Though there are many, the hidden jewel of Shelter Island is the Ram’s Head Inn. Tourism began on the island in the 1800’s when New Yorkers sought solace and wanted to escape the heat of the bustling city. The Island is known for its New England style and has become a go to when seeking a quaint but refined and less polished destination.
As Leonardo DaVinci once wrote, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”.
Mrs. Joan Covey of Great Neck, built the inn and then invited her swanky 20’s Gold Coast crowd with lowered rates in 1929. We must remember that 1929 was the beginning of the worst economic downfall in the history of the industrialized world. Wall Street was filled with dread and consternation. Her Real Estate list at the time must have been tremendously amazing with world decision makers and trendsetters from the political, financial and art world. It was the best of the best. Think of Gatsby’s world on vacation out east in a private hamlet, at a private inn. I’m sure it was a sight to be seen. This sophisticated group of diverse intellectuals must have only bonded on a deeper level at such a relaxing and beautiful resort.
Speaking of intellectuals, the best at their game in the subculture of physics assembled their conclave at the inn in 1947 which was called the Shelter Island Conference. The Ram’s Head Inn was the site for talks on the foundations of Quantum Mechanics which was arranged and attended by Robert Oppenheimer.
“It was the first time that people who had all this physics pent up in them for five years could talk to each other without somebody peering over their shoulders and saying, ‘Is this cleared?'” Julina Schwinger
Today, the current owners, husband and wife James and Linda Eklund who have owned the inn since 1979, invite guests to enjoy the picturesque sunsets, fine dining and New England styled accommodations. There is a lush sloping lawn that offers Adirondack chairs for sunset cocktails, a quaint gazebo that overlooks Coecles Harbor which is filled with sailboats and the bay beach across the street. The hotel has a dock to accommodate boats coming in for dinner or for an overnight stay. Guests also have their pick of a fleet of sailboats, kayaks and paddleboards and full access to the onsite tennis and bocce courts.
“We attribute the Inn’s success and longevity to its accessibility and incomparable settings. Guests need only to walk out onto the front lawn to be immersed in the beauty of their surroundings and the undeniable charm of being on an island.” Linda Eklund
The Inn has an onsite farm-to-table restaurant, led by Chef Matt Murphy. The chef focuses on local produce, game and seafood. Favorites include: The Hazelnut Crusted Goat Cheese salad and the Long Island Crescent Farms Duck Confit.
“Our menu celebrates both the richness and simplicity of the local agriculture.”
said Matt Murphy, Chef, Ram’s Head Inn.
Spring Menu
starters
Roasted Fennel Soup 12
celery leaves, almond milk, croutons
Spiced Foie Gras Terrine 16
local honey, brioche croutons, jellies
Bibb Lettuce Salad 14
green goddess dressing, crispy bacon, blue cheese, garlic croutons
Oysters and Caviar 16
crème fraiche, cucumber, salmon caviar
Roasted Mussels 14
saffron, tomato, shallots, garlic
Caesar Salad in Parmesan 12
romaine, parmesan, garlic croutons
Baby Arugula Salad 14
white bean puree, roasted shallots, orange sherry vinaigrette
Hazelnut Crusted Goat Cheese 16
pickled beets, arugula, orange truffle honey
entrees
Poached Halibut 34
orzo, cabbage, Chinese black beans, sake, mint
Long Island Crescent Farms Duck Confit 32
polenta, assorted chutneys, green beans
House Smoked Trout 28
serrano ham wrapped, fingerling potatoes spicy tomato sauce, aioli
Braised Rabbit 32
cous cous, apricots, mustard sauce, limas
Herb and Mustard Crusted Rack of Lamb 38
gratin potatoes, braised carrot
Salt Crusted Filet Mignon 38
garlic mashed potato, red wine sauce, asparagus, crispy shallots
Bucatini Pasta 26
chicken, lemon, herbed bread crumbs, spinach
Jumbo Sea Scallops 38
smoked duck risotto, butternut squash, bacon, parmesan
desserts-12
Fresh Strawberries
black pepper, Beaujolais syrup, vanilla bean crème fraiche, coulis
Banana Pudding Panna Cotta
caramel and chocolate sauces
Caramelized Walnut Tart
coffee ice cream
Baked Apples
dried fruits, almonds, amaretto, reduced cream
Chocolate Napoleon
whipped cream, raspberries
On Tuesday evenings in the summer season local vineyards hold onsite wine tasting along with live local music performances in the Inn’s music and cocktail lounge, Harbor Hall, providing sunset revelry at its finest. Sunday nights feature a long standing jazz quartet in Harbor Hall– the perfect send-off for those unlucky enough to have work on Monday.
In high season, shared bath $150 per night weekdays, $195 weekends, private bath $275 weekday and $325 weekends. Two bedroom suites $350 weekdays, $425 weekends. All include continental breakfast, wi-fi and use of property amenities. For off season rates, contact the property.
Please visit the Ram’s Head Inn HERE or call 631-749-0811
