Our Why: Culinary Approach
Getting Involved: Embark on a culinary journey unlike any other, where we believe that nourishing the body is integral to holistic healing. Our culinary approach goes beyond mere sustenance; it is an opportunity to engage in the art of mindful eating and discover the transformative power of nutrition. We integrate food into comprehensive health strategies to promote recovery. Chef Raphael draws from his culinary arts and health backround in crafting nutrition focused programs through the use of Traditonal Chinese Medicine (TCM). As a team we are eager to contribute to innovative nutritional strategies and set new standards in the healing community. From farm-fresh ingredients to expertly crafted meals, every dish is designed to support your wellness goals and tantalize your taste buds. Join us in embracing the joy of food as a catalyst for healing and embark on a flavorful adventure with us today.
Our Focus
Educate and support people with autoimmune and/ or mental health conditions about healthy foods to consume and how to prepare them.
Eliminating Potential Trigger Foods
This is the initial phase where certain foods are limited and/or completely avoided depending on diagnosis. These typically include:
- Sugar
- Salt
- Store Bought Bread
- Processed Food
- Red Meat
Focusing on Nutrient-Dense Whole Foods
Emphasis is placed on consuming a variety of nutrient-rich foods, including:
- Vegetables
- Quality Meats (grass-fed and organic)
- Seafood
- Fermented Foods (gut health)
- Bone Broth
- Healthy Fats (avocado and olive oil)
Healthy Lifestyle Practices
Incorporating healthy lifestyle practices like stress management, adequate sleep, and regular exercise. We aim for a holistic, personalized approach for improved health and wellbeing.
Highlands in Bloom Cuisine draws its inspiration from the seasonal organic produce harvested by our garden and/ or local farmers in Agoura Hills, California. Shaped by the day’s harvest, our culinary creations are in a perpetual state of evolution.
Ingredients and Sourcing
The Essence of Quality Ingredients and Sourcing
- Home Grown
- Daily Smoohies
- Organic Protein
- Fermented Foods
- Gut Health
- Organic Products
Locally-Sourced Wellness Ingredients
- Superfoods
- Gluten-Free Options
- Vegan Choices
- Healthy Fats
- Antioxidant-Rich Foods
- Fiber-Rich Foods
From Source to Plate: Purity in Every Bite
- Plant-Based Nutrition
- Free from synthetic Pesticides
- Healthy Soil, Healthy Food, Healthy Body
- Sustainable
Daily Dining
Typical Daily Dining Experience
Breakfast
Dragon and Almond Smoothly
Eggwhite Omelete w/Salsa
Fresh Fruit
Herbal Tea or Coffee (no sugar)
Lunch
Salmon and Mandolin Slaw w/Fennel
Asian Salad Sauce and Roasted Nuts
Grilled Kabocha Squash and Miso Soup
Goji and Hawthorn Ice-Tea
Snacks
Parmasan Cheese
Mixed Nuts
Fresh Fruit
Dinner
Veggie Stir Fry:
Carrots, Onions, Bell Pepper, Brocolli, Asparagus, Lemon Grass, Garlic, Ginger, and Sesame Oil
Vegetable Garden
Fresh from Our Garden
What We Grow
Herbs
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Dill
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Mint
- Lemongrass
- Lemon Verbatum
- Basil
- Microgreens
Leafy Greens
- Cabbage
- Red Lettuce
Fruits and Vegetables
- Tomatoes
- Onion
- Green Peppers
- Cucumbers
- Brocolli
- Strawberries
- Carrots
- Beets
Onsite Olive Oil
From Grove to Bottle: Pure, Onsite-Crafted Olive Oil
- Harvesting Olives: Collect ripe olives from olive trees
- Washing: Clean the olives to remove dirt and leaves
- Crushing: Crush the olives, including pits, to create a paste
- Malaxing (Mixing): Stir the paste slowly to help release the oil droplets
- Separating Solids and Liquids: Spin the paste in a centrifuge or press it to separate the oil from the solid residue and water
- Collecting the Oil: Extract the olive oil that comes out of the separation process
- Filtering (Optional): Filter the oil to remove any remaining solid particles
- Storing: Store the oil in a dark, cool place in air-tight containers to preserve its quality
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Cooking Session
Cook, Create, Celebrate: Unleash Your Inner Chef
The Five Elements in Correlation to the Body
Hands-On Cooking:
- It is okay if you are unfamiliar with TCM. The education will start with an uplifting and engaging crash course about the five elements and how they relate to the body
- The focuses are on curbing inflammation and improving mental well-being
- Yes! We snack, eat, and drink (tea) as we go!
The Barn
Meet Our Animals
- Mini Cows
- Chickens
- Goat
- Pig
Kitchen Take Homes
From Our Kitchen to Your Home
- Bottled Kimchi
- Bottled Pickles
- Bottled Ginger Dressing
- Buy Produce