Tronette Dippenaar appointed as Executive Chef at The Conservatory at The Cellars-Hohenort
We are always excited to champion female chefs and so were thrilled to learn of the appointment of Tronette Dippenaar as Executive Chef at The Cellars-Hohenort restaurant, The Conservatory, in Cape Town. Our gain is the loss of locals in the Hermanus area as Tronette moves from The Marine to join the Constantia team. The appointment is a continuation of her celebrated career within the Liz McGrath Collection, which started in 2008 when she first joined the group as Chef de Partie at The Marine.


An Exciting Move Up
Over the past 13 years she has come up through the ranks, having worked at each of the three Liz McGrath Collection sister-hotels.
Tronette tells us, “People often forget what you do but they never forget how you make them feel.”
That philosophy, which echos the experience you can expect at any one of the group’s establishments, probably has a lot to do with why she has been so successful. Her very down-to-earth personality and seemingly affable nature give the sense that nothing is too much for her. As a chef this is a really important quality, as is a cool, calm head and adaptability. All of which seem part and parcel of who she is.
Tronette has worked as Head Chef at The Plettenberg, as well as closely with the late Mrs McGrath to fine tune the Matjiesfontein project, managing a soft refurbishment and re-organising the kitchen, as well as creating new menus as the appointed Head Chef. At the conclusion of the three-year management contract, Dippenaar returned to The Marine in Hermanus as Head Chef, a position she held for the past five years, until she took up the reins at the Cellars-Hohenort most recently.
What to Expect at The Conservatory Restaurant
Keen to keep the support of loyal locals, Tronette will be ensuring that famed favourites like the Boland Cheese Soufflé (if you know, you know) remain on the menu but has added a few exciting new dishes. Her responsibilities include not only the popular Conservatory Restaurant, but also overseeing High Teas and picnics, as well as catering for the special occasions, weddings and private celebrations that the hotel is famous for.
Her charismatic and energetic approach to food and service is set to inspire her team as they work on new seasonal offerings.
More about Tronette Dippenaar
After growing up on a farm in Robertson, Tronette Dippenaar attended Tygerberg Hotel School before embarking on her culinary career at The Agulhas Country Lodge. As an aspiring young chef, she kicked off her career by gaining two years’ international experience in Scotland at Relais & Châteux property, Kinnaird Estate.
She says her food philosophy may be summarised as ‘fresh is best’.
‘My menu is uncomplicated and unpretentious, and my dishes are full of flavour. I stay true to South African cuisine, which I like to present with a modern twist. Growing up on a farm gave me a deep appreciation of produce and where it comes from, including the time and effort invested into growing nutritious vegetables and fruit.’
She chooses a hearty, meaty dish as her favourite on the new menu at The Conservatory. ‘Taste of the Overberg’ is proudly South African, comprising lamb served three ways: slow braised lamb shoulder; grilled cutlet of lamb; and pulled leg of lamb; served with silky, creamed potatoes, minted pea puree, baby carrots, ratatouille, black garlic and lamb jus.
We recently dined at The Conservatory and can attest to the deliciousness of this dish. We also highly recommend the Gnocchi starter and the Apple Tart Tartin to end off a meal.
Reservations are available at The Conservatory, which is open daily for breakfast, lunch and Dinner, as well as High Tea.
93 Brommersvlei Rd, Constantia Heights, Cape Town, 7806 | Phone: 021 794 2137
collectionmcgrath.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Hungry for more? Subscribe to our Newsletter