New Weathervane Building Is Open

(Photo by Bob Miles)

The Weathervane, Charlevoix's newest and most unique restaurant, has opened in a new building located on the north bank of Pine River at Memorial bridge at the sign of the weathervane.

Planned and constructed with great imagination by Earl . A. Young, local realtor on the site of the former Argo Milling Co., the dining room is located in the west section of the building and features on unobstructed view of passing boats on the river as well as of Lake Michigan, Round Lake and Lake Charlevoix.

Willlam Flynn, a veteran of 47 years in the hotel business, former manager of the historic Inn Hotel here and former owner of the Beach Hotel, has leased the restaurant.

He has been fortunate to secure as chef of the Weathervane Roberto D'Pacetti of Chicago, who has had 40 years experience at luxury clubs and hotels. Last season he was at the Little Harbor Club at Harbor Springs and last winter was executive chef at Moraine-by-the-Lake in Highland Park, Ill.

Ranked as one of the top banquet chefs in the country, he has served as manager-chef at the Delaware Country Club and chief steward at Forest Hills, N.Y.

The Weathervane is his first restaurant.

Mrs. D'Pacetti, who is a salad specialist as well as pastry cook, has had 20 years experience in Earl restaurants in Washington, D.C. where she became manager of foods. During World War II she taught cooking and baking at Camp Oglethorpe for the U. S. Army. Since then she has been supervisor of foods at Block Brothers in Indianapolis and Lurba Brothers-Earl restaurants Inc. in Washington.

A 'summer pantry' service is also available at the Weathervane where home-baked pies and rolls as well as home made chicken and shrimp salads, cold cuts and other choice foods may be purchased to take out.

Mrs. Margaret Driggett has been engaged as dining room hostess.

Housed elsewhere in the building is Maus and Hoffman which feature men's wear and Carriage Trade Inc., original styles in dresses, playclothes and accessories, both with winter shops in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., the Shop of the Gulls featuring outstanding and unusual gifts and the offices of the owner, Earl A. Young.