Read what others have to say about the culinary talent of Chef Deborah Hicks.
EXCEPTIONAL PRAISE
Deborah is a remarkable human being—a talented musician, an exceptional cook, and, most importantly, a person with an enormous heart and a deep desire to give, nurture, and nourish others. Both her heartfelt singing and her cooking are beautiful expressions of these qualities. For the past 12 years, Deb has prepared meals for Buddhist retreats, many of which I have had the pleasure of attending. Her culinary skills are undeniable, but what makes her cooking truly special is the love, care, and attention she brings to every meal. Deb is exceptionally organized, tidy, professional, and considerate. Her food is simple, fresh, wholesome, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. She has a wonderful ability to combine health-conscious cooking with delicious flavors, creating meals that nourish both body and spirit. There is always a sense of joy and anticipation when we know we are about to enjoy one of Deb’s meals. Her cooking is more than simply preparing food—it is an act of generosity and love, and sharing her meals is always a celebration.
Isaac Eliaz, MD, MS, LAc
Physician and Author of The Survival Paradox
As someone who has benefited any number of times over the years from Deb’s cooking, I can only assume I must have done something very virtuous in some previous lifetime to have enjoyed something so much in this one. Not only is her food delicious and nourishing, it is prepared with love and bodhicitta. Who could ask for anything more? Food for the body and the spirit.
I have been blessed with Deb’s wonderful cooking on so many occasions! She has a gift for bringing flavors together in ways that delight and surprise. Every dish reflects her love of cooking, and every meal leaves me feeling lucky to have a seat at her table.
Dearest Deborah, Your constant care and your genuine warmth made all the difference in our being able to practice and study during this retreat. Full bellies make happy the meditator. You are so kind to lend your incredible support to this important work. Thank you very much for your enormous heart. We all love you. Please come back. The Dzogchen Bunch
Dear Deb, Mary, and Deserae, Thank you doesn't begin to describe the depth of gratitude I have for you all. Without fail or falter, you've served and fed us beyond just our stomachs. Nourishment via wisdom, compassion, and care has been a defining part of this retreat. I'm so grateful for your light, and I will be carrying it with me. The soul of this experience lies within you. May you be as fed as thoroughly as you have fed others. Love, Minyon
Deb, Bodhisattva of great nourishment for our hearts and bellies. Nourishing us with your Buddha Nature, with kindness and cookies, heart and soul, loving service, beautiful presence. Skillful means, creative, careful sustenance. Tending to our bodies with love and nourishment. The Zen master of culinary compassion. A monk in the kitchen, serving up life. You make my taste buds dance with joy! We love you! A.W.E., YEAR ONE STUDENTS
A warm-hearted thanks for your loving care of us these last days. Your beautiful food is a highlight of the retreats that I have attended, nourishing to both mind and spirit. I swear I can taste the devotion and deep dharma practice that go into its creation. With love and gratitude, Anne
Cooking is love. Thank you for showing love. KF
Dear Deb, Thank you so much for making my first retreat special, comforting, and delicious! Your kindness, thoughtfulness, and sweetness enabled me to practice walking this special path with courage. I am so grateful to you and honored to have shared this time with you. Thank you for your kindness and laughter. I can not wait to come back and see you again and eat your amazing food. With loving kindness, a warm heart, and a lovely full belly, I thank you! Cara
Dear Deb, Thank you so much for all you do to help so many of us grow, even when we are in the toughest of places. Like this tree [pictured on card], I am so grateful that even in the barest places or complex environments, I can find peace with so much support from you. I appreciate you and am so grateful for you. Thank you!! Love always, Cara
Dear Deb and Mary, I see love, family, home, and youth within and between you. Thank you for making me feel at home.
Dear Deb, Happy Holidays! Thank you for being such an integral part of our retreats and sangha. You served up delicious food and imparted love to all who came through. We are grateful to be in sangha with you. Here's to another year of sharing/supporting the dharma together. With love and appreciation, Jessica and the entire Namchak team.
The kindness with which you took care of us was overwhelming. You deserve all the llvci in the world for your unforgettable warmth and hospitality. Your food is more than a meal - it is love, warmth, and deep nourishment. It is a true blessing. Deb, you are a manifestation of compassion and a healer. May you live a long life filled with good health, happiness, and wisdom of dharma. I feel so privileged to know you in this lifetime and even luckier to call you my sister.
Dear Deb, Thank you for everything. I am grateful to you for feeding us. As the great Indian Saint, Neem Karoli Baba (Maharaj-ji) said when asked by someone how they could get enlightened - "feed people" is what he replied. You are kn your way in service of all of us on the path. Thank you for feeding and guiding us.
Dear Deb, I don't have enough words to thank you for the cafe, intention, love, and blessings you put into the retreat! You are a gem!
Deb, Deep bows to you and your practice - you are our sangha mama. Thank you for your love and your medicine. I have been so nourished and HEALED by your food. You will always be a part of me - All the metta. Love you so much.
Deb, thank you for cooking and feeding our community. Being fed is a very important part of keeping up with our long routines, and your role is so important. And you are such an artist in the kitchen. I can taste the love and care. I'm going to miss you and your joyful smile. I'll be following your music and cooking with that inspirational energy you've gifted us with.
Deb, I am so grateful to you. Thank you for all the love and care you have brought me through your fold, kindness, and actions. I am inspired by your dedication to your practice, to serving, and by your really big heart. Thank you so much for being you and for blessing me with parts of you.
Dear Deb, Heartfelt gratitude for nourishing our bodies this weekend. Your meals are like hugs infused with love that help us absorb the dharma teachings.
Deb, It has been an honor to have been served by you and to have watched you serve with great joy. The love and compassionate care that you serve in the food and meeting our individual needs has been beautiful to witness. Thank you.
Deb, Thank you so much for your hard work in nourishing us during this retreat! I was struggling with an eating disorder in my regular life, and I was reaching a critical point, but you quite literally saved my life. I will always remember you! With endless gratitude.
Deb, It has been an honor to have been served by you and to have watched you serve with great joy. The love and compassionate care that you serve in the food and meeting our individual needs has been beautiful to witness. Thank you.
I want to sincerely thank you for nourishing me with the incredible food. I could taste that the food was prepared with intention, love, and a desire to spread joy. You are a gift, and this retreat would not have been the same without you. Thank you for sharing your precious life of yours with Namchak, and with me over the last 5 days.
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