I’m Marie Clement – mother, daughter, sister, wife, chef, and everything in between. My story is shaped by resilience, adventure, and a passion for food. It all started in a tiny Portuguese village, where I lived with my grandparents while my mother built a new life in France.
Life with my grandparents was simple but rich. My grandfather, a builder turned farmer, worked the land to feed our family. He grew everything we ate – fruits, vegetables, and crops, always in sync with the seasons. My grandmother brought it all to life in the kitchen. Every meal told a story, every dish was a celebration, and those early moments planted the seed of my lifelong love for cooking.
When I was eight, life took a turn. We moved back to France, and things got harder. My mother juggled multiple jobs, and I took on the responsibility of feeding my younger sisters. Cooking became my way to create joy amidst the chaos. Society didn’t see being a chef as a prestigious path back then, but I knew in my heart that food was my calling.
Looking for stability, I pursued a Master’s degree in High-End Negotiation and spent years navigating the financial world in Dublin and Paris. But when I landed in Sydney during the Great Financial Crisis, jobs were scarce, and survival kicked in.
Back in the kitchen, I found myself making pastries to get by, and that’s when everything changed. My pastries caught the attention of local cafes and even won awards at the Sydney Royal Fine Food Competition. That success reignited my passion, and I realised what I was meant to do…teach cooking.
Now, Roving Larder Cooking School is the heart of my journey. It’s where I bring together everything I’ve learned, from my grandparents’ sustainable ways to modern culinary techniques. At Roving Larder, the ingredients tell a story too, whether it’s fresh sourdough from Staple Bakery or seasonal produce from The Beaches Markets.
Our classes are about more than just cooking, they’re about connection, creativity, and having fun. During Naked Wine’s corporate event, we learned that spinning piping bags over our heads gets a lot more entertaining with bursts of laughter, and a little world-class wine!
With the holidays around the corner, the kitchen is buzzing with festive energy. This December, I’ll be helping locals craft the perfect pavlova – or at least have a good laugh while trying!
If you want a little magic in your own kitchen, here’s a pro tip: When cooking pasta, save some of the starchy water. It’s the secret to a silky sauce. And here’s a fun challenge for your next dinner: Cook with wine in hand and see if the food (and the company) doesn’t taste even better!
At Roving Larder, we cook, laugh, and grow, turning every meal into a meaningful experience. Come join me, and let’s create something unforgettable, one delicious bite at a time.
North Head’s Roving Larder Cooking School is home to Marie’s incredible custom-designed space to help everyone reach their highest potential in the kitchen. Learn more at rovinglarder.com.au and follow on socials @roving_larder