DEE HARTLEY
In-house chef and co-owner of Mackintosh's country store
and fine food emporium

Dee Hartley in house chef and co-owner with brother Corne Levitan of"The world famous Mackintosh's country store and fine food emporium". Silwood kitchen trained under the guidance of Leslie Faull in Cape Town. With in-service training done at Mount Nelson and Reebokskloof to name but a few. Joined Conservation Corporation at Ngala as Head chef, sister company to Londolozi for 2 years. A stint overseas in Israel, Turkey and France followed.

Upon her return to SA she opened Redbourne Lodge in Plett, a family hotel and restaurant which won numerous Diners club wine awards and"Top 100"restaurant for 4 years in a row.

Two years ago she joined The Featherbed company as head chef overseeing Featherbed, John Ben, Paddle cruiser and putting together the menus and opening of the well known Cruise Cafe' in Knysna.

"I come from a family of excellent cooks and therefore have thrived on eating, cooking and buying food. Food is my passion, strength and therapy. I believe food should stand out but not by too many alternative tastes and spices, that the main ingredients of the dish should always stand up and be the strongest and the other spices, sauces etc should just support and add a bit of depth."

Recently she re-united with her brother Corne of Mackintosh's surely to repeat their earlier success.