Meet Our Talented Chef, Mel, at Cape Pillars Boutique Hotel

My name is Melitsa Joubert but I'm mostly referred to as Chef Mel.

My love for food and cooking originated with my Greek grandmother who basically taught me the tricks of the trade as I grew up around her in the kitchen. She was an amazing inspiration.

I'm actually self taught! A hard road when one has to make it in the real world but worth every step of the way. I'm a typical go-getter and have attempted and succeeded in almost anything food related, including owning my own coffee shop, restaurant, catering business and now head chef with Cape Pillars Boutique Hotel.

I learn daily and put into practice what I learn until it's perfect.

I'm a great lover of pasta! There are so many dishes which I love and enjoy preparing but I'm probably best known here for my famous chicken pie, delicious local bobotie, lazagne (my grandmother's recipe), sweet and sour pork and chicken and then a firm favourite with guests is our South African braai.

The guests love my chicken pie and then my sweet and sour chicken with noodles….but don’t forget the South African braai!!

We prepare new menus weekly based on what is available and the weather conditions. And as far as we can, we do not give returning guests the same food. We strive to provide guests with a new culinary experience with each visit.

I believe in creating what I'm comfortable with and I always cook "from the heart". As far as possible I source local ingredients to ensure a unique culinary experience in each dish to make it my own.

Durbanville is renowned for its incredible variety of internationally accredited wines, outstanding cheeses, olive oils and organic produce which we source from as often as we’re able to (if seasonal), to incorporate in our dishes and menus.

I'm a pretty versatile chef but favour Greek and South African styles of cooking. Dishes I love preparing include dishes such as moussaka, Swedish meatballs and lazagne.

Yes I make a point of interacting with my guests so that I’m able to glean what they like or dislike about the meals I’ve prepared for them in order to upscale for their next visit. So much easier to be better prepared when they return.

YES INDEED! I recently competed in a local television competition by the name of “KOOKPUNT”, felt extremely nervous but succeeded in my endeavors to be placed second.

A difficult question to answer since each dish is prepared with so much devotion and is unique in every way.

Yes, my menus and dining experiences are always evolving. I love to incorporate trends seen on social media and cooking shows.

Because I adore working with colours, contrasts and flavour my food is an eclectic fusion of South African and European/Greek heritage presented with much love.

The passion infused in every single dish which I create here.

Our wines are carefully curated from notable Durbanville Wine estates to compliment all of my dishes served. Durbanville Wine Estates boast some of the top internationally renowned and accredited wines.