Justin has fifteen years of experience as culinary director, food and beverage manager, event specialist and traveling chef in Spain, Switzerland and Croatia.
As a private event and retreat chef, he creates joyful experiences through holistic food cooked with a sense of place. He infuses his creations with flower essences to enhance mood, along with Ayurvedic and Chinese herbs to strengthen the body.
Through flavor, texture, aroma and vision, Justin’s food gently demands your attention while nurturing connection, growth, and expansion. His mantra while cooking: abundance.
creating with whats on hand, deepening into the sense of a place.
Some of my favorite things:
Infusing herbal teas into food & traditional recipes
Beverages & tonics that draw from old world techniques or ancient healing traditions
Amazake - a traditional Japanese drink made from fermented rice
A perfect boiled egg & sliced cucumber for breakfast - simple, but decadent
Sauces that are loaded with medicinal ingredients to highlight a beautiful vegetable
My current offerings.
Event + Retreat Chef.
From a one night intimate dinner event for 12 people to a one week nature retreat for 50 people.
For whoever is hosting, my goal is to lift them up so much that they don’t have to do anything when it comes to food & beverage offerings. My goal is to keep everything so perfect that the host can remain in their role as guide, teacher or friend.
I love pairing up with practitioners to highlight what they’re doing -- with nourishment.
Thematic Dinners.
Past Themes: Prince (the musician), The Office (the tv show), Sound Bowls + Astrology, Chakras + Flowers
Sensory-awakening experiences that encompass a theme—from the tastes & smells to the conversation & decor. We can collaborate on a concept together or I’m also comfortable with having free rein to create something special based on your intentions.
Concept Consulting.
Do you have a vision or dream about a cafe or restaurant concept? I can help you bring it to life.
With a wide breadth of experience, my goal is to bring you long-term success, creative menu offerings, maximized efficiency, minimized waste, sustainable profits, elevated guest experience, smooth interior design flow, and a healthy work environment.