Edible Delmarva: Spring 2019
Is there any season as eagerly anticipated as spring? Try as we may to avoid wishing time away, come February most of us in Delmarva are mapping out our gardens, counting green tree buds and baby lambs, and celebrating every warm day as a harbinger of spring’s early arrival.
All this anticipation and renewal and hopeful uncertainty, fueled by equal amounts of impatience and inspiration, is what makes this season so alive with energy and promise. It’s the perfect time to turn ideas into action. To take the next step in making a dream come true. To listen to your heart and make that leap of faith.
That’s the mantra of 2018 James Beard Award winner Chef Alex Seidel. When it comes to finding inspiration, not just in the kitchen but on the farm and in the community, he listens with his heart – letting the ingredients, the farmers, his colleagues, and the community speak to him. He’s also patient, laying the groundwork and building collaborative relationships until the timing is right to move forward – it’s what has helped connect his businesses and fuel growth that honors his values.
For some, the passion starts early. Like artisan Fredy Granillo, who expressed himself through art from a young age in his native El Salvador, studying to become a master ceramicist and developing his own style. Now settled in Chestertown with a young family, Granillo continues to be guided by the deep historical traditions of his craft, while finding fresh inspiration in his life on the Eastern Shore.
In addition to their incredible artistry, the pastry chefs profiled in this issue also share a passion and a commitment to “make it work”. Michele Mitchell, Jennifer Rineer and Dru Tevis were all headed for other careers, but found it impossible to ignore the dessert kitchen calling. While each was drawn to the intricacies of creating pastry and the joy of baking, it took a push from the team of serendipity and inspiration to launch their careers – and they’ve never looked back.
Eastern Shore entrepreneur Tim Cureton didn’t set out to build an empire when he started Rise Up Coffee after a stint in the Peace Corps. But, inspired by visits to Central American coffee growers, Cureton today counts those farmers among his friends, along with local suppliers, his employees and thousands of customers – all of whom have supported his successful expansion to eight locations across the region. And he’s grateful: “We would be nothing without them.”
Delmarva is a place where paying it forward is part of the culture. It’s no surprise that those who were inspired by others who came before are almost always those who go on to inspire the next wave of artisans, entrepreneurs and innovators. So whether your studio is the garage or the garden or the kitchen, there is inspiration everywhere you turn. And we can’t wait to see what Spring has in store for us!
