Dining a la Craven
Sheraton New Bern Hotel and Marina Restaurant
Imagine
sitting on a large, shaded deck overlooking the 
If
this sounds like something you would enjoy, then head to the Sheraton in New
Bern any Sunday afternoon between 4 and 8 p.m. for “Jazz on the Trent,”
and event orchestrated by Judy Stasinopoules, promotions and entertainment
coordinator at the Sheraton.
Judy
started by having jazz performed in the bar on Friday nights, but soon
realized that jazz music is something people of all ages can enjoy.
With
the summer season and fair weather on her side, she decided to make the music
available to everyone by moving it outdoors and built an event around the
music.
Judging
by the crowd, Judy had a great idea.
All of
her guests seemed to be enjoying the seafood, the view, and the music.
Allow me to elaborate:
The
menu on Sundays for “Jazz on the
You
can order items individually, or opt as I did for the combination, which is a
very large platter of oysters, clams, mussels, Jonah crab claws, steamed
shrimp, and hush puppies. There is
plenty to share, and it is very good.
All
seafood platters are served with drawn butter and cocktail sauce.
A
full service bar right on the deck ensures your favorite cocktail or cold
beverage is readily available, and the wait staff will keep your tea and water
glasses full.
The
outdoor deck at the Sheraton is right beside the
The
boats lining the harbor are beautiful, and it is relaxing to watch them come
and go. My dinner companion
noticed a few of the larger vessels had their sliding glass doors open, and
the occupants were sitting in their cozy chairs listening to the music from
the water side.
Also
in view from the deck is the bridge into downtown
In a
time of high-rise bridges and fast lanes, which keep the flow of traffic
moving, it is nice to watch people stop and allow someone else to pass by.
Every
Sunday this summer, a different jazz ensemble will play.
The
Sunday I was there, Dalt Berringer and John Van Dyke were the featured
performers.
Dalt,
the keyboardist, and John, the vocalist, met at the local improv theater and
began performing together as a duo.
Later
they invited Ross Hamby, saxophone player, and Bob Dumon, trumpet and
flugelhorn player, to join them.
Together
they perform classics including “
The
Dalt Berringer group also welcomed a guest vocalist, Vaughn Lewis, who sang
“In Other Words,” “I Love You,” and “You’re Nobody ‘Til Somebody
Loves You.”
In
addition to seafood and jazz every Sunday, the Sheraton has a regular “All
Day Dining” menu that is served 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Sunday through
Thursday, and 11 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
This
menu consists of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and desserts.
The
Sheraton also hosts Friday night deck parties with an assortment of
entertainment and a casual menu including chicken tenders, hot wings, burgers,
sandwiches, and nachos.
On
Friday, June 30, Panyélo, an authentic reggae band, will be performing on the
deck.
The
next time you are wondering “what is there to do around here?” remember
the Sheraton New Bern Hotel and Marina Restaurant, located in the heart of
historic New Bern.
Judy
Stasinopoules and staff are more than able to accommodate any of your dining,
entertainment and travel needs.
Quick
Bites
Sheraton
Address:
Phone: (252) 638-3585
Hours: “All Day Dining”: Sun.-Thurs. 11
a.m.-10 p.m. and Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; “Friday Night Deck
Parties”: 6-10:30 p.m.; “Sunday Jazz on the
Reservations: Recommended.
Payment: Cash, MasterCard, Visa.
6/02/06
See the previously reviewed restaurants on the Restaurant Archive page
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