She began cooking at the age of seven with her mother, helping wherever needed.

But at 10 years-old her mother passed away leaving her to handle the kitchen on her own.

"My dad taught me how to cook and when I was 11 years-old, I cooked Thanksgiving dinner for 12 people,'' Ms Bertha recalled.

"I was so excited because everyone thought all the food turned out well.'' After attending university and not knowing what to major in Ms Bertha went back to her first love, cooking.

Then she decided to go to the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York which is known as the Harvard of cooking schools.

"I was in a two-and-a-half-year programme learning everything from sanitary and nutrition to how to run a restaurant and the fundamentals of cooking,'' she said. "We learned every aspect of kitchens and restaurants and we left there well rounded.'' Since then she has been a chef for eight years, working in New York and Bermuda.

Ms Bertha said Bermuda College students studying cooking at Stonington should definitely further their education at the Culinary Institute because it teaches so many different aspects of being a chef aside from just cooking.

"I never realised how hard, dirty and back breaking this profession can be sometimes, but it also has a real sense of accomplishment.'' Ms Bertha said she came to Bermuda from New York to get out of the cold.

"I had had enough of New York winters,'' she explained. "And a friend convinced me to fax a resume to Executemps Ltd. but I never thought they'd call.'' But she was wrong. Ms Bertha has been in Bermuda for almost four years working in other establishments before joining The Porch.

Ms Bertha who is one of the few female head chefs in Bermuda said she wished there were more female head chefs in the industry.

"Working at The Porch Restaurant and Bar is very satisfying,'' she said. "I am excited with the menu changes because I have a lot of great ideas.'' When asked how she felt about working at The Porch, Ms Bertha said: "It's a creative atmosphere, and David Speakman (the owner) lets me do what I need to do. It's my first opportunity to show what I can do.

TENDING BAR -- If you just want to go to the The Porch Restaurant's bar to sit off and enjoy a drink, Mr. David H.M. Pedro is happy to serve you a variety of concoctions.

FOOD PREPARATION -- Head chef of The Porch Ms Christine Bertha aims to create meals that taste as appealing as they look. Also pictured is chef Mr. Terry Downes.

CREATIVE FOODS -- Chef Mr. Terry Downes shows off the restaurant's grilled shrimp salad.