The first Bermudian chef at Government House, who was appointed last month, said yesterday she was excited about the challenge ahead .

Danika Pereira, 29, who graduated with distinction from the professional chefs course at Bermuda College in 1998, said she would be given complete freedom in the kitchens at Government House.

Governor Thorold Masefield has given Ms Pereira - who previously worked at Horizons and Cottages, Food for Thought, and her own catering company - a vote of confidence by allowing her to bring her own flair to the kitchen.

"From a professional standpoint it's an ideal situation because you are able to set the pace for your creativity. The governor and Mrs. Masefield have left it up me as to what I prepare and they're quite adventurous," she said.

"Most chefs would like someone to say go at it. You're able to dive into your own experiences and on top of that draw from other resources to prepare meals that are spectacular.''

Her palette includes a wide variety of cuisine ranging from local fare to that of Mexico, France, Italy, and Asia. Ms Pereira said she likes to vary the menu while making sure the food is of the highest quality.

"I'm the only person in the kitchen so things can't be boring because it comes back to me.''

She said she first worked at Government House while she was still a student.

"I came up here to assist the chefs about five years ago for one of the functions that they had. That was my first introduction to Government House and it was intriguing.

"I think the idea of not only being able to work for the Governor but also to dictate your own pace and be the captain of your own ship seemed exciting then.

"I just kept a relationship with the other two previous chefs. So before coming on board I knew how things worked and I had experience but it's still exciting.''

Ms Pereira feels that being a chef is a great profession for other Bermudians to pursue.

"The one thing I would like to see is more Bermudians getting in the kitchen. It's such an opportunity for locals to get in the kitchen and explore our own cuisine and merge it with other cuisines.''

"As a Bermudian being a chef is excellent because there are restaurants and catering companies that are always looking for enthusiastic qualified personnel. You would be surprised at the amount of catering companies that call and say I need a chef for something."

"And when you get that training those options are open to you. There's also a lot of opportunity for Bermudian chefs to get in there and freelance."

She added that funding needs to be set up for people interested in studying towards professions in hospitality as it is a key part of the the tourist industry.

"I worked for Tourism for two years in New York so I'm very keenly aware of what people are looking for when they travel. Food is at the top of the list."

"So why not set aside money for Bermudians going into the industry with the arrangement that they'll come back and work in the system. ''

Ms Pereira say that she is "home-grown" and values the education and experience she received.

Ms Pereira said has always enjoy cooking and remembers cooking a full Bermudian meal, including the roast lamb for a friend as a pre-teen.

"To be 12 and throwing down in the kitchen amazed her, because she was still on opening a can of Campbell's Soup."

"I enjoy what cooking brings to people. Looking at people just going at it with a abandonment is a great pleasure me."