Michael Ryan has spent his career in hospitality. He’s opened restaurants around the world.
But as a longtime Westporter, he’s always been fascinated by Longshore. The Inn — beautifully situated, now a bit long in the tooth — has enormous potential. The restaurant — now closed — also has the chance to be something special.
For the past several months, Ryan has worked on both properties.
He’s partnered with Greenwich Hospitality Group — owner of the Delamar Hotels, and the new operator of the Inn at Longshore.
Renovating the Inn is a long-term project. Fortunately for a few dozen brides, their weddings have gone on without a hitch (so to speak).
The big news is that a pop-up restaurant will appear soon, in the old Pearl space.
The restaurant at the Inn at Longshore is a spectacular location.
“La Plage” — French for “the beach” (though the menu will be “coastal,” rather than French) — hopes to be open by the end of July.
Work was underway this week. Floors have been stripped; the interior is lighter; the deck and patio are as inviting as ever.
“This spot deserves something special,” says Ryan.
Meanwhile, he is looking for help. The labor shortage is real. He’s put out a call for everyone: kitchen help, front of the house, bartenders, servers, hosts. If interested, email mryan@innatlongshore.com.
And keep checking “06880” for news. The moment La Plage opens, you’ll know.
Reminiscent of “Cafe De La Plage” over by Old Mill Beach.
CAFE DE LA PLAGE WAS ONE OF THE BEST . . THE FOOD. THE VIEW THE SERVICE. I REMEMBER IT WELL . . .AND UP THE STREET WAS UCICLINI’S [SP?] CLAM SOMETHING RESTAURANT ON THE OLD MILL POND. AS ARCHIE WOULD SAY, THEM WERE THE DAYS.
The Uccellinis owned Allen’s Clam House!
THANKS DAN. YOUR MEMORY IS OBVIOUSLY BETTER THAN MINE!
Does pop-up in this case mean temporary? Hope so. When peeking into the windows yesterday, it looked overly casual and simple, not what I was hoping for from the owners of Artisan and L’Escale.
This is a restaurant site that is difficult to equal.
It has remained in questionable condition for too
many years; and when I invited four friends to
the inn several years ago, they were astounded
by the view, the potential of it’s location, and it’s
proximity to the water and water activities. The
quality of the food at that time however was not
equal to that location…….
Congrats on the reopening; Westport has long
been in need of a great restaurant and location! – RDL
Congratulations to Michael Lonsdale. I’m sure it’s well deserved. If they gave Emmys for neighbors he’d get another one too!