Hi, I’m Rose.

Dinner party enthusiast,
self-taught cook, and sucker for a plate of fried mushys with aioli.

Food is my love language

I’ve always been obsessed with food. Like, obsessed obsessed. 

I was 24 when I arrived in London & decided it was time to learn how to cook instead of burning a hole in my wallet every night.

I soon discovered cooking wasn’t just fun — I was actually pretty good at it. When I came back to settle in  Tauranga I started hosting dinner parties for friends, next thing I knew, I was getting requests from their friends too. 

Many long lunches, kitchen experiments & a *lil* push from some pals over a vino later — RDT was born. 


But I’m not your typical chef for hire. I’m just a gal who loves to cook, loves to eat, loves to connect with people — and will actively make space for you to do the same.

I believe cooking is a lot like love: it should be entered into with abandon or not at all

No matter the size of your event — you won’t just get a tasty feast for the eyes & belly, but a soulful experience that’ll stay with you long after the food coma wears off. 

I’m all about ‘more is more’ maximalism. You can expect big flavours, big colours, and big vibes. And you’re certainly not going to leave my table hungry.

In other words: RDT is the antithesis of a tray of club sammies.

Megan Raynor

“How do you summarise the best meal you’ve had in your life, or rather the best food experience you’ve ever had in your life?! I can’t. I can only tell you how it made me feel. Loved. Ecstatic. Excited. Fancy. Overjoyed. Like I would sell body parts to have Rose cook for me daily. The. Best!”

My table is…

Authentic

I’m not a fine-dining restaurant. The RDT experience is personal, colourful, laidback, and a little messy.

Inclusive

I hold space for all people to connect. Whatever your skin colour, sexual orientation or feelings towards coriander, you are welcome at my table. 

Delicious

If you’re not saying ‘HOLY SHIT’ repeatedly, I’m not doing it right. 

Psssst —before you let me into your home, you should probably know…

  • I love most food but I hate a healthy food trend — don’t come near me with a chia pudding.

  • Nacho (golden retriever & best boy) is my sous chef and all-time best friend. One day I hope to get him another buddy called Queso. 

  • I can’t go past an op shop. My styling decor is often a mash-up of cute, bright vintage (anti-beige) finds I’ve thrifted.

  • I feel strongly about inclusivity. Everyone has a seat at my table.

  • Dumplings are my favourite food, and I now have a small human dumpling of my own called Gigi.

Hungry?

Here are 4 ways you can grab a seat at my table