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By Sandra J. Pennecke
Correspondent
GREAT BRIDGE
Legend has it fishermen's wives stood on shore and held colorful lanterns to guide their husbands home.
A new restaurant in Chesapeake, Amber Lantern, may soon be guiding patrons from near and far to enjoy a fine-dining experience in a casual atmosphere on the Intracoastal Waterway.
Phil Templeton, his wife, Beth, and children, Sarah Amber, 20, and Clark Daniel, 17, opened the family business off Dominion Boulevard in November 2009.
A builder by trade, Templeton traveled back and forth past the location, in a protected waterway of the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River, when he was building apartments, retail and houses in the area.
"This is the gateway to Chesapeake from North Carolina. Nintey-five percent of boats going south and north go by here," said Templeton, who knew he wanted to purchase the property.
On the Fourth of July 2008 he opened Top Rack Marina, a dry storage marina in the same location. Top Rack can store up to 250 boats and sells new and used boats.
Frank Dunton, of Midlothian, stores his 260 Sea Ray Cruiser at Top Rack and has dined in the restaurant on numerous occasions.
"I believe once you've eaten there, it'll make you a return customer," said Dunton.
Amber Lantern Restaurant, located on the second floor of the new brick building, features two dining rooms and an eat-in full bar area with waterfront views.
The menu offers a variety of tapas, pasta, vegetarian dishes and organic salads. Entrees include Angus filet and New York strip steaks, duck, Alaskan wild salmon, lamb chops and much more, all reasonably priced.
"The menu is very original and healthy. It is a fusion of Mediterranean and Tuscan. We offer a lit bit of everything," said Carmelo Muroni, executive chef, who has been in the business for 30 years and hails from Sardinia, Italy.
Templeton made sure to surround himself with the best of the best and provided top-of-the-line equipment at both the marina and restaurant.
"As a chef, it's like a Ferrari," said Muroni of the kitchen.
"We also have a great team of people," said Brittanie Prosser, restaurant manager.
On the third floor, full-service banquet rooms are available to cater parties of 50 to 180 guests. Kim Prosser, banquet manager, said they're ready to book wedding receptions, birthday parties, Navy ceremonies, and more.
The banquet area can be sectioned off into three rooms and comes complete with a dance floor, two bars, 280 parking spots and a breathtaking landscape.
Plans to open a convenience store, called The Sea Store, are also in the works for the first floor of the building, which houses the marina's offices.
"He's created something very unique here," said Muroni. "I think Chesapeake is in for a big shock."
Sandra J. Pennecke, Pennecke@cox.net
Amber Lantern
My husband and I have eaten here twice and it was delicious both times. The article is right, once you visit you will be a returning customer.