MARMORA — At some point in May, the now-empty Captain Obadiah’s building across from Yesterday’s on Roosevelt Boulevard is going to get “a whole lot more festive” with tacos and tequila.
This spring will bring Inky’s Cantina + Taqueria to one of the busiest roads that links Upper Township and Ocean City.
The Blue Dog Hospitality Group, which owns The Deauville Inn in Strathmere and Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern and Right Turn Liquors in Marmora, is bringing what it calls the “heart of Mexican cuisine” to the area with its new restaurant concept at Inky’s.
Dr. Tim Fox of Blue Dog has always envisioned having a Mexican restaurant, according to Judy Brenna Felicetta, events director for the group.
“It was just a dream, but when we noticed that the sales kept declining at Captain Obadiah’s, we thought this would be a perfect opportunity to reinvent the space to bring his dream to fruition,” she said.
What used to be a basic place to get seafood, either eating in or taking out, is going to get a major facelift.
It’s going to be an actual dining space with tables and chairs and a full wraparound bar. While it’s going to be a small venue, “we will be offering upscale, higher-end outdoor dining, which I’m actually looking forward to,” Brenna Felicetta said. “The facelift is going to include bright, fresh colors, keeping in mind the theme.”
“We’ll have a truly authentic Mexican menu inspired by traditional Mexican flavors and a pretty vast selection of tequilas and mescals with speciality drinks and whatnot,” she added.
Inky’s Cantina + Taqueria will also offer takeout and delivery through third-party apps.
“Blue Dog is all about variety and different identities,” Brenna Felicetta said, “so bringing Inky’s to the table definitely offers that kind of diversity.”
Inky’s is “bringing bold Mexican flavor, vibrant vibes and serious cantina energy to the Jersey shore,” according to a press release for the new eatery. “At Inky’s, tradition meets attitude. The menu celebrates the heart of Mexican cuisine with fresh, crave-worthy flavors built on corn, beans, avocados, fresh herbs, diverse chilies and regional specialties like mole, tamales and carne asada — all served with hand-made tortillas, just like Abuela used to make. From street-style tacos to rich, comforting classics, every dish is designed to hit big, bold and unforgettable.”
It goes on to talk about the lively drinks — fruit-infused aguas frescas, earthy mezcals, versatile tequilas and spicy beer cocktails crafted to perfectly complement Inky’s sweet, tangy, smoky and savory flavors.
As for the name
Inky’s may seem an odd name for a Mexican restaurant, but it has special meaning.
Brenna Felicetta said Fox had a beloved pet Chihuahua, Inky, who passed away a few years ago.
There will be opening celebrations and specials to be announced in May. Learn more at @inkyscantina or www.inkyscantina.com.
– By DAVID NAHAN/Sentinel staff
