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Meet Jen.png

A LIFE WOVEN WITH FLAVOUR, CONNECTION & ADVENTURE

I'm Jennifer. A big part of my identity  is my profession.  I cook and have managed people's cherished Villas across Italy, the UK, Switzerland and OZ since 2001. Previously,  (1982) I was a Chef in swanky restaurants in Sydney, Melbourne, and Hong Kong. 

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A Melbourne child of the 60's; raised by 'arty-farty' parents, our home was filled with arpeggios and rushed dinners at 5 p.m.  My weekends were spent on my boogie board in the shallows of Balnarring Beach.

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With only passable academic grades and the monotony of violin practice;  to be sure, I would not  be following my parents musical career.  Nor would I be marrying a white-collar city exec. Instead, I made an avocado prawn cocktail and followed my instinct and heart.  Proving that creativity, spontaneity, the power of saying no  and prioritizing adventure over obligation drive me still.  

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 An intern year during  the 90's  in some of the finest hotels and restaurants in Italy and Paris.   I ate my way through London, San Francisco and New York. I re-emerged in Florence when I turned 40 in 2001 with only 100 Lire in my pocket and no plan.  Jentaly was born. Ageing gracefully and understanding how to consistently feel good became my priority  - enter the additional skill of IIN Certified Health Coach.   

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Jentaly  provides a platform that allows me to merge my passion for travel, health and personalised service in a country that oozes all the good stuff - a slow, humble, and healthy lifestyle. 

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I'm a hippy at heart that collects ribbons, seashells and memories. 

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✨ A lifelong passion for hospitality, from fine dining to cosy kitchens

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✨ The art of gathering — where food, conversation, and connection intertwine

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✨ A deep-seated love for Italy, nurtured over decades of living, learning, and exploring

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✨ The joy of making people feel at home, no matter where they are

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