Meals at Maryholme
An update on the culinary delight of meals at Loretto Maryholme Retreats
As a modest, not-for-profit spiritual retreat centre, we take pride in serving freshly prepared meals during our silent and guided/themed retreats. These meals are thoughtfully planned and catered by one of our talented Retreat Chefs.
While we do not have a single, full-time chef on staff, we are incredibly fortunate to have a roster of local chefs who curate healthy, nourishing, beautiful gourmet and delicious meals for our retreatants. Each chef crafts a plant-forward, primarily vegetarian menu, which may include some dairy and/or eggs, and they prioritize using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. On longer retreats fish or poultry might be served once or twice, with a vegetarian option as needed.
Given the intimate size of our centre, our chefs can accommodate only vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free diets, and nut & seafood allergies. We regret that it is not feasible for us to cater to more complex or extensive dietary restrictions.
Retreatants with other specific or restrictive dietary needs are welcome to supplement the meals prepared by our Retreat Chefs by bringing their own pre-cooked food. These can be stored in the Guest Refrigerator and reheated in the microwave as needed. Alternately, retreat ants may book a private cabin with kitchenette (if available) and prepare their own meals.
Please note: we are not a nut-free centre.
Testimonies to the goodness of our meals...
"Exemplary! Best yet. Creative, nourishing, nutritious. Beautiful to the eye, tongue, & stomach."
"Great!! Colourful and imaginative; original."
"the food was outstanding - a real highlight of the week."
"Amazing!"
"In all years - 37 of going to over 5+ retreat centres, this was the BEST food ever. It was so beautiful, flavourful & Michele's very presence & presentation was completely delightful... top quality gourmet food."
"The meals were the best I've had at any retreat centre and her attention to presentation and detail were unbelievable."
"I've eaten in starred restaurants and never had food as beautiful as this."
"Exceptional Such a symphony of flavours!"
"And the food - well - I kept wanting to hug Michele after each meal. Eye-catching, delicious, a work of art!"
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with links to upcoming retreats, programs & events to enjoy our meals!
