About

Author. Speaker. Chef. Wine Specialist. Consultant. Spice Engineer.
Clive’s life is like a sumptuous multi-course meal. Along the way he has combined and blended experiences, lessons, disappointments, challenges, triumphs, and joy to create a feast for the senses and the soul. And now he invites you to join him at the table.

In his career as a world class chef and restaurateur, Clive has learned much more than how to prepare mouthwatering meals. He has discovered the power of food to bring people together and create memories that linger long after the table is cleared. Clive calls these “empty bottle moments” and knows that empty bottles tell the best stories. Full bottles speak of possibilities, but empty bottles remind us of the warm and wonderful times we have shared together.

Clive has claimed three carefully chosen words that guide his life mission and are what propels his journey…

Creativity. Compassion. Connection.
Clive invites you to experience his passion to:

• Creatively redeem and restore the dinner table.
• Show compassion around the table and around life.
• Connect with people…and connect people with each other.

Where it all began
Clive was born in Johannesburg, South Africa and from a very early age was fascinated with the tastes and aromas of his mother’s kitchen. It’s also where he began to discover his fondness for the best of flavors. As a six year old, he was hanging out in the kitchen one afternoon as his mom prepared for a dinner party. When she left the room for a moment, Clive discovered a jar of Beluga caviar, took a taste, and loved it so much he ate the whole thing! The rest is culinary history…

Professional Education and Experience
Cassio College – London, England – Hotel & Restaurant Management
Restaurant and Catering Experience

Miami, Florida –
Reflections on the Bay – Consultant
ClubCorp of America – Regional Service Director

Washington, DC –
The Jefferson Hotel restaurant – Consultant

New Orleans, Louisiana –
The Bistro at Hotel Maison de Ville – Consultant
Pontchartrain Hotel – Consultant

Houston, Texas –
Charley’s 517 – Chef * Manager * Owner and Operator
Under Clive’s direction –
Winner of DiRoNa Award; Travel and Holiday Magazine’s Dining Award;
One of only three restaurants in Texas to win Wine Spectator Magazine’s
Grand Award
True Concessions Special Events – Owner and Operator
Crème de la Crème Catering – Owner and Operator
University of Houston – Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel & Restaurant Management –
Faculty Lecturer – ten years

Galveston, Texas – Managing Consultant
The Wendletrap
Phoenix Bakery
Luigi’s
Christie’s Beachcomber

The Adventure Continues
Clive now spends his time as a speaker, author, consultant, spice engineer and as a Creator of Empty Bottle Moments.