Macdonald Farm
LLC
Where Farming Meets the Culinary Arts
Serving in Big Sur, Monterey, and Santa Cruz
The Story of MacDonald Farm:
From Tragedy to a Thriving Business
The Inspring Story of Michael MacDonald
Michael's life took a drastic turn when he was involved in a life altering accident while on vacation in Hawaii. He suffered a spinal cord injury that left him with paraplegia of his legs, among other serious injuries. During his recovery, he turned to his family land and discovered a newfound passion for gardening and raising livestock. His love for this helped him persevere through one of the most challenging periods of his life.
Despite the initial shock and despair of his injuries, Michael found solace in the quiet and peaceful surroundings of his family farm. As he spent more time tending to his garden and caring for his animals, he began to feel a renewed sense of purpose and direction. The daily routines of planting, watering, and harvesting provided him with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that he had not experienced before.
Looking back on his journey, Michael realized that his injuries had been a blessing in disguise. Without them, he might never have discovered his love for farming and the joy that it brought him. He is excited to continue to share his passion with others for many years to come.
His life-partner, Daniel, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, and his culinary expertise is truly unparalleled. With a passion for using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and a commitment to creating dishes that are both delicious and visually stunning, he has quickly become one of the most sought-after chefs in the industry. So if you're looking for a truly unforgettable culinary experience, look no further than the MacDonald Farm – it’s the farm that everyone is talking about!
Hear more about our story on The Beet Podcast by Epic Gardening!
Can be heard on all podcast platforms.
Click here to listen!
Our Food Philosophy
A
t MacDonald Farm, "farm-to-table" means more than just a trend. We pride ourselves on utilizing only the finest ingredients, harvested fresh from our farm and sourced sustainably. This approach allows our acclaimed chef to feature the finest ingredients that are in their natural state, without any chemical alteration or long-distance transportation. By using fresh, locally sourced produce, the flavor and quality are preserved, resulting in an exceptional culinary experience.
Why Choose MacDonald Farm?
Limited Availability to provide each client a VIP experience
Customized Menus
Direct Access to your Personal Chef and Gardener
Complimentary Garden Tasting
Ability to change details up to 1 Month prior to event date
LGBTQ+ Owned and Operated
Environmentally Cautious
True Farm-to-Table Cuisine
Me
nu
Nasturtium Pesto Pasta
Choice of Pasta tossed in Farm-Made Walnut, Nasturtium and Herb Pesto
Creamy Parmesan Garlic Risotto
Garnished with fresh parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.
Grilled Eggplant Parmesan
$35/pp
Thick slices of smoky grilled eggplant layered with rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese
Vegetable Tagine
A hearty and aromatic stew of chickpeas, zucchini, and bell peppers, golden raisins in a fragrant spice broth, served over a bed of fluffy couscous.
Seasonal Veggie Flatbread
Fresh vegetables are spread across a lightly seasoned sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, all on top of our signature crispy sourdough flatbread crust.
Vegetable Wellington
A vibrant medley of sautéed vegetables and baked until golden in a flaky crust, served with a side of tangy tarragon aioli.
Main Course.
Lentil and Mushroom Bourguignon
A classic French dish reimagined, featuring tender lentils and meaty mushrooms in a rich, full-bodied red wine broth, served over a bed of creamy polenta.
Sourdough Bread Rolls
Mushroom Mascarpone Lasagna
Served with Lavender Butter
Farm-made Lasagna layered in fresh made tomato sauce, sauteed garlic and herb mushrooms, cheeses, and a farm béchamel sauce.
Roasted Garlic Ceasar Dinosaur Kale Salad
Served with Garden-grown Kale, Farm-made Croutons and Parmesan Cheese
Strawberry Feta Kale Salad
Farm-grown Dinosaur Kale, fresh strawberries, feta, sunflowers, thinly sliced hibiscus pickled onions, strawberry-walnut vinaigrette.
Farm-Grown Seasonal Veggies
Tossed in fresh garden herbs
Lemon Parm Kale Salad
Roasted Garden Potatoes
Farm-grown Dinosaur Kale, fresh parmesan cheese, sourdough crouton crumble, and a farm-to-table lemon vinaigrette.
Herb Seared Chicken Breast
Romaine Garden Salad
Marinated in Garden herbs, Farm-grown Garlic, and Lemon Zest
Freshly harvested cherry tomatoes, heirloom cucumbers, red onions, and rainbow shaved carrots with sweet farm-made balsamic vinaigrette
Quinoa and Arugula Salad
Menu Substitutions and Additions
Freshly harvested cherry tomatoes, heirloom cucumbers, hibiscus pickled red onions, charred lemon vinaigrette
Red Wine Braised Beef
Garlic Confit Mashed Potatoes
Locally-sourced beef braised for 8+ hours in red wine and herbs.
Parmesan Truffle Mash
Citrus Seared Salmon
Sweet Potato Mash
Locally-sourced salmon seared in an citrus-herb marinade.
Citrus Smoked Turkey
Topped with a garden herb compound butter
Gluten-Free Bread
MacDonald Farm Cornish Hen
All bread products are freshly baked
with our 225+ year old Sourdough Starter
Cheesy Garlic Sourdough Bread
Cornish Hens grown right on our farm! Marinated and roasted
in garden herbs and spices.
*Based on availability and party size
MacDonald Farm Quail
add: adding an additional entree to the buffet
sub: subsituing an item from the buffet
Quail grown right on our farm! Served with a herb port sauce.
*Based on availability and party size
contains nuts
gluten-free
Vegan
*CONSUMING RAW OR UNDERCOOKED MEATS, POULTRY, SEAFOOD, SHELLFISH, OR EGGS MAY INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOODBORNE ILLNESS, ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS.
Appetizer Menu
Can be served Stationary and/or Passed.
Small Bites
Heirloom Cherry Tomato Bruschetta,Grilled Baguette, Purple Basil, Red Wine Balsamic Reduction
Honeyed Ricotta and Strawberry Bruschetta, Farm-made Ricotta, Fresh Picked Strawberries, Sweet Reduction
Goat Cheese Truffles, Fresh Goat Cheese, Meyer Lemon Essence, Soaked Cranberries,Toasted Almonds, Lemon Balm
Blistered Shishito Peppers, Truffle Salt
Brie, Prosciutto and Arugula Crostini
Apple and Whipped Goat Cheese Crostini, Candied Walnut
Hand-Gathered Deviled Eggs, Parmesan Crisp, Borage Flowers
Proscuitto e Melon, Red Wine Reduction
Corn Fritters, Chard Green Onion Aioli
Fresh Sourdough Garlic Bread Bites, Garden-grown Roasted Garlic, Homemade Sourdough Bread
Strawberry Bisque, Strawberry Mint
Mushroom Bisque, Truffle Cream
Butternut Squash Bisque, Candied Pecan Crumble
Broccamole, Guac made with Broccoli and Avocado and served with Lime Zested Corn Chips
Premium Bites
Premium appetizers offered for an additional charge
Deviled Quail Eggs, Herb Parmesan Chamomile Crisp, Borage Flowers
Butternut Squash and Herb Arancinis, Chili Aioli
Candied Bacon Pops, Wine soaked bacon that is candied onto skewers
Chicken Meatballs, Orange Port Glaze
Mini Chicken Almond Apple Sandwiches, Dried cranberries, fresh sourdough bread
Red Wine Braised Beef, Truffle Mash Puree
Braised Quail Tostadas, Chimichurri
contains nuts
Vegan
Gluten-free
Farm Grazing Table Display
This can be combined with the appetizers listed above.
Comes with:
Grilled Sourdough Crostinis or Crackers, Fresh Fruit and Veggies from our garden and local farmers market, and garnished with edible flowers. .
Choose 2 Dips:
Whipped Herb Chèvre, Meyer Lemon Hummus, Herb Hummus, Broccamole, Carmelized Onion Bacon Jam, Strawberry Salsa, Tatziki Sauce, Olive Tapenade, Jalapeño Pepper Jam, Strawberry Jalapeño Jam, Creamy Feta Dip, Fig Jam, Fresh-Made Ranch.
Cakes
Fresh from the Farm Bakery
*Fresh eggs from our coop and fresh garden ingredients are used including an array of edible flowers.
12 in. Round Cake
Feeds approximately 50 people.
10 in. Round Cake
Feeds approximately 35 people.
6 in. Round Cake
Feeds approximately 35 people.
3 in. Personal Cakes (1 dozen)
3 in round mini cakes.
Dozen Cake Truffles
Cake Flavors
Cake:
Buttercream:
Additional charges will apply for custom flavor combinations.
Cake Flavors:
Apple-Cinnamon
Olive Oil And Rosemary
Apple Spice
Carrot
Carrot And Brown Butter
Chocolate Carrot
Orange Chiffon
Lemon-Thyme
Lemon Blueberry
Meyer Lemon
Lemon Plum
Lemon Drop (contains alcohol)
Blueberry Buttermilk
Strawberry Thyme
Chocolate Strawberry
Chocolate Raspberry
Chocolate Pumpkin
Chocolate Vanilla Swirl
Espresso Chocolate Chip
German Chocolate
Black Forest
Vegan Chocolate
Chocolate Stout
Almond Amaretto
Strawberry Champagne
Lavender Champagne
Raspberry Champagne
Red Velvet
Raspberry Pink Velvet Cake
Amaretto Spiked Red Velvet
Tres Farm Leches
Honey Lavender
Mocha Lavender
Maple Walnut
Praline Turtle
Pistachio
White Chocolate
Hazelnut Praline
Caramelized Banana
Brown Butter
Classic Hummingbird
Maple Pumpkin
Tiramisu
Funfetti
Cinnamon Roll
Cake Fillings:
Fresh Fruit
Fruit Compote
Whole fruits are cooked in water with sugar and spices.
Strawberry
Raspberry
Blackberry
Blueberry
Farm Butters
A fruit butter is a sweet spread made of fruit
cooked to a paste, then lightly sweetened.
Strawberry
Apple
Banana
Blueberry
Pear
Peach
Pumpkin
Farm-Made Cookie Butter
Pastry Cream
Pastry Cream is a combination of milk, eggs, and starch that are cooked together to create a rich and thick custard
Almond
Coffee
Caramel
Baileys
Lemon
Maple
Extra Sweet
Caramel Praline
Chocolate Hazelnut Praline
Homemade Salted Caramel
Farm-made Butterscotch
Pecan Toffee
Walnut Toffee
Farm-made Nutella
Fresh Sliced Strawberries
Fresh Blueberries
Fresh Blackberries
Fresh Peaches
Caramelized Apples
Caramelized Peaches
Wine-soaked Strawberries
Wine-soaked Raspberries
Banana-Rum
Fruit Curds
Fruit curds are a deliciously fruity spread made
from fruit juice, zest, eggs, and sugar.
Lemon Curd
Meyer Lemon
Blood Orange
Strawberry Curd
Raspberry Curd
Mixed Berry Curd
Cabernet Blackberry Curd
Champagne Strawberry Curd
Ganache
Ganache is a glaze, icing, sauce, or filling for pastries,
made from chocolate and cream.
Chocolate
Pistachio
Raspberry
Whipped Chocolate
Whipped Chocolate Baileys
White Chocolate
Dark chocolate
Coffee
Blueberry White Chocolate
Blackberry White Chocolate
Sweets
$48/Dozen
Pansy Glass Cookies: Delicate shortbread cookies flavored with pansy extract and topped with edible pansies from our garden.
White Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies: Crunchy cookies filled with white chocolate chips and pecans.
Triple Chocolate Malted Cookies: Chewy cookies filled with dark, milk, and white chocolate chips.
Chocolate Dipped Coconut Macaroons: Chewy coconut macaroons dipped in dark chocolate
Fruit Scones (seasonal fruit): Freshly baked seasonal fruit scones
Chocolate Covered Oreos: Oreos dipped in milk chocolate and garnished with edible flowers.
$60/Dozen
Farm-to-Table Dessert Grazing Table
Wafers:
Thin and crispy cookie wafers flavored with the sweetness of vanilla and a touch of lemon, ideal for pairing with whipped creams and sauces.
Fresh Fruit:
A colorful arrangement of fresh, seasonal fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, grapes, and pineapple
Candied Almonds:
A bowl of candied almonds fragrant with warm cinnamon and a touch of sugar.
Chocolate Covered Strawberries: Fresh strawberries from the garden, dipped in dark chocolate
Chocolate Crepes: Thin farm-made chocolate crepes topped with a chocolate red wine sauce.
Lavender Creme Brûlée: Rich cream made with fresh eggs from the farm, infused with the floral flavor of lavender then topped with a caramelized sugar crust.
Mini Floral Fruit Tarts: A buttery pastry crust is topped with a mixture of fresh fruit and edible flowers, perfect for celebrating the garden's bounty.
Seasonal Mini Fruit Pies: Choice of Strawberry, Apple, Peach, Blueberry, or Cherry served in individual pies for your guests.
Dessert Popcorn: Individually bagged; comes in Caramel, Chocolate, Tuxedo, Funfetti, Strawberry and Cream.
(Sweets above can be added)
Includes:
Whipped Creams and Sauces:
A bowl of freshly whipped cream infused with the sweetness of pure vanilla and a touch of sugar.
A rich and decadent chocolate sauce made with dark chocolate and heavy cream.
A fruity coulis made with fresh strawberries and a touch of sugar, offering a sweet and tangy contrast to creamy desserts.
Garden Garnishes
Delicate petals of violas and pansies along with other flowers from the garden.
Late nIGHT bITES
We offer pre-packaged bites that your guests can enjoy even after we leave!
Savory
Personal Popcorn Bags
Flavors:
Traditional Butter
Kettle
Truffle-Parm
Lavender
Trail Mixes:
Sweet Love: maple glazed nuts, tart dried cherries, and dark chocolate chips.
Sweet and Spicy Mix: blend of nuts and seeds coated with a sweet and spicy seasoning.
Tropical Getaway: banana chips, chocolate chunks, coconut, and nuts
Muddy Buddy: Chocolate and Peanut butter
Nut Free: Shelled pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, golden raisins, dried apricots, chocolate chips
Mini Chicken Apple Salad Sandwiches
Marinated chicken tossed with apples, cranberries, and almonds on fresh baked sourdough bread then Individually packaged.
Personalized-Themed Charcuterie Boards
Comes with Sourdough Crostinis, Garnished with Edible Flowers
Veggie Matrimony: Herb Cream Cheese, Cucumber, Carrot, Cherry Tomatoes
After Party Picnic: Smoked Salami, Smoked Gouda, Grapes, Olives.
Date Night Delight: Brie, Proscuitto, Strawberries, Dark Chocolate
Vegan Vibes: Marinated Tofu, Carrot Sticks, Cherry Tomatoes, Hummus
Mediterranean Escape: Feta Cheese, Salami, Olives, Cherry Tomatoes
Cheesy Love: Brie, Gouda, Cheddar, Grapes
The Bachelor: Variety of cured meats, homemade pickles, Cheddar, Whole Grain Musttard
Spicy Romance: Pimento Cheese, Spicy Salami, Celery, Candied Jalapeños, Carrots
The Mother-in-Law: Gorgonzola, Prosciutto, Fig Jam
Spring Fling: Mozzarella Salami, Cherry Tomatoes, Basil, Olives,
“I DO” Chocolate: Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Chocolate Covered Almonds, Prosciutto, Brie
Gourmet Experience: Truffle Cheese, Marcona Almonds, Prosciutto, Fig Jam
Next Day Breakfast: Mini Farm-Made Sourdough Bagel, Cream Cheese, Strawberries, Fruit Jam
Sweet
Smore’s Box
Farm-made marshmallows, milk chocolate, graham crackers
Chocolate Dipped Oreos
Choose: White Chocolate, Milk Chocolate. Dark Chocolate
Heart Shaped Rice Crispy Treats
Farm-made Rice Crispy Treats dipped in your choice of chocolate then individually wrapped.
Testimonials
-Jamie M
There is no one out there like Daniel and Mike. The story of how they started MacDonald Farm is as heartwarming as the meals they serve; meals that warm the soul and are made with love, using healthy, locally-sourced ingredients from their family farm in Monterey, CA. Both Daniel and Mike were an absolute joy to work with from day one and completely blew away all of our expectations with the most delicious and breathtaking reception dinner for our wedding at the Wind & Sea Estate in Big Sur. The farm-fresh deviled quail eggs garnished with parmesan crisps and borage flowers were an absolute hit! We were also gushing over the glazed chicken meatballs, the strawberry and ricotta kale salad, and their homemade chimichurri sauce… I could go on! We were nervous how we would pull off an elegant dinner without a coordinator at a challenging and remote venue, but Mike and Daniel are truly masters in the kitchen who showed the utmost professionalism from start to finish, making the whole experience easy, fun and so enjoyable. We especially loved how genuinely excited they were to be a part of our wedding instead of feeling like we were just another event - it makes a BIG difference! Mike and Daniel won everyone’s hearts over at our wedding, including our other vendors! Nearly every guest or staff member in attendance asked us at one point or another, “How did you find them?!?” That’s how memorable they were! We are SO impressed and happy with our experience, and cannot recommend Macdonald Farms enough. We truly found a diamond in the ruff with Mike and Daniel. Thank you both for everything.
-Kadi C.
Daniel and Mike did a great job for our intimate wedding in Big Sur, they were very helpful with planning the menu and getting everything set in our very short timeline! Everyone loved the food and we had the best time working with them. I love their backstory and visiting them on the farm for a tasting was so fun, it’s amazing how they grow their own ingredients and the skill they have making every dish taste amazing! We’re had several dietary restrictions but luckily that wasn’t an issue. Most of our dishes were dairy and gluten free and no one could tell which was so impressive! If you want a caterer who is sustainable, flexible and makes delicious food MacDonald Farm is for you!!
-Justine F.
Do you want to work with a low-stress caterer who will customize the menu to any of your vegan/vegetarian needs? And do you want all of your guests to remark how good the food is at your wedding? If yes, Daniel and MacDonald Farm are the perfect caterer for you! I hired Daniel to cater my little wedding with less than 15 people in Big Sur and he was awesome to partner with!The wedding was scheduled to be outside and when a storm was predicted, we moved it up a day and to a new venue at the last minute. Daniel was so flexible and responsive through all of the changes and he was able to deliver delicious food despite it all. Within minutes of my guests starting to eat lunch they were all saying how great the food was. And we saved all of the extra and the guests ate the rest for lunch the next few days :) I highly recommend Daniel and his team for your wedding or event!
-JD
Do you want to work with a low-stress caterer who will customize the menu to any of your vegan/vegetarian needs? And do you want all of your guests to remark how good the food is at your wedding? If yes, Daniel and MacDonald Farm are the perfect caterer for you! I hired Daniel to cater my little wedding with less than 15 people in Big Sur and he was awesome to partner with!The wedding was scheduled to be outside and when a storm was predicted, we moved it up a day and to a new venue at the last minute. Daniel was so flexible and responsive through all of the changes and he was able to deliver delicious food despite it all. Within minutes of my guests starting to eat lunch they were all saying how great the food was. And we saved all of the extra and the guests ate the rest for lunch the next few days :) I highly recommend Daniel and his team for your wedding or event!
Chef
Daniel Macdonald
Your Personal Chef
Chef Daniel is a highly skilled and classically trained French chef with over 15 years of experience in the culinary industry. He graduated from one of the top culinary schools in the country and has since worked as a private chef for numerous celebrities, including Judge Judy, and corporations such as Google, Pottery Barn, Kia Motors, and more. Chef Daniel has collaborated with the Anaheim Ducks, several movie and TV show productions, as well as actors, movie producers, and teen rehabilitation centers.
In addition, Chef Daniel has lent his expertise in consulting the opening of 4 thriving restaurants and developing vegan menus for major health specialty stores, such as Whole Foods. He also has a wealth of experience working with local wineries to create memorable farm-to-table food and wine pairings.
In addition to his culinary expertise, Chef Daniel is an accomplished baker. He has eight years of baking experience, from crafting wedding cakes to small farm-to-table desserts, Chef Daniel has a talent for providing the perfect finish to any extraordinary meal.
Thank you for checking us out!
contact
macdonaldfarm2table@gmail.com
Phone:(909)450-4155 (Call/Text)
Instagram: Macfarm_chef
Pinklight Photography
https://pinklight.photography
Logan Lynn
loganlynnphotos.com
Bella Genovesi
bellagenovesiphotography.com