Hosting Without the Stress: The Gift of a Retreat Chef
If you’ve ever hosted a retreat or multi-day event, you know the truth.
The schedule is full.
The details are endless.
And the kitchen can quickly become overwhelming.
One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and your guests is bringing in a retreat chef.
When I cook for retreats, I design menus that support the intention of the gathering. Light, energizing breakfasts for full workshop days. Protein rich lunches that sustain afternoon hikes. Comforting dinners that invite everyone to exhale.
But beyond the menu planning, it’s about creating ease.
There’s something powerful about walking into the kitchen and smelling garlic and ginger sizzling in the pan while you continue leading your session. Or finishing yoga and sitting down to a meal that feels thoughtful and abundant.
Food becomes part of the experience, not just fuel.
Guests remember the farm fresh salads, the warm soups after chilly hikes, the colorful platters shared family style. They remember how cared for they felt.






And that feeling shapes the entire retreat.
If you’re dreaming up a retreat in the mountains, by the beach, or anywhere people gather to reconnect, having a chef allows you to stay present with your people while I take care of the nourishment behind the scenes.
It truly changes everything.
🍲 Another Day Cooking from the Mayberry Cookbook
Let’s try an Asian inspired dish that is vibrant, nourishing, and weeknight friendly. This one has become a favorite because it feels indulgent but is completely gluten free and adaptable for different dietary needs.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4
The Chicken & Marinade
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp arrowroot powder or cornstarch
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or coconut oil
The Sauce
- 1/3 cup coconut aminos or gluten-free tamari
- 2–3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1–2 tsp arrowroot powder
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
The Stir Fry Mix
- 1/2 cup raw or roasted cashews
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- 2–3 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Toss chicken with tamari and arrowroot until coated.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Cook chicken 4 to 5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Stir fry broccoli and bell pepper for 3 to 4 minutes until crisp tender.
- Whisk sauce ingredients together and pour into the pan. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Add chicken and cashews back in. Toss to coat and heat through.
- Garnish with green onions and serve over rice or cauliflower rice.
Key Tips
- Use tamari or coconut aminos to keep it gluten free.
- Use arrowroot for a corn free or Paleo friendly option.
- For a thicker, homestyle Mayberry feel, add 1 tablespoon tomato paste to the sauce.
If you’re planning a retreat or know someone who is, I’d love to connect and see how we can create something beautiful together. Good food brings people together. Intentional food helps them stay connected.
