By DONALD WITTKOWSKI
Whether you’re having dinner with friends or family or sipping drinks while savoring bayfront views, the Deauville Inn offers the ideal setting to celebrate the holidays.
The historic restaurant overlooking Corson’s Inlet in the tiny town of Strathmere combines old-fashioned charms with modern amenities as part of its transformation under owner Tim Fox, who bought the Deauville in late 2019.
Among the changes, Executive Chef TJ Ricciardi, who took charge of the kitchen last year, has revamped the menu by combining flair with favor for an array of entrees, appetizers, sandwiches and lots more for the holidays.
“All we’re getting is five-star ratings,” Deauville media director Paul Shust said of the acclaimed food. “Our food is fresh. We have fresh oysters right out of the bay. We have local produce.”
“We’re really trying to keep everything local,” he added. “The food has care to it. It’s not senseless.”
The Deauville is welcoming visitors for the holidays with a lineup of entertainment to complement the food and drinks.
On Christmas Eve, the holiday fun will unfold during an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party featuring drink specials.
For New Year’s Eve, the Deauville is offering a three-course dinner topped off by a champagne toast for $90. Reservations are required for spots in the dining room.
From 8 p.m. to midnight New Year’s Eve, there will also be live music by the Usual Suspects and special menu selections included with an entry ticket for $25.
To celebrate the arrival of 2022, the Deauville will have a Sunday brunch on New Year’s Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Brunch is also available on other Sundays, not just New Year’s Day.
Livening up things on Thursday nights, solo guitarist Joe Napoli performs in the dining room from 6-9 p.m. as part of the Deauville’s winter entertainment.
Throughout the winter, the Deauville will be open seven days a week, something that Shust said is important for everyone to know.
The Deauville also is a favorite venue for catered special events during the holidays and other times throughout the year. They include family dinners, birthday parties, corporate affairs and more.
“I think our space is rather beautiful,” Shust said of the Deauville’s facilities for special events. “We have so much to offer in that space.”
The Deauville is also beginning to book weddings for the 2022 season. With its picturesque water views, the Deauville has become a top wedding destination.
Shust noted that the Deauville’s distinctive setting offers couples all the services and amenities they want for a memorable wedding, reception or rehearsal dinner.
“We have weddings from 25 people to 250 people. They are on the beach or on the lawn. Anything they can think of, we have everything they need,” he said.
The Deauville has a special events director who is also a professional wedding planner.
“We can design the weddings and even do the furniture,” Shust said. “We can do one-stop service for the weddings. We want everyone to know that they don’t have to go out for al a carte services for their weddings when they come here.”
The Deauville has evolved through many stages during its colorful history. The building dates to 1881 and originally operated as the Whelen Hotel before becoming the Deauville Inn.
According to historical accounts, the Deauville flourished in the 1920s and later as a speakeasy and illicit casino during Prohibition.
Gloria Carpenter and her late husband, Walter, bought the Deauville in 1980 and owned it for 40 years before selling to Tim Fox.
Fox, the founder of Fox Rehabilitation, a healthcare company that specializes in physical and occupational therapy for older adults, undertook an extensive renovation and expansion of the property to create a more upscale atmosphere for customers.
The Deauville Inn is located at 201 Willard Road, Strathmere. For more information, visit deauvilleinn.com or call (609) 263-2080.
