We asked one of our most-requested chefs to sketch a full week of villa dining — what she shops for, where, and how the menu bends around a real family’s week.

The rhythm

Two anchor dinners, one big family cook-out, and the rest kept deliberately light. Guests overplan food on day one and underestimate how many invitations a good villa generates by day three.

The markets

Santa Monica on Wednesday for produce, the fish market in San Pedro if the schedule allows, and yes — the taco truck stays on the itinerary. Some things should not be catered away.