Where passion meets food
Crafting exceptional culinary experiences, one plate at a time.
Cooking for the people at the table
My tale is a classic one. I fell in love with food from a very young age, having loved experimenting in the kitchen, especially on Sundays with my mom. My absolute favourite pastime was rotting away in front of the TV, salivating over the dishes created by my Food Network favourites, Siba Mtongana and Ina Garten among them.
After enrolling in an Economics degree at the University of Cape Town, I discovered a deep passion for food and wine, inspired by Cape Town’s vibrant culinary scene. That realisation led me to leave the degree and pursue formal culinary training at the Prue Leith Culinary Institute, where I earned certifications in professional cooking and wine education.
I honed my fine dining skills working with top South African chefs, including Chef Wandile Mabaso and Michelin-starred Chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen. Seeking further growth, I travelled abroad, gaining invaluable experience in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and Vero Beach, Florida, where I refined my culinary and event execution skills. Now, with the Plated team, I am ready to share my passion for food and wine with you.
Background and training
A short, factual record. No embellishment.
Prue Leith Culinary Institute
Occupational Certificate: Chef (NQF 5). City & Guilds Advanced Diploma in Food Preparation. WSET Level 1.
Chef Wandile Mabaso, and Michelin-starred Chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen
Cape Cod, Massachusetts and Vero Beach, Florida
Economics at the University of Cape Town, left to train as a chef
How the chef works
Ingredients first
The menu follows what is good. Quality is decided before anything reaches the pan.
Written with you
No fixed packages. Each menu is shaped by the occasion and the guests at the table.
Quiet service
Present when it matters, invisible when it does not. The evening belongs to you.
Detail as standard
Timing, plating, temperature, the state of the kitchen afterwards. All of it counts.
The experience, beautifully served
A look at the food, the tables and the evenings.
Bring Chef Neo to your table
Curious what it takes to have Chef Neo cook at your next event? This is the right place to ask.