Chef Charlie Brown, "Hamurana Lodge Boutique Hotel Accommodation offers an intimate fine dining experience for both residents and casual diners; our Award-winning restaurant, Le Manoir, showcases simply Kiwi cuisine. Using the finest local ingredients from our own garden our chef creates for you a fresh country menu, simple, yet filled with flavour, temptingly tasty."
1 - A pinch about me... Charlie Brown
In the six years as a professional chef at 23 years of age I have accomplished much more than expected but also realise what more I have to discover. Life is full of so many challenging obstacles that determine what becomes of your future, I believe that if you truly commit yourself to something that seems way out of reach the best you can do is at least attempt. What's the worst that could happen?
Becoming a chef seemed so unrealistic whilst growing up; we never had much in terms of the simplest food commodities, waking up to literally emptiness was common and to be honest quite normal. Something so fundamental to everyday life is where my passion for food lies. To understand flavours, taste and texture you need to appreciate foodstuff and where it comes from, especially the little things. This way you can truly appreciate the smooth, sharp or sweet sense that your taste buds are unfolding.
My inspiration for cooking was influenced by two life experiences, firstly my childhood. Life was tough in the midst of south Auckland and not having good role models to inspire me was ordinary so I decided to create my own and motivated myself to exceed my abilities and struggle for more, which brings me to introduce Gaynor Matthews (H.O.D) Papakura High Hospitality Lecture. With her support and belief in me whilst studying I now strive to meet more than just satisfaction but to better the life for my new family. Becoming a father at 20 exceeds all success in life; it is the best feeling ever! The ability to provide her with the basic requirements in life is only the beginning, as for her future she might just follow in daddy's footsteps!
At this present time I grow confidence as a chef and feel that foundations are what make us all unique individuals. With the strength of my partner of seven years and beautiful daughter I believe everything is possible and the choices you create will decide your fate.
Having the opportunity to grow as Host Chef within Hamurana Lodge Boutique Hotel Accommodation gives me gratification and pride for what more is yet to come. The allegiance and unique décor of the Lodge is the picture perfect insight to the faces that maintain such qualities. With the newly planted organic crop alongside local New Zealand producers this gives me the chance to express my colours on a plate. I intend to craft the Hamurana Lodge cuisine using the natural tastes of products known to New Zealand alongside the fresh seafood we have to offer. With my own twist on seasonings and matching the menu to suit I reflect will enhance both myself and the Lodge Boutique Hotel Accommodation.
4 - Private Events (Wedding & Corporate Events)
For reservations or inquiries regarding any of the services offered by Hamurana Lodge Boutique Hotel Accommodation contact us at : +64 7 332 2222 or by e-mail at lemanoir@hamuranalodge.com.
