/ THE CHEF /
Kela Yzeiraj utilizes simple, organic, local ingredients and spices to strengthen the senses and digestion for an enjoyable stay in Kauai.
She meets her client's sustenance needs and offers organic, balanced and local meals. Her work as a farmer, yogi, and Ayurvedic student has inspired seasonal recipes and sustainable wholesome energy in the kitchen.
/ THE AYURVEDIC PHILOSOPHY /
In Ayurveda, the universe is comprised of 3 great energies called the Maha Gunas, which are sattva, rajas and tamas. Sattva is the energy of harmony, balance, peace, light. Rajas is kinetic energy, it’s qualities are overactive, and sharp. Tamas is inert energy, some of it’s qualities are stagnant, heavy and dull.
Foods have sattva, rajas and tamas and works to feed agni, or the metabolic energy to digest nutrients and life. Consuming foods that have sattvic qualities leads toward harmony and balance within the body, mind and spirit. These include organically grown sweet potatoes, rice, beans, bok choi. Rajasic foods increase mental activity and overactivate the mind. Some rajasic food is okay, but too much will cause energetic imbalance overtime. Examples are garlic, onions, coffee, hot-peppers, and nightshades such as tomatoes and eggplants. Tamasic foods have stagnant and inert energy, they bring dullness to the mind and body. Examples are processed foods like chips, protein bars, and leftovers and overcooked foods. Trying them for yourself and witnessing how you experience their effect in your body, mind and spirit can give you a good sense.
Augmenting, or Brahmana, foods are buildinging and composed of the earth and water elements. Augmenting foods have the sweet, sour, and salty taste. This includes grains and sweet root vegetables. Extractive, or Langhana, foods are cleansing for the body. They are composed of the ether, air and fire elements. They have the astringent, pungent, and sour tastes. Examples include legumes and greens.
/ BALANCE /
A balanced meal has a 60/40 ratio of augmenting and extractive foods, respectively. This builds healthy tissues layer, or dhatus while gently cleansing. An excess of extractive foods in a meal depletes the body and weakens agni, which is why only having greens daily is not a good idea, because it's an extractive food.
/ APPROACH /
Kela makes fresh meals within 1-5 hours because it maintains prana or vital energy. After 5 hours, the food turns tamasic and loses the medicinal potency and is either composted or past onto someone in need. Meals are prepared in a clean kitchen, utilizing sattvic foods, mantras, fresh spices and oils, and served at a 60/40 ratio of augmenting to extracting. If it’s a buffet style, she'll present the meal or label accordingly.
Kela cooks food based on the timing of the day & season. When the sun is highest, then agni or digestion is strongest, when it is lowest, agni is not as strong, so lighter or easier to digest foods will be served. For example, at lunch she'll cook heavier grains and veggies like brown rice and cauliflower. Lighter meals would be served for dinner such as quinoa, white basmati rice with lacionato kale and cucumber.
/ WHAT'S INCLUDED /
1. Client intake form: chef will review and meal plan with you for your visit to Kauai.
2. Food shopping, storage & organization: chef will shop at local and organic at farmer's markets & health food stores to support local economy
3. Meal preparation & clean up: all meals will be prepared in a clean kitchen, family members are welcomed to help for fun!
4. Follow up: chef invites clients for helpful feedback and the opportunity to work again at a later time.
6. Optional 1 hour complimentary massage for a purchase of 2 or more sessions.
5. Fun, reverence & gratitude for all of nature!
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Testimonials
Philip R.“I have had the good fortune to partake in her cooking on a good number of occasions. I have found that Kela puts her heart and much love into her work. Her meals have been tasty and totally fulfilling. I have seen the extent to which she selects ingredients for her meals that are wholesome, organic, and fresh.
Her presentation is cheerful and upbeat. Not only has she taken considerable care in the preparation of her meal, but additionally the final presentation is quite appealing. This obviously adds to the complete enjoyment of the dinner. The colors, smells, and tastes all combine into a delightful medley of delicious flavors.” |
Jon C. “Kela will surprise you with every meal that she carefully plans, cooks and serves. Dishes may include fruits, nuts, rice, vegetables or beans -- but they are always tasty, aromatic and pleasing to the eyes, nose, mind, body and soul. Her cooked fruits also make a marvelous breakfast to start your day. After Kela introduced me to more organic, Ayurvedic-style meals, I began to sleep better, control my weight, reduce allergies, increase my energy level. She encouraged me to eat more slowly, with better posture and to avoid snacking between meals and suggested better beverages to drink throughout the day. This also resulted in my being happier and less moody. Last but not least, she mixes food with spirituality -- encouraging prayers, chants and/or readings at every meal. Before the meal, she details ingredients, the best ratio of foods and can tell you how they interact with the body, mind and in balancing vata.”
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