The Friendly Chef

I'm shit scared of heights, most people are, but I once jumped out of a tiny aeroplane, backwards, at 3000 ft – and it was one of the best things I've ever done. Sure, I could have died. And yet, an experience I had imagined as truly terrifying, was sublime, peaceful and strangely meditative.
Diving headlong into an entire world of sensory gastronomic delight is comparable. Watching my first light, yellow, sweet and sour lemon soufflé rise precariously, and tasting my own delicate handmade lamb ravioli was extraordinary. Understanding the laws, mechanics (and tricks) of the world of food is like skydiving: trusting, feeling, open-hearted, but working within a strict set of protocols. Which is also how you learn to enjoy cooking.

If you want to skydive in the safety of your own kitchen, then I’m reaching out to you.

Come fly with me.

Creating food that is nutritious as well as delightful to eat, and sharing this passion for cooking in a practical way with others, is wonderful.
Add recipes to your repertoire, spice up your life, eat healthier food, eat more delicious food, learn to fry an egg, how to stock your pantry...
Whatever the case - I'll come to your house and teach you how to cook or bake or make a delicious salad!
We can cook a 3-course meal, or your favourite dish, we can make chocolate éclairs, or I can show you some wonderful recipes, the old classics, the traditional showstoppers, or the new fashionable twists.

The point is that you feel comfortable in your kitchen and that the experience is hands on, informative and relaxed. You can take the class exclusively with me, with your best friends, with your children, your spouse or with your indispensable housekeeper.

This is how it works...

The class takes approximately three hours depending on what we're cooking.
I buy all the ingredients, and keep the slips, which are for your account. We can cook for as many
people as you like, as you will probably enjoy sitting down with your family or a friend or two to enjoy the meal. However if it’s just a class for you to learn from, we can cook just one of each dish.
The cost of the class is R600.00 per person.


To get your taste buds watering, I have created several proposed winter menus, but we can easily custom make one for you!

Classic Three-Course Menu
Fish Soup with Brandy
Ricotta Gnocchi with Porcini Mushroom Sauce
Dumplings with Plums and Cinnamon

Classic Three-Course Menu II
Salt Herring with Crème-Fraiche, Apples and Onion
Hand Made Tagliatelle with Braised Lamb Shoulder
Yoghurt Cake with Pistachios and Honey

Classic Three-Course Menu III
Timbale of Aubergine with Parmesan and Tomato
Braised Oxtail with Polenta
Julie's moist, warm dark Chocolate Cake with Cream

The Grand Café Menu
Shrimp Tempura
Kingklip or Sirloin Tagliata with Rocket and Parmesan
Vanilla Pannacotta with Berry Coulis

Back to Basics
Onions – chopping technique
Stock – the base of all good things
Soup – clear, cream, purée,
Jus – how to make the real envy gravy

To book a class or make an enquiry, please call:
Melisa Clayton aka The Friendly Chef
073 77 53 141
or email me : melisaclayton@gmail.com