Light Street's Liv2Eat is Being Revamped into a New Concept, In Bloom

Perry and his wife Cecilia Benalcazar are known for the ongoing success of Liv2Eat in the last five years while Keefer, known for his creativity and artistic style, comes from kitchens around the city including Fork & Wrench, Birrotecca, and 13.5% Wine Bar. He has also hosted pop ups around Baltimore, and consulted at several spots as well.

The new restaurant, In Bloom, is slated to open in late August at the 1444 Light Street location in Federal Hill. The two intend for the restaurant to have a “neighborhood feel”, with a well-rounded menu that utilizes local, seasonal ingredients with a down-to-earth mindset of avoiding trendy labels or categorizations of the concept.

While Keefer and Perry look forward to collaborating in the kitchen, both of the chef’s wives are involved in the venture as well. Angela Keefer will be contributing to the kitchen through cultivation of a courtyard garden featuring fresh vegetables and herbs. Meanwhile, Cecilia is curating the bar program.

In Bloom’s beer and wine program will focus on unique and interesting wine from a global perspective with a large focus on European grapes primarily from Austria, France, Germany, and Italy. While there are few American wines listed on the menu, there is an exception.

“We feature wines from Maynard Keenan’s winery in Arizona, not just because he's a rock god, but because he makes great wine,” joked Keefer.

The beer list will focus on creative craft beers with few domestics on the list.

While the restaurant’s liquor license covers only beer and wine, they are intending to create versions of cocktails using beer and wine as well as their own take on sangria.

Look for the restaurant to launch around August 30, after renovations have been completed.