Share: 

A liquor license for Station on Kings? Yes!

February 9, 2018

I, too, was shocked to read in the Feb. 2 issue of The Cape Gazette that an application for a liquor license for Leisa Berlin's café/bakery/emporium, Station on Kings, was being protested. This was particularly remarkable because within less than a quarter of a mile are two establishments, one a pizza shop and the other a brew pub, next to a church, both with such licenses.

As an observer of the evolution of Lewes for the last 30 years and as a past property/business owner on Second Street, Lewes during the last 20 years, I have always marveled at the refined innovations that any of Leisa Berlin's enterprises represent. When she stated that "everything I have done has always been done with Lewes in mind," she is speaking the truth.

She, however, is too modest. What she does reflects a careful consideration for all. Her current project, Station on Kings, is a perfect example. What was a crumbling parking lot and a decaying replica of a train station, is now an esthetically pleasing structure with tasteful ornamentation, and provisions for a garden center and outdoor dining.

The first thing that struck me when I visited Station on Kings was universal access. There was no special ramp for the physically challenged, of which there are increasingly many. Rather, two graceful inclines as well as steps were provided to invite all to come in.

The interior of the building was spacious and airy, and harmonious with the outside. Every detail reflected thoughtfulness. From the fine tableware to the impeccably dressed and groomed staff, all reflected a tasteful elegance. The offerings too were perfect. There were pastries beyond description, cheese rarely found, handcrafted objects, to say nothing of a coffee "bar" that rivals the most touted coffee shops in the country. While I didn't have a meal, what I saw would challenge my strongest resolve to maintain dietary restraint.

While the diversity of the offering may well be attractive to visitors, this is no tourist trap. Rather the feel I got was it was more like a locals' oasis. I ran into a former Second Street restaurateur that I had not seen in years as well as other acquaintances.
The glass-enclosed dining area was alive but not overpoweringly noisy. Through the windows could be seen the garden center to be. A fine stone fountain is a centerpiece.

My final stop was the rest room. Again, Leisa's concern goes beyond "Lewes" but rather includes all of humanity. The room was unisex, physically accessible without the signs that say "handicapped." They were spacious, and impeccably furnished. Even the grab bars were not your commercially furnished ones, but instead finely crafted assistive devices.

Station on Kings is an asset to the entrance way to Lewes. A liquor license will only enhance the total experience for those who stop at the Oasis. I for one say, "Why not"? and I am going to express my feelings and belief to Robert Wiest, deputy commissioner in the Office of Alcohol Beverage Control Commissioner at: Robert.Wiest@State.de.us.

A meeting is set for Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 6 p.m., at Sussex Council Chambers, The Circle, in Georgetown.

Larry Sweigert
Lewes

 

  • A letter to the editor expresses a reader's opinion and, as such, is not reflective of the editorial opinions of this newspaper.

    To submit a letter to the editor for publishing, send an email to newsroom@capegazette.com. Letters must be signed and include a telephone number and address for verification. Please keep letters to 500 words or fewer. We reserve the right to edit for content and length. Letters should be responsive to issues addressed in the Cape Gazette rather than content from other publications or media. Only one letter per author will be published every 30 days. Letters restating information and opinions already offered by the same author will not be used. Letters must focus on issues of general, local concern, not personalities or specific businesses.

Subscribe to the CapeGazette.com Daily Newsletter