Irene at the helm of a client's yacht

Chef Irene Palmer

I love creating great food. It's been my passion since age 16. Traditionally trained, I obtained my City and Guilds International Diploma of Culinary Arts in 1973.

The following years saw me in management: Mandarin, Jacaranda, and Harry's Restaurant. "Truffles Retreat" was my first business, a little restaurant that charmed with French Cuisine. The University of Waikato was a successful experience in big business when I managed the Social Centre for eight years, followed by my second business, The Far North Hospitality Company. This events company was immensely enjoyable. We choreographed and supplied all the function's needs from inception to completion. It was a roaring success and hard to leave… but the sea was calling…

In 1994 I changed my lifestyle and realized my dream of sailing the world by becoming an Ocean Yacht Master, available for all professional boat work. However, as soon as I had presented a few dinner parties, word got out and an American family quickly secreted me aboard their luxury yacht as their private chef.

After having the best of both worlds for 13 years, and 100,000 nautical miles later, I am now home and excited about utilizing my vast experience for your benefit.

My love of exotic foods started while sailing through South East Asia. Fantastic fresh markets where local freshly picked produce is delivered hourly to the local bazaar. Turkey added to the love affair, where lamb was prepared in every way imaginable, and fresh seafood from the Mediterranean or Black Sea were just hours out of the water. I saw food in a whole new light, and delighted in creating menus where East meets West meets North meets South.