MEGAN
PATTERSON
Eating
good
together.
Food has always been a way for me to connect—to the earth, to my senses, and to the people I care about. I love exploring seasonal ingredients, simple preparations, and recipes that nourish both body and spirit. The Gathering is a concept born from the tiny living room of my San Francisco apartment, where we packed 30 people in to share a meal with entirely local produce from the farmer's market-- all of which I traded for as a market hand (how else could I afford to cook for everybody I love in the city??). This lit my path towards nourishing gatherings, opening the possibility for me
to cook and farm at the Esalen Institute for thousands
of guests on the healing path. With all I have learned
along the way, I am now on a quest
to cook for you!
THE
GATHERING
Welcome to the Gathering! Vegetarian, farmer-centered cooking focused on seasonal, hyper-local sourcing to maximize nutrition, taste, and connection to a sense of place. I would love to cook for you, your family, your friends and your community! See a few styles of cooking and gathering below.
Tasting notes of: big sur, santa cruz community gardens, foraging + native foods, dirty feet, zen cooking, make-believe, nostalgia, belly laughs, spa night, time machines, woodland fairies, camping in the redwoods
 |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
Pantry/Fridge restock
A gentle reset for your kitchen and your week. I plan a local, seasonal menu tailored to your tastes, shop for beautiful ingredients, and cook nourishing meals in your home or mine to stock your fridge with ready-to-eat dishes. Think soups, grain bowls, roasted vegetables, sauces, breakfasts, and little treats, all labeled and organized so you can eat well with ease. Perfect for busy weeks, new parents, or anyone craving homemade food without the work.
Starting from $250*
Pricing menu dependent. Includes menu planning, shopping, cooking, packaging, and cleanup. Groceries billed separately.
Private Dining + Events
A cozy, intentional meal made just for you and your guests. I design a seasonal menu around your preferences, dietary needs, and the mood of your gathering— whether that’s a candlelit anniversary dinner or a joyful birthday feast. I handle the planning, sourcing, cooking, and kitchen cleanup so you can relax and share a beautiful evening together. Menus can be multi-course plated or abundant family-style, always focused on vibrant ingredients and thoughtful flavors.
Starting from $85/person*
4 person minimum. Pricing menu-dependent. Includes menu design, shopping, cooking on-site, plating or serving style you choose, and full kitchen cleanup.
Retreat catering
Nourishing food to support deep rest, creativity, and connection. I cook for retreats with an emphasis on seasonal, grounding meals that energize without heaviness—colorful breakfasts, satisfying lunches, comforting dinners, and snacks that keep everyone cared for between sessions. I work closely with retreat hosts to align menus with the intention of the gathering and accommodate dietary needs with care. From yoga retreats to creative workshops, my goal is to make food a quiet anchor that helps people feel held.
Starting from $650/day*
12 person mimimum. Includes collaborative menu planning, shopping coordination, cooking multiple meals per day, and kitchen care. Pricing menu dependent. Travel available.
