Food Service

Information about the food service options that we offer to our guests here at Highland can be found on this page. This pdf also contains the same information as on this page, if you want to download and/or print. Feel free to read through everything, or jump to information on a specific topic using these links:

Eligibility for Food Service
  1. The following requirements for food service mostly apply to meals served by Highland staff; snack trays and take-and-bake options may be available more widely.
  2. Groups must comprise 15 or more people to be eligible for food service.
  3. We don’t have a centralized dining hall, so our food service staff will come to you, more like a catering service. We can prepare and serve meals in the main kitchen of Mountain View Retreat Center, the lower kitchen of Red Oak Lodge, or the summer camp kitchen in Sassafras Pavilion; groups must have one of these spaces in their reservation to be eligible for food service.
  4. In most cases, we are only able to serve meals to one group at a time. If you know you want to utilize our food service, we recommend you include meals in your reservation as early as possible (at least 4 months prior to your retreat is recommended) so we can confirm staff availability. Food service reservations must be finalized at least 6 weeks prior to your retreat.
  5. Overnight groups who are interested in food service must reserve a minimum of two consecutive meals. Groups who reserve 4 or more meals for their retreat may be eligible for a discount.
  6. When we provide food service, the kitchen used by our staff may not be available to your group. If you want our food service for only some of your meals, please contact Highland to discuss kitchen arrangements.

 

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Meal costs and deposits
  1. All meals are priced on a per-person basis, with rates given for adults (ages 16 and older). The per-person rate for children (ages 6 to 15) is 85% of the adult rate; children 5 and under are free.
  2. Our current meal rates (as of fall 2024) are $12/adult for breakfast, $14/adult for brunch or lunch, and $16/adult for dinner. Note that these prices are subject to change as costs fluctuate.
  3. A non-refundable deposit of 30% of the estimated meal costs is due 6 weeks prior to arrival.
  4. Groups are required to provide their estimated number of people for each meal 3 weeks prior to arrival, so we can order the correct amount of food. At the time of your retreat, you will pay for the actual number of people in attendance OR 95% of your estimated number, whichever is greater.
  5. Food service is subject to a 5.3% meal tax, unless Highland receives qualifying tax-exempt documentation. Gratuity is not expected.

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General information for all meals
  1. We are very willing to work with our guests to accommodate dietary restrictions, and in most cases we can provide alternatives that are gluten-free, dairy-free, and/or vegetarian if we are given adequate notice. Please inform Highland of any special dietary needs in your group as early as possible, and at least 3 weeks prior to your retreat. In some cases (including last-minute notice) guests may be responsible for supplying items that are not in our common inventory.
  2. After your request for food service is confirmed, Highland staff will create a menu for your retreat that provides a variety of meals based on the type of retreat you are holding. We would create simpler menus for a youth retreat than for an adult retreat, for example. You will have a chance to review the menu we select and may request changes, whether that involves changing an entire meal or substituting another dessert, beverage, or side dish. You may also make requests for specific meals or menu items when you are making your reservation, if you wish.
  3. Meals are typically served buffet-style with one common menu for the group, and hot beverages (coffee, tea, hot chocolate) are generally only served during meals. Inquire about prices and arrangements if you are interested in a banquet-style meal or extended coffee/tea service.
  4. Standard serving times are 8:00am for breakfast, 10:00am for brunch, 12:00 noon for lunch, and 5:00pm for dinner (6:00pm on check-in days). Schedule may be adjusted upon request, with advance notice.
  5. Any leftover food that remains after a meal is served will be kept by Highland Retreat.

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Sample menus

The following menus are samples only; the actual menus we create for your group may be slightly different as some side dishes, beverages, or desserts may be adjusted based on availability or request. Any substitutions we make will most likely be for other similar dishes that are listed in another menu for the same meal. (For example, the brownies listed as a dessert for the taco bar lunch may be replaced with the blondies or cookies listed as the dessert item for other lunches, or the scalloped potatoes listed as a side with the pork loin dinner may be replaced with the roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes listed in other dinners.)

Please note that the prices given are current as of fall 2024. All prices are subject to change as costs fluctuate.

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Snack trays and take-and-bake options

For groups who would like us to provide some additional food options, we do offer a few types of snack trays and some take-and-bake meal options.

When snack trays are reserved, we will prepare the one(s) requested and have them available for you on arrival (or at another time requested). Your group will be responsible for serving and clean-up. Note that our current prices (as of fall 2024) are listed in the snack tray descriptions below. These prices are subject to change as costs fluctuate.

Take-and-bake options are meals that we can prepare prior to your arrival and leave for you to heat, serve, and clean up. The specific meals we can offer in this format and the costs associated with these meals will vary based on the size of your group and the location where you will be gathering. If this is something you are interested in, please contact the office to request take-and-bake options for your group.

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