I attended the WKYC Health and Wellness expo at the Convention Center where I interviewed a few chefs on the cooking stage as they whipped up some incredible dishes. I met Ben Bebenroth, owner and chef of Spice Kitchen and Bar which Cleveland Magazine voted “Best New Restaurant.” Ben taught the crowd some interesting techniques, made an amazing balsamic dressing for fresh picked greens – which Ben grows himself, and also made a potato/kale soup.
Ben’s style of cooking is “eat what’s in your own backyard” going with fresh, local ingredients Ben’s dishes continue to change with the seasons. Alan and I went to Spice for dinner on Saturday night, where we started off with an amazing cocktail and a plate of freshly picked concord grapes, then it was time for dinner, here’s what we had:
Photo by Des/CBS Radio
Photo by Des/CBS Radio
Don’t expect to find these on the menu at Spice Kitchen and Bar because Ben changes the menu quite often going with what’s in season and what’s available. You can expect that you will have an incredible meal, great service and creative drinks. Alan said this was the best steak he’d ever had and my chicken was phenomenal.
Ben is a very interesting person, he’s a Marine, married with 3 children and one of the most creative, inspired, hardworking chefs I have ever met. I would love for him have a local cooking show, I’d watch it!
