In 2004, Nici Beaumont and Jennifer Franklin teamed up to create Zest Catering. Their combined wealth of culinary knowledge as well as food and wine industry experience is complimented by a dedicated team of chefs and cooks in their farm-based catering kitchen.

Nici, born in Hamburg, Germany, has lived in several countries throughout Europe, namely Holland, Denmark, Sweden and the UK, and has taken with her a little of the culinary tastes and traditions of each country.

Jen, born and raised in Toronto, Canada, moved to the UK to complete her schooling. It was here that her interest in food began as she spent many hours behind the scenes at the family run restaurant.

Nici and Jen's culinary paths first crossed while studying at Edinburgh University's Business School. Their passion for food instantly connected them and they formed a close friendship as they shared ideas, experiences and knowledge of food from their travels.

After studying, they each set off on their own paths, working in different industries and countries for several years. They eventually decided to follow their hearts and further their studies in food, which led them to Cape Town, South Africa. After gathering culinary degrees from the Silwood School of Cookery and The Culinary Academy, and cheffing experience at Singita and Londolozi Private Game Reserves as well as local caterers, they teamed up to establish Zest Catering.

The Zest Team

Gina Saban

With a degree in Product Design and many years work experience as a graphic designer, Gina decided to change creative direction in her late 20s and pursue her love of food. While studying at the South African Chefs Academy, she worked for Zest on a freelance basis and also had a very successful stall at the Neighbourgoods Market in Woodstock selling cakes, cupcakes, tarts and biscuits. Prior to joining Zest full-time in 2008, she worked for Woolworths Foods as a New Product Developer where she developed many new products for the supermarket shelves as well as new menu offerings for the Woolworths Cafes.

Eleanor Lategan

Eleanor is from Botrivier and began working for Zest in 2006. She developed her fine eye for detail while working as a quality controller for Kromco, a large deciduous fruit packer for local and overseas markets. She loves making spring rolls and asian wontons and is an expert at making all types of pastry, from shortcrust pastry to handmade ravioli dough. She is also a wonderful baker and especially enjoys making chocolate cakes and cupcakes.

Maria Herman

Maria is also from the Botrivier area. She began working for Zest in 2007 after gaining valuable experience at a well known local restaurant and farm stall specialising in traditional, homemade South African fare, pantry products and baked goods. She loves all types of baking, from delicate tarts, to irresistible cupcakes to decadent chocolate brownies. She is also very fond of making jams and preserves and has developed many new skills since joining the Zest team.

Rozetta Carelse

Zetta, also from Botrivier, joined Zest at the start of 2008 and although she is the newest member of staff in the Zest kitchen, she is learning the ropes very quickly. She also worked at Kromco for many years - as both a quality controller and HACCP supervisor – and is quite a perfectionist when it comes to cooking. She loves preparing and cooking food, especially slow cooked foods, soups and savoury sauces. She also has a very sweet tooth to match her “zestful” personality in the kitchen.