Chagrin Falls, OH (February 3, 2020) – Sapphire Creek Winery and Gardens has promoted from within to designate long-time chef, Rick Bennett, IV, as Executive Chef.
Executive Chef Rick hails from Ravenna, Ohio and began his culinary career at 14 years old at Cipriano’s at the Windmill Lakes Golf Course. He graduated from Ravenna High School a year early to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. After serving in the Marine Corps, he attended Kent State University for Applied Mathematics/Probability and later the Northeast Ohio Culinary Institute. Upon graduation, he moved to Baltimore where he worked at Oceanaire Seafood Room, training under Ben Erjavec. He returned to Ohio to work for Brandt Evans at Blue Canyon in Twinsburg, then moving to Cleveland’s Lola Bistro under Michael Symon and Derek Clayton. He also credits his success to three-time James Beard Award semifinalist (pastry) Cory Barrett.
“We are thrilled to have Rick Bennett as our executive chef,” Kathleen Dangelo, President/Owner of Sapphire Creek Winery said. “His history of culinary excellence has elevated the Sapphire Creek dining experience. Chef Rick’s new menu will debut on February 11th and our guests will be delighted with it. He has also brought significant enhancements to our catering menu. Our booked weddings are very excited for it.”
“It is really exciting to bring the Napa experience to our guests through fresh, vibrant and beautiful ingredients,” says Rick Bennett, Executive Chef. “We don’t use a freezer for our daily operations any longer – just a small freezer for ice cream. This allows us to source our food locally and overnighted when needed.”
About Sapphire Creek Winery and Gardens:
Sapphire Creek Winery & Gardens is the vision of Kathleen and Andy Dangelo, who fell in love with the seamless incorporation of the indoor and outdoor spaces prevalent at Napa Valley wineries. The experienced Sapphire Creek Winery team brings their diverse knowledge base together to create an unrivaled guest experience with world-class food and wine, unparalleled service and magnificent indoor and outdoor spaces.