Fresh Flavor and New Beginnings at Yew Dell: Meet Chef Mike and Explore the Castle Gardens Revival

By Yew Dell Botanical Gardens Photos By Matt Johnson 

Tucked into the scenic beauty of Yew Dell Botanical Gardens, there’s a cozy little spot that’s quietly stealing the show — and it’s not just the gardens in bloom. It’s Martha Lee’s Café, where Chef Mike Ross is serving up fresh, seasonal fare with heart and soul.

If you’ve visited Yew Dell recently, chances are you’ve been pleasantly surprised by the café’s creative, garden-inspired menu. From fresh salads to rotating specials made from scratch, every bite feels like it belongs right where you are — in the middle of nature, surrounded by something thoughtful and beautiful.

The café’s name honors Martha Lee Klein, one of Yew Dell’s founders and a woman known for her warm hospitality and love of cooking. She was someone who always made room at her table — welcoming neighbors, friends and guests alike with generosity and grace. Naming the café in her memory is a fitting tribute to that spirit of shared meals and open doors, something that still lives on through every dish served today.

“The café is just one part of the Yew Dell experience, but it’s where people slow down, gather, talk, and take a breath,” said Chef Mike. “I keep the food simple, seasonal, and a little unexpected. If we can surprise someone with how good a garden salad can be and give them a moment of pause in the process, I’m doing my job.”

Mike joined the Yew Dell team in January 2025, bringing with him more than three decades of experience in the restaurant world — but it’s his passion for ingredients and his respect for the setting that really shine. His dishes aren’t just about flavor (though there’s plenty of that); they’re about connection. “When you’re working in a place like this,” he says, gesturing to the gardens just beyond the café, “you can’t help but be inspired.”

That connection to place is something Yew Dell Botanical Gardens has leaned into even more this year with the grand reopening of its newly renovated Castle Gardens, a $5.1 million project that’s both a love letter to the property’s history and a bold step toward its future.

For those unfamiliar, the Castle has long been one of Yew Dell’s most beloved features. Originally built as a pool house in the 1950s by the garden’s founders, Theodore and Martha Lee Klein, it’s a whimsical stone structure that feels pulled from the pages of a fairytale. With this renovation, Yew Dell has reimagined the surrounding space with terraced gardens, open event areas, and new walkways that make the entire property feel more cohesive, accessible and inviting.

“This was about honoring the past but also building something that would serve our community for generations,” said Paul Cappiello, Executive Director of Yew Dell Botanical Gardens. “The Castle Gardens are now a place where people can gather, celebrate, or just find a quiet moment of beauty.” 

And that’s exactly what’s happening. Visitors now drift through the Castle Gardens and land at Martha Lee’s for a cold drink and a bite to eat. Some settle in at a shady table, others stretch out in the garden with sandwiches and a famous chocolate chip cookie in hand. The new space has made it easier than ever for people to slow down and enjoy everything Yew Dell has to offer. 

For Chef Mike, the gardens aren’t just a backdrop — they’re part of the pantry. He sources ingredients grown right on the grounds whenever possible. “We change things up pretty regularly,” he says. “That’s part of the fun. The café moves with the seasons, just like the garden.” 

And while Martha Lee’s Café is still relatively new — it’s quickly becoming a favorite stop for garden-goers. It’s approachable, delicious and has a touch of surprise that feels perfectly at home in a place known for beauty and discovery. 

Whether you’re coming for a special event, a weekend outing, or a solo afternoon with a book and lunch, Yew Dell is a place where nature, history and community come together in unexpected ways. And thanks to Chef Mike and the new Castle Gardens, it just got even better. 

So next time you’re in Crestwood, swing by Yew Dell. Wander the gardens, explore the Castle, and don’t leave without a bite from Martha Lee’s Café. You’ll walk away with more than just a full stomach — you’ll leave feeling grounded, inspired and maybe just a little more connected to the world around you.