Alicia Ojeda

Alicia Ojeda

Executive Chef

Originally from Los Angeles, Chef Alicia grew up surrounded by the rich cultural and culinary heritage of her Mexican family. She is classically-trained in the culinary arts with a career spanning more than 25 years. Among the many roles she has played professionally, she has always been a creative force.

She served as Executive Chef for Dreamworks Studio, Managing Chef for Bon Appétit at Sony Music, Executive Chef at Beets Cafe in Austin, Texas and more recently as the retreat chef for Australia athlete, Grant Campbell, in Thailand. Chef Alicia was also invited to be the Executive Chef for the Woodstock Fruit Festival.

A proud grandmother of three, she has completed two sprint distance triathlons and a 90-day Bikram Yoga challenge. Her own experience with significant weight loss coupled with new found energy inspired her to dedicate her life to helping people redefine their relationship with food, empowering them to create their own masterpieces.

“The speakers and yoga instructors were giants in their fields, and people came from Holland, Germany, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, NYC, Brooklyn, Missouri… Being around friendly and happy people with positive attitudes interested in understanding and enjoying life in all it’s vicissitudes, curiosity, and making a better world was intoxicating…”

Anne R.

“The genius is in the details of this place. Simple . elegant and chic. The food is always creative, delicious and healthy. The staff is right on. There is nothing they won’t do to make you comfortable. And then there’s the Spa. It’s the big embrace when you walk through the door. The whole place is a huge container of LOVE.”

Elaine Mackle

“Going to Menla is like dropping out of time. The physical beauty and stillness of the place is unique. The accommodations are just right – comfortable but not ostentatious. The food is amazing and clearly made with attention and love. Thank you!”

Sylvia E.

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