The Crow’s Nest Unveiled at Madison Beach Hotel

On March 22, Madison Beach Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, a AAA Four Diamond Award-winning boutique resort and Top Performer for the Hilton brand, hosted an intimate group of special guests to christen the redesign of a time-honored space on the property, The Crow’s Nest. A gathering spot for cocktails and conversation since the 1950’s, The Crow’s Nest lounge is located in The Wharf.

General Manager John Mathers greeted guests at the unveiling with a storied history of the space, dating back to 1828 when Madison was a shipbuilding town, and the hotel was a boarding house for the dock workers.

“As the wooden shipbuilding industry waned with the development of steamships and railroads, summer folk discovered Madison, vacationers flocking from large New England cities,” said Mathers. “By 1930, this old boarding house became The Flower Hotel having been purchased and renovated by The Flower Family who turned the building sideways, so it faced the water.”

Mathers told of the colorful hotel ownership history, leading to purchase and eventual rebuilding by Ric and Dawn Duques, and the affiliation with the Curio Collection by Hilton in 2015.

Ric’s family has a rich 100-year history with Madison and, from an early age, the town and West Wharf held an important place in Ric’s heart. That passion drove his and his wife’s decision to purchase the original Madison Beach Hotel and later make a commitment to invest in its rebirth.

Guests to The Crow’s Nest unveiling were greeted with a glass of 1967 Petrus, an extremely rare collectors wine stored in an underground cellar for over 50 years. Sommelier Tanya Porcelli was on hand to discuss the vintage.

Madison Beach Hotel Executive Chef Brian Warmingham prepared a spectacular charcuterie board and passed hors d’oeurves, featuring port-brined lamb lollipop with mint pesto; classic oysters Rockefeller made with Noank oysters from Groton, Conn.; George’s Banks scallop crudo with Thai chili and mint; spicy tuna on wonton chip, wakame salad and avocado crema; house cured pork belly bao buns with pickles, cilantro and peanuts; and seacoast wild mushroom tart, goat cheese bechamel, and pomegranate glaze.

Among attendees were renowned Chef Jacques Pepin of Madison; “The Beehive Queen” Christine Ohlman who has been performing at the hotel since the 1970’s; members of the Duques family, current owners of Madison Beach Hotel; Brooke Thomas, senior director of the Curio Collection by Hilton; and Lou Carrier, President of Distinctive Hospitality Group which manages Madison Beach Hotel.

“When Madison Beach Hotel was rebuilt and reopened in 2012, the hotel was beautiful,” said Mathers. “The dining room was too big, not very personal, not very intimate. And that brings us to why we're here tonight.”

Mathers explained The Crow’s Nest is now redesigned to be a warm and inviting space where guests can converse, enjoy a cocktail, meet with friends, in a place that pays homage to the place of bygone days.