A Taste of Success

Every Webb & Brown-Neaves client receives a visit from our private chef, Ryan John, to prepare a celebratory dinner for six when they move into their new home. We asked Ryan for some inspiration in the kitchen…

 
Every good kitchen needs…
 
“Functionality. It’s all well and good for a kitchen to be aesthetically pleasing, but it also needs to work for the cook over many years. It’s worth ensuring there is plenty of bench space, high quality appliances (especially the dishwasher) and very good light – both natural and artificial.”
 
Kitchen design is so important because…

“A lot of time will be spent in the kitchen and it is terrific for the kitchen to be central to where the family spend their time. Features like in-built fridges, high quality appliances, downlights in all the right places, and most importantly – huge storage capabilities – make for a highly functional and enjoyable kitchen space.”
 
The key to holding a great dinner party…

“If you’re entertaining guests for a special dinner, this is not the time to experiment with that new recipe you got from the food channel. Stick to dishes that you’ve cooked before so on the day you can spend less time stressing and more time enjoying what is supposed to be a terrific evening. Try to get your prep done the day before, and set the table the night before so you have as little as possible to do before your guests arrive.”
 
The best way to entertain in summer…
 
“In a word – barbeque. It’s the great Aussie tradition and most of the new homes being built are designed with outdoor entertaining in mind. Start to explore interesting new salads and try to use the beautiful fresh vegetables of the season. Perhaps try putting apples, pears or mangos in your salads and experiment with new and exciting marinades to transform that piece of chicken or lamb cutlet.”
 
The fun of being a private chef…

“Each Webb & Brown-Neaves client is given a voucher that entitles them to a private chef dinner for six people. The client then makes contact with us to book in a date and put together the menu. The chef arrives 30 minutes before the guests to make final preparations, and all the client needs to do is set the table and look after drinks for the guests on the night... how easy is that?”
 
How the idea began…
 
“As the story goes, the marketing manager Kristy was behind my vehicle in traffic and she had this idea to provide new home owners with a  private chef experience instead of the seemingly obligatory bottle of champagne and fruit basket that’s become the industry norm. Since then myself and the team at Ryan John Private Chef have cooked for dozens of Webb & Brown-Neaves clients and showed them how good success really tastes!”

Ryan’s top tips for your kitchen

  • Consider what you want to get out of the space and make functionality your top priority.
  • Try to fit out your kitchen with the best appliances you can afford because ten years later it will really matter. Many people buy cheap dishwashers – and this is a huge mistake.
  • If you’re thinking about installing an induction stove, try cooking on a friend’s first, as they can be tricky for the newcomer!
  • Choose flooring and bench tops that will stand the test of time. A stone bench top is an outstanding feature and offers long term value.
 
 

“We had our dinner party last night and it was brilliant.

Ryan was outstanding in every way, food, cleaning up, interaction with our guests.

It was a wonderful experience and we were very impressed.

Thanks for such a memorable  evening with great friends in our beautiful new home!”

~ Ilona Nunis, client.