After five years in business, Liv2Eat owners Cecilia Benalcazar and Chef Kevin Perry are making some changes to their restaurant at 1444 Light St. in Federal Hill. The wife and husband duo are teaming up with Chef Cyrus Keefer and his wife Angela Keefer on a new concept, called In Bloom, for the restaurant space. Liv2Eat is now closed and In Bloom is aiming for an August 30th opening.
Cyrus Keefer and Perry previously worked together in the kitchen at Sotto Sopra and have since stayed in touch. Cyrus Keefer was looking for a new restaurant ownership opportunity – at a restaurant with an intimate setting and a small staff – when Perry approached him about a partnership. Cyrus Keefer and Perry will both spend most of their time as chefs in the kitchen.
“It made sense,” said Cyrus Keefer. “It’s a way to maximize potential, limit labor, and focus on cooking.”
Cyrus Keefer called Benalcazar and Angela Keefer the “brains of the operation.” They will focus on the front of the house, finances, and marketing and social media.
Angela Keefer is the former owner of Gunpowder Bison & Trading Company. Cyrus Keefer helped open Birroteca, ran Fork & Wrench, and has worked at Baltimore restaurants including Alewife, Waterfront Kitchen, and 1542 Gastropub.
Renovations are currently underway at the restaurant. They will include new signs and a refacing of the exterior, new interior paint and fixtures, and new lights in the patio. Cyrus Keefer called the restaurant “a remarkable space” with its outdoor patio, and said they will be looking to do more private events and catering utilizing the patio and back dining room.
“We want to be a restaurant, not a bar,” said Cyrus Keefer. He said he’s excited to be affiliated with other South Baltimore restaurants – including Hersh’s, Minnow, and 1157 Bar + Kitchen – and boosting the dining scene.
Cyrus Keefer said In Bloom will have a seasonal menu with “a melting pot” of styles and with many Maryland-focused ingredients. “Kevin and I really enjoy rustic Italian, but also Asian and French.”
Cyrus Keefer told SouthBMore.com that part of the reason for the partnership is to free up more time for catering opportunities.
In Bloom has a beer and wine license. Drinks will include bottled beer and beers from its six beer taps, as well as wine and cocktails using sake.
Cyrus Keefer said In Bloom will keep Liv2Eat’s “personal and welcoming” vibe. “We are not trying to be intimidating, and we want it be a great place for kids,” he said.
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via http://southbmore.com/2017/08/15/chef-cyrus-keefer-joins-liv2eat-restaurant-rebranded-as-in-bloom/
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