Lavender Fields to host grand opening for Wildflower Café
Lavender Fields opened the Wildflower Café last month to provide locally sourced cuisine in a grab-and-go fashion. As visitors roam around the farm’s five acres, they can now enjoy refreshing beverages, small plates and baked goods.
The Wildflower Café’s grand-opening party will take place from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Saturday, June 1. No ticket or reservation is required.
The café was once a ticket booth for a railroad station. Under longtime owner Marie Mayor’s supervision, the building at the end of Lavender Fields’ main gravel road had a fully licensed commercial kitchen, but it was only used occasionally for teas. After taking ownership of the farm last November, Cait Spieker Gee said she didn’t want any space to be underutilized.
“I just try to get every little square inch of the farm serving some sort of purpose,” she said. “It’s too beautiful to waste any of it.”
Spieker Gee said she is most excited about the quiche, lavender lemonade, flower pot charcuterie cups and gluten-free lavender-glazed lemon poppyseed cookies. She also said the lavender simple syrup and lavender- and rosemary-infused vinegar and olive oil are hot commodities.
The quiche is sourced from Mandala Pies in Berlin, Md., and dairy products from Chesapeake Gold in North East, Md. Lavender Fields also partnered with Lewes businesses Gaia Coffee and Old World Breads. Spieker Gee is looking forward to obtaining blueberries and strawberries from local farmers for mocktails and other creations. She values being a farm-to-table establishment to support other local farms and small businesses.
“When we come together, we can reach more people and create something bigger than we could have apart,” Spieker Gee said.
The Wildflower Café is located adjacent to the Cottage Store. The café has two small dining tables and will eventually accommodate up to 12 people. Visitors are also encouraged to take advantage of the many nooks for sitting outside.
After inheriting Lavender Fields, Spieker Gee and her family made inclusivity their primary goal. The only rules are no speeding, no smoking, no littering, no pets and to be careful around the cats.
The Wildflower Café is meant to enhance the outdoor experience for visitors as they take in the smells and sights of Lavender Fields.
“I think we spend so much time indoors and on our phones and looking at screens,” Spieker Gee said. “Part of what we’re trying to get people to do when they’re out here is disconnect from whatever’s going on in your life.”
Lavender Fields’ Lavender Fest is set for Saturday and Sunday, June 8 and 9. Presale tickets are available online at a discounted price. For more information about the farm and upcoming events, go to lavenderfieldsde.com.
