By Steffen Klenk
Located in the heart of Strathmere, just south of Ocean City, sits an extraordinary waterfront restaurant with over 130 years of history.
Built in 1881 by James P. Carothers, the Deauville Inn originally operated as a hotel. During the late 1890s, as the local fishing industry flourished, traders and whalers would patronize the Inn. It is rumored that the Deauville once had a casino in one the upper rooms during Prohibition.
In the destructive Ash Wednesday Storm in 1962, with over twenty foot waves, the building stood unscathed. In 1980, Walter Carpenter and his wife Gloria took over the property and became caretakers of the building. After nearly 40 years, the property was recently purchased by longtime Strathmere resident Tim Fox.
Last year, the Deauville Inn unveiled their newly renovated look, overseen by Taffer Dynamics, a hospitality company lead by Bar Rescue host Jon Taffer. When in town, those who walk up are immediately introduced to their updated bar and lounge, perfect for watching all the big games, a grand dining room with a full bar, and their expanded outdoor patio. In addition to these recent renovations, a brand new package goods store is attached to the building.
This past year, the Deauville has hired TJ Ricciardi as their new Executive Chef. Chef Ricciardi is a South Jersey local who has been in the culinary businesses for more than a decade. He has worked closely with some of the most renowned chefs in the region, from Stephen Kalt, Tom Harkins, and his close mentor Luke Palladino. Ricciardi describes working closely with Palladino. “What he brought to me was the understanding of seasonality of local.”
Ricciardi’s recent culinary adventure saw him opening the Sinatra, an Upscale Italian Restaurant at the Encore Boston Harbor Resort by Steve Wynn. TJ has since relocated to Sea Isle City with his wife and three kids to head the re-visioned Deauville Inn.
Ricciardi has also introduced a revamped menu to reflect the recent changes. Some of their latest dishes include a delicious Grilled Swordfish, Oyster Po’Boy Sandwich and Fresh Onion Soup, along with nightly chef specials. The current menu reflects a focus on using quality, fresh ingredients, and using vegetables that are in peak season, such as root vegetables and winter lettuce.
With their dining room, sports bar, outdoor dining and beachfront bar, the Deauville Inn is not just a restaurant, but is becoming the destination on the Jersey Shore. Diners can expect more changes in the coming months with an updated menu, expanded with seasonal flavors. And, those who are ready to dine can be assured the restaurant adheres to the latest health standards.
Deauville Inn is located conveniently off of Ocean Drive, at 201 Willard Rd. in Strathmere. They are open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. To view the latest information and their up-to-date menu, visit their website at www.deauvilleinn.com.
Steffen Klenk is a multimedia journalist. He resides in Ocean City and enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life.
