out some of the best Mexican & Portuguese cuisine in town with dishes like the Prego de Frango Piri-Piri, piri-piri marinated chicken sandwich and whole oven roasted octopus in olive oil.
Chef Chico, who was born in the Azores Islands of Portugal, was masterful in his craft and always happy to share with guests his love for food, drink, and his home in the Azores. His kind spirit will be sorely missed in Central Florida.
Our Interview with Chef Chico in 2019: https://tastychomps.com/2019/12/inside-look-bem-bom-on-corrine-with-chef-chico-mendonca.html
Remembrances of Chef Chico in Local Media
Orlando Sentinel – Bem Bom chef Chico Mendonça leaves behind legacy of culinary passion
Scott Joseph’s Orlando Restaurant Guide – Chico Mendonça, Bem Bom food truck founder, dies at 57
Carlos Eats – Rest in Peace to Bem Bom Food’s Chef Chico Mendonça
If you’re like to donate to Chef Chico’s family GoFundMe – you can here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/chef-chico-mendonca-final-trip-home-to-the-azores
