I create calm, nourishing, refined dining experiences—tailored to the rhythm of your home, retreat, or destination.

Lauren Brookstein

I bring grounded, thoughtful cooking to homes, retreats, and remote destinations.

I’m a classically trained chef with over 12 years of experience across luxury hotels, private homes, retreats, and remote destinations. I built my foundation in Johannesburg’s leading hotels—including The Michelangelo, Sandton Sun, and the award-winning InterContinental OR Tambo—before moving to the Cape to work as Sous Chef at The Vineyard Hotel.

My work has expanded into private cheffing, retreat catering, consulting, relief chef work, and chef coaching, including time in exclusive safari lodges and years of travelling with high-profile clients and families across South Africa. I’m calm, discreet, and highly adaptable, and I love creating seamless meals that are generous, nourishing, and precise—while confidently accommodating dietary requirements and helping guests slow down, connect, and feel genuinely looked after.

Plan your experience with me

My secret in the kitchen is love, presence and a great Playlist.

What you can expect when you cook with me

Cooking is my love language

Cooking is my love language and my creative expression, so I focus on meals that feel both refined and deeply comforting—thoughtful food that fits your lifestyle and the moment.

A classic foundation, shaped by experience

I learned my craft at The Michelangelo hotel, and I’ve since carried that classical discipline into private homes, retreats, and remote destinations—bringing structure, consistency, and quiet professionalism to every service.

Presence, care, and a great playlist

My philosophy is simple: I cook with love and presence, and I believe food should bring people together. I create a supportive, grounded atmosphere in the kitchen—plus a great playlist always helps set the tone.

Lauren’s Menus

My menus are designed to feel generous, seamless, and tailored—whether you want relaxed family-style comfort, a vibrant shared mezze table, or a refined selection of signature favourites. I can adapt with ease to preferences and dietary requirements while keeping the experience calm and beautifully structured.

Request a menu with me

Stories and testimonials

Excellent food and service - highly recommended !

Freddy caspers

Lauren was incredible from start to finish and made our week a very memorable one. Highly recommended !

Zach Oster

Absolutely amazing

Leslee

Brilliant chef who delivered a great four course meal with wonderful service and lots of smiles. Thanks.

Tony Child

Lauren was fantastic, we had her prepare 2 meals for the family and both were amazing. She incorporated our ideas and requested such as spicy to make a memorable meal. Highly recommended

Gary Magee

Very nicely integrated flavors. The dishes looked gorgeous and inviting to eat. Lauren did a great job with the timing between dishes. Overall a memorable experience.

Anton van der Merwe

Very good

Andile

Lauren is a punctual, polite and quiet chef. She gets excited with you about her meals when she presents them to you. She loved hearing all the mmmm's and aaaaa's we had while enjoying her meals. Lauren was willing to travel to this small coastal town we were in and contributed to a beautiful, tranquil and spoiled weekend for a few tired mums. Thank you Lauren for spoiling us with your wonderful menu and mouth watering meals.

Helena Joubert

We were very pleased with Lauren's overall service. She was thoughtful enough to include a cake for my wife's birthday which was not included on the menu. The table setting was lovely and the food was amazing. We were so full we battled to complete the mains :-) All in all, the experience was worth it and we will definitely use Lauren again in future

Willet