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.

“Loved Menla and all the experiences they offer… I attended morning yoga with different instructors who were excellent and fully over indulged with the veggie buffet with gluten-free and vegan options. Many fresh greens from the organic on-site garden. Delicious!”

Robert B.

“Menla is one of my favorite retreat centers in the world. The natural beauty, the wonderful staff and great accommodations always make the experience of leading a retreat effortless and graceful. The blessings of HH Dalai Lama and many other Great Beings who have been there usher us into our own True Nature with joy and ease.”

Krishna Das

“My favorite retreat center in the East coast. A real abode of the Dharma.”

Nitzan Blouin

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