The Latest Buzz

Alan Morstein, owner of Regi's American Bistro (1002 Light St., 410-539-7344), is now the proud overseer of more than 40,000 bees and his very own hive. "It's been so exciting," he says, as he looks forward to his new little workers buzzing around Federal Hill, pollinating the neighborhood flowers—and his own rooftop garden. Last year, Morstein, pictured, joined a growing number of restaurateurs who are cultivating vegetables and herbs on site. This year, he turned to beekeeping to help his heirloom tomatoes thrive, taking a course at Oregon Ridge. Getting fresh honey is secondary, he says, though he looks forward to that delicious aspect in the future. He's hoping his colleagues will join his efforts to promote bees in the city. "It will be better for everyone," he says. "You hear so much about bees being in trouble with urbanization and pesticides."