Maybe it’s the British accent. Or perhaps it’s the way he can turn a funny phrase.
More likely, it’s the talent this chef displayed when cooking and plating food on luxury superyachts that have made him a popular reality TV star.
For six seasons, Chef Ben, as he was known to viewers of Bravo’s “Below Deck” and “Below Deck Med” boat series, commandeered the galley and made five-star meals for guests who chartered yachts in the Mediterranean and Caribbean.
And on Saturday, Oct. 14, he’ll be making ceviche on a lavender and sheep farm in Millsboro during a new Sussex County fall festival known as Rustic Dreams.
The Oct. 14 festival at Brittingham Farms at 22518 Phillips Hill Road in Millsboro is being organized by Jim Kirlin, an owner of Beachin Bash, a company that offers beach picnics and bonfires.
The rain or shine festival, hosted by Beachin Bash, and Brittingham Farms, will include beer, wine, food venues, hayrides and bonfires. Ashley Ryan, a country music artist based out of Nashville, will perform.
Guests can bring blankets, chairs and water. Pets are not allowed.
Kirlin said he hopes to raise $10,000 for Shepherd’s Office, a nonprofit organization in Georgetown that aids “the homeless, hungry or lonely.”
Kirlin, a fan of “Below Deck” decided to ask Robinson, a private chef who has an active Instagram account with more than 940,000 followers, to appear at the inaugural festival.
While the chef has chosen to dry-dock his yachting career — he now hosts European culinary cruises and makes public appearances — he still appears on Bravo’s “Galley Talk,” a TV program where former cast members chew over recent episodes of “Below Deck.”
This chef dined recently in DelawareGuess which Food Network chef popped into this Lewes restaurant?
Robinson has an impressive culinary background. He once worked for chefs in Italy and also did a stint at The Fat Duck, Chef Heston Blumenthal’s three-Michelin-star restaurant in the United Kingdom.
Kirlin said Chef Ben Robinson will hold a question-and-answer session and serve as the festival’s host and master of ceremonies.
General admission tickets for the festival will be $65.
VIP tickets, which will include schmoozing with Robinson and watching a cooking demonstration, tables and chairs, upgraded restrooms, a taco/nacho bar, bartending service, and 2:30 p.m. early admission, will be $225. There are also exclusive reserved tables for 8 people and entry at 1:15 p.m. to meet Ashley Ryan as well as photographs with Chef Ben for $2,600.
Visit rusticdreamsfest.com Tickets are on sale and can be purchased by visiting eventcreate.com/e/rusticdreamsfest
Contact Patricia Talorico at ptalorico@delawareonline.com and follow her on X (Twitter) @pattytalorico Sign up for herDelaware Eats newsletter.
