Chef 6: Anne-Marie Benecke

BORN into a family of food lovers, Nam Jai House owner, Chef Anne-Marie Benecke (43) was raised by a chef for a dad and a baker for a mom.

Having started cooking at the tender age of 12, her first big break was at 15 when she catered for a wedding of 300 guests.

Fanatical about food, Anne-Marie admits she loses it a bit when she travels abroad and discovers new ingredients which she couriers back home.

Grateful to have a career she truly loves, before opening her successful Asian infused eatery Anne-Marie travelled to Thailand to learn the skills to master the cuisine.

Inspired by every dish she makes, she admits there is a fire burning within her to perpetually create something beautiful.

Fortunate to have met with celebrity chefs Gordon Ramsay and Adam Liaw, Anne-Marie admires those who cook from the heart.

Ranked in the top 10 for Best International and Experiential Restaurant in 2013 and also crowned winner of the RASA Rosetta Award for service, Anne-Marie believes her God-given talent is intended to help others, and for that reason she will be bringing good cheer and spirit for charity, believing the proof of her passion and love will definitely be in the pudding.