The Scenic Rim’s food scene has changed dramatically over the last 10 years with clever artisan producers creating cheeses, smallgoods, dairy, beef, pork, veal, lamb, camel product, vegetables, wines, beer, gin and so much more. This makes it even easier to be a chef and cooking class owner in the heart of the Scenic Rim, Boonah and Mount Alford.

Along with her husband Stephen, they purchased 40 acres in Mount Alford in 2008 and started a small hobby farm establishing an olive grove, fruit orchard, vegetable gardens and a small herd of Dexter cattle.
Caz began her journey in the Scenic Rim by using this produce when she purchased a small café in Boonah in 2011 and renaming it Harry’s Café & Restaurant after her much love Moodle, Harry. Café by day and once a month opening for international dinners and tapas on Friday nights.
Having been inspired by the local artisan producers, Caz closed the café & restaurant and has gradually become part of the Scenic Rim’s progressive food scene, culminating in her now running the only innovative cooking class in the Scenic Rim. Establishing the business in 2018, the opportunity to showcase local produce in the classes is a highlight. Caz mentions “the produce out here in the Scenic Rim makes not only my job easier, but makes me look damn good in the kitchen”.

Caz grew up in the Sunny Queensland Southeast and has lived in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. Extensive travels across the globe are what she attributes to her early curiosity and later passion for the many cuisines she teaches in her classes. Recent times have seen Caz undertake private chef work for events and special one-off occasions.

Caz gets great pleasure from hosting private cooking classes in her kitchens or yours and says “I sometimes feel I learn as much as do my guests. I know I love the laughs and creations on the day”. With a focus on cooking and eating sustainably sourced foods from both land and sea, cooking classes are held in the kitchens of her homes in Boonah and Mount Alford, or the clients preferred venue, where she creates a casual and fun atmosphere. Caz has a keen interest in Australian Indigenous foods and how they play a part in sustaining us both culinary and our lands. Her passion is inspiring others to cook with creativity and showing people that healthy food can be delicious.

When not cooking, photographing, eating or talking about food, Caz enjoys spending time with her husband and two dogs, or making a good walk worthwhile by playing golf. She also has committed to getting back in the saddle on her two horses Bella and Molly in 2022.