Montauk Pioneer - May 15, 2009 - Chamber Mixer At MYC

The Montauk Yacht Club opened and showed off their newly decorated interior last Thursday, May 7, with a cocktail party for the Montauk and East Hampton Chambers of Commerce.

About 60 people gathered around the new pool in the spa of the club, and then wandered into the newly decorated inside bar and History Room, with archival photos of Montauk fishermen. Throughout the halls, leading to the rooms, were bright new blue and white carpets, and inside the new suites was nautical blue and white décor, framed rope knots, white walls, and navy couches and accessories. The suites have beautiful, restful views of Lake Montauk.

At this Chamber event, General Manager Lloyd Van Horn greeted the guests, as well as his Assistant Manager, Erika Austin, and the new Executive Chef Michael Domitrovich. He has brought over his family from Martha's Vineyard, where they owned and operated a well-known restaurant called, "Lola's." Chef Michael, 28, has also worked in top NYC restaurants. He specializes in seafood and steaks.

"I'm very excited to be starting a new season at this club, with my family," he said. "I look forward to a great season, with a great menu and our newly decorated dining room, which I designed myself." The new dining room style is casual, cozy and elegant.

"I want my guests to feel as if they're being served in their homes," said Domitrovich, who is also a food and creative writer.

At this event, Larraine Creegan, Executive Director of the Montauk Chamber of Commerce, and Marina Van, Executive Director of the East Hampton Chamber of Commerce, brought their members to see the newly renovated club. Also in attendance were Carl Darenberg, Treasurer of the Montauk Chamber, who is busy organizing the upcoming Harbor Festival at the Montauk Docks, for the weekend of June 13-14. This event raises money for the Montauk Chamber each year, and this year it is also being held the weekend of the Blessing of the Fleet. Deborah Thompson and daughter Bailey, of the Deborah Thompson Day Spa, were also on hand, along with Rose Schwarz of Endz Salon, B.J. Wilson, Gabrielle and Kai of Kai-Kai Sandals, and many other local business people.

Larraine Kreegan said she looks forward to a busy summer season with so many Chamber events planned, from the annual Harborfest to the annual fundraising party at the Montauk Lighthouse.

Many people were admiring the old photos of the yacht club and its famous fishermen. All of them were blown up, framed, and hung in the halls and in the new History Room. In these photos are many famous local anglers, which were donated by the Darenberg, Drobecker, Tuma, Edwards, Pitts, Grimes, Clemenz, and other local families.

The Montauk Yacht Club is now in full swing for the season, with a new menu featuring seafood and other coastal favorites, and it's also a great place to plan your wedding or convention. So make your reservations now for a wonderful summer by the lake.