Internationally-trained chef and cookbook author Elsa Van der Nest is the Former-Principal & Founder of the Elsa Van der Nest Culinary Academy, Cape Town, South Africa. Prior to that, she mentored under Raymond Blanc at his 2-Michelin Star restaurant Le Manoir Aux Quat' Saisons in Oxford, England, and worked the Mossiman Academy in London. She graduated with a Grande Diplome (First Class Honours) from Le Cordon Bleu, South Africa. In 2006, she published Feast of Flavours from the French Kitchen and Feast of Flavours from the Italian Kitchen which reflects her classical training. The cookbooks include such dishes as Cheese Soufflé, Chicken Liver Pâté, Coq Au Vin, Pork Loin with Parsnips & Pears and Ricotta Cheesecake Tart. (Published by Marshall Cavendish Cuisine, available at all major bookstores, S$22.50) Elsa's extensive experience includes consulting, catering and privately cooking for various individuals, charitable organisations and corporations in South Africa and internationally. Memorable private functions she was involved in include the state dinner by President Mandela for President Bill Clinton's visit to South Africa and for Her Majesty, the late Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother at a Crown residence in Norfolk, England.

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