HELLO. I AM JACINTA.
Private Chef & Super Foodie.
My Story
Hi, I’m Jacinta — a London-born, self-taught chef now living in southwest France. Born and raised in London, I started this blog in 2020 as a hobby while working in law. A few years later, life took me to southwest France, where I turned my passion into a career. I trained in classical French cuisine with the CAP Cuisine diploma (2023/24), worked in a local French bistro, and now run my own private chef business. Today, Chilli & Life is where I share recipes, tips, and stories that blend French tradition with my love of spice.
I’m a chef, a major foodie, and a spice fanatic who simply loves cooking. I’ve been passionate about food for as long as I can remember — and truth be told, I put chilli in almost everything I cook (though you’ll still find the occasional non-spicy recipe here too!).
On Chilli & Life, you’ll discover my personal and private chef services, articles about food culture, and plenty of recipes made from scratch with seasonal ingredients and lots of love.
Today, I help others plan their dream private dining experience – Chef Privé! I host private culinary events under the Eat with CANDL brand. From Cuisine Secrète to curated Dégustations de Vin.
Chilli & Life was born out of a simple love of food and the joy of cooking. It’s my space to document and share recipes, stories, and everything that makes the kitchen my favourite place to be.
Keep scrolling….
Frequently Asked Questions
I love and I mean love spicy food and cooking with chilli. I grew up eating spicy food from a very young age – I can’t imagine food without it.
I was born and raised in London to a British Nigerian mother and English and Welsh father. In October 2021 I left london to move to the French countryside. I still live here with my husband and our 2 crazy border collies and 14 chickens!
My favourite food hands down is rice, versatile and delicious! Go and check out my Nigerian Jollof Rice Recipe
Yes, I got the chance to get my CAP Cuisine diploma in France in 2024.
Wanna know more? Check out the FAQ page.
Chef á Domicile
You can find me cooking as a private chef in the south west of France. I serve the following departments. L’Ain, Gers, Gironde, Isere, Landes and Pyrenees Atlantique. I do serve other locations on request please contact me for more information.
If you want to find out more about this side of my business head to the A table avec Jacinta page to find out everything about my services!
I’m just someone who likes cooking and for whom sharing food is a form of expression.
Maya Angelou
Thank you for reading!
I am so glad you found my website today and I hope it brings you joy and adds some spice to your life – now please explore and enjoy Chilli & Life!
Do you have questions about recipes? Want to work together? Or have Private or Personal chef Request? Please feel free to write to me for all inquires – please go to my Contact page or Chef Privé Page for more information!
