09/15/2026
When my client and I first discussed her vision for their small retreat, there were two clear goals: make the team feel appreciated, and do so in delicious ways that showcased the best of the Shenandoah Valley.
One of the most highly-anticipated experiences was a curated meal prepared on-site by chef Chris Porter of Waynesboro, VA.
We started with one of my favorite summertime salads, inspired by the flavors of Mexican street corn. Chosen to support Chef Chris’ meal, which pulled from his love of true, local dishes crafted in home kitchens across the Yucatán peninsula.
Chef Chris mans the grill, starting the process of Poc Chuc, or “Quite Possibly My Death Row Meal.”
Chef Chris finishes his beautiful starter course with fine herbs. This one’s a secret recipe, so you just get the 35,000 ft view 👌
The second course was a fresh take on classic Mexican shrimp cocktail. Slightly briney, bursting with bright, summery flavors, perfectly balanced with the buttery, savory crackers. Just beautiful.
Poc Chuc, a traditional Yucatán dish of pork marinated in sour orange juice, seared over an open flame, reimagined here with the most stunning cut of Coppa, courtesy of Autumn Olive Farms
Chef Chris prepares what can only be described as the best pork dish that has ever been made.
Toasted pumpkin seed garnish is added to Sikil Pak, a traditional, creamy, and spicy Mayan pumpkin seed dip from the Yucatán Peninsula. Think hummus with depth.
Chef Chris created a stunning, complex, elevated-yet-familiar dish that had the whole room erupting in a chorus of “HOLY SH@$ THAT’S THE BEST THING I’VE EVER EATEN!”
To round out the meal, we served a spicy, rich fudge brownie with notes of cinnamon and cayenne, topped with dulce de leche ices cream and a salted caramel sauce. Don’t worry, everyone had sweats to change into immediately after dinner.
And (unsurprisingly) the little bit that was left over reheated beautifully the next day.
…. And lasted for about three bites 😉