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Media Reviews of the Ram's Head Inn and the Chequit Inn
The Chequit Inn “The most beautiful place to dine alfresco on a warm day may be on the wraparound porch at this delightful 1872 Shelter Island inn where the glorious views and lovely atmosphere are matched by the terrific, innovative New American seafood menu and fine selection of local wines; a memorable favorite, it's everything a country restaurant should be.” ~ Zagat Survey, 2000-2001 Long Island Update on the Chequit Inn ~ “A quote from Winston Churchill is inscribed on one of the beams at this handsome 1872 inn: THIS TIGHT LITTLE ISLAND WILL SOMEHOW SURVIVE. Of course, he was referring to Great Britain, not Shelter Island, but if the frenzied Hamptons ever party themselves to death, quiet little Shelter Island (and the Chequit Inn) will certainly survive.
“Originally built as a meetinghouse for the historic Shelter Island Heights community, the Chequit Inn remains the centerpiece of the peaceful village. It has a total of 35 antiques-filled rooms in its three buildings and a commanding view of Dering Harbor. As for the curious name, chequit is a Manhasset Indian word of 'weakfish'.”
“When my friend suggested that we drive from East Hampton to the Chequit Inn on a bright Sunday afternoon, I was all for it. I conjured up the memory of the last time we had been there for a delicious afternoon meal. That was enough to bring back the tang of tasty food, excellent service, and a relaxed atmosphere where you don't have to be 'dressy.' I felt quite comfortable wearing slacks, open shirt and sport coat-the last of which was not a 'must,' but simply a warm item to ward off chilly April breezes when taking the ferry, getting out of the car and strolling up to the bow for a better view-experiencing a touch of spray on your face. “Arriving early-and before the restaurant was crowded-we had the choice of having our meal in the spacious interior dining area, or the sunny patio. We chose an inside table near a window which commanded a beautiful view of the distant harbor framed by forsythia, evergreens and budding trees. I commented to my friend how clean and attractive the dining room was: soft lights, shining floors, fresh tulips on all the tables.
“Looking over the [menu], it was difficult to make a choice from all the tempting items. I wasn't disappointed with my selections…. Portions are always generous at the Chequit Inn. I don't know how we managed to finish our servings and still consider desert and coffee. However, when our waitress told us that apple crunch had been freshly made, we decided to order some, topped with ice cream and a strawberry garnish; it added the perfect ending to a perfect meal.”
“The view, the ambiance and of course the superb cuisine makes this one of the most popular spots on Shelter Island.” ~ Great Restaurants of Long Island, Year 2001 Edition The Ram's Head Inn "A perfect mix of low key charm in a four star setting." ~ New York Magazine "The Ram's Head Inn embodies everything that is best about the island. The cedar-shingled house sits on a hill overlooking a spit of land with water on either side. From the back porch, you can look across Coecles Harbor and spot ospreys and their nests, large and saucer-shaped high atop telephone poles. Or you can rent bicycles and head into town for sandwiches at Island Food Center, or ride to Dering harbor, with its grand houses and yachts. The inn's 17 rooms are spacious and quaint: you can imagine them having housed generations of New Englanders. The restaurant serves everything from omelettes to lobster pistachio pie. If you want to head to the beach, it's just steps away, and your footprints may well be the only ones on it." ~ Travel & Leisure, April 2003 "At the Ram's Head Inn on Shelter Island, many people are unaware that it has an 800-foot beach on Coecles harbor and three outdoor dining areas: a covered porch off the dining room, a porch with awnings near the front door and a new informal terrace. All three provide superb views of the rolling lawn, beach and harbor." "Patrons at the bush-lined terrace can order from the casual terrace menu (raw bar, cheese platter, crab dip), as well as the more substantial dining room bill of fare. Those who eat in the open air can use the beach, its kayaks and 100 free boat moorings. The Southern cooking, with elegant European and Brazilian touches that is served in the Early American dining room is available on the porches and terrace, too." ~ The New York Times, May 2003 "New chef Alan Batson has done a complete overhaul of the menu at the famed Ram's Head Inn to rave reviews tailoring it to his classical Franch training and Southern fare with 'a dose of Brazilian samba.'" ~ Southampton Press “Alt.Hampton Shelter Island is the calmer, cooler, and less crowded option. Its cachet is in direct proportion to the Hamptons' reputation for overcrowded, overpriced summer-share madness. This means that Shelter Island has become pretty darn popular. Amazingly, however, it's still pretty darn idyllic. You can enjoy its pleasures in one of two basic ways. Check into Andre Balaz's Sunset Beach and hobnob with South Shore celebrities and Euro imports plucked from the Positano. Or slum it at one of the local inns like the Chequit, in the Heights, and forgo shrimp summer rolls and salsa for a game of pool and a burger at the Dory restaurant. Either way, this surprisingly hilly island sandwiched between Long Island's North and South Forks is a perfect mix of low-key charm and four-star setting. The beach is not the silk sand of the Hamptons, but calmer Peconic Bay is better for sailing and windsurfing. Get a guided two-hour kayak tour of the island, much of which is actually a nature preserve, or bike out to Little Ram Island to the east for a drink at the colonial Ram's Head Inn, famous for its view.” ~ Sarah Bernard, March 26, 2001 article about best 52 weekend getaways, in New York magazine “The quintessence of romantic, far from the crowd dining is at the Ram's Head Inn on Shelter Island. Picture a cooling ferry-boat ride, a drive along sleepy, country lanes, a sighting of ospreys on their highly perched nests and a lovely inn offering water views and good meals at the end of the journey. “Take the time to have a drink on the outdoor terrace and enjoy the calming vistas of sweeping lawn, Adirondack chairs, inviting hammocks, boats, beach and dock. The inn's dining room is equally inviting with its beautiful wood floor, area rugs, ceiling fans, antiques, tall flickering tapers and fresh flowers. “A duo of salads are the stars at appetizer time: Boston lettuce tossed with tasty pickled shallots, nectarines and goat cheese, and romaine in a lemon-garlic vinaigrette with capers, egg, tomato confit and a Parmesan tuile topper. “At a recent meal a special double-cut pork chop mated with potato-goat cheese dumplings and crowned with a bacon-Vadalia onion melange was the prime pick.
“The dessert everyone fought over was a martini glass filled with a tangy apricot-Grand Marnier sorbet."
“It would be hard to imagine a more delightful place to enjoy a spring repast than Shelter Island's gracious colonial-style inn, the Ram's Head Inn. Built in 1929, the inn is on a verdant spit of land called Ram Island, connected to the main island by scenic causeways. The dining room offers a green and peaceful view of the broad lawn sloping toward Coecles Harbor, and, if your timing is just right, one of our stunning East End sunsets. The view of your plate will be just as appealing…. The inn's wine list is one of the longest on the East End and includes a large selection of Long Island wines.” ~ Jane Starwood, The Wine Press, Guide to Long Island Wine Country “There's a sunny, open feeling about the Ram's Head ...the Ram's Head has an impressive kitchen... whiffs of salt water, light breezes, and glimpses of silver against the dark shore... you ought to make an evening of it, watching the light and the wine go down.” ~ New York Magazine “This place is so restorative to the soul...” ~ Newsday “A very gracious resort which has outstanding continental cuisine and a well stocked wine cellar.” ~ Sail Magazine “The Inn is a splendid place to have a wedding or corporate party since accommodations are available. This is a truly remarkable hide-away that you will never forget.” ~ Great Restaurants of Long Island, Year 2001 Edition Submit Your Own Review Fields marked with an * are required. |
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