About me...

 

Meet Chef Mel – The Happy Chef Behind Culinary Quickies

Hello, foodie friend! I’m so excited you’ve landed here. My name is Chef Mel Alafaci – passionate chef, cookbook author, TV regular, and founder of the wildly popular Vanilla Zulu Cooking School in Brisbane.

With over 30 years of experience teaching thousands of foodies just like you, I’ve made it my mission to share fun, fearless, and fabulous food knowledge. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a confident home cook looking to level up, you’re in the right place.

Chef Mel Alafaci The Happy Chef Quickies Cookbook Author

🌍 A Culinary Journey Across Continents

My food journey began in the Zambezi Valley of Zimbabwe, where I was raised in the wild bushlands before my family fled the Rhodesian Bush War. From there, we started a new life in South Africa. At just five years old, I fell in love with food when my parents gave me my first cookbook. I’ve never looked back.

Chef Mel Quickies Cookbooks Celebrity Chef

I trained as a chef in Durban and have cooked my way across the world—from South Africa to the UK, Switzerland, Amsterdam, New York, and now Australia. Along the way, I opened two cooking schools (the first in Durban, the second in Brisbane) and cooked for legends like Dusty Springfield.

🎉 Cooking School, Cookbooks & Culinary Fame

In 2011, I launched Vanilla Zulu Cooking School in Brisbane, creating a space for foodies to play, learn, and discover the joy of cheffy tricks. It quickly became one of Australia’s most beloved cooking schools.

Chef Mel Vanilla Zulu Founder

I’ve now published 11 cookbooks, including my best-selling Culinary Quickies, Italian Quickies, and Eat Yourself Sexy. I’m also the creator of the Culinary Quickies Online Course, a global cooking academy that helps home cooks gain confidence in less than 30 days.

Chef Mel Quickies Cookbooks Online Cooking Class

💫 Why People Call Me The "Queen of Culinary Bling"

Whether it’s a team-building cooking class, a TV appearance, or an online masterclass, I’m known for my infectious energy, clever kitchen hacks, and bold food styling. I love teaching how to make everyday food absolutely dazzling.

Even boring mince and chicken breasts? Totally sexy with the right flair.

My fans and students describe me as bubbly, fun, and full of practical magic. Some even say I speak a language of my own—“Mel-speak”—that makes learning to cook easier and way more entertaining.

Chef Mel Cooking Coach Learn How to Cook

🧡 Who I Am (Besides a Chef)

I’m a proud wife, mother, and CrossFit athlete who’s run 16 full marathons. I believe in strength—on the plate and in life. I have also run the Comrades Marathon! I also travel the world constantly, discovering new flavours and bringing them home to share with you.

Food should be delicious, fun, and full of love. That’s what I’m here to teach.

Mel Alafaci CrossFit Athlete

⭐ As Seen On...

You’ve probably seen me on Channel 7, The Great Day Out, ABC Radio, 4BC, and more. I’ve proudly represented food brands like NEFF, Bosch, ChefWorks, Gourmet Garden, and many others as ambassador chef.

My recipes and personality have been featured in Food & Home Magazine, My Village News, The Mercury, and countless global publications.

Celebrity Chef Emcee MC Host Cooking School Presenter Chef Speaker Sunrise and Channel 7

💬 Real Praise From Real People:

"Vivacious Mel holds court with aplomb. Her classes flourish with wine, laughter, and fabulous food. Even shy students get cooking!" – Tracy Gielink, Food & Home

"Behind the big personality is a seriously good chef with humble beginnings." – Valerie Ferdinands, My Village News

"Mel’s classes are fun and relaxed. She turns beginners into confident cooks." – Omeshnie Naidoo, The Mercury

✨ Join My World of Culinary Joy

Whether you’re looking for:

  • Online cooking classes

  • Delicious cookbooks

  • Corporate team-building events

  • Speaking gigs or media appearances

...you’ll find everything here on my site. And if you want a little free foodie fun, check out my YouTube Channel for quick wins, happy vibes, and loads of inspiration.

Let’s make food fabulous together.

💛 Chef Mel Alafaci – Your Happy Chef

 

I also have a range of online courses so you can learn from the comfort of your own kitchen, with me right by your side...

  • Culinary Quickies - Kitchen Confidence:

    Dinner Parties and Weeknight Meals. My signature recipes to make your own. Got fussy eaters? Sick of your own cooking? Need to improve your cooking skills? Then let's get you kitchen confident IMMEDIATELY.

    Study at your own pace, access downloads, videos, group and 1:1 support from Chef Mel.

  • Eat Yourself Sexy Healthy Eating and Mindset for healthier living.

    Healthy Eating and Mindset for healthier living. Delicious, restaurant style meals that are quick, easy and affordable.

    Burn that belly fat and love handles you hate so much and get in shape for good. Make being in shape your new normal. Success for life guaranteed. Study at your own pace, access downloads, videos, group and 1:1 support from Chef Mel.

  • Chef Skills Course: Complete Culinary Tuition.

    Everything from stocks, sauces, pastries, all meats, knife skills, presentation and more. This will support your Commercial Cookery studies, hospitality industry, personal development or cooking at home for the friends and family to become the confident entertainer. Study at your own pace, access downloads, videos, group and 1:1 support from Chef Mel.
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