ABOUT ROBYN

Robyn grew up in rural New Zealand, what she calls the food basket of the world, where she spent much of her time with her mother, Marjory Macdonald and her grandmother Jean.  From a young age Robyn spent her days picking, canning, and cooking, and fondly remembers cooking for Shearer and at the age of 12 cooking her first Christmas Lunch. Robyn's experiences with growing up on the farm taught her to appreciate fresh, local, seasonal foods, this was taken for granted as the local store was 40 mins drive away and they got to a "supermarket" about 4 times a year. Robyn eventually moved away and had a successful career in Physiotherapy in Christchurch, then got into IT and Marketing when she had a family of her own. In 1999, Robyn sold her  Physio Clinic and started Gourmet Tuscany and Global Gourmets with a dream that one day when her children where older she would be able to work in both business full time.

Global Gourmets focuses on introducing guests to the riches of the New Zealand, Tuscany, Provence through unique, carefully-crafted, food and wine experiences. Although Robyn is not a chef, she has taken cooking classes all over the world, built wonderful friendships and has based her business on the art of connection through food and wine. 

She is passionate about cooking local produce and the old arts of food production, and is very excited about her third career in food and wine!

INSPIRATION

I am inspired by my mother who died not wanting be known for her scones yet I think the sconces bonded so many people in our home and its only now when I am surronded by fast food and busy supermarkets I realise that my life started with real produce and real love put into cooking.  It is with this in mind that I enjoy opening up the world of food and wine.

I was bless to meet with my beautiful friend and true inspiration Mimma Ferrando in Italy several years ago when my quest for the "art of connection though food" found me in the heart of Chianti cold calling to interview women who ran cooking schools.  

With in mins of meeting I felt a sense of serindipidy - I had a desire to bring everybody to the table around the world.  To bring back Grace and Gratitude for the food we eat and how its produced.  Mimmia has passionatly supported my quest and continues to help me.