The name Benagerie is a play on my last name, Benage, and the word menagerie—a gathering of many different things, living together in one place.

That idea felt right from the beginning.

In cooking, a meal is often a collection of ingredients that might not seem connected at first; vegetables from the garden, herbs from a windowsill, grains, spices, and stories from different traditions.

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When brought together thoughtfully, they create something nourishing and whole.

Benagerie is built on that same idea.​

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Founded by chef Hannah Benage, Benagerie reflects a lifelong belief that meals can bring people together in meaningful ways.

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I'm aiming to create a place where different people, experiences, and paths come together around food. Sometimes that looks like a cooking class where strangers become friends by the end of the evening. Sometimes it’s a garden dinner shared under the evening sky. Sometimes it’s helping someone learn how to cook a meal that gives them a little more independence in their daily life.

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At its heart, Benagerie is about creating spaces where people can gather, learn, and feel welcomed at the table.

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Because food has always been about more than what we eat—it's about how we care for one another.