
The new Essex Shipyard restaurant is on track for its opening this summer! [Edit: The restaurant will be opening on Thursday, June 6.] We’ve told you about how the former Rudder Club has been transformed and have been keeping you updated on the approaching opening of the new restaurant Chez Lin & Rays. Now it’s time to share the restaurant’s progress again!
Hear the current updates straight from one of the co-chefs/owners, Linda Faville:
All is going well and I think we are still on track for a June 1st opening, although we keep discovering additional projects. With this beautiful weather as inspiration, we have gotten a lot accomplished in the past few weeks. Readying the kitchen has been a major challenge. It has been scrubbed and painted from ceiling to floor. All the equipment has been inspected, cleaned and made operational. We are now setting up the various workstations, like salad prep, desserts and coffee, and dish washing.
Likewise, the dining room and small bar have been cleaned and painted, although we still need to finish the floors. We have added some decorative touches and lighting. The place is definitely coming to life! We ordered and are waiting to receive various tabletop items, such as table clothes, napkins and flower vases.
Over the past few days, we met with several food and beverage representatives and have finalized our menu and beer & wine lists. Just have to get printed! How does a cold glass of sparkling Moscato with baked Brie and fig jam sound?

Chez Lin & Rays will be serving lunch and dinner right on the water. The tentative operating season will be June 1st to mid-Sept. They will be serving every day all day starting at 11:30 am. Reservations will be helpful and appreciated, but not mandatory.
There is a large, outdoor deck overlooking the lake, as well as indoor dining. I’ve seen the new in-progress dining room, and it has a very fresh look but an old-fashioned, slightly nautical feel. I can’t wait to see what it looks like when the final touches have been made!
Being part of the marina, the restaurant atmosphere will be casual & relaxing. The food will be American-Continental, fresh & tasty using local ingredients when possible, and moderately priced. Our menu will have many options, from “small plates” to “light fare” to traditional “entrees.”
Find sample menu items and more on their blog.
Help Wanted

Chez Lin & Rays is now hiring! Regarding job openings, they have waitstaff, kitchen assistant, cleaning staff, and yard care positions available.
Anyone interested should stop by the Shipyard Marina and ask for Linda or Ray. Or call the Shipyard at 518-963-4024.
Related articles
- Rudder Club Becomes Chez Lin & Rays (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
- Adirondack Artists’ and Writers’ Retreat (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
- Depot Theatre Gallery’s Julie Warren Reception & Internships Announced (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
- 1954 LCT Ferry Brochure (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
- 1958 Vintage Ferry Brochure (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)

Leave a Reply