Duarte Rebolo was born in Madeira Island, Madeira, a popular European tourist spot in the Atlantic Ocean. His career in restaurant service began there and so far has spanned about 20 years. Duarte left Madeira to work for Celebrity Cruise Lines. It was there that he worked with world-renowned Chef Michel Roux. While at Celebrity he met his wife Linda and decided to move to the Washington D.C. area.
In Washington D.C. Duarte worked with Jean Louis Pallidin at Watergate. Pallidin became Aquarelle and the chef was Robert Weidemaier. Duarte continued to work at the Watergate until his dream of opening his own restaurant came true.