In the Kitchen with Nate

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THE GREAT GRETNA PLATE

Mount Gretna Fire Hall

March 29, 2026 from 3-5 p.m.

Tickets required

On Sunday, March 29, Mount Gretna Magazine hosts the Great Gretna Plate — a lively, Chopped-inspired cooking competition. Join us for an afternoon of community, laughter, and good-natured culinary rivalry as three local amateur cooks compete for the winning dish.

Advance tickets are $15 (cash) at Porch & Pantry — and when they’re gone, they’re gone.

MEET THE COMPETITORS

First up is Nate Godfrey, dedicated superintendent of grounds for the Mount Gretna Campmeeting Association and mastermind behind many beloved community events. He and his family have lived here for over eight years. Let’s learn more about Nate, in his own words:

What do you like best about Gretna? Its community and charm.

Who taught you to cook? Self-taught … oh, and the movie Ratatouille.

What’s one ingredient you can’t live without? Salt.

What food could you eat every day? Sashimi/ poke.

What food would you eliminate from existence if you could? High fructose corn syrup.

What do friends and family say about your personality in the kitchen? Focused and fun.

Favorite dish/food to make? Probably curries. There is something so transformative and inviting about those exotic, warming spices simmering away in a delicious sauce … leaking their smell out of the house and calling the family home to good food. Plus, I love to eat curry, especially with a homemade raita. I cook the things I love to eat.

Most intimidating food (and have you attempted it yet)? I really want a good answer for this, but I can’t think of one. Phyllo dough?  And no, I buy that stuff!

Favorite drink while cooking? Negroni.

Sweet or savory? Savory … all day.

Butter or olive oil? Both, please.

Follow the recipe or improvise? Depends, but at times recipes give me a baseline from which to improvise.

Cast iron or nonstick? Cast iron, once it has a good patina, is nonstick … so that is my answer! In reality, a nonstick coated pan is a lot easier and more practical.

Apron or no apron? Sometimes apron … I should wear it more often. I loath grease stains on my clothes.

Wash as you go or big sinkful at the end? At the end, unless there is down time during prep and cooking. I prep and cook; Kate and the girls clean up after dinner. That is our understanding.

Cook with music or silence? Prefer an old record playing, or an ethnic-based music playlist based on the region of food I am cooking.

Best kitchen dance song? "Dancing in the Kitchen" by LANY.

What’s something surprising about you that has nothing to do with cooking? I am a U.S. combat veteran (Iraq).

Why did you say yes to this competition? I love having fun and I’m not afraid to be silly in front of others.

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Want to see Nate in action? Be sure to purchase your ticket at Porch & Pantry before we sell out. And check the Stories section at MountGretnaMagazine.org to meet Nate's competition!

This event is co-sponsored by Porch & Pantry.