Laborie has appointed Shirene Patrick as Head Chef for Laborie’s award winning Harvest restaurant. She will take over from internationally acclaimed chef Matthew Gordon whom she has worked with side by side for twenty years.

Their work career started at Haute Cabriere 20 years ago, and then they continued to work together when Matthew was appointed head chef at Laborie.

While Shirene says she has loved the long journey with Matthew, she is looking forward to this new chapter and the responsibilities that go with it. In her new role she will oversee sixteen kitchen staff and Laborie’s Taste and Bar di Bar restaurants, as well as the hotel’s catering operations.

Shirene has come a long way since starting off as a dish-washer over twenty years ago. She then did a three-year hotel school course before working her way up the ranks, mentored by Matthew along the way. She says she is looking forward to taking over the reins at this historic eatery and that this is a dream come true for her. “I have dreamed about being a Head Chef since I was at primary school and running a restaurant and cooking is all I can remember ever wanting to do my whole life.”

Matthew says that although he is sad to be leaving Laborie, he feels that he is leaving his legacy in Shirene’s capable hands and he believes that she will excel in her new role.

Matthew will now focus on pursuing his own business interests including his flying operations and running his well known French Connection restaurant in Franschhoek.

Harvest at Laborie has a loyal following and Shirene is taking over the reins just as the Laborie summer menu launches, which although Matt and Shirene developed together, includes some of her favourite summer inspired dishes including great fresh starters such as the chicken Waldorf salad, grilled calamari and roasted organic beetroot salad.

The menu is contemporary South African with ingredients sourced locally. Free range and organic karoo lamb, beef and fresh line fish are summer features on the menu, which are paired with Laborie’s award winning collection of wines and bubbly.

Table bookings can be made at www.laboriewines.co.za
Or phone 021 – 807 3095 or email [email protected]