Savages

Chef Allison McGillivray, née Kellett, grew up in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. She matriculated at Collegiate Girls' High School in 2009 and pursued a career in the Culinary Arts at Capsicum Culinary Studio in the city. After graduating with a Diploma in International Professional Chef Management, she was selected by Cesar Ritz Colleges in Lucerne, Switzerland to complete a year of training in European Cuisine, as well as Pastry & Chocolate. During that year she worked at the Victorian Jungfrau as a Commis Chef in fine dining restaurant, La Terrasse.

Upon arriving back on South African soil, aside from her time at Grass Roof, Chef Allison started up her own catering business called Bisou (meaning "kiss" in French) specialising in wedding cakes and pastry works before becoming a part of Savages Fine Food family. Having known Savages former Executive Chef, Vanessa Marx, since her early schooling years, Allison truly looked up to this formidable chef and followed her career right up to the point that Savages opened its doors. Allison started out as an aspiring sous chef and took on the role of sole pastry chef until just over a year in she was heading up the entire kitchen herself. Now, as Head Chef, she has taken on running the day-to-day food preparation and service, as well as the fine dining functions and food and wine pairings, receiving high praise in all areas.

Here at Savages we strive to use, insofar as possible, only seasonal and sustainable produce. Our food is simple and honest yet elegant, as we believe in staying true to the integrity of our ingredients by respecting the produce used, marrying flavours and creating real, wholesome meals. We are devoted to making everything ourselves from our freshly baked buttery croissants and pastries, to our homemade double cream yoghurt and crunchy granola.

Equally as important, Chef Allison believes in forming a lasting bond with each of our staff.  As the saying goes, "happy staff makes for a happy kitchen”. All of this goes a long way in ensuring each and every one of our meals are prepared with lots of love and special care.