
From Pop-Ups to a Destination Retreat
Embers & Ash began as a passion project for Chef Chris Binotto, bringing immersive live-fire dining experiences to Southern California. What started as a pop-up dinner series quickly gained momentum, with Chris curating unforgettable meals around open flames, collaborating with top chefs, and crafting unique, high-level culinary events.
With years of experience in fine dining, private events, and live-fire cooking, Chris envisioned something more—a place where food, fire, and hospitality could come together in a permanent setting. That vision led him to a beautiful five-acre farm near the lake in Michigan, where Embers & Ash evolved from a pop-up concept into a full-service wedding venue, private event space, and bed & breakfast.
Today, Embers & Ash offers an exclusive and peaceful escape for guests looking to celebrate, dine, and reconnect with nature. The property is designed to create unforgettable moments, whether through the food, the setting, or the experience itself. Weddings and private events are brought to life with on-property catering, featuring live-fire and traditional menus tailored to anything from elegant fine dining to relaxed, family-style gatherings. Guests staying at the bed & breakfast can wake up to farm-fresh eggs from the on-site coop, prepared each morning as part of a thoughtfully crafted breakfast experience. Beyond dining, the farm invites guests to immerse themselves in hands-on experiences, from wine-pairing dinners and BBQ cookouts to overnight camping with primal cooking, creating opportunities to connect with food, fire, and nature in a way that feels both elevated and deeply personal.
What started as a pop-up has grown into a place where fire meets hospitality, where every meal is an experience, and where guests can celebrate, relax, and indulge in the beauty of simple, intentional living.