Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
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Paul Rhulani Hlaisi

Paul Rhulani Hlaisi

Chef of Research & Recipe Development

Summary

Award-winning Head Chef specializing in contemporary French cuisine and kitchen management. Improved restaurant profitability through effective menu development, supplier sourcing, and staff training while upholding high food hygiene standards. Managed diverse culinary teams, developed innovative recipes, and oversaw private catering and event services.

Work History

Head Chef

The Blockman Parkhurst & Braynston
01.2026 - Current
  • Designed unique menus that cater to evolving customer tastes while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
    Established rigorous procedures for recipe cost analysis and budget adherence.
    Enhanced kitchen efficiency through robust health and hygiene practices.
    Led educational workshops to ensure kitchen staff adhere to safety guidelines.
  • Trained and mentored junior chefs, fostering skill development and teamwork within kitchen operations.
  • Streamlined inventory management processes, reducing waste and optimizing supply chain efficiency.
  • Collaborated with front-of-house teams to create cohesive dining experiences that elevated service standards.
  • Implemented seasonal menu changes based on customer feedback and market trends to drive engagement.
  • Established vendor relationships securing high-quality ingredients while managing food cost controls effectively.

CO Owner and Executive Chef

Eleanor Culinary Club
02.2018 - Current
  • Developed creative decorations for event venues to create inviting atmospheres. Prepared all food and beverages to meet client specifications and dietary needs. Handled bookkeeping tasks to support financial accountability throughout events.

administering all components of private catering

  • Developed and implemented innovative culinary programs enhancing member engagement and satisfaction.
  • Trained and mentored staff in culinary techniques, fostering skill development and teamwork.
  • Developed and implemented menu concepts to enhance culinary offerings.
  • Streamlined inventory management processes, reducing waste and optimizing supply chain efficiency.
  • Coordinated event planning, resulting in successful member gatherings and community outreach efforts.
  • Analyzed customer feedback to refine menu offerings, driving increased participation in club activities.
  • Improved customer satisfaction ratings by consistently delivering high-quality products and services.
  • Oversaw financial management tasks, including budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow optimization.
  • Ensured accurate record-keeping for financial transactions, maintaining organized documentation for easy reference during audits or other inquiries.

Recipe & Development 10 month Contract

Singita Private Game Lodge
02.2025 - 12.2025
  • Recipe Development & Culinary Concept.
  • Menu Design & Beverage Pairing.
  • Creating Signature Flavour Profile within the lodges.
  • Daily Rotational Menu design
  • Outsourcing local produce
  • Operation Kitchen Budget
  • Food Costing
  • Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.

Sous Chef

Four Seasons The Westcliff
12.2023 - 12.2024
  • Supervised kitchen staff, ensuring high-quality food preparation and presentation standards.
  • Implemented cost-saving measures in food purchasing, contributing to overall budget management.
  • Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally, enhancing guest satisfaction and retention rates.
  • Collaborated with Executive Chef to develop seasonal menus, enhancing guest dining experiences.
  • Managed inventory control processes, minimizing waste while maintaining ingredient freshness.
  • Trained and mentored junior kitchen staff, fostering skill development and teamwork.
  • Conducted regular quality checks on dishes, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
  • Streamlined kitchen operations, improving efficiency during peak service hours through effective workflow management.

Sous Chef

Aurum Restaurant
01.2023 - 11.2023
  • Recipe development, food costing, menu design and kitchen management. Menu creation on request from clients.
  • Managed food preparation tasks during high-volume service periods, ensuring all orders were executed in a timely manner without sacrificing quality or presentation standards.
  • Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
  • Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in fast-paced environment.
  • Managed inventory levels effectively, resulting in reduced food waste and cost savings for the establishment.
  • Collaborated with Executive Chef on daily specials, optimizing ingredient usage and presentation.

Private Chef (Head Chef)

Private Property (Sand Trust) through Eleanor Private Catering
01.2022 - 12.2022
  • Designed personalized menus catering to diverse dietary preferences and seasonal ingredients.
  • Prepared gourmet meals using advanced culinary techniques and high-quality ingredients.
  • Managed kitchen operations, ensuring cleanliness, organization, and adherence to safety standards.
  • Collaborated with clients to understand culinary needs, enhancing overall dining experience.
  • Mentored junior kitchen staff, fostering skills development and teamwork within the culinary environment.
  • Streamlined inventory management processes to reduce waste and optimize ingredient sourcing.
  • Developed creative presentation styles for dishes, elevating visual appeal for private events.
  • Worked closely with clients regarding their nutritional goals and implemented meal plans accordingly.
  • Implemented feedback mechanisms from clients to continually refine menu offerings and service quality.

Sous Chef

Cafe Beyritz
01.2019 - 02.2020
  • Recipe development, food costing, menu design and kitchen management.
  • Collaborated with executive chef to develop innovative menu items, leading to increased guest return rates and positive reviews.
  • Played a key role in achieving positive health inspection results by maintaining strict compliance with all relevant guidelines and regulations throughout daily operations.
  • Mentored junior kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative work environment that improved overall team performance.
  • Implemented proper cleaning procedures, ensuring a safe and sanitary kitchen workspace compliant with health department regulations.
  • Increased kitchen productivity by optimizing workflow processes and delegating tasks appropriately within the team.
  • Contributed to successful catering events by coordinating meal preparation and execution, exceeding client expectations on each occasion.

Jnr Sous Chef

Café Beyritz
2016 - 01.2018
  • Shadow each prep section for breakfast, lunch and dinner, mise en plus, service, preparation of sauces and hot section foods, stock taking
  • Oversaw daily kitchen operations, ensuring consistent food quality and presentation.
  • Developed and implemented new menu items, enhancing culinary offerings.
  • Trained and mentored junior kitchen staff on techniques and safety protocols.
  • Managed inventory levels, optimizing ingredient usage to reduce waste.
  • Collaborated with front-of-house team to ensure seamless service delivery.

Sous Chef

African Beer Emporium
2015 - 2016
  • Ensured consistent quality control of all dishes leaving the kitchen, resulting in a reputation for excellence among patrons.
  • Introduced new culinary techniques to the team, elevating the overall skill level and leading to more diverse menu offerings for guests.
  • Plated every dish with attractive flair to meet strict restaurant standards and maintain stellar business reputation.
  • Participated in menu planning meetings, offering creative input that led to new signature dishes garnering rave reviews from guests.
  • Boosted customer satisfaction ratings by consistently delivering high-quality dishes and maintaining strict adherence to food safety standards.
  • Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.

Senior CDP

Union Caterers At Utopia
2014 - 2015
  • Food for all functions.
  • Stock rotation, overseeing all preparation for hot section for all functions.

Commis Chef

Alfies Italian Restaurant
2012 - 2014
  • Prepared and presented authentic Italian dishes following traditional recipes and presentation standards.
  • Worked with chef de partie to learn storage locations of fresh ingredients for daily use by station staff.
  • Mastered a variety of cooking equipment, including ovens, grills, and fryers, to produce diverse menu items with consistent quality.
  • Maintained a safe working environment by adhering to established safety protocols and promptly addressing potential hazards as they arose.
  • Rotated through all prep stations to learn different techniques.
  • Supported timely service by preparing ingredients for multiple dishes simultaneously, ensuring all components were ready for plating.

Commis Chef

Burgers Park Hotel
01.2011 - 2012
  • Prepared and presented authentic dishes following traditional recipes and presentation standards.
  • Collaborated with kitchen team to streamline food preparation processes, enhancing efficiency during peak service hours.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of workstations, adhering to health and safety regulations consistently.
  • Assisted in inventory management by monitoring stock levels and notifying management of supply needs promptly.
  • Operated grilling equipment to prepare high-quality burgers and other menu items.

Education

NSC High School Diploma - Home Economics & Commercial Catering

Dansa International Collage
Pretoria, South Africa
04.2001 -

Skills

Research & Recipe Development

Menu Development

Ingredient Sourcing

Product Evaluation

Cost Control

Market Trend Analysis

Food & Beverage Management

Tech Confidence

Team leadership

Attention to Detail

Communication & Empathy

Cultural Awareness

Accomplishments

    2018: Luxe Awards Best Bruch & Champagne Restaurant (Cafè Beyritz)

    2019: Luxe People's Choice Awards Best Bistro Pretoria (Cafè Beyritz)

    2024: Luxe Awards Best Hotel Restaurant (Four Seasons The Westcliff)

    2024: EatOut Best Fine Dining Restaurant Johannesburg (Four Seasons The Westcliff)

    2026: EatOut Best Steakhouse Johannesburg (The Blockman)

    2026: EatOut People's Choice Award Best Steakhouse Gauteng (The Blockman)

    2026: Worlds 101 Best Steakhouse at No.94 (The Blockman

    2026: Luxe Awards Best Steakhouse in Gauteng (The Blockman)

Timeline

Head Chef

The Blockman Parkhurst & Braynston
01.2026 - Current

Recipe & Development 10 month Contract

Singita Private Game Lodge
02.2025 - 12.2025

Sous Chef

Four Seasons The Westcliff
12.2023 - 12.2024

Sous Chef

Aurum Restaurant
01.2023 - 11.2023

Private Chef (Head Chef)

Private Property (Sand Trust) through Eleanor Private Catering
01.2022 - 12.2022

Sous Chef

Cafe Beyritz
01.2019 - 02.2020

CO Owner and Executive Chef

Eleanor Culinary Club
02.2018 - Current

Commis Chef

Burgers Park Hotel
01.2011 - 2012

NSC High School Diploma - Home Economics & Commercial Catering

Dansa International Collage
04.2001 -

Jnr Sous Chef

Café Beyritz
2016 - 01.2018

Sous Chef

African Beer Emporium
2015 - 2016

Senior CDP

Union Caterers At Utopia
2014 - 2015

Commis Chef

Alfies Italian Restaurant
2012 - 2014
Paul Rhulani HlaisiChef of Research & Recipe Development