Charmaine Ann Lilje’s dream of becoming a chef started with a childhood job serving home-cooked meals after school. Later that year she initiated her school’s first catering club and was awarded an entrepreneurial certificate. A degree in business laid the foundation for her business management skills but it was travel that reignited her passion for food.

After her travels an inspired Charmaine returned to Cape Town and secured an unpaid job at Olympia Cafe. Soon she was running the pass, creating menus and earning a small salary.  

Several months later Charmaine joined the La Colombe Restaurant team as Chef de Partie under Franck Dangereux. Within months she was 3^rd in command. When Dangereux resigned Charmaine filled the Head Chef position.  Shortly thereafter, with the arrival of Luke Dale-Roberts, Charmaine became Sous Chef of Africa’s number one restaurant.

Charmaine’s course shifted with the sudden death of her mother. And on 1 January 2009 Chardonnay Chefs was born. This exclusive catering company boasted a high profile client list and served with professionalism for over six years. Soon she was ready for her next challenge. And on 21 December 2014 Chardonnay Deli at High Constantia opened its doors.