Upper East Side Cooking Subscription

I was a private chef before becoming an āyurvedic clinician. A few of my closest girlfriends who live in the same neighborhood as I do have been asking me to cook for them since I returned from India, and finally I’ve agreed. I’m excited to revisit and share my love of cooking, and extend this offering to a small audience on the Upper East Side in Manhattan.

Āyurvedic cooking is an art form I’ve been studying and practicing for about 10 years. It is not Indian food per say, but techniques for choosing then combining and preparing ingredients intentionally in a way that improves digestion. Āyurveda teaches that efficient digestion is the foundation our well-being, because it is literally our ability to turn what is not us (food) into us (our cells + tissues) and also eliminate what is not us (as waste).

Digestion happens in our ‘digestive tube’, and it also takes place in every other place in our bodies, too. Every cell is digesting. If every cell is digesting well, then those cells and the organs and systems those cells compose can function well, both independently and in-coordination and collaboration with other organs and systems…including the mind. If you want to function well, you have to eat well.

The quality and composition of the food we eat effects how we feel, how we think, and how we participate in the world. Because food can be the cause of physical/mental disease and health, āyurveda considers food ‘the ultimate medicine (remedy)’. Every patient who has come to me for help with their health and followed an ‘āyurvedic diet’ has experienced meaningful recovery of their physical and mental digestive capacity.

True āyurvedic cooking is designed to meet the specific digestive and energetic needs of the person consuming it, so I can’t say that the food in this subscription is ‘āyurvedic’…rather I will call it ‘āyurveda-inspired’ as it will surely improve your digestion, energy levels, nourish your body/mind and taste delicious.

FOOD DETAILS

  • All ingredients are 100% organic, locally sourced when possible and cooked with love by me in my home kitchen on 72nd street.

  • Āyurvedic cooking has food combining ‘rules’ which are lengthy to explain here, but suffice to say that I follow them to ensure compatibility of ingredients for proper digestibility.

  • I only cook with organic extra virgin olive oil, organic coconut oil, my own homemade organic A2 butter and/or cultured ghee, and occasionally an organic toasted sesame oil.

  • Spices are non-irradiated and freshly ground per use which is why their flavor and digestive action is potent.

  • There are no nightshades (tomato, eggplant, potato, bell pepper) as these are known by āyurveda to contain a neurotoxin which contributes to systemic inflammation.

  • Cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts) are used sparingly and large-sized beans (black, pinto, navy, etc.) are not used at all both groups are known by āyurveda to derange vāta doṣa, contributing to gas/bloating, constipation, anxiety, headaches, insomnia, and systemic dryness.

  • The food will not be excessively spicy or heavy.

  • Onions/garlic are not taken in the yogic diet, but will be used in my cooking where appropriate seasonally (mostly Winter/Spring dishes). If you follow a yogic diet, let me know so I can accomodate you.

  • Dairy (i.e. all home made butter, ghee, paneer, fresh ricotta, fresh mozzarella and burrata) is made from raw A2 Guernsey cow milk or raw goat milk sourced from Amish farms in PA which I have delivered to me weekly. Dairy will only come on the side and is not used as a base in any dish.

  • Garnishes will come on the side.

ORDER DETAILS

There are 2 cooking/delivery days: Monday and Thursday.
You may order once or twice weekly, or not at all.
Minimum $100 per order.

Menu follows a basic structure including options for breakfast, lunch/dinner, vegetable sides, sweets and pantry items, but will change daily.
Check the weekly menu here in the monthly calendar.

Orders must be in:

  • by 12pm Sunday for delivery on Monday

  • by 12pm Wednesday for delivery on Thursday

  • Sourdough bread orders must be placed by Friday at 5pm for Monday, or 5pm Monday for Thursday (it takes time to rise/proof/set the dough).

Place your order by emailing info@noelgraupner.com or by filling out the form below.
*Payment may be made by cash or Venmo to @noel-graupner

Food & Container Pick Up & Delivery
Food pick up is Monday/Thursday 430-6PM at 242 E 72nd Street.
Food delivery to your home is available for $10. 

Plastic is not a part of my ethos and I try to avoid it as much as possible!
*Some dishes will come in kraft paper containers.

  • There is a $50 glassware and Ball jar fee required for new subscription members.

  • These glasswares and jars will be yours to keep forever.

  • *Note that if you are consistently placing large orders for 2+ people, you may need to buy a second set of containers.

Glassware/jar containers must be dropped off at 242 E 72nd Street the night before or morning of delivery day.
Glassware pick-up is available for $10 and can be left night before delivery day with your doormen.

REGISTRATION

Now accepting new members living on the Upper East Side (delivery to other parts of the city is not currently possible), unless you want to organize your own pick up and deliveries.

Please contact me before placing your first order to meet, review what it is I am offering, discuss your needs, health, food allergy/intolerances, etc.