Daniéle Ploos van Amstel
Cape Town
Summary
Private chef with over eight years of experience serving private clients in exclusive environments. Expertise in creating fresh, seasonal meals with a focus on local ingredients, catering to both everyday family dining and small-scale fine dining occasions. Proficient in all aspects of kitchen management, including menu planning, budgeting, and accommodating dietary needs. Currently based in Cape Town, available for full-time roles with families, as well as part-time engagements for families visiting Cape Town who would like a dedicated chef to create tailored, home-cooked meals throughout their stay.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Head Chef
MOTOR YACHT AFTER YOU (Quite Essential)
08.2021 - 10.2025
- Planned and prepared fresh, healthy daily menus customized for individual preferences.
- Oversaw provisioning, budgeting, supplier sourcing, and stock rotation, ensuring optimal inventory control and cost management.
- Maintained exceptional hygiene and organizational standards in galley operations.
- Prepared daily meals for up to 12 crew members during off-guest periods, ensuring nutritional balance and satisfaction.
- Developed relaxed family-style lunches and crafted refined multi-course dinners for smaller groups, enhancing dining experience.
- Oversaw all galley administration during semi-refit to ensure seamless operations.
Temporary Sous / Crew Chef
MOTOR YACHT OKTO
02.2021 - 08.2021
- Prepared daily meals for 16 crew members, ensuring quality and consistency.
- Supported head chef in crafting memorable dining experiences for owners and guests.
- Prepared baked goods for daily service and special events, upholding high standards.
- Coordinated provisioning, deep cleaning, and stock rotation to enhance kitchen operations.
Relief Sous / Crew Chef
MOTOR YACHT WHEELS
03.2020 - 06.2020
- Prepared diverse lunch and dinner menus for 21 crew members, accommodating dietary preferences.
- Assisted in fine dining meal preparation, enhancing guest experiences.
- Maintained high standards of galley hygiene and organization to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
- Ensured seamless operations by providing relief cover during rotational leave.
Sous / Crew Chef
MOTOR YACHT OKTO
11.2017 - 03.2020
- Prepared daily meals for 16 crew members, meeting nutritional standards and fostering crew well-being.
- Assisted with meal preparation for owner and guests, elevating dining experience through attention to detail.
- Conducted baking, provisioning, and maintenance of galley equipment to ensure efficiency.
- Managed stock control and implemented hygiene practices, maintaining safety standards and ensuring smooth galley operations.
Sous Chef / Crew Chef
MOTOR YACHT NITA K II
07.2017 - 08.2017
- Prepared daily meals for 14 crew members, ensuring nutritional balance and variety.
- Assisted head chef with food preparation, contributing to elevated dining experience for crew.
- Maintained galley cleanliness and managed stock rotation, ensuring freshness and reducing waste.
Sous Chef & Assistant Kitchen Manager
CEYLON SLIDERS
Weligama
12.2016 - 03.2017
- Executed breakfast and lunch services to deliver timely meals and meet customer expectations.
- Baked daily pastries and confections to enhance menu quality and customer satisfaction.
- Oversaw stock control to guarantee ingredient availability and reduce food waste.
- Maintained kitchen hygiene and organization to comply with health standards.
Au Pair / Private Chef
PRIVATE FAMILY
South Africa
05.2015 - 12.2015
- Coordinated and prepared family dinners.
- Supported childcare activities and maintained household routines.
Education
City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma - Food Preparation & Cooking
Silwood School of Cookery
Cape Town12-2016
Certificate - Wine Course
Cape Wine Academy
Bachelor of Business Science - Incomplete
University of Cape Town
Cape Town, South AfricaSkills
- Family-style and fine dining cooking
- Healthy meal preparation
- Seasonal and produce-led menus
- Weekly menu planning
- Special dietary accommodations
- Supplier sourcing and stock rotation
- Budget management and discreet service
- High hygiene standards
- Organizational and provisioning skills
- Cooking for children and families
Additional Information
Cape Town, live-out positions, Own reliable transport, True, True
Short Private Chef Profile
Private chef with 8+ years’ experience cooking for UHNW individuals and families in highly private environments. Specialises in fresh, healthy, seasonal food with a strong focus on local produce. Experienced in relaxed family-style meals as well as refined fine dining for small groups. Highly organised, discreet, and accustomed to managing all aspects of a private kitchen. Based in Cape Town, live-out, own transport, available full-time or part-time.
Transport
Own vehicle
Languages
- English
- Afrikaans
References
Available on request
Private Chef Profile
Experienced private chef with over eight years working for UHNW individuals and their families in highly private, high-standard environments. Known for producing fresh, healthy, produce-driven food with a strong emphasis on seasonal and local ingredients. Particularly skilled in preparing relaxed, nourishing family-style meals for everyday living, while also delivering refined fine dining for smaller groups and special occasions. Calm, organised, and discreet, with extensive experience managing all aspects of a private kitchen including menu planning, provisioning, budgeting, and dietary requirements. Now based in Cape Town and seeking long-term, live-out private chef opportunities with families or travelling households.
Personal Information
Available: Full-time or Part-time
Languages
English
Native
Native
Afrikaans
Intermediate (B1)
B1
Timeline
Head Chef
MOTOR YACHT AFTER YOU (Quite Essential)
08.2021 - 10.2025
Temporary Sous / Crew Chef
MOTOR YACHT OKTO
02.2021 - 08.2021
Relief Sous / Crew Chef
MOTOR YACHT WHEELS
03.2020 - 06.2020
Sous / Crew Chef
MOTOR YACHT OKTO
11.2017 - 03.2020
Sous Chef / Crew Chef
MOTOR YACHT NITA K II
07.2017 - 08.2017
Sous Chef & Assistant Kitchen Manager
CEYLON SLIDERS
12.2016 - 03.2017
Au Pair / Private Chef
PRIVATE FAMILY
05.2015 - 12.2015
City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma - Food Preparation & Cooking
Silwood School of Cookery
Certificate - Wine Course
Cape Wine Academy
Bachelor of Business Science - Incomplete
University of Cape Town