Meet the Dragons

I’m Natalie, the Mother of Dragons, and alongside my pint-sized protégés, Colwyn (the Wadadli Dragon) and Brenin (the Cubano Dragon), our story has taken us from Caribbean islands to sailing yachts, from campfire kitchens to the coast of Maine.

Food has always been at the center of it all. It is how we explore, how we gather, and how we connect. What began as a life shaped by travel and curiosity has grown into a way of sharing that experience with others.

This is the story of how it all came together, and how the Dragons found their way to Mount Desert Island.

The First Dragon

Before Colwyn even debuted into the world, he was already well traveled, visiting eight countries across three continents while still in the womb. Wherever we roamed, my cravings remained constant. Ginger lemongrass chicken and chilled chocolate cake.

Even as a baby, Colwyn skipped puréed applesauce and went straight for finger foods, watching every meal being prepared with intense curiosity. As soon as he could stand, he joined the action. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner became playgrounds of culinary exploration, with dishwashing splashes as a bonus.

Born in Antigua, Colwyn earned the nickname Wadadli Dragon, a nod to the island’s original name and his Caribbean beginnings.

Family Fire

The Dragon name runs deep in my family. I trace my roots to Wales where the red dragon flies on the national flag. My mother, known as OD or the Original Dragon, passed down a love of cooking that stretches back generations. My granddad was a Cordon Bleu-trained chef and that tradition continues through me.

I attended the Master’s program at the San Francisco Art Institute in Fine Arts and photography, but my heart has always been in the galley and in creating experiences that blend flavor, creativity, and care.

Life at Sea

I spent years working as a chef aboard luxury sailing yachts, traveling the world and cooking for discerning guests in some of the most extraordinary places imaginable. Life at sea taught me how to plan menus with precision, provision thoughtfully, and adapt to any galley, no matter how small or challenging.

I became highly comfortable accommodating a wide range of dietary preferences and restrictions, and creating meals that feel effortless, nourishing, and memorable.

The Cubano Dragon

Life eventually brought us back to the United States, where a memorable stop at Dunkin’ Donuts along I-95 revealed that another dragon was on the way.

Brenin arrived in South Beach, Miami, during the early days of COVID. Sweet as those jelly donuts and full of Miami energy, he quickly became known as the Cubano Dragon. Bold, spirited, and impossible to ignore, he brings a spark of sunshine and mischief to everything we do.

The Tin Dragon Years

Following Trevor’s work, we became modern nomads, traveling up and down the East Coast in our Airstream, affectionately named Tin Dragon. Picnic tables and campfires became our kitchens, and we cultivated a traveling garden of hot peppers, tomatoes, and herbs.

Those years reinforced something I have always believed. Good food can happen anywhere. It does not need to be complicated to be meaningful, it just needs to be thoughtful and shared.

Landing on Mount Desert Island

Today, the Dragons have landed on another island. Southwest Harbor on Mount Desert Island.

From here, I offer private chef services, seasonal home provisioning, curated prepared meals, and relaxed, thoughtful gatherings. Whether I am preparing an intimate dinner, stocking a summer kitchen, or welcoming young chefs into the process, every experience is designed with care, creativity, and a deep love for fresh, flavorful ingredients.

Our story may wander from Caribbean islands to sailing yachts to campfire kitchens, but the heart of it has always been the same. Good food brings people together.

If you’re gathering on Mount Desert Island, I’d love to help bring something beautiful to the table.