“You don’t need a big occasion to enjoy good food.” That’s something Nerina, private chef behind Event and Catering Solutions Lanzarote, finds herself saying more often than you might think.
Recently, a client hesitated before even describing their plans — worried it might not quite be “the kind of thing” for a private chef. But that’s exactly the point. How many people never make that call at all?
IT ISN’T ABOUT “POSH”, IT’S ABOUT PEOPLE
Somewhere along the way, the idea crept in that hiring a private chef means formal tables, elaborate menus and big budgets.
But Nerina sees it differently.
“A lot of what I do is relaxed, informal, and very personal,” she says. “BBQs by the pool, sharing platters, family lunches… those are often the best ones.”
Picture a group of friends gathered around a villa table, still in flip-flops, a glass of chilled wine in hand. The table slowly filling with food, people helping themselves, conversations flowing, laughter building as the evening goes on.
No rushing for taxis. No splitting bills. No one stuck in the kitchen missing the moment.
Just that easy, familiar feeling of being together.
THE KIND OF EVENTS PEOPLE DON’T THINK TO ASK ABOUT
In reality, many of Nerina’s bookings aren’t grand occasions at all.
They are:
– First nights in a holiday villa when everyone just wants to settle in
– Long, lazy lunches that turn into late afternoons
– BBQs where the host actually gets to enjoy their own party
– Small birthday celebrations with close family
– Even just a “we don’t feel like cooking tonight” kind of evening
“It doesn’t have to be a big celebration,” Nerina explains. “Sometimes it’s just about making your time together feel easy… and a little bit special.”
And yes – sometimes it’s simply bacon rolls before a wedding.
“It doesn’t have to be a big celebration,” Nerina explains. “Sometimes it’s just about making your time together feel easy… and a little bit special. And here’s what I really want to emphasise: I get as much pleasure from whatever food it is. It’s about the experience. It’s about making the customer happy. Whether it’s a multi-course dinner or a tray of bacon rolls, that same care and enjoyment goes into it.”
WHERE IT ALL STARTED
For Nerina, food was never about show. Growing up, it was about family.
Her father grew his own produce, and her mother cooked everything from scratch – baking, pickling, preserving. There was always something on the go, something being prepared, something being shared.
Meals weren’t about impressing people, they were about bringing everyone together.
Standing on a chair at the kitchen table, learning by watching, tasting, helping. That’s where it began.
“That’s stayed with me,” she says. “Food is love made visible, and that doesn’t have to mean complicated.”
That same feeling carries through into every event. Food that feels generous, relaxed, and made to be enjoyed together.
MORE ACCESSIBLE THAN YOU MIGHT THINK
One of the biggest misconceptions is that a private chef is reserved for large or formal occasions.
But when you think about it, gathering people around a table, sharing food, and taking the pressure off the host… that’s something people have always done. This is simply a more relaxed way of doing it.
With a private chef, everything comes to you. Menus are tailored to your group, your tastes and your budget. Dietary needs are taken care of. And everything is handled from start to finish.
“You don’t have to go big,” Nerina says. “Some of the best moments come from the simplest of gatherings.”
And even the simplest requests get her personal touch. “Take those bacon rolls,” she smiles. “They wanted bacon rolls – but they got my twist. I used really nice artisan bread, made the bacon maple bacon, and had great sauces. So whatever someone asks for, they get a Nerina-style version. Whatever they ask, they get my twist to make it my style.”
WHAT MATTERS MOST
Whether it’s a birthday, a family get-together, or simply time together on holiday, the moments people remember are often the most natural ones.
The laughter around the table. Someone going back for seconds. The way the evening seems to just flow without effort. Good food. No stress. Everyone together.
And sometimes, having someone else take care of it all is what allows you to really be part of it.
THINKING ABOUT IT?
Dates in Lanzarote fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. The good news? You don’t need to have everything planned.
You can secure your date first – and tailor everything else around you later.
From intimate dinners to relaxed gatherings, Nerina works with groups of all sizes, always with the same approach: keep it personal, keep it flexible, and make it feel effortless.
Because if you’ve ever wondered whether your plans might be “not quite enough”. They might just be exactly right.
And remember: whatever you ask for, you’ll get her twist on it. That’s the Nerina difference.
Contact Nerina at Event and Catering Solutions Lanzarote
Email: nerinahowell@gmail.com
Phone: 0034 711 065 993
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