A week-long family reunion in Lanzarote brought together relatives from the United States and Ireland, with shared meals becoming the backdrop for conversation, local discoveries and lasting memories. Private Chef Nerina, of Event and Catering Solutions Lanzarote, reflects on why the experience was about far more than the food.
When Dani from Boston Personal Assistant, an American-based concierge and lifestyle management company, contacted me to help create a week of breakfasts and leisurely lunches for her family holiday in Lanzarote, I knew this wasn’t just another booking. It was an opportunity to help create memories for a family get-together bringing together relatives from both the United States and Ireland.
Now living in Ireland, Dani spends her professional life creating bespoke experiences and looking after the finer details for her clients, ensuring every occasion runs seamlessly. This time, however, she wanted to do exactly the same for her own family.
Rather than spending precious holiday time shopping, cooking and washing up, Dani wanted everyone to simply enjoy each other’s company while I took care of the food.
Together we planned seven days of breakfasts and leisurely lunches for eleven family members, with menus designed to suit every generation. Some mornings featured fluffy pancakes, breakfast bagels and wraps, while others offered cooked breakfasts alongside fresh fruit and Greek yoghurt before everyone headed off to explore another corner of our beautiful island.
I have to admit, on the first morning I sensed that some of the younger members of the family – from the teenagers through to those in their twenties – were a little unsure of what to expect. The words “private chef” can sometimes sound rather formal, and I think they wondered whether every meal would involve tiny portions and fine dining.
My job is always to read the room, and before long I was adapting both the menus and the style of service to suit the family. The atmosphere became relaxed, the meals were generous, full of flavour and, most importantly, fun. Before long everyone was chatting, helping themselves and lingering around the table long after the plates had been cleared.
By the end of the week, the transformation was lovely to see. Instead of being unsure, the younger members were excitedly asking what was on the breakfast menu the following morning and whether there would be whipped cream with the Belgian waffles. For a chef, moments like that are priceless.
The older members of the family also admitted they had secretly been worried that having a private chef for the week might feel rather formal. Instead, they told me how much they had enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere, where homemade, tasty food took centre stage without any fuss. One dessert in particular quickly became a firm favourite – my signature Mexican lime cheesecake – which disappeared almost as quickly as I could serve it!
One of the things I love most about my job is that it often becomes about far more than the food. As the week unfolded, I found myself sharing local knowledge too. Dani had organised a Catlanza catamaran trip and, when a couple of family members admitted they were a little worried about seasickness, I was able to reassure them by sharing my own experiences of sailing on catamarans and explaining why they are often much smoother on the water than people expect.
Breakfast conversations also included the best way to experience the famous Sunday market in Teguise, the ideal time to arrive before the crowds, tips for making the most of their buggy adventure, and even a few practical touches, such as preparing hearty bacon sandwiches for those who had enjoyed a slightly later night than planned after an impromptu karaoke session! It’s these little moments that often become just as memorable as the meals themselves. Dani later said she appreciated not only the food, but also having someone around who was friendly, approachable and happy to share knowledge about Lanzarote, helping her family make the most of their time on the island.
People often imagine that being a private chef is simply about creating beautiful food. In reality, it’s about creating an experience. It’s about making people feel at home, sharing local knowledge, understanding different generations and personalities, and giving families the freedom to spend time together while someone else takes care of everything else.
As I packed away for the final time, I realised that what I’d really been serving all week wasn’t just breakfast and lunch. It was time. Time for conversations, laughter, shared memories and another cup of coffee around the table without anyone having to think about the shopping, cooking or washing up. In Dani’s words, I had “given her holiday back”. Instead of worrying about shopping, planning meals, cooking for eleven people or wondering whether everyone was hungry, she was free to simply enjoy being with her family. For me, that sums up exactly what a private chef experience should be.
A heartfelt thank you to Dani and her wonderful family for inviting me to play a small part in your holiday. It was an absolute pleasure to cook for you all, and I hope that whenever someone recreates my signature Mexican lime cheesecake, or one of the other recipes we shared during the week, it brings back happy memories of your time together here in Lanzarote.
After all, the best recipes don’t just feed people – they create memories that last long after everyone has returned home.
Catering for Your Event
Whether you are hosting a birthday celebration, a wedding, or an open house, Nerina can help you wow your guests with food they will not forget.
Nerina can create a fun food adventure for your event, all at a great rate you will love.
Flexible options include a welcome cocktail or glass of cava to set the atmosphere. At the end of an event, Nerina collects and washes up plates, cutlery and glasses, then bags up waste and removes it from your venue.
Nerina can also source and supply Spanish and local wines, craft beers, spirits and mixers for your events. Just ask when booking.
Book Early
Secure your preferred date. Popular dates, especially weekends and peak seasons, fill up months in advance. 2026 & 2027 is already booking fast.
Securing your date guarantees availability and peace of mind. It gives you time to refine menus, themes, and personal touches later. Once secured, Nerina will work with you to design the perfect dining experience, from intimate dinners to celebrations for 4 up to 50 guests (with prior notice.)
Follow The Chef!
“Over on Facebook I share the stories that don’t always make it into print—the little moments from villa kitchens, recipes, chef’s tips and the occasional kitchen disaster!”
Follow along with Nerina’s adventures: Event & Catering Solutions Lanzarote
Contact Nerina
Email: nerinahowell@gmail.com
Phone: 0034 711 065 993
Website: www.eventandcateringsolutionslanzarote.com
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!