Watermark Served Their Last Meal Tonight

Sat., Jan. 27 marks the last Dinner Service for Chef Maria Walusis and her husband Eric at Watermark Restaurant/ Miamisburg. It will be a special evening for a sold out~ 112 patron. Soo many of us have enjoyed the Watermark for the past 9 years.

After Dinner Service, Eric and Maria will be holding a special farewell party to all of their staffs from both Watermark and their sister restaurant~ Backwater Voodoo. We had dinner with our friends on Thursday at Watermark and it was also a packed house. Chef had time (like she always does) to come to our table and visit. You see, we have known Chef since she started making scratch cakes every weekend for Bella Vino’s Wine Bar/ Springboro. Being in the food business myself for soo many years, I knew from the beginning Chef was talented and passionate about one day owning her own Restaurant. More about her background later in the Article.

Our visit on Thur. started at the bar where on every Thur. they offer $10. off bottles of wine. We enjoyed that with our friends! Chef was able to share with us that they had made their decision in Dec. to not renew their Lease that is expiring. She has been actively looking for another new owner and shared that she is talking to some folks. It has been a rollercoaster Jan. for Chef and her family.

Their daughter Hannah has been working at the restaurant for 5 years. Bartender Denise has been with Maria and Eric on and off since their Soft Opening 9 years ago. Denise is excellent at her craft and personable. We will miss her and Hannah. Michael, one of the Servers has had our table the last 3 times we have been in and we will miss his humor and efficiency.

We look forward to hearing where their path will take them. After handling cakes for Bella Vino’s, Maria met Chef Anne Kearney, owner of Rue Dumaine in Centerville. Maria did a lot of offsite catering with Chef Anne and Chef was mentoring Maria as well. Chef Anne was also a James Beard Award Winner. It does not get any better than that for a mentor! Just like many of us in the food business we are longing to be an Entrepreneur, as we know and experience long hours it is ours…Watermark was born!

According to Chef Maria, the Fine Dining Scene in the Dayton Region has been in somewhat of a downward trend in Sales. Lots of competition and many folks do not have the extra funds to frequent as much as they once did with the economy, inflation and outlook we have all had to deal with. Eric has already started a full time job that he enjoys and the road is wide open for Chef Maria. I bet she is looking forward to some time off with her family!!

Eric and Maria, you will be MISSED and Barb and I look forward to seeing you at the Bella Vino Reunion in March at the Meridian. Cheers to you!