Another wonderful Good Commons Weekend

I believe that when the universe gives you a sign, you should listen, so when I met Elyse Sparkes at the Jazz-Age Lawn Party on Governors Island, I knew I was in for something special.

I've been heading up to Good Commons in Plymouth, Vermont a lot lately, and most recently cooked for a vegetarian meditation and yoga retreat over Memorial Day weekend.  I became acquainted with Good Commons at a yoga retreat with Erica Mather and Pravassa a few years ago, and knew I wanted to return.

slanted rocks in Quechee Gorge

When I was attending the Jazz-Age Lawn Party with a friend, we were sharing our picnic with some of her friends.  I was getting some compliments on my dishes and I brought up my experience as a private chef, and most recently as a guest chef at a house in Vermont.  When Elyse mentioned that she was going to be teaching yoga classes with a focus on digestive health the following weekend in Vermont, I got that tingly feeling that the world is a much smaller place that we realize.  She was headed to Good Commons, and I really needed some revitalization, so I made a quick call that night and arranged a spot for myself on the Gluten-Free Gourmet Weekend.  I've been exploring a more gluten-free lifestyle lately, and I feel so healthy after eating without it all weekend.

chocolate sandwich cookies

The food was amazing, the yoga was invigorating, the massage was both intense and relaxing, and the new friends I made were inspiring.  As always, Good Commons gave me just what I needed.  I also got a chance to explore Queeche Gorge and swim at Echo Lake, which was only recently reopened after the Hurricane Irene clean-up.  It was a nice change to get out and experience some Vermont nature that I haven't yet, despite having visited multiple times.

For more Gluten-Free recipes, articles, and resources check out these websites:

Chef Olivia Dupin:  www.livglutenfree.com
Chef Matthew Wexler: http://www.roodeloo.com/
Erin Smith: http://glutenfreefun.blogspot.com/
Holistic Health Coach and Massage Therapist:  http://jessicaruthshepard.healthcoach.integrativenutrition.com/

GF pasta night