“A way I found useful to recall the wonderful retreat has been to the recall the rich food experience I had while there. Susan you are a true “food mystic!” (its a phrase I made up to describe you) You brought a new sensitivity and charm to the meals I shall never forget. Indeed, the food you provided us with while on retreat was over the top stupendous! I am so grateful that I picked up your DVD’s so I can attempt to replicate the meals I so much enjoyed. Thank you as well for the e-cookbook…it downloaded easily and so did the list of food items. I am now set to entertain and enjoy food the a-la Susan way!”

“Dear Susan, I want to tell you that choosing to participate in the catered food from our Maui retreat was the second best choice I made after choosing the retreat. Initially I as not interested in taking part as I am a very picky eater and the thought of eating vegan, vegetarian (plus fish) and fresh was so unfamiliar to me I was not sure if I would be able to eat anything. I made the choice when I got closer to the time that I was going to use this retreat to grow and care for myself and that one of the places I really wanted to do that was in my eating so I reluctantly signed on and I am so grateful I did!!!!! I honest to God have never enjoyed food more than I did last week. There was not one dish I did not love and finish. I have never had Tofu in my life nor had a desire to icon smile Retreat Menu and it was soooooo good. I usually do not eat fish, I have never liked it but the fish you prepared on the bed of sweet potatoes was as delicious as a desert to me. I cannot thank you enough for all the time and effort and love that went into our meals. Not only did you fix the most amazing food but your willingness to share all the information with us about it was so helpful and appreciated! I came home and went to the grocery store with a transformed mind set. I purchased Coconut oil and seeds and nuts and fresh veggies and actually planned all my healthy meals for the week and did it! I feel so good. I actually lost 4 pounds on the retreat, eating every meal and another when I got home and continued the path. I am so looking forward to reading your blog and taking your on line courses and becoming the chef in my house. Thank you for all you did and all you are!!!!!!!!!”

“The Maui Agriculture Design Conference brought together a diverse gathering of farmers and resource people under the wonderful umbrella of Hale Akua in Haiku. For five days, people focused on creating a better agriculture future for the island. What made the event truly spectacular and drove home the message that Maui has the ability to become food self-sufficient was the incredible food coming from the kitchen of Chef Susan Teton Campbell. The food and how it was prepared also helped keep participants alert throughout the intense exchange and processing of ideas and information that goes on at a conference like this.

It began with the diversity and abundance of organic fruits, vegetables, poi, eggs, fresh caught fish and deer straight from Maui’s farmers, hunters, and fishermen and produce from organic grocers; herbs fresh from the garden at Hale Akua, salt from the ocean. And cream. I never knew that cream, without the milk (lactose), could be good for you (helps your pancreas). In the eggs, like silk. With the fresh lilikoi, in a cheese cake, it was divine. Every day, meals had an abundance of fresh fruits, salad greens, a diversity of sprouts from Kahanu ‘Aina Farms, unique herb dressings, complex carbohydrates in grains such as oats and quinoa, taro and kabocha pumpkin, a potted vegetables ferment. The herb quiche woke up all my senses. By the second day, my cravings for sugar, salt and carbohydrates were completely gone. The venison meatballs, chicken, fish, the soups were lightly seasoned to perfection so that the flavor of each element came through. Nothing was smothered, except my experience that organic dishes (except for salads) often meant sacrificing fine cooking and the palette. Chocolate mousse with avocados and sapote. Pumpkin soup seasoned with chipolte and spices. Water with roses. A feast of the senses – and to sharpen the senses.

Chef Teton uses food to heal the imbalances in the body. Each dish was prepared with her incredibly creative and enthusiastic energy and the help of a fabulous kitchen crew. We were all happy to help with the dishes for being fed so well!

A month later, I’ve gone into withdrawals and wishing that every farmers market, store and restaurant in Maui would wake up to the potential that resides right here in this community to feed ourselves with this kind of abundance and health. It starts with farmers healing the soil and culminates with chefs like Susan and cooks and consumers like all of us.”

“What a great retreat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You are my favorite raw, cooked and cultured food chef. Hiphiphoray! From a food lover i sure appreciate your class. I like how you are patient and take questions during the class, and let us taste food as we go along. You are so excited with what you do and it comes thru so we get excited with you. You are artistic as well showing us how to cut up the food in a attractive way, then present it on nice platters and plates. I like how you clean up during the class. Your food tasted great, just like it looked. It is neat that you show us how to sneak in some healthy items like kelp that do not taste great by themselves, but will go in the recipe and we get the benefit without having to taste that item. I appreciate your calmness and your passion, both exude from you. You are attractive as well to look at and to listen to your soothing voice that i feel so blessed to be in your presence.
I am looking forward to watching the dvd’s this week and starting some cultured food.
Perhaps we can spend more time together sometime.
love and hugs”