Chef Joe Churchman joins Cuvée Ray Wine Bar & Restaurant

Cuvée Ray Wine Bar & Restaurant is new to the downtown Rehoboth Beach dining scene, but the face in the kitchen is familiar. Joe Churchman is the executive chef. Formerly of Bramble & Brine, Churchman is known for his skill and inventiveness.

"Opening Cuvée Ray allows us to share our passion for wine," said Ray Kurz, the attorney-turned-restaurateur who co-owns the restaurant with his wife Debbie. "By having Joe on board, we can also show how wines pair with exquisitely prepared cuisine. We're very fortunate to have him."

Born in Abington, Pa., Churchman grew up in Rehoboth Beach. He was 15 when he started working in beach-area restaurants. After graduating from Cape Henlopen High School, he studied film, special effects, web design and coding at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. He then returned to the Delaware coast to work in such celebrated restaurants as Eden and JAM in Rehoboth.

Churchman's background is diverse. He also worked at Le Virtu in Philadelphia, and he is the former owner of the acclaimed Bramble & Brine in Rehoboth Beach.

He feels at home at Cuvée Ray Wine Bar & Restaurant. "Working in a wine-centric restaurant has allowed me to flex my creativity," Churchman said. "Ray and Debbie have some fun ideas, including happy hours that feature special dishes inspired by live music. We'll also pair wines with music."

Sydney Arzt, who once owned Sydney's Jazz & Blues Restaurant in the same space as Cuvée Ray, is booking the entertainment, which will also include a champagne jazz brunch on Sundays.

"As first-time restaurateurs, Debbie and I couldn't be happier to have such seasoned pros on board," Kurz said. "Our guests are in for a multisensory treat."

For updates on Cuvée Ray, which is expected to open in early summer, go to www.cuveeray.com.