Cape May – Dec. 29 -The historic 1885 Merion Inn reopened Tuesday, Dec. 28 five days after a multi-alarm fire gutted the second and third floors of the building. The restaurant was left virtually unscathed save for damage in the back dining room where the ceiling collapsed and is currently under repair.
Owner Vicki Watson was at the helm last night as was jazz pianist George Mesterhazy, whose Grand piano was unharmed in the blaze which broke out at around 7 a.m. Dec. 23 on the second floor. Although the cause of the fire is believed to be accidental, details have yet to emerge. The restaurant will remain open through the New Year’s weekend.
Both Watson and Mesterhazy were rescued from the roof of the building. Erik Watson, brother of Vicki, was pulled from the second floor and was airlifted to Temple Burn Center by Atlantic Air Two where he remains in critical but stable condition.
For reservations click here: The Merion Inn
This is horrble. Great place. Hope everyone is ok.
I'm so sorry. I hope the occupant heals quickly and that the owners are able to rebuild easily and quickly. Wishing you all a Happy, healthy New Year!
Merion Inn is just about my most favorite restaurant in Cape May. I've sampled crab cakes for years and they have the best. LOVE George Mesterhazy. I'm hoping that they can repair and get back to normal very soon. So sorry about the loss of the holiday business.
Oh no! I hope everyone is okay! :( This is one of the best places in Cape May and I just bought a gift certificate for my parents for Christmas! I hope they can open the restaurant – it's one of the oldest – if not the oldest – restaurants in Cape May.
How terrible!! I feel so badly for George, Vicki and the injured person. They are in my prayers.
We were so sad to hear about the fire. My husband and I always eat there whenever we visit Cape May. We hope they can reopen the restaurant since Cape May will not be the same without it!
I hope George Mesterhazy, who is a pianist, isn't sad about the fire that destroyed the third floor of the Merion Inn. In the mean time, George Mestehazy will have to perform sonewhere else. I also hope that the occupant is recovering at a hospital.
What a tragedy! Please send our best wishes and prayers to George, Vicki, and all who love the Merion. We'll be watching for fundraisers or other activities to help them rebuild. Hope to see you all soon!
Love, Patricia and Clyde Sain
Prayers are coming your way from Savannah Georgia. One of my favorite moments in 2010 was my June visit to Cape May and singing at the Merion Inn with George and his incredibly talented friends on Tuesday's jam night!! I look forward to seeing everyone again in 2011.
Love,
Kim
PS(Thanks Howard Paul for passing this on to me!!)
kind thoughts from pittsburgh. my wife and i and my parents who are deceased, love the food, service, and classy atmosphere of the
best venue in cape may. prayers that all is well and we'll see you on july 24-july31, 2011. best wishes.
I am so glad the restaurant reopened. We were there last summer with friends, and enjoyed it immensely. If George ever needs a pianist to sub for him, I would love to audition or send you one of my recordings. Best of luck!