Where the Garden
Sets the Table

My husband and I have celebrated many memorable occasions with Chef Leslie at Feast in the Garden, and each experience has been completely new and wonderful. That is what makes her so extraordinary. She does not repeat herself. Every visit brings something we have not tasted before, served in a setting that feels different with the season, the light, and the moment.We have joined Chef Leslie for private dinners and shared pop-ups, and both formats showcase her artistry and draw you into the warmth that Chef Leslie creates around her table. The private dinners are intimate and personal — the kind of evening where you arrive feeling like a guest and leave feeling like a friend.The food never disappoints. We are continually wowed by the breadth of her culinary skill — every menu is different, every course is thoughtfully composed, and every dish reveals something new. Her ingredients are unique and beautifully chosen. Many come straight from her gardens, where she introduces us to the edible flowers and herbs that will appear on our plates. And her desserts are simply delightful — a perfect ending to every evening, every time.What sets Chef Leslie apart is the way she pours herself into every detail. The view from her property that changes with the light. The garden tours that connect you to the meal you are about to enjoy. Her culinary talent is remarkable, but it is her generosity as a host that makes each visit feel like a gift.My husband and I keep coming back, and we will keep coming back. Feast in the Garden is the kind of place that becomes part of how you mark the moments that matter. We are so grateful to know Chef Leslie and to have her in our lives.

My daughter brought my husband and me to Feast in the Garden in Cambria for my birthday, and I am still thinking about it. What a treasure Chef Leslie has created.It was a private dinner for the four of us — my daughter, her husband, my husband, and me — and from the moment we arrived, the experience felt entirely our own. Chef Leslie gave us a tour of her garden first, walking us through the edible flowers and herbs she would be using in our menu. To see something growing and then taste it on your plate a little while later is something most diners never get to experience.The setting itself is unlike anywhere I have ever dined. We ate inside her on-site greenhouse, surrounded by living plants and the soft light of the garden. Intimate, peaceful, magical — the kind of place where time slows down and everyone at the table actually sees each other.The food was extraordinary. Every course arrived with presentation so beautiful I almost did not want to eat it — and then of course I did, and every bite was better than the one before. You can taste the care in every dish. Chef Leslie cooks the way people who truly love their craft cook: thoughtfully, generously, with real artistry.What moved me most, though, was her hospitality. My husband uses a wheelchair, and Chef Leslie accommodated us with such grace and thoughtfulness that the celebration felt completely seamless. There was no fuss, no awkwardness — just warmth, attentiveness, and the sense that we were being genuinely cared for. She made my birthday feel honored in a way I will not forget.If you are looking for a dining experience that feels personal, beautiful, and truly special, Chef Leslie's Feast in the Garden in Cambria is unlike anything else. We will treasure the memory always. Thank you, Chef Leslie, for creating something so magical.

Over the past four years, I have had the pleasure of attending three of Chef Leslie McKenna’s private greenhouse dinners—two with family members and, most recently, a very special 70th birthday celebration for my husband, Ron. Each experience has been extraordinary and uniquely memorable.The setting alone is magical. Leslie’s greenhouse sits atop a deck overlooking a stunning backyard filled with beautiful landscaping, fragrant flowers, and original artwork. Throughout the garden, guests discover colorful tile mosaics and a remarkable succulent wall, both created by Leslie and her equally talented husband, Rick. The entire property reflects their creativity, artistry, and passion for hospitality.Every meal is a testament to Leslie’s exceptional culinary talent, refined palate, and artistic presentation. Multi-course dinners are served at a leisurely pace, allowing guests to savor not only the flavors but also the beauty of each dish. From appetizers through dessert, every course is thoughtfully crafted, visually stunning, and often delightfully whimsical. The presentations are breathtaking, rivaling those found in some of the finest restaurants.The service is outstanding, and the atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and intimate. Leslie’s attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the evening. Each bite is memorable, and just when you think you could not possibly eat another morsel, out come the desserts—further showcasing Leslie’s remarkable baking skills and culinary creativity.If you have the opportunity, be sure to ask for the beet pastrami. It is unforgettable.These dinners are not rushed experiences; they are celebrations of food, friendship, and connection. Most last at least four hours, and our birthday celebration began at 5:00 p.m. and continued until nearly midnight. The evening was filled with laughter, joy, conversation, and love—all thoughtfully facilitated by Leslie, Rick, and their wonderful team.Chef Leslie’s greenhouse dinners are far more than a meal—they are an experience. I am already looking forward to the next opportunity to gather around her table and enjoy another unforgettable evening.

Chef Leslie McKenna has been an extraordinary partner to Cure 4 The Kids Foundation. For several years, she has donated a private garden dining experience for our annual Circus Couture fundraiser — a one-of-a-kind evening for parties of up to eight guests in her on-site greenhouse and gardens in Cambria, California — and her contribution has become one of the most sought-after items in our auction.What makes Chef Leslie's gift so meaningful is that it doesn't end at the auction block. It begins there. Every donor who has won the experience has come back to tell us how magical their evening was. The garden tours where Chef Leslie walks guests through her edible flowers and herbs. The creative, customized menus she designs for each party. The view from her property. The artistry of every plate. The intimacy of dining in her greenhouse. Time and again, our donors describe the experience as something they will never forget.Chef Leslie's hospitality is uncommon. She welcomes guests into her world, shares her craft, and treats every dinner as an opportunity to create something truly personal. Her culinary talent is matched only by her generosity of spirit.Partners like Chef Leslie make our mission possible. Every dollar her donation raises through our auction directly supports the children in our care. We are deeply grateful for her ongoing commitment, and we cannot recommend her experience highly enough — to anyone seeking an unforgettable private dining event, and to anyone fortunate enough to bid on her donation at a future Circus Couture.Thank you, Chef Leslie. Your gift is felt far beyond your greenhouse.

Feast in the Garden with Chef Leslie McKenna in Cambria was a truly delightful experience and a memorable evening shared with friends. We chose the vegan menu, which worked perfectly for everyone in our group, and Leslie created an extraordinary multi-course meal. I believe there were eight or ten courses—but honestly, I lost track because each dish was such a wonderful surprise.The evening began with a stroll through Leslie’s beautiful garden, followed by a brief, individual biofield tuning sessions that was both relaxing and fascinating. We then gathered in a lovely setting for dinner, where we settled in, watched the Cambria sunset, and enjoyed the warm hospitality of Leslie and her assistant.From the first appetizer to the final dessert, every dish was beautifully presented and absolutely delicious. There were so many creative flavors and delightful combinations that each course felt like its own experience. It was one of the most memorable meals I can recall—intimate, unique, and perfect for sharing with friends. I especially enjoyed the opportunity to try new foods and flavor pairings that I might never have discovered otherwise.To top it all off, Leslie joined us for a while at the end of the evening and entertained us with fascinating stories from her years working as a chef in Los Angeles.If you’re looking for an exceptional dining experience in a stunning setting—complete with incredible food, warm hospitality, and a touch of energy work—I highly recommend gathering a group of friends and spending an evening at Feast in the Garden. It is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.

Quiet, kept well. The best meal of the year.