Sun 5/21 @ 3-7PM
A couple of years ago, Ben Bebenroth, the force behind Spice Kitchen and Bar and Spice Catering, decided to super-commit himself to the now widespread idea of creating menus using fresh, local, organic ingredients. He decided to produce his own on a larger scale than a hoophouse full of greens and herbs — although he tried that too, along with a rooftop garden on his Gordon Square establishment for a couple of years.
Leaving behind those half measures, he and his wife Jackie signed a lease on one of the homestead farms in Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Brecksville, now dubbed Spice Acres Farm, and moved their family out there.
If you’d like to see what he’s built there, come on out to the Toasting of the Fields, a variation on the traditional Blessing of the Fields. The free, family-oriented event will feature lawn games, tours, live music, farm activities, and BBQ from the smoker. In addition, Bottlehouse Brewery’s Brian Benchek and Jason Kallicragas will be unveiled a new gruit, a form of beer that substitutes an herbal mixture for hops.
Although the event is free, you must get tickets in advance here.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Brecksville, OH 44141