Chef Jenny Randazzo was 'born and bred' in Sicily. She trained for three years as an assistant chef before becoming a chef at La Veranda, but her passion for food became clear at a very early stage back in Italy. Jenny has a great natural and delicate manner to combine spices and food ingredients.

She is self- taught, and first cooked in her family's establishment. Jenny has travelled extensively around Italy picking up new recipes and inspirations on the way.

One of her favour dishes is the “Dover Sole” in Olive Oil, Garlic and a touch of Dried Chilli. When I asked Jenny why fish is her favourite dish she was very honest to tell me that back in Sicily she was brought up in a small fishing town and she remembered the small fishing boats bringing the catch of the day. Jenny quotes “On those days my Madre and Nonna (mum and my grandmother) told me we should appreciate the job done by those fisher men. Jenny, now working at La Veranda and buying the fish from the fish market, knows how difficult it is to get a good balance between quality and cost. “It is very surprising as we know there is at lots of fish in the ocean and it should not be that costly” Jenny says.

Many of Jenny's strengths and challenges will be familiar to all of us. Re-doing a menu at inappropriate times, controlling food and labour costs and attempting to keep the restaurant vibrant and fresh. But having Hector Mario the Owner of La Veranda as her mentor has helped to calm the stormy moments.

La Veranda has been around for more than 29 years; the success of the restaurant is due to the constant commitment to delivered good quality of food and services. We are committed to continue with these standards. The restaurant is “warm” and “friendly” our customers have different requirements although our menu is designed to be “gourmet”.

Part of Jenny's talent lies in an energetic, relentlessly optimistic approach shared by many super chefs:

After many years of making a name for herself at the restaurant she has created mouth-watering masterpieces of traditional Italian cuisine using the finest produce our beautiful countries has to offer.

Jenny says, "We at La Veranda are totally committed to supporting small local suppliers who provide top quality produce. We are passionate about seeking the finest seasonal offerings for all our traditional dishes, from oils and herbs to fish and meat."

She continues to say, “she loves to cook and cooks from the heart”. Her methods are traditional Italian and La Veranda offers a typical Italian Style.

Jenny feels proud to be working in such a great professional kitchen and to be cooking the food she loves for the people who love and appreciate it too.