There’s a new chef in the kitchen at Elk Creek Cafe & Ale Works, one who comes with an impressive resume built over the course of his 25-year career.
The Millheim bistro and brewery has hired acclaimed Baltimore chef Winston Blick, who has long focused on locally-sourced food, to lead its farm-to-table kitchen.
‘Food has the power to evoke nostalgic memories, and transport us to another time or place,’ Blick said in a news release. ‘I’m going to take a fresh look at what it means to be local, which means frequent seasonal menu changes and expansive daily specials that give me the freedom to explore and create exciting new dishes.’
Blick has cooked at New York’s prestigious James Beard House and for nine years owned and operated Clementine, also known for it’s farm-to-table fare and philosophy, which included the restaurant curing all of its meat. He’s been featured on several Food Network shows and has appeared in numerous books and articles discussing his cooking and appreciation for locally-sourced food.
Elk Creek proprietor Tim Bowser said Blick’s style blends bold flavors and comfort food, which he feels is a perfect match for the restaurant. His commitment to locally-sourced food also is a good fit for Elk Creek, which works with about two dozen local food partners.
‘We’re so excited to have Chef Blick in the kitchen,’ Bowser said. ‘His boots on the ground approach to sourcing local ingredients creates a connection to farms and the community. His personal attention to food, from the field to the fork, can be seen in the care he takes in every dish. He is creating new twists on old favorites, fusing ethnic flavors and styles, while still letting the local ingredients be the star of the plate.’
Elk Creek will formally introduce Blick on Sunday with an event called ‘Chesapeake in the Valley,’ featuring cuisine of the Chesapeake Bay. The menu will include Maryland crab soup, vegetable tartlette, fried oysters, seared day boat scallops, wild mushroom and roasted fall squash Wellington, rabbit and duck pot pie, among other fare.
Seating is limited and reservations should be made by contacting Elk Creek at 814-349-8850.
Blick will introduce a new menu in November.
Born and raised in Maryland, Blick grew up around farmers and fishermen and on the regional delicacies that influence his cooking. He also has roots in Central Pennsylvania and extended family in Williamsport, which helped lead him and his family to Millheim.
‘I’m excited to get back to my rural roots and reconnect to my love of cooking and community,’ he said. ‘Like many locals, I feel so fortunate to have found Elk Creek.’
