Edible Delmarva: Spring 2023
Maybe it’s just me, but I feel the anticipated arrival of Spring this year more urgently than before. Even with a fairly mild winter, I can’t wait to get outside and greet the warm sun and fresh air revitalizing everyone and everything — making life feel anchored and balanced once again.
We herald the coming of Spring with our cover story celebrating imagination and innovation at Red Acres Hydroponics on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Here, Bryan Williams and his family took a gamble on adapting their 5th-generation farm to create a whole new chapter for the land and the family. Contributor Kate Livie takes us on a tour of the past, the present and the future on this landmark farm.
An imaginative nature and love of landscapes are in the DNA of local artist Jan Kirsh, who brings beautiful color and shape to her oversize garden sculptures. Both whimsical (think giant carrots) and purposeful (avocado-half fountain), Kirsh continues to expand her creativity with a jewelry collection. Take a look behind the scenes at what’s behind some of the area’s most recognized art!
Maybe we’re a bit partial, but Delmarva chefs are just the best - and after six years of profiles, our list just keeps getting longer. In this issue we visit with Chef Steve Quigg and The Kitchen at the Imperial in Chestertown, Maryland, where creating dishes for the changing menu is as much fun-in-the-kitchen as it is delicious art and science. We also check in with Mike Stiglitz at Two Stones Pub in Newark, Delaware. Writer Pam George takes us behind the scenes to hear about the momentum behind the 6 locations, the launches of 2SP Brewing, 2SP Taphouse and the newest venture, 2SP Pizza.
We also couldn’t be more excited to be celebrating three Delaware chefs who made us proud on national television: Dru Tevis, of Sodel Concepts, for besting his competitors to emerge as champion on The Food Network’s “Holiday Baking Championship”; Robbie Jester of Pizzeria Mariana in Newark, for his win on the new Netflix show “Pressure Cooker”, and Hari Cameron for earning his way into the finals of “Snack vs. Chef” also on Netflix. Kudos to them for shining a bright light on the Delaware culinary scene!
As spring moves across our region, we celebrate the imagination and inspiration that mark this season of renewal and are grateful for all of you who are here with us to enjoy the fresh, abundant feast that is Delmarva.
