The Significance of Rasa:

RASA is a Sanskrit word that means “divine nectar.” It also means “the sap, the juice, the essence or vitality in a substance.” RASA FOODS: DELECTABLE SALUBRIOUS COOKERY takes pride in creating meals fortified with the nourishing essence and vitality of life.

The Influence of Ayurveda:

The ayurvedic approach in the kitchen is such that intention plays as important of a role in the preparation of food as does the quality of ingredients. It is understood that the energy behind everything that we do is transmitted in one way or another. RASA FOODS are prepared in a spirit of pleasure and joy, giving recognition to the potency and the divine essence of the food. Sweet kitchen alchemy, if you will. In this way, one creates delicious, health-giving meals.

Only the Finest Ingredients:

RASA FOODS uses as many organic, seasonal, and locally grown foods as possible. Organic foods grow in the way that nature intended, with maximum nutritional content, providing the foundations of good health. After all, you are what you eat!

Empowerment Through Knowledge:

Kitchen Wisdom Classes & Workshops, combining Wise Earth Ayurveda and Raphaology nutritional medicine, empower us all to remember our connection with nature through the process of learning how to prepare delectable, salubrious meals. Classes & Workshops are offered on an individual basis or in a group setting. Have fun while learning to achieve balance and optimum health by living with the rhythms of nature.

Cristina Urioste, Organic Chef

Cristina’s appreciation for organic, seasonal, and locally grown food began while living on a beautiful farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, where she learned organic gardening techniques and grew her own fruits and vegetables from 1997- 2000. Participating so fully with the cycles of nature served as a profound epiphany in her understanding of the human relationship with food.

It was also during that time that she began studying Ayurveda, an ancient holistic lifeway from India (often considered yoga’s ‘sister science’), at The Wise Earth School of Ayurveda. There, Sri Swamini Mayatitananda carefully taught her about grace, wholeness, and sadhana in the kitchen, and reminded her that food is medicine. Ultimately, in 1999 she became Chef of the Wise Earth School, preparing food for Swamini Mayatitananda Herself, as well as doctors, health practitioners, healers, yoga teachers, and spiritual seekers. Since then, Cristina has been cooking and teaching others how to prepare wholesome delicious meals at wellness retreat centers, yoga centers, summer camps, private homes, fundraising events, movie sets, and more. Her most exciting commitment was as full time private chef to a leading actor in one of 2007’s blockbuster film productions.

Cristina currently lives in Venice, California, where she continues to garden and prepare organic delights with constant love and joy. You can typically find her at one or more of the outstanding farmer’s markets on the Westside with a canvas bag full of organic goodies for that week’s menu. She caters events and prepares food in private homes. She also teaches Kitchen Wisdom: Holstic Traditions for Sustainable Wellness classes both privately and in small groups.

© 2007 Rasa Foods