✦ THE CHEF BEHIND THE RECIPES ✦
Paul Simmon
Culinary Artisan & Food Storyteller
A Life Devoted to Culinary Excellence
Welcome to Purely Savory. I’m Paul Simmon, and for the past eighteen years, I’ve been on a passionate journey through the world of savory cooking—from the bustling kitchens of London and Paris to my home kitchen here in Portland, Oregon.
What began as a curious interest in my grandmother’s kitchen evolved into a full-fledged profession. I studied classical French technique under renowned chefs, apprenticed in Italian trattorias, and spent years perfecting the art of flavor layering and ingredient harmony. But here’s what I’ve learned: the best cooking happens at home, where food is made with intention, joy, and an understanding that every meal matters.
Purely Savory exists to share the recipes and techniques I’ve refined over nearly two decades—not as complex restaurant creations, but as approachable, elegant dishes that celebrate quality ingredients and timeless methods. Every recipe here has been tested, refined, and treasured in my own kitchen.
My Cooking Philosophy
Quality Over Complexity
The finest savory dishes don’t rely on gimmicks or excessive techniques. They celebrate exceptional ingredients prepared with respect and skill. A perfect piece of fish, proper seasoning, fresh herbs—that’s where magic happens.
Technique Meets Story
Every recipe has a story—where it came from, why it matters, how it evolved. I believe understanding the “why” behind a dish makes you a better cook. That’s why each recipe includes not just instructions, but context and history.
Home Cooking as Art
Restaurant cooking is thrilling, but home cooking is where real love lives. These recipes are designed for your kitchen, your schedule, your table. I test everything at home because that’s where food truly matters most.
My Culinary Journey
2007
The Beginning: London
At 21, I enrolled in the prestigious Leiths School of Food and Wine in London. Under the mentorship of classically-trained chefs, I learned not just recipes, but the underlying principles of flavor, technique, and kitchen discipline. Those foundational years shaped everything that followed.
2009–2013
European Apprenticeship
I spent four transformative years working in professional kitchens across Europe. In Paris, I worked under Michelin-trained chefs perfecting French sauces and presentation. In Italy, I discovered the beauty of simplicity—how four perfect ingredients can outshine ten mediocre ones. In Spain, I learned the soul of Mediterranean cooking. These weren’t just jobs; they were an education in flavor.
2014–2018
Return to North America
After years abroad, I realized that what truly fulfilled me wasn’t the prestige of restaurant kitchens, but the intimacy of home cooking. I returned to North America, worked with local producers, and began to understand how American sourcing and seasonal cooking could honor the techniques I’d learned in Europe.
2019–Now
Purely Savory: Portland
I settled in Portland, Oregon—a city that celebrates local ingredients, culinary curiosity, and community. Purely Savory was born from a simple belief: that the techniques and philosophy I’ve spent my career perfecting should be accessible to home cooks who care about quality. Every recipe here represents years of refinement, countless tests, and a deep love for the craft of cooking.
Credentials & Training
Formal Training
Leiths School of Food and Wine (London) | Classical Culinary Training | Professional Kitchen Management | Advanced Pastry Arts
Professional Experience
18+ years working in professional kitchens across London, Paris, Rome, Barcelona, and Portland | Focus on classical French and Mediterranean techniques | Farm-to-table and sustainable sourcing expertise
Recipe Development
Every recipe is tested minimum 3 times in a home kitchen | Ingredient sourcing guidance based on accessibility and quality | Detailed technique notes for home cooks at all levels
Philosophy
Pure, honest flavors over trends | Techniques that serve the ingredient | Recipes accessible to home cooks who care about quality
Beyond the Kitchen
When I’m not developing recipes or cooking, you’ll find me exploring Portland’s farmers markets, seeking out the season’s finest ingredients. I’m passionate about supporting local producers who share my commitment to quality and sustainability.
I also spend time mentoring young cooks who are passionate about food, traveling to discover new cuisines and techniques, and contributing to the Portland culinary community. My belief is that knowledge should be shared—cooking is more rewarding when we lift others up.
At its core, Purely Savory is about connection—connecting with ingredients, with techniques, with the people we cook for. I’m honored to share this journey with you.
Ready to Cook with Paul?
Explore the complete collection of tested recipes, discover new techniques, and bring refined savory cooking into your home kitchen.
EXPLORE RECIPES