CELEBRATING LANCASTER COUNTY'S PEOPLE, SCENERY,

HERITAGE, STYLE & POINT OF VIEW SINCE 1987.

34th Annual Gourmet Gala

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Details

Date: Sunday, May 6

Time: 4-7 p.m. (Bidding on Silent Auction items, 4-6:30 p.m.)

Location: Excelsior, 125 E. King St., Lancaster

Tickets: $90 for members of the Historic Preservation Trust; $100 for non-members; $30 discount for those 30 years old and under. Block of 10 tickets for members available at $850; block of 10 tickets for non-members available at $950.

Information & tickets: 717-291-5861, director@hptrust.org or hptrust.org.

Sponsors

Manbel Devco III LP – Shoppes at Belmont; Post & Schell, P.C.

Advanced Landscapes; Beers + Hoffman Architects + Interior Design; Benjamin Roberts Office Interior; Conestoga View Nursing & Rehabilitation; Ephrata National Bank; Eve Environmental; Galebach’s Floor Finishing, Inc.; High Real Estate Group; J&J Heating & Cooling; Jeff LeFevre, Realtor; Lancaster County Solid Waste Management; Land Transfer Co.; Musselman Lumber; One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning; Orrstown Bank and Orrstown Financial Advisors; PPL; Pure Water Technology; Redcay Development Companies; Rhoads Energy; RLPS Architects; Susquehanna Style; The Groves Retirement Home; Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP; Two Dudes Painting Company

Media Sponsor: Lancaster County magazine

The Setting

Excelsior has timeless charm, alluring architecture and a rich history, all of which captivate the attention of its guests. It is the perfect combination of preservation and conservation, which is why the Historic Preservation Trust chose to once again host its annual Gourmet Gala there.

“It was just such a perfect fit for us,” says Christi Johnson, who serves as the organization’s treasurer, of last year’s venue choice. “Since it went so well, we thought why change it, when it worked so perfectly.” She hopes that Excelsior’s encore performance will entice more people to attend the Gourmet Gala. “We want more of the community to have the opportunity to come and see this historic building and everything that’s been redone there. It’s truly fabulous!”

Excelsior is a premier events venue located in downtown Lancaster. The 35,500 square foot complex is comprised of several properties that were built by brewer and businessman John A. Sprenger between 1852 and 1873. The properties consist of the four-story Excelsior building, the multi-story Sprenger Building (complete with brewer’s catacombs), the connecting terrace and the foundation left from Sprenger’s original home, now serving as a garden courtyard.

Sprenger Brewery shut down its operation in 1951. Westenberger, Maley & Myers furniture store took ownership of the property shortly after but closed its doors in 1977, leaving the site abandoned for almost four decades.

During the spring of 2015, a restorative plan and savvy business strategy were approved to have Excelsior fully funded for development and restoration. Owners John and Kelly Dantinne opened the one-of-a-kind venue to the public in 2016.

Excelsior is able to comfortably accommodate approximately 500 guests for a number of occasions. The venue provides up to seven spaces, allowing guests to venture throughout. Individuals can explore the Garden Courtyard, Catacombs, open-air Terrace, Empire Room and Grande Salon.

Visitors will be amazed by the venue’s offering of both indoor and outdoor spaces; it also has two open-air green spaces. Described as “Sophisticated Urban Elegance,” Excelsior, which is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a magnificent landmark that offers an elevated experience and a refreshing atmosphere for those who visit. Excelsiorlancaster.com and on Facebook.

The Cause

The Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County celebrates the preservation of Lancaster County’s architectural history. Founded in 1966, the Trust has been directly involved in preserving more than three dozen landmarks that are of great importance to the history of the county, including the Trust’s headquarters, the Sehner-Ellicott-von Hess House (1787), where Andrew Ellicott tutored Meriwether Lewis on navigational skills prior to the Lewis & Clark Expedition.

Keeping these treasures alive, the Trust helps to develop ways to salvage the old structures, whether that means restoring entire buildings or dismantling materials to repurpose and reconstruct it elsewhere.

Some of the properties the Trust has helped to save over the years include the home of Thaddeus Stevens, the neighboring Lydia Hamilton Smith House, the Watt & Shand building and Lancaster Central Market.

The Trust also maintains a Watch List, which is overseen by the Preservation Action Committee. It pinpoints 10 properties in the county that are in danger of disappearing either by demolition to make way for new development or by neglect.

The properties on the 2017 Watch List – located in Lititz, Lancaster, Paradise, Neffsville, and East Donegal, Fulton, East Lampeter and Manor townships – show promise for adaptive reuse. In fact, two properties from previous Watch Lists have been renovated and now function as an office and a restaurant.

“Lancaster has such rich architectural history and, once that’s gone, there’s nothing you can do about it,” Christi notes. “So, it’s really important to educate people and protect what we do have to keep it such a unique and beautiful area.”

Being active within the various communities of Lancaster County is one of the many ways the Trust creates awareness of its mission. Other means of creating awareness include working with the townships and boroughs, communicating through the Trust’s updated website and other social media outlets, and attending and hosting events.

“The Gourmet Gala is our largest fundraiser,” Christi explains. “It’s held every year, and it’s just a wonderful way to celebrate historical buildings and bring the community together while also helping us to continue our cause. Our most important objective is continuing our mission of preservation and restoration throughout the county.”

Hoping to persuade the younger generation to support its mission, the Trust will once again be offering a discount for those 30 and under. Christi says the Trust extended the $30 discount last year and hopes it will encourage younger downtown residents to attend the event this year. Hptrust.org

 

The Vendors

Altana: Experience Lancaster’s ultimate urban escape at Altana’s rooftop lounge. Dine on delicious dishes, indulge in breath-taking views and sip on refreshing libations. On the gala menu: Seasonal specialty. 26 E. King St., Lancaster. 717-690-2347 or 26eastlancaster.com/altana.

Annie Bailey’s Irish Public House: Modeled after a Victorian Dublin-style pub, Annie Bailey’s offers a wide-ranging menu that includes signature Irish dishes as well as American favorites. The beer selection – craft, imports and domestics – is also extensive. On the gala menu: Chef’s special. 28-30 E. King St., Lancaster. 717-393-4000 or anniebaileys.com.

Bistro Barberet & Bakery: Relish classic French cuisine created by award-winning Chef Cedric Barberet and his team. Explore your sweet tooth with an array of pastry creations and classic desserts. On the gala menu: A selection of French pastries. 26 E. King St., Lancaster. 717-690-2354 or 26eastlancaster.com/barberet.

Cabalar Meat Co.: This family-operated butcher and grocer offers locally sourced beef, pork, poultry and produce. Cabalar utilizes the “whole animal” philosophy, practices sustainable farming and creates quality house-made products. On the gala menu: Chef’s selection. 325 N. Queen St., Lancaster. 717-208-7344 or cabalarmeatco.com.

Callaloo Trinidadian Kitchen: Enjoy the flavors of Trinidad and Tobago at this Caribbean eatery, which also serves up dishes with French, Indian, African and Asian influences. On the gala menu: Trinidadian specialties. 351 N. Mulberry St., Lancaster. 717-824-3964 or callalootrinidadiankitchen.com.

Cameron Estate Inn & Restaurant: Discover a unique lodging and dining experience at this historic inn that features 15 acres of lawns, gardens, babbling streams and woodland. It’s award-winning, fine-dining restaurant specializes in cuisine made with fresh and local ingredients. On the gala menu: Smoked beef brisket with tomato-onion jam, mini crab cakes and flavored water. 1855 Mansion Ln., Mount Joy. 717-492-0111 or cameronestateinn.com.

Cracked Pepper Catering: Owners Joe and Christine Hess (no relation) capture the unique flavors and styles that go into planning a special event. With a talented team of chefs, Cracked Pepper Catering has “inspiring cuisine you’ll love.” On the gala menu: Pulled pork on a potato pancake and chickpea salad. 341 E. Liberty St., Lancaster. 717-682-2504 or crackedpepperlancaster.com.

Devon Seafood + Steak: This upscale restaurant offers simply prepared fresh fish, premium steaks, imaginative seafood dishes, an impressive wine list, and handcrafted cocktails in a chic-casual atmosphere. On the gala menu: Chef’s choice. 27 W. Chocolate Ave., Hershey. 717-508-5460 or devonseafood.com.

Dutch Haven Shoo-Fly Pie Bakery: If you’ve driven along Route 30 in Ronks, then you’ve seen Dutch Haven’s distinctive windmill. The bakery has been selling and shipping shoofly pies for more than 70 years. On the gala menu: Shoofly pie. 2857-A Lincoln Hwy. East, Ronks. 717-687-0111 or dutchhaven.com.

Federal Taphouse Lancaster: The taphouse is known for its beer selection – 100 craft beers on tap from as near as Lancaster County to as far away as Scandinavia – and coal-fired oven in which pizza, burgers and seafood are prepared. On the gala menu: Specialty of the house. 201 N. Queen St., Lancaster. 717-490-6932 or federaltaphouselanc.com.

Geneva Bakery Café: The full-service bakery creates made-to-order cakes, pies, cookies and pastries (baked daily). They also serve freshly brewed Gerhart Coffees and savory dishes, such as quiche, frittatas, soups and more. On the gala menu: Cake truffles and more. 6030 Lemon St., East Petersburg. 717-569-5919 or genevabakerycafe.com.

Gypsy Kitchen: Ed and Ellen Diller operate this catering company out of Lancaster Theological Seminary’s Dietz Hall Refectory. In addition, they also offer lunch (Mon.-Fri.) and dinner (Fri. & Sat.), eat-in or take-out. The menu also offers vegan and gluten-free items. On the gala menu: Lamb charbroiled sliders with Linden Dale chevre. 555 W. James St., Lancaster. 717-824-2714 or eatgypsykitchen.com.

Harvest at The Hotel Hershey: Experience fresh seasonal fare and a variety of beverages – including micro-brews, cocktails and American wines – at Harvest. Dine on American cuisine inspired by local and regional ingredients. On the gala menu: Chef’s special. 100 Hotel Rd., Hershey. 717-534-8800 or thehotelhershey.com/dining/harvest.php.

John Wright Restaurant: This riverside restaurant is the perfect setting for an intimate date night, family celebration or just getting lost in the view. Enjoy fresh, seasonal, locally produced foods and a spectacular view of the Susquehanna River. On the gala menu: Mexican cored salmon & smoked pork shank. 234 N. Front St., Wrightsville. 717-252-0416 or jwrpa.com.

La Petite Patisserie: The boutique bakery bakes everything on-site using the finest ingredients. Located on Gallery Row in downtown Lancaster, the bakery offers a rotating variety of pastries, including an extensive selection of French macarons. On the gala menu: Macarons, Russian tea cakes and mini cupcakes. 136 N. Prince St., Lancaster. 717-424-1631 or petitedessert.com.

Lonely Monk Coffees: Offering “fine coffees for a fair world,” Lonely Monk Coffees has a unique micro-roasting process that creates a fresh and expressive cup of coffee. The company’s coffees are exceptional in quality and purchased in a way that fairly values the coffee grower. On the gala menu: A selection of coffee. 279 Black Oak Dr., Lancaster. 717-201-0267 or lonelymonkcoffees.com.

Nissley Vineyards: Lancaster County’s premier winery for four decades, Nissley continues to add accolades to its long list of awards, both nationally and internationally. The winery hosts vibrant events and produces exceptional wine. On the gala menu: A selection of Nissley Estate-bottled wines. 140 Vintage Dr., Bainbridge. 717-426-3514 or nissleywine.com.

Penn Square Grille: Located in the former Watt & Shand Department Store, the Grille offers a variety of delicious classics whether it’s for a business meeting, dinner for two, or a meal for the entire family. On the gala menu: Chef’s special. 2 E. King St., Lancaster. 717-207-4033 or pennsquaregrille.com.

Root: Lancaster’s all-vegan restaurant and bar features a variety of dishes with a “vegan twist.” The food menu changes every six to eight weeks, and the bar is always stocked with vegan-friendly beer, wine and liquor. On the gala menu: Oyster mushroom with pistachio cream sauce. 223 W. Walnut St., Lancaster. 717-826-9130 or rootoflancaster.com.

Seasons Olive Oil & Vinegar Taproom: This savory boutique treats its oils and vinegars like fine wines and allows customers to taste before they buy. Stainless-steel Italian fustis help preserve the products’ quality, flavors and healthy antioxidants. On the gala menu: Tasting bar and apricot fresh basil shrub. 36 W. King St., Lancaster. 717-396-1380 or seasonstaproom.com.

Signature Catering on King: As the new exclusive in-house catering group at Excelsior, Signature Catering on King develops creative menus, meals and settings for one-of-a-kind memorable occasions. On the gala menu: Signature specialties. 125 E. King St., Lancaster. 717-468-2585 or signatureonking.com.

Stateside Urbancraft Vodka: Handmade in Philadelphia, Stateside Urbancraft Vodka is a custom-designed vodka production facility that declares its passion as a distillery. On the gala menu: Select vodka and mixers. 1700 N. Hancock St., Philadelphia. 215-425-4200 or statesidevodka.com.

Stoll & Wolfe Distillery: Each bottle of Stoll & Wolfe whiskey represents “collaboration across generations and traditions to preserve the history and future legacy of Pennsylvania Craft Whiskey.” Stoll & Wolfe utilizes distilling traditions dating back to 1753. On the gala menu: Whiskey tastings and specialty cocktails. 35 N. Cedar St., Lititz. 717-799-4499 or stollandwolfe.com.

TÈ (The Inn at Leola Village): Enjoy a convergence of the various regional styles and culinary experiences found throughout Italy in this 5-star, formal Italian restaurant, where the staff works to create an ambiance filled with the warmth, buoyancy and light heartedness of the Italian spirit. On the gala menu: Potato gnocchi bites with goat cheese, pistachio, brown butter, sage and apple, and dessert. 38 Deborah Dr., Leola. 717-556-8715 or teattheinn.com.

The Log Cabin: Built in 1929, the original building was constructed with oak logs from the surrounding Lehoy Forest. It’s known for fine dining in a historic setting and scenic location. The staples the restaurant is known for – its steak and seafood – are the mainstays of the menu. On the gala menu: Braised pork belly, smoked sweet corn aioli and carrot salad. 11 Lehoy Forest Dr., Leola. 717-626-9999 or logcabin1933.com.

The Pressroom Restaurant: Located in the historic Steinman Hardware Building in downtown Lancaster, The Pressroom offers locally sourced dishes and hand-crafted cocktails. Enjoy outdoor seating in the adjoining urban park during warmer months. On the gala menu: Chef’s choice. 26 W. King St., Lancaster. 717-399-5400 or pressroomrestaurant.com.

Thorn Hill Vineyards: Specializing in hand-crafted artisan wines, owners Jack and Amy Thorn create full-bodied, intensely flavored, richly textured wines of structure, depth and balance that reflect the qualities of each vineyard site. On the gala menu: A selection of all California wines. 1945 Fruitville Pike, Lancaster. 717-299-3688 or thornhillvineyards.com.

Union Barrel Works: This warm brew pub, which is located in a century-old building, features uniquely brewed beer, Pennsylvania wines, distilled liquor, delicious food and friendly service all under one roof in Reamstown. On the gala menu: A selection of beer. 6 N. Reamstown Rd., Reamstown. 717-335-7837 or unionbarrelworks.com.

Waltz Vineyards: The winery is the namesake of owners Jan and Kimberly Waltz. Established in 1997, Waltz makes its home on a sixth-generation family farm that boasts world-class vineyard soils. The wines are fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged in French oak barrels. On the gala menu: A selection of premium wines. 1599 Old Line Rd., Manheim. 717-664-9463 or waltzvineyards.com.

Locaflor Weddings

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Brides from coast to coast are expressing an appreciation for local bounty where floral design is concerned.

The Locaflor movement is making itself known in Lancaster thanks to educated consumers (namely the Millennials), social media (for example, Floret’s Instagram “likes” probably average 20,000 per image) and the area’s barns and historic venues that attract both local and destination weddings.

According to the Produce Marketing Association, which is based in Newark, Delaware, the farmer-florist phenomenon is becoming a driving force in the look of floral design for weddings. The association predicts that its influence will only accelerate. Demand for exotic flowers from the other side of the world is being replaced by a new-found love for old-fashioned flowers such as zinnias, sweet peas, peonies, dahlias and chrysanthemums.

Succulents continue to be an integral part of floral design. Victoria likes to incorporate them into bouquets and boutonnieres. “They make delicate floral elements look even more beautiful,” she remarks. She also utilizes them to create what she calls “living heirloom jewelry.” And, they make for wonderful take-home gifts for guests, as they can be potted or planted. “The sharing aspect is what helped to make hens and chicks so popular,” she notes.

What is trending in the floral look of weddings? According to Victoria and Elisabeth it’s:

  • Green and White Bouquets
  • Foraged Elements such as Seed Pods, Grasses, Reeds, Twigs, etc.
  • Simple Table Arrangements
  • Big, Splashy Arrangements That Can Be Moved from Site to Site or Room to Room
  • Overhead/Hanging Floral Installations
  • Living Jewelry
  • Delicate Floral Tiaras
  • Shawls/Wraps Made from Flowers
  • Bold Colors
  • Bridal Attendants Carrying Wreaths Instead of Bouquets
  • Floral Tattoos

For more information about Blumen, visit facebook.com/Blumen.

Other Local Flower Farms to Check Out

The following are listed as farmer-florist members of the Floret Flower Farm Collective. All offer a variety of services.

Victoria Mowrer’s City Garden

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Three years ago, Victoria bought a house in the city and immediately went to work restoring its “postage-stamp-sized” backyard.

“It was a mess,” Victoria says of the backyard that was distinguished by an overgrown crabapple tree and bare ground that was dotted with patches of grass. She had the tree removed and paved over the ground, using 40 bags of gravel. “It acts as mulch,” she points out. “And, I like the way it sounds when you walk on it.”

The center of the garden is dedicated to a raised bed in which succulents grow. Pots containing more succulents surround it. She discovered the allure of succulents while traveling through the Southwest. “Succulents are really popular out West because they are drought-resistant,” she reports. “I like them because they look like little sculptures, and they lend themselves to a variety of uses.” Victoria uses the succulents she grows for her floral-design projects and to create living heirloom jewelry. When the weather turns cold, she moves them to a sunny room on the second floor.

The outer edges of the garden are filled with flowering plants, shrubs, vines and container gardens.

Garden art is also very obvious. “Everything is an art project!” Victoria laughs, naming gourds as one of her obsessions. She paints them, embellishes them with mosaics and makes bowls out of them. Mosaic stepping stones are also her handiwork.

Finds are also used to decorate the garden. One of her favorite destinations for such purposes is Lancaster Creative Reuse (lancastercreativeresuse.org). “You never know what you’ll find there,” she says of the donation-based store that inspires creativity in its visitors.

Victoria maintains that her garden demonstrates what can be accomplished in a small space and on a shoe-string budget. She is of the opinion that Lancaster’s efficiency is a reflection of how much the Plain community “affects us in ways we don’t even realize, and that extends to gardening,” she says of practices like sharing what we grow, saving seeds and being thrifty and creative from a decorative standpoint. “It’s in our DNA,” she states. “And, it’s part of what makes Lancaster unique.”

She also enjoys seeing the different kinds of gardens that exist in “the Garden Spot of America.” In her estimation, Lancaster is a “special energy center where differences collide, yet peacefully co-exist. Because of that, Lancaster maintains its integrity.”

Victoria, who is a breast-cancer survivor, also views gardens as healing places. She points to the old days when a person who seemed down or depressed received the advice of “you need to go out to the garden.”

“Here, we have this need to have plants for peace of mind,” she continues. “People have always seemed to know that without being told that. Flowers make us happy. If I’m stressed, I like to go out to the garden and pull a few weeds, move things around or just sit.”

“It’s delightful to be sitting in my garden and hear people walking by,” she continues. “They speculate about what’s behind the fence. Or, if the gate is open, they ask if they can take a look. A lot of times, their demeanor completely changes – you can see them relax and enjoy their visit with nature.”

Flower Power

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Oftentimes, cousins have closer relationships than do sisters or even best friends. Victoria Mowrer and Elisabeth Weaver are a case in point. Flowers are the ties that bind them together.

While Victoria and Elisabeth are technically second cousins, they say their relationship is more akin to aunt and niece due to their age difference. Creative talents, a love of the land and a concern for the environment have guided them in circuitous routes that finally merged on a plot of land south of the city. “We always wanted to do something together,” says Victoria. That “something” is Blumen, which combines the flowers and herbs that Elisabeth grows through Lancaster Farmacy, a business she launched with her partner, Casey Spacht, and Victoria’s background in floral design.

Expansion is on the horizon for both businesses, as Elisabeth has purchased land near Strasburg that will eventually become Lancaster Farmacy’s new home.

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Victoria

Victoria grew up near Strasburg in the village of Iva. She comes from a family of farmers and entrepreneurs. Her grandparents, Milton and Barbara Mowrer, owned a 40-acre, self-sustaining farm where tobacco and black raspberries were the main crops. Her grandmother generated extra income by making butter, which she always topped with flowers. Her other grandparents, Harry and Ruth Long, maintained huge vegetable and flower gardens on their property.

The Mowrers also owned the Timberline Lodge complex, which is now the home of the Church at Timberline. “I understand that the cabins on the property are used to provide housing for women and their children who have left domestic-violence situations,” Victoria says. “That would have made my grandparents happy to know they are somehow helping people.”
Victoria, who went on to attend Temple University after graduating from Pequea Valley High School, says she will always be a farmer at heart. “I’ve always felt that I still have one foot on the farm,” she remarks. “My dream was to marry a farmer and become an artist.”

Instead, she majored in landscape design and minored in horticulture. “I took some electives in floral design and loved it,” she explains. Floral design became her artistic outlet. “I fell in love with flowers,” she says, describing the blooms as art forms in their own right.

During her days as a student, she worked part-time for Jane Gallagher, a floral designer who owned Lady Jane’s in Philadelphia. “Through Lady Jane’s, I was able to work on lots of weddings and parties, plus we provided flowers for restaurants and offices.”

Victoria’s design expertise took her to the Jenkins Arboretum and the Philadelphia Flower Show, which, in turn, provided her with the opportunity to teach a pressed plant class and exhibit her artwork as part of the Nagano Olympic Cultural Exchange.
Eventually, Victoria became the manager of a native-plant nursery in Nottingham, Chester County. “Flowers have taken me a lot of places,” she observes.

Flowers also brought her back home to Lancaster County. About 12 years ago, Victoria became a business partner with her mother, Dolly Long Mowrer, and her cousin, Marilyn Long Weaver (Elisabeth’s mother), to operate Beechtree, a business that was located on a farm along Penn Grant Road. Beechtree specialized in native plants, antiques and garden art. “It was a learning experience,” she says, alluding to the difficult-to-find location and the fact that they were ahead of their time. “Today, we would probably be successful,” she says, referring to the popularity of gardening and the emphasis being placed on native plants.

After closing the business, Victoria returned to her “roots” and delved into landscape design, which provided her introduction to succulents. Now, through Blumen, she uses the intriguing plants (as well as other plant material) to create floral designs and living heirloom jewelry for weddings and other special occasions.

Elisabeth

It was inevitable that flowers would become part of the Buy Local movement. In fact, they’ve been given their own credentials: Locaflor and Slow Flower. A great deal of credit for this new floral philosophy probably goes to Erin Benzakein, who grew up in the Seattle area but always wanted to be a country farmer. In 2001, she and her family made the leap and bought a small farm in Washington’s Skagit Valley, where they intended to grow vegetables, raise chickens and nurture an orchard.

Erin’s initial vegetable garden included a row of sweet peas. News of the fabulous vegetables that grew on the farm traveled fast, but what really intrigued customers was the flowers. Soon, orders for Erin’s flowers came flooding in and by 2008, she had ditched the vegetables and Floret Flower Farm was officially born.

Floret has become a media sensation: You name the magazine, and Floret’s gorgeous flowers and dreamy bouquets have probably been featured in it. Floret has also become a social-media sensation. And, Erin has written a book and conducts online seminars and courses for flower farmers and designers worldwide.

Elisabeth has taken a few of Erin’s online courses. Like Erin, who loved to visit her grandparents and spend time in their gardens, Elisabeth liked to “hang out with my grandfather,” who maintained what she describes as a “huge garden.” While conversation was always minimal, Elisabeth enjoyed the unspoken camaraderie the two shared while they carried out their garden chores. She was also a regular visitor to the neighboring Amish farm. “That was pretty much the extent of what I knew about farming,” she says.

 

As a high school student – first at Lampeter-Strasburg and then at Lancaster Country Day – Elisabeth’s interests included art, community involvement and nonprofit organizations. At Hampshire College in Massachusetts, she was able to put them together by devising a major that enabled her to take courses in art education, community development and urban studies. She worked on an urban-garden endeavor in Holyoke, helped students with an after-school project that focused on murals and went on to work with youth-centered endeavors. “Everything was funded through grants,” Elisabeth explains, which meant that job stability was fleeting.

Her ah-ha moment came through volunteering at a Conway-area herb farm. “It was the first time I became aware of herbal CSAs [Community Supported Agriculture], and I liked learning about the healing aspect of herbs,” she recalls. “I call that experience my awakening moment.”

After 10 years in Massachusetts, Elisabeth was ready to make a change. She returned to Lancaster, aiming to continue her interests in community involvement, art (she did several mural projects, including one for Crispus Attucks) and herbs. “I rented a garden plot at County Park and sold the herbs that I grew at East Side Market,” she explains.

She met Casey at the Punk Rock Flea Market and became intrigued by his interest in foraging. He invited her to come along on one of the foraging classes he was hosting. “I was the only person to show up for it,” she laughs. They ended up spending the entire day together.

Casey, of course, was familiar with the CSA concept as he is the director of Lancaster Farm Fresh, a cooperative of nearly 150 local farmers whose products are organically grown and whose animals are pastured and/or grass fed.

Casey was impressed by the herbs that Elisabeth was growing and invited her to join the co-op. The co-op also offered a flower share, but supply was not meeting demand. “He asked me if I could grow flowers, so I set out to become a flower grower,” she says.

But, to succeed, she would need land. An acquaintance told her about a farm in West Lampeter Township whose acreage was certified organic. Its owner used a portion of the acreage to primarily raise sheep and other animals. Elisabeth made him a proposal, and because his wife loves flowers, he agreed to lease her a few acres to grow flowers.

Lancaster Farmacy & Blumen

Lancaster Farmacy debuted in 2009. It’s part of a “growing” trend in which owners are being called farmer-florists. Indeed, Elisabeth is known to volunteers and customers as “Farmer Eli.” Today, Elisabeth and her corps of volunteers grow more than 100 varieties of flowers and herbs on 5 acres. Flower shares are made available through Lancaster Farm Fresh, as are CSMs (Community Supported Medicine) whose products (salves, creams, etc.) harken to a time when herbs were used for healing purposes. Elisabeth loves the folklore that relates to herbs and flowers. “It adds to the experience of the plants,” she says.

She admits the venture has been very much a learning curve, with successive planting being key, as it ensures product is readily available throughout the growing season.

Thanks in great part to the Locaflor and Slow Flower movements, flowers are being viewed in an all-new light by consumers. The movements address such topics as where and how flowers are being grown and how the laborers who tend them are being treated. As a result, organic, living wage and local have become words to grow flowers by.

According to Victoria, how we view growing flowers is being driven by “a concern for the environment and an expansion of consciousness.” In layman’s terms, when you smell a flower that is not organically grown, you could be “breathing in a lot of chemicals.”

Even local floral designers and DIY brides are recognizing that locally gown makes sense and are purchasing Lancaster Farmacy’s “Farmer’s Pick” buckets for their wedding work.

Blumen, which is the German word for bouquet, debuted four years ago. The Floret look was inspiring brides to think local, which meshed with Victoria and Elisabeth’s long-held goal to launch a cooperative venture. Elisabeth’s floral products and Victoria’s design expertise formed the basis of Blumen.

Last year, Elisabeth and Casey began discussing their next move. When the opportunity to buy land near Strasburg presented itself, they saw it as the chance they were looking for to expand. “I want to expand in a number of ways,” she says, naming the addition of trees and shrubs as part of those plans. The barn they plan to build will provide ample space for seminars and events such as the annual Fistful of Flowers Soirée that is held in late summer.

For more information about Lancaster Farmacy, visit lancasterfarmacy.com.

Read: Victoria Mowrer’s City Garden Read: Locaflor Weddings

A Prehistoric Adventure at North Museum of Nature and Science

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I have a confession to make: I’m 34 and have spent the past three decades never stepping foot into a planetarium … until now.

About a month ago, my husband and I were looking for something a little out of the ordinary to do with our daughter, Danielle. The weather continues to be cold, so outdoor activities were out of the question. I suggested we go to the North Museum of Nature and Science because 1) I had never been, 2) my husband had never been 3) our daughter had never been, and 4) I wanted us all to experience something educational and fun together as a family.

We checked out the times and other information online and planned our trip to the museum. The shows featured were Magic Tree House: Space Mission, Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure, Night Sky Tour – Live Astronomy Show! and Planetarium Demo Hour (which is included with general museum admission). We chose Sea Monsters because of the day’s schedule.

We arrived at the museum, paid the show price at the counter and was shown into the SciDome Theater. We chose our seats and settled in for the adventure. It wasn’t too crowded this particular Saturday, which I thought was good, especially since a few members of the audience were very young and talkative. (By the way, on North Museum’s website, each show recommends an appropriate age for its audience.)

The show was interesting and educational. The sea monsters swam and flew overhead as the storytelling (told by National Geographic) captivated its audience. The only criticism I had was at the beginning of the show when the volume needed to be turned up a few notches for noisy visitors.

If your kid, grandkid, niece or nephew enjoy dinosaurs and fossils, then this show is right up their alley. Danielle had a few questions during and afterward, but she seemed to enjoy it (except for this one part where a sea monster pops up out of nowhere; she said it was a bit scary).

So, for those looking for some educational fun, I suggest checking out North Museum’s SciDome Theater. Next time, we plan on touring the museum and maybe catching another flick. You’ll also discover some interesting finds in the museum’s store. It’s definitely worth exploring.

Garden Art

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Last summer I took in the Columbia Garden Tour and couldn’t help but notice that nearly every garden utilized recycling/upcycling in some way. The gardens also incorporated antiques and art – much of which was created by local artists – into the designs. And, a few served as reminders of favorite vacation destinations and were filled with mementos of those cherished trips. Each garden was unique and memorable.

It seems that Columbia’s residents are “recycling” the practices of the Victorians who came before them. The Victorians set a precedent by creating garden “rooms” and filling them with garden art. Finding those unique pieces to carry out a theme is part of the fun of gardening. And, as I learned from Columbia’s gardening enthusiasts, look beyond the tried and true and explore antiques shops, art galleries and craft shows to find out-of-the-ordinary items that will make your garden shine.

On the following pages, we are sharing two gardens from last year’s tour that beautifully demonstrate recycling and upcycling. Note: The Columbia Garden Tour will be on a hiatus this year.

Victorian Renaissance

Columbia is home to impressive examples of Late Victorian architecture. The town has been undergoing a “renaissance” of late, due in part to home buyers who are helping to reinvigorate it one “fixer upper” at a time.

You can include Kelly and Rebecca Murphy as being a part of Columbia’s renaissance. Kelly, a Berks County native, and Rebecca, who grew up in Elizabethtown, met as students at Millersville State College. They married and took up residence in Berks County. Sixteen years ago, a job opportunity for Kelly brought them back to Lancaster. During his commutes to and from work in Marietta, Kelly would look for homes that were for sale. “One day, he said, ‘I found the perfect house for us,’ and showed me a picture of it,” Rebecca recalls.

They loved the house, and Rebecca was excited to be close to family, so they made an offer and found themselves the owners of a Late Victorian brick house that had once served as the parsonage for a church. “People have told me that it could date to the 1850s, but the earliest records I have found for it date it to 1870,” Kelly says.

Like many newcomers to small-town living, the Murphys embraced their new hometown and became involved in the community. Kelly is a member of City Council, and both are enthusiastic about the evolution of Columbia and what the future holds.

Just like the Victorian homes that are being given new leases on life, Columbia’s gardens are enjoying a revival. That is clearly seen in the Murphys’ backyard.

Gardening, Victorian-style, represented a shift in lifestyle during the latter part of the 19th century. New and improved technology, access to a widening variety of plant stock and increased leisure time led to a fascination with gardening, prompting it to become a favorite pastime on both sides of the Atlantic. The Victorians created garden “rooms” outdoors and furnished and decorated them with wrought-iron furniture, statuary and other forms of garden art. Fish ponds and fountains were popular, as were greenhouses and indoor plant rooms. Like the era’s architecture, garden styles ranged from very formal to cottage quaint.

Kelly and Rebecca had a blank slate with which to work. “It was pretty much just grass and two trees,” Kelly recalls. “And, tulips everywhere!” Rebecca adds.

Like the Victorians, it was Rebecca’s vision to create “rooms” in the backyard, each of which would have a theme. “I really didn’t know what I was doing,” she admits. “I’d buy something and run out before I left for school in the morning [she’s an English as a Second Language teacher in the School District of Lancaster] and plant it.”

The plants provided the framework for what would become her English-style four-square herb garden in which quadrants are devoted to culinary, medicinal, biblical and fragrant herbs. “We also grow eight kinds of tea,” Kelly reports. The center of the garden contains a yucca plant, which harkens to Pennsylvania Dutch four-square gardens. The yucca, which was commonly known as the Adam-and-Eve plant, the Disciple’s plant and Our Lord’s Sword, symbolized the grower’s protestant faith. Catholics symbolized their faith with a Rosemary plant, which represented the Virgin Mary. As is tradition, the garden is surrounded by a fence and is accessible via an arbor gateway.

Kelly meanwhile was creating pathways and a patio. While digging his way through the backyard, he unearthed a concrete fish pond and hundreds of bricks. “I couldn’t dig anywhere without hitting bricks,” he recalls. The fish pond was repaired, but in the end, they removed it because it was too shallow for fish to survive over the winter. Another reason for its removal materialized when Kelly happened to look out into the backyard and spy an egret helping itself to the fish. “I wondered what was happening to my fish and now I knew,” he says. The bricks, however, were salvaged and used to line pathways and the quadrants of the four-square garden. “Finding them made sense,” he explains. “Columbia once had a lot of brick factories.”

While visits from egrets weren’t appreciated, the Murphys welcomed other birds to their backyard. Feeders, a wide variety of annuals and perennials, ornamental trees and water sources entice hummingbirds, blue jays, doves, cardinals and other winged creatures to visit. One of the “rooms” is certified by the National Wildlife Federation as a Wildlife Habitat.

Rebecca also envisioned a pergola in the backyard. “I always wanted one,” she says. One day, as she was driving to work, she noticed workmen were removing the porch at the Central Manor Bakery & Grill, and she eyed the porch posts that were on a pile for removal. “I loved them and asked if I could buy them,” she explains. The posts sat in the garage for three years until Kelly found the other element he felt the pergola would need – wrought-iron that would serve as trim for the top of the structure. “I found it at Burning Bridge Antiques,” he says. Wisteria is being grown to provide a natural roof for the structure. “Right now, it’s used as a sitting room, but eventually I might convert it to a dining area,” Rebecca remarks.

The Murphys love of gardening has evolved into antiquing. One of their favorite destinations is Potting Shed Antiques in Farmersville, where they purchased the fencing that surrounds the four-square garden, as well as a variety of garden art. Ironwork from a stove company (appropriately named Columbian) was discovered at an antiques store in Strasburg. And, a large teak bench that was once a fixture on a Cumberland County farm was discovered at a flea market in Carlisle. They also buy plants wherever they travel.

Their latest project, which was completed last spring, is a meditation garden at the rear of the property. It pays tribute to their eldest son, Kelly, Jr., who was killed in a traffic accident on Christmas night, 2015. “Our three sons always threatened to macadam over their backyards and turn them into basketball courts because of all the weeding I made them do,” Rebecca recalls. Kelly, Jr., however, learned to love the process and assisted his parents with the construction aspect of their projects, including the pergola. “It’s just a nice place to go and spend some quiet time,” Rebecca notes of the meditation room.

As is an often-heard refrain, a garden is never finished, and the Murphys agree with that sentiment. “It’s a work in progress,” Rebecca says of new elements such as their grandchildren’s fairy garden and an emphasis on large-scale container gardens.

A Scrapture Garden

 

The saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” aptly fits Ron Sahd’s perception of garden art.

Ron and his wife, Karen, live in a quaint house in Columbia. Originally built in 1937, it was the home of H. Nelson Albright, who was the manager of Columbia Malleable Castings Corporation (which was acquired by Grinnell in 1932 and is now Anvil International) and one of the founders of the Conestoga Foundrymen’s Association. “At one time, Columbia was home to more than nine steel mills and foundries,” Ron notes.

“It’s a well-built home,” Karen says. “All the fittings throughout the house bear the Grinnell trademark ‘G’ on them,” she explains.

The Sahds bought the house in 1976. A friend from their church, who lived across the street from the house, tipped Ron off that it soon would be going on the market. Ron talked to the owner, made an offer and three weeks later, the house was theirs.

Karen says the neighborhood and the kitchen windows are what attracted her to the house. “It’s a work in progress and as is the case with other homeowners, we’re always looking for ways to improve it,” she says.

Prior to moving to Columbia, the Sahds lived in East Petersburg so that Ron could be close to Manheim Central High School, where he was a teacher. The family business is what motivated him to eventually return to his hometown.

In 1941, Ron’s parents, Frank and Lucille Sahd, launched a home-based antiques and scrap-metal business, Frank Sahd Salvage Center. “I can remember going with my dad to an auction just about every weekend and coming home with a truckload of stuff,” he says. “He’d keep a few favorite things and re-sell most of what he bought.”

The cast-iron urn that sits in the Sahds’ backyard is one of those favorite things that found its way into Lucille’s garden. In fact, there were five of them. When she died in 2010, she bequeathed them to her children. Ron and Karen had their urn water-blasted, and Karen painted it. “It’s a nice way to remember my mother by,” Ron says.

Following World War II, Frank’s brothers, Charlie and Joe, joined the business. By 1950, the business was thriving, and the Sahds moved to their present location at 1045 Lancaster Avenue.

Following the death of Frank, Ron, his brother Wayne, and their cousin, Mike, made the second-generation transition into the business. Eventually, Ron and Wayne’s brother, Frank, joined the team.

During the 70s and 80s, the focus moved away from recycling paper, rags, tires and automotive parts to the processing of ferrous and non-ferrous metals for mill consumption. The new focus, plus an emphasis on green practices, led to a new name: Sahd Metal Recycling.

A third generation – Ron’s son, Dan, and Mike’s son, Michael – has joined Ron and Frank to guide the business, which has become a leader in the industry from a green perspective. Ron says the perception of businesses such as Sahd has changed over the years. “We went from being a junkyard, to a salvage center and now a recycling center,” he notes.

He finds it interesting that “artists come on an almost daily basis to buy stuff to use in their work.” Some of their work – including that of Lancaster’s Roger Dorsey – can be seen in the Sahds’ home. And, yes, those working on landscaping projects can still poke around the facility to find unique iron fences and gates.

Just as their home is a work in progress, so are the outdoor areas. Three years ago, they screened their back porch and added new walkways. The patio was also refurbished. Last spring a fire pit was added to the backyard. “Our three grandchildren enjoy that,”
Karen says.

But, something was missing. Karen felt the expansive side yard was too open. She suggested they put up a fence. Ron agreed the side yard needed something, but he wasn’t keen on a fence. “I have a better idea,” he remembers telling Karen. “Trust me,” he said.

That “something” had caught his eye at work. Sahd buys large sheets of steel from manufacturers that have parts laser-cut out of them. Typically, Sahd buys the sheets as scrap metal and processes them – through shearing, cutting or baling – before they are sold to a foundry for recycling. Ron viewed the patterned sheets as works of art. “Each one is different,” he says.

He shared his idea with a friend who is a welder, and together they devised a plan to “frame” the sheets with box tubing. The plan called for extending the tubing 3 feet beyond the bottom of the frame so that the piece could be securely placed in the ground. “They’re heavy, so we also poured cement footers to secure them,” he explains.

Karen liked the idea, and two were installed in the side yard while another serves as a backdrop for the fire pit. Both like the effect the steel screens provide. “There’s a sense of openness, but they also create a barrier,” Ron says.

They’ve even earned themselves a name: “He calls them scraptures,” Karen says. “They’ve become real conversation pieces.”

Moving the Party Outdoors

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Spring is upon us, and if you’re anything like me, you’re chomping at the bit to spend more time outdoors. Among my sweetest Lancaster County summer memories are casual dinners with friends gathered around a weathered picnic table.

A few years ago, my fiancée, Jessica, and I weren’t in a position to do much cooking or entertaining outdoors. Today, while our home is simple, it’s conducive to spending time with friends outdoors. In fact, Jessica and I dined outdoors with guests throughout December. As fun as it was, I’m completely ready for warmer weather and the cold drinks, delicious meals and good times that will be shared.

Keep It Simple

The best thing about outdoor entertaining is that it doesn’t have to be complicated, especially if you’re short on time to prepare food. Local produce, freshly ground burgers and Good’s potato chips are as easy as a Lancaster summer gets.

An even simpler option is to pick up juicy chicken halves from a barbeque fundraiser. Add in prepared coleslaw, potato salad and baked beans from the local grocery store or a specialty shop, and your main course is ready. Stop at a local creamery for ice cream, serve it with fresh fruit from a roadside stand, and you’re set for dessert.

If you’re short on seating, ask guests to bring a picnic blanket and lawn chairs along. The outdoors presents the perfect space for kids to run around while also being included.

The Allure of Fire

You can’t beat the romance of cooking over a fire. If you’ve ever seen Argentine Chef Francis Mallmann cooking over a fire, you know exactly what I mean. Cooking your meal over a fire from start to finish is always fun. Hot dogs can be easily upgraded to sausages or bratwurst, with peppers and onions sautéed in a cast-iron skillet served with mustard on the side. Chimeneas are another great solution for more contained fires – they can be used for cooking purposes, as well as for warmth and enjoyment. Of course, grilling season is upon us, but we’ll wait a few months to have that conversation.

Great Expectations

Moving a party outdoors removes many of the formalities that seem to accompany a traditional dinner party. Establishing good expectations has a lot to do with the success of any gathering, outdoors or otherwise. From indicating what to wear to being aware of the dietary preferences and allergies of your guests, ensures they will know what to expect, and you’ll be assured that everyone will have an enjoyable time.

If you want to take your outdoor-entertaining game to the next level, selecting a theme for an upcoming occasion can add an extra element of fun without getting complicated. Themes such as Cinco de Mayo; the Kentucky Derby; Red, White and Blue; or the trendy Fête or Dîner en Blanc (everyone wears white) can liven up even the simplest of outdoor parties.

Lights, Camera …

The photographer side of me is always compelled to chase evening light. A magnificent twilight sky creates the perfect ambiance for a stunning yet relaxed occasion. However, once darkness sets in, safety becomes a concern. You can address both the atmosphere and safety aspect of your party by adding strings of lights, paper lanterns, torches, paraffin candles or, for the more ambitious, hanging chandeliers to your outdoor entertaining spaces. Lighting sets the mood and keeps the party going well after the sun sets.

Weather Woes

In the event of rain, fear not. Unless your powers of prayer transcend mine, ultimately the weather is out of your control. If anything, it will make for a more memorable experience. If you decide to set up a canopy in anticipation of rain, I’d advise you to make sure it’s actually waterproof.

Another party crasher is cool evenings, but that can be remedied as well. Keeping a few blankets or throws at the ready is a thoughtful consideration that will keep guests comfortable and less likely to run off early if the temperature drops. I’ve even noticed that a handful of restaurants in downtown Lancaster have started to make throws available for dining outdoors on cooler evenings. For home-entertaining purposes, invest in some easily washable blankets or throws, as they’ll no doubt see plenty of use and potentially be soiled by food, wine and smoke from a fire.

Another option is propane heaters, which add warmth and atmosphere to a gathering. They are a good alternative to times when an open fire might not be permitted, such as during a burn ban. They are not terribly expensive – you can even rent them – and definitely help to expand the outdoor season.

Of course, your menu can help to chase away the chills. Warm apple cider or hot chocolate make for simple treats that hit the spot.

Hit the Road

If you don’t have access to an outdoor-entertaining space, you can always take the party on the road!

Conestoga House and Gardens is a favorite of ours, and it’s so sweet that I hesitate to publicly disclose it. When we go there, I always feel like The Great Gatsby’s Nick Carraway, approaching the meticulously manicured gardens with a picnic basket in tow. As is tradition, on Wednesdays and Thursdays – between June 13 and September 28 – the gardens will be open to the public free of charge. The dance floor offers tables and seating – with a gorgeous view to boot – for up to 32 visitors to enjoy a small meal. Alcohol is permitted, so bring a bottle of wine (and an opener) to share on the gorgeous grounds generously made available by the Steinman family estate. As seating is limited, it is requested that visitors limit table occupancy to 30 minutes and take their own refuse home, so that the grounds remain in the same condition as guests found them. For details, visit conestogahouse.org.

Lancaster County Central Park has many outdoor picnic areas with charcoal grills throughout; don’t miss the Garden of the Five Senses. Co.lancaster.pa.us.
Long’s Park also has picnic tables and charcoal grills; go on a Sunday and enjoy live entertainment in the evening, courtesy of the Summer Music Series. Longspark.org.

Poole Forge in Narvon is another superb location for a picnic, as it provides gorgeous views of the old lime kiln and the covered bridge that was built in 1859. The park is open year-round, but weddings and other events dot the calendar, so check online schedules at historicpooleforge.org before heading out.

No matter where you go, paper towels, trash bags, sunscreen and bug spray are all wise to have on hand.

Lancaster County’s Edible Earth

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After learning a friend had developed a passion for foraging, I decided to look into the practice here in Lancaster County. Introducing any wild food into your diet should be done with caution and moderation. Always consult the advice of an expert or a field guide from a trusted source before eating any foraged foods.

As an artist who uses nature as a medium, sculpturist and potter Kevin Lehman has a special connection to the Earth. For him to find this world bountiful and appetizing seems a simple association. One day, while out in the woods with his friend Casey Spacht (founder of Lancaster Farm Fresh Cooperative and co-founder of Lancaster Farmacy), the two came upon a wild mushroom.

“He said, ‘Hey, you can eat that.’ And, I thought, ‘Okay, here we go, eatin’ mushrooms and …” recalls Kevin. But, the idea stuck, and he has been actively foraging Lancaster County for more than five years.

THE MUSHROOM

The Chicken of the Woods, Laetiporus, mushroom can be found growing on the wounds of oak trees.

The mushroom that Casey pointed out to Kevin was the Laetiporus, which is commonly known as Chicken of the Woods. This genus of edible mushrooms grows as “shelves” consisting of tiny tubular filaments. This particular mushroom is commonly found on wounds of oak trees. The mushrooms’ young, fruiting bodies are primarily yellow-orange with bright tips. It is one of the most foraged mushrooms in the world.

“These bright-orange mushrooms grow on the sides of trees, and nothing looks like them,” says Kevin. Laetiporus is a great mushroom for beginning foragers, writes Ellen Zachos in her book, Backyard Foraging.

Zachos, an educator at the New York Botanical Garden, lists several other mushrooms new foragers can start with: Black trumpets can be harvested in the summer and fall months and grow near oak and beech trees; hedgehog (or sweet tooth) mushroom caps have no poisonous lookalikes and are easy to identify by their irregular shape and short, spiny “teeth” on the underside; and Hen of the Woods are fast-growing mushrooms usually found in large clumps in the early fall.

Chanterelles, which are a favorite ingredient in French dishes, grow in small clusters on forest floors.

Some of the most popular foraged mushrooms are chanterelles. Made popular by traditional French cuisine, chanterelles can have a fruity aroma and rich flavor. As attractive as these mushrooms are, they are not the easiest to distinguish from potentially hazardous varieties. Chanterelles are often found on forest floors in small clusters.
“There’s a saying, ‘If you are not 100% sure, don’t eat it,’” says Kevin, passing on words to literally live by. “I started with plants that don’t have lookalikes.”

Spring’s favorite find – the highly coveted morel mushroom.

Besides truffles, the most prized foraged-mushrooms are morels. As a foodie, I first heard chatter about foragers finding morels in Lancaster County a couple years ago. The alien-looking fungi is identified by its honeycomb cap upon a white stem. (There are several “false morel” mushrooms, which should be avoided due to toxicity.) What makes this delicacy so prized is the almost impossibility of farming the mushroom on a large scale, so foragers often keep their spots a secret. To satisfy demand from top chefs, morel foraging has become a multi-million-dollar industry.

SUSTAINABILITY & SEASONALITY

According to a number of Southern-cooking websites, pokeweed and bacon are a match made in heaven.

“Edibles are everywhere,” says Kevin, but that doesn’t mean he is going to simply scarf up everything he identifies as tasty. “To me, it’s more of a bigger picture connection – connecting to the natural world in a new way and developing a relationship with these plants.”

Casey echoes these sentiments almost verbatim. He started distinguishing edible plants and berries as a kid. He’s been foraging ever since. Sustainability – even with things growing in nature – is an issue of concern.

He provides as an example Allium tricoccum, otherwise known as ramps, a wild onion prized for the delicacy of its greens and beautiful garlic flavor. Ramps exploded in popularity several years ago when they began to make their way into new American cuisine.

“They’re here in Lancaster County. Sometimes you can go into the woods and find a whole swath of ramps,” Casey notes, but he is quick to caution those who may be overzealous with their harvesting. “Ramps take a long time to propagate and get that whole community built up.”

His personal choice is to harvest only what he needs, sometimes taking just the greens and leaving the bulbs to extend the life of the plant. He also replants smaller bulbs, which may come up attached with his harvest. Over-foraging will wipe out an entire population; and, once they are gone, they may be gone forever from that area.

Seasonality is important for two reasons. The first is to know when to look for the plant, which is as important as knowing where to look. Fiddleheads (fern sprouts) must be harvested in the spring

Ramps are increasingly being found in this part of the country. Ramp festivals are held throughout the Appalachian region in the spring.

… otherwise they turn into ferns.
The second function of seasonality is safety. Some plants must be harvested at certain points in their growing cycle. Pokeweed is a traditional staple in southern Appalachian areas, but as the plant grows, so does its toxicity. The leaves and stems are boiled repeatedly and taste like spinach and asparagus respectively, but the purple berries of the plant appearing in maturity are highly toxic and can cause death. “That plant is awesome, but if it gets big, it’s poisonous,” says Kevin.

Pokeweed is not alone in these characteristics and a good example of how foraging is a connection. To be safe and successful, a proper forager must know the Earth he or she is harvesting. There is a thrill in both Kevin and Casey’s voices when they start talking about foraging.

“Part of the excitement for me is realizing all the stuff we can use. It’s a great connection. It’s nice to have availability of things on the grocery store shelf … I mean, I love a good cheeseburger, but spring is coming up, so I know Caltha (Marsh Marigold) is coming up. Then it will be morel season. Then black locust, the flowers are awesome to eat. Then it’s berry season. I’m constantly looking forward to the next thing,” says Kevin.

Expert advice can be found locally through Casey Spacht and Lancaster Farmacy. For information on foraging classes and workshops, visit lancasterfarmacy.com/happenings.

Lancaster is Becoming a Foraging Hot Spot!

Lancaster County’s growing reputation as a foraging hot spot will be highlighted by NPR. The Lancaster County Conservancy recently partnered with Debbie Naha, a Pennsylvania Master Naturalist and Registered Dietitian/Licensed Nutritionist, to use Climbers Run Nature Preserve as a site for her winter foraging walk being filmed by NPR. Debbie walked the beautiful preserve in late February to find bittercress, field garlic greens, young dandelion greens, violet leaves, stinging nettles, chickweed and garlic mustard (an invasive plant), all of which were sautéed to create a delicious pasta dish. She also harvested native spicebush (Lindera benzoin) twigs to create Winter Spicebush Tea.

Debbie visited Lancaster several times last year; she presented a program at Landis Valley Farm Museum and helped to put together a foraging-themed pop-up dinner at Commonwealth on Queen in September. Visit her website, wildediblesnjpa.com, to check out her 2018 schedule.

From Imagination to Illustration … to One-of-a-kind Invitations

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When announcing a party, making a compelling first impression is essential. And, what makes the event’s first impression? The invitation! Meet the creative mind and hand behind some of the most innovative invitations issued by a Lancaster organization for its fundraising events.

Credit Mike Abel as being the “maestro of the invitation,” and he quickly deflects the accolades to the many committee members of the nonprofit organizations with whom he works to create successful fundraising events year after year.

Yet, it’s difficult to overstate the significance of the invitation – especially if it’s the nonprofit’s most important fundraiser of the year. Therefore, when that envelope and its contents land in a would-be guest’s mailbox, it’s essential that it stand out among the letters, bills, “junk” mail and the ubiquitous Amazon box. Once it catches his or her eye, it has to be opened and read. Finally, it must generate enough excitement and anticipation to ensure that the recipient follows through and actually makes a monetary commitment to attend. In other words, the invitation absolutely must entice, explain and sell the event – no small task for a few sheets of paper!

That is until professional artist Mike Abel takes hold of the paper and adds his signature illustrations, making the otherwise mundane facts of who, what, when, where and how much come alive with his whimsical artwork. It’s what he does year after year for LancasterHistory.org (formerly the Lancaster County Historical Society) and has done for other local nonprofits, including the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra and the Demuth Museum.

The combination of Mike’s love of history and his talent for art is the alchemy that fuels his decades-long role as illustrator for LancasterHistory.org’s annual gala invitation. A board member since the 1980s, Mike takes his lead from the staff and committee’s selected theme, often focusing on a specific time period or historical event. Then, Mike begins his research. Historical accuracy of period costumes and details, he says, is critical.

With one exception: the ever-present frog.

Look closely, and you will notice that many illustrations for LancasterHistory.org invitations include a frog. The green fellow is often dapperly dressed, involved in the spirit of the party’s theme, and standing side by side with prominent historical figures like Lancaster’s only U.S. President, James Buchanan. Why? “President Buchanan enjoyed spending time in thought at his Wheatland’s frog pond,” says Mike. “And, he once said he hoped in another life to come back to live as a frog in that pond.” Mike has at least granted Buchanan’s wish in pencil sketches and watercolors.

In addition to enlivening invitations for community fundraisers, Mike annually donates a piece of his original fine art to the Demuth Museum’s Invitational, which, when sold, will benefit the museum. He has also illustrated numerous books for local authors and created more serious graphic design work for corporate clients.

Even when he’s off-duty, Mike is rarely seen without his sketchbook, particularly at social events like dinner parties. “While others are rollicking, I’m quietly sketching them,” he says. “We introverts can entertain ourselves for hours.” Then, his witty sketch is passed around the table, capturing the essence of his subject in a few well-placed pencil lines and a keen sense of observation. “The best stuff is other people’s material. I just record it,” he explains of his impromptu artistic process.

This Philadelphia College of Art graduate admits he occasionally gets “stalled.” His antidote? “In the end, it’s a matter of drawing,” he says. “Drawing digs me out of the hole.” And, it surely keeps us intrigued with what possibly could be next from the sketchpad of Mike Abel.

The Flavors of Trinidad and the Caribbean

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Callaloo Trinidadian Kitchen pairs the flavors of Trinidad and Tobago with a wider Caribbean – and even international – cuisine.


The restaurant, which is owned by Amos and Amanda Kinert, opened in Lancaster in May 2017. By year’s end, Buzzfeed had named it as Pennsylvania’s must-try new restaurant for 2018. (The results, which featured one restaurant from every state, were based on Yelp reviews.)

A native of Lancaster County, Amos spent three years in Trinidad, working in restaurants owned by his father-in-law. “I wanted to share the cuisine of Trinidad, which is a blend of many ethnic cuisines from the people who settled there. There is a wide variety of restaurants in Lancaster, but nothing like this. We feature Trinidadian comfort foods reimagined,” he says.

The restaurant’s name was inspired by callaloo, a leafy green vegetable that is similar in appearance to spinach. It’s also the name of a dish that’s made using the plant. Amos adds that “callaloo” is also a Trinidadian slang expression that means a mixing or combination of things.

Located at the corner of Lemon and Mulberry streets – you can’t miss the mint-green front doors – the building once housed a grocery store and, more recently, was occupied by Mulberry Street Diaper Company. Now, it’s a cozy, light-filled – courtesy of the large storefront windows that flank the entrance – restaurant space. Graphics on the windows not only feature the restaurant’s name, but also an image of a hummingbird. Amos explains that Trinidad and Tobago is known as the “land of the hummingbird,” and indeed, hummingbirds can be found on the national crest of the country as well as on its currency.

Inside, a large mural/map depicts Trinidad and its sister islands (including Tobago) and shows its proximity to the South American country of Venezuela. Large, colorful posters provide an explanation of some of the cuisine. An exposed brick wall adds to the ambiance.
The cozy element is reflected in the seating capacity – 34 guests can be accommodated at counters by the large windows and near the cashier area and at a row of tables that share banquette seating along one wall.

The menu changes every six to eight weeks, but Amos says customer favorites remain a part of it. “Callaloo is not just a traditional Trinidadian restaurant; we do have some of the items that most people think of as Caribbean cuisine. Trinidad [and Tobago] was settled mainly by the French, and then it was held by the British. There were also some Indian, African and Asian influences. We focus on the beauty of all the cultures and their unique flavors and blends,” he says. “We also offer vegetarian or vegan dishes. It’s good to be able to offer menu items to please everyone.”

The top seller is curry chicken – boneless chicken thighs seasoned with and braised in house-made Trinidadian curry. “People liken it to a more flavorful chicken pot pie,” Amos explains, referring to other ingredients such as Yukon Gold potatoes, curried chickpeas and roasted pumpkin. “People often think that all curry is ‘hot,’ but that’s not the case with Caribbean curry. Caribbean curries are more savory, while Indian curry is more aromatic.”

The curried chicken is one of several menu items served with Buss-Up-Shut, a Trinidadian flatbread that’s used as a utensil to eat curries and stews. It’s flakey like a pastry but soft like a tortilla. There’s also Aloo Pepper Roti, a shared plate featuring roti, an Indian flatbread, and potatoes seasoned with cheddar, cumin, garlic and habanero. Another popular item is Doubles, traditional Trinidadian street food comprised of a fried bread called bara with curried chickpeas, cucumber chutney, tamarind and cilantro sauce (pepper sauce is also available).

Seasonal favorites from spring/summer 2017 included jerk chicken with sugar snap peas and tomato choka (roasted or grilled tomatoes which are then crushed and mixed with onions and cilantro). “These both feature fresh, local produce,” Amos says.

While French fries are not on the menu, cassava fries are. Cassava is a tuberous starchy root that’s a vegetable staple in the Caribbean diet. Callaloo’s cassava fries are crispy and served with garlic and cilantro sauce.

For lunch, sandwiches are served on house-made coconut bread and are accompanied by tangy sauces, plantain chips and pineapple chow.

Callaloo also features some signature drinks such as LLB (lemon, lime and bitters) and Peanut Punch (peanuts, milk, turbinado sugar – sugar from pure cane sugar extract – and nutmeg). Customers are welcome to BYOB (there is a $5 corkage fee).

To cap the meal, there are two scrumptious desserts: Coconut Bread Pudding and Ginger and Lemongrass Crème Brulée.

Callaloo Trinidadian Kitchen is located at 351 North Mulberry Street, Lancaster. Lunch is served Tuesday-Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Dinner hours are Tuesday-Thursday, 5-9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 5-10 p.m. Reservations are suggested and can be made online or by phone. The menu is available for take-out. For more information, including parking instructions, call 717-824-3964 or visit callalootrinidadiankitchen.com or Facebook.

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