Kassandra’s Organic Kitchen, a holistic, organic meal preparation service, is serving up some of the best eats in St. Pete.
Eight months ago, 26 year-old Kassandra Reyes lost her corporate job. Like millions across the nation, the eager young professional had fallen victim to a series of COVID-era layoffs. The difference between Kassandra and most others, however, is that the former wasn’t upset.
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“It was a blessing in disguise,” Kassandra recalled of her sudden unemployment. “I was working in real estate at the time, but I was so unhappy. I’ve always loved to help people, heal people, and serve people, but I wasn’t doing any of that. I felt like I had lost my sense of purpose.”
Kassandra’s Organic Kitchen is a passion project in the ‘Burg
Standing beside her in a warm, communal kitchen, I watched as she sliced mango over deep, pink filets of salmon. The space was friendly and inviting, and the meticulously prepared trays of meats and vegetables were bright and fragrant. From the way Kassandra described her old job, this new atmosphere appeared to be the polar opposite.
“After I got laid off, I was able to take a moment and say, ‘Ok, so what does Kassandra really love to do?’—And I immediately thought of cooking. I went to a culinary vocational high school and pretty much grew up watching the Food Network.”
Laughing, she laid down the fruit and went out on a slight tangent.
“It was because my mom cooked the same damn thing every day. Chicken, rice and beans. I used to watch those TV shows and imagine I was eating anything more interesting.”
Realizing her mind had drifted, she cut back to the chase.
“But anyways, it was in that moment that I realized I could mesh my passion for cooking with my purpose of helping people. And that’s how Kassandra’s Kitchen was born.”
A “holistic, organic” meal preparation service
In the beginning stages of Kassandra’s Kitchen, which formally defines itself as a “holistic, organic” meal preparation service, Kassandra single handedly ran all operations. Starting with only one client, the company was committed to not only creating tasty, convenient meals, but also to helping individuals reinvent their lifestyles. Since day one, Kassandra has strived to help her clients journey towards a “happy, healthy, and healed life—both mentally and physically.” The “healing” required to achieve this optimal state, Kassandra argues, must begin with a nutritious diet.
Fast forward to today, and Kassandra’s business is booming. Her client list has grown exponentially, and catering requests for multi-day events have begun to fill her inbox. Under the increasing need for extra hands, Kassandra recently added sous-chef, Rachel O’Neill, to the kitchen, and is planning to hire at least two additional team members. The criteria for employment, however, is very specific.
“I put love and intention into every single dish I make,” Kassandra shared as she pulled a tray of coconut almond crusted brussels sprouts from the oven. “So I expect my staff to do the same.”
She glanced over at Rachel, 22, who stirred cilantro into a creamy, lemon vinaigrette.
“Rachel is amazing, because we’re completely on the same wave length. She is so caring and dedicated to creating quality for our customers. I am looking to hire more help, but I’m not rushing the process. It’s not about the money, it’s about healing and helping people, so we’re willing to wait for the right employees who fit that vision.”
Juicy meats and bright, creamy vinaigrettes
After chatting for a bit with the pair about non-food related young people things, my stomach began to audibly growl. On the wall, the hands of the clock slowly approached 8pm.
Keen on non-verbal, interpersonal cues, Kassandra noticed my focus shifting towards the vibrant tray of salmon which had finally finished roasting in the oven. After delicately plating the fish with coconut ginger rice and maple glazed carrots, she offered me a fork. Salivating over the various scents of nature’s finest ingredients, I tore into the wild-caught meal.
Upon my first bites of the tropically inspired dish, I felt as if I had been transported into a fine dining restaurant. The flavors were bold and dynamic, with the tender salmon practically falling apart into smooth, juicy flakes at the touch of my fork. For a meal-preparation service, I was totally impressed.
Kassandra looked at me, expectantly awaiting an opinion.
Wiping sticky maple marinade from my chin, I told her, “I can’t believe there are people who get to eat this for dinner every night. Like, they literally don’t have to do any work, and get to feel like all of their meals are coming straight from a restaurant.”
“And—” she added, “—They also get to know that all of their food is sustainably sourced, organic, dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free, and 100% clean. They get to feel proud that they’re doing something healthy for their bodies.”
Grabbing a menu, which was loaded with items such as “mojo” chicken and curried chickpeas, I had a sneaking suspicion that I just might become one of those people.
Building a healthier community
Interested in adding more delicious, holistic food to your life? Kassandra’s Kitchen offers 4 different menus for hungry individuals and families. For animal product-free diners, two of the plans are completely vegan. In addition, all four menus are gluten-free, and any weekly production leftovers (vegan or non-vegan) are donated to the local homeless community.
To explore all of Kassandra’s current meal plans (including brunch!), diners can visit http://kassandraskitchen.com/ .
Oh—and make sure to stay up to date on their social media, because rumor has it “healing” desserts are coming soon.
Hungry for more healthy food pics? Kassandra’s Kitchen is followable on Instagram: @kassandras.kitchen, and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/organic.kitchen.stpete.
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