Chef Maria

Watermark Served Their Last Meal Tonight

January 27, 2024 By Mike Hemmert

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.

left to right~Gene, Terry Chef Maria, Mike & Barb

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.

Hannah, Michael & Denise

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!

Watermark Offers Final Four Course Meal

January 19, 2024 By Dayton937

Chef Maria Walusis of Watermark presents her final menu on Saturday January 27th. She say this is “a gesture of humble thanks and love for all the wonderful years we have shared with you, our guests.”

Seatings will be available on the half four and you can make your reservations online for $90 per person, which includes gratuity. They will also have Reyna Spears as their musical guest from 6-9pm.
Due to the special nature of this event, all ticket sales are final and non-refundable. You may transfer your ticket(s) to another guest. Chef Maria must respectfully decline any modifications or substitutions to this menu. If you wish to be seated with other diners (limit 4) we do ask that you purchase all tickets in one transaction. Tables larger than 4 diners cannot be accommodated.

Here’s the menu:

Amuse Bouche: Watermelon, Feta, Mint, Pickled Red Onion, Red Wine Vinaigrette

First Course: Seven Layer Salad – our family favorite from the holidays
Iceberg, Cheddar, Red Onion, Green Pepper, Peas, Bacon, Mayonnaise

Entree: Surf & Turf
Coffee & Bourbon-braised Beef Short rib, with a smoked parsnip puree, and a savory bread pudding with caramelized onion, rosemary and chestnut
– alongside –
Pan-seared Sea Scallops, with sofrito, carrot-ginger mash, crispy carrot strings and arugula

Dessert Trio: Pink Champagne Cake, Espresso Dark Chocolate Brownie with boozy chocolate-cherry whipped cream and Profiterole filled with chocolate mousse and dusted with powdered sugar

Watermark
20 S 1st Street
Miamisburg, OH 45342

937-802-0891

Watermark Adds Lunch Service

November 1, 2020 By Lisa Grigsby

Chef Maria has given in to the requests to serve lunch at her Miamisburg eatery. Starting Thursday, November 5th Watermark will begin serving lunch on Thursday and Friday from 11am – 2pm.

She says “the lunch menu will feature many favorites from their dinner and brunch selections, as well as the regularly featured creative and delicious dishes you expect from Watermark!”

The Menu:

Watermark Restaurant

20 S. 1st St

Miamisburg, OH 4534

937-802-0891

Watermark serves lunch:
Thursday from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Friday from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Watermark serves dinner:
Tue – Thu from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Fri – Sat from 5:00 – 10:00 pm
Sun from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (Brunch)

The Italian Feast Returns!

April 28, 2018 By Dayton Most Metro

Eric Walusis, co-owner of Watermark in Miamisburg, says they’ve gotten so many request to bring back the Italian Feast that they’ve decided to do it on Tuesday, May 8th at 6:30pm

Inspired by the classic 1996 restaurant movie starring Stanley Tucci and Tony Shalhoub, Watermark invites you to experience the Big Night – complete with the incredible Timpano! Watch the party guests enjoy it in this clip: il Timpano (Note – language alert!)

All paired with wonderful Italian wines, from Allied Wines, who will be there to help host the event and answer your questions. This Italian Feast – served in the traditional coursed fashion – is an incredible experience for only $79/pp!

Antipasto

Charcuterie Platter Warm olives, grilled vegetables, cured meats, red pepper pipperáde Paired with: Caluso – Erbaluce Fiordighiaccio Erbaluce grapes, cold macerated. Scents of exotic fruit and wild flowers, flavors featuring pineapple, banana and apple. Suitable as an aperitif or with fish.

Primo

Fresh Asparagus Risotto Tender asparagus tossed in our special risotto, with fresh Parmesan Paired with: Vignamato – Versiano Verdicchio 100% Verdicchio grapes bring you lovely golden hues, dry and smooth on the palate. Hints of ripe fruit, peach and apple. Excellent accompanied with pasta, fish, and white meats.

Secondo

Timpano Indescribably delicious pasta crust overstuffed with ‘the most important things in the world’. Paired with: Sapaio – Volpolo Bolgheri A lovely blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot & Petit Verdot. Aged in French oak, this wine has an intense ruby color. A nose of black currants and blackberries is framed by toasty oak. Full-bodied with a mixture of dark fruit and spicy vanilla, with a very long finish.

Formaggi e Frutta

Tallegio with fig jam and walnuts, with crisps Paired with: Tenuta Giustini – QVID Primitivo An intense nose of plum, blackberry, and cherry leads to a full and rich experience, fruity with well-integrated tannins.

Dolce

Almond Cake Dusted with powdered sugar, toasted almonds, schmear of chocolate budino, candied orange peel

Digestivo

Limoncello or Sambuca

Please note that for this special event, they are taking reservations by phone only-Please call 937-802-0891! Due to high demand for seating, they will be requiring a credit card hold for all reservations. They expect this event to sell out quickly, so please call for your seat soon! This wonderful Italian Feast will be served banquet style.

Mangia!

Last Call For Nibbles

September 13, 2017 By Lisa Grigsby

Construction of the new Watermark restaurant in downtown Miamisburg is wrapping up and soon they’ll open their doors to the public to serve.

Which means that this is the very last week you can dine in Nibbles intimate dining room.

They are still serving the amazingly popular Pork Belly Tacos, New England Shrimp Roll, Fried Green Tomatoes, and Sweet Corn Bisque!

Desserts include Tres Leches Cake, an Intense Dark Chocolate Ganache Torte, and the new (and insanely good) Kona Stout Ice Cream!

Nibbles serves dinner Wed – Sat from 5:00 – 10:00 pm and Chef Maria would like to invite you in for one last meal.

Nibbles will continue to be the brand name for their catering services and at Watermark you can host private parties in the new PRIVATE ROOM.

You can view the dinner menu HERE.

Stanley Tucci’s Big Night Inspires Restaurant Special Event

March 18, 2017 By Lisa Grigsby

Back by popular demand. Chef Maria at Nibbles, located at 105 S. Second St in downtown Miamisburg.hosted this event in the fall and sold it out quickly. Due to popular demand she’s brought in back again for 2 nights, Tues & Wed, March 21 & 22.

Inspired by the classic 1996 restaurant movie starring Stanley Tucci and Tony Shalhoub, Nibbles invites you to experience the Big Night – complete with the incredible Timpano! Watch the party guests enjoy it in this clip: il Timpano (Note – language alert!)

FIVE DELECTABLE COURSES

All paired with wonderful Italian wines, from Allied Wines who will be there to help host the event and answer your questions!

Don’t miss it this time!

Antipasto

Charcuterie Platter

Warm olives, grilled vegetables, cured meats, red pepper pipperáde

Paired with: Astraio Viognier

This sur lie wine calls to mind honeysuckle and juniper on the nose, well-balanced with fruit and acidity, a touch of mineral on the finish.

Primo

Fresh Mushroom Risotto A blend of savory mushrooms in our special risotto, with fresh Parmesan

Paired with: Nero d’Avola These wonderful grapes bring you a wine with an ample bouquet, filled with plum, cherry, and spice. Flavors of mushroom and espresso join the exquisite tannins leading to a long finish.

Secondo

Timpano

Indescribably delicious pasta crust overstuffed with ‘the most important things in the world’.

Paired with: Sassabruna An incredible blend of 80% Sangiovese, with Merlot & Syrah. Aromas of ripe red fruit, spice, and licorice compliment a rich, medium-bodied, savory palate with mixed berries and milk chocolate.

Formaggi e Frutta

Tallegio with fig jam and walnuts, with crisps Paired with: Negroamaro Fragrant notes of cherries and coffee lead to flavors of cracked pepper and exotic spice. Chewy tannins and a rich mineral finish.

Dolce

Almond Cake
Dusted with powdered sugar, toasted almonds, schmear of chocolate budino, candied orange peel

Digestivo

Limoncello or Sambuca

Reservations by phone only! (937) 802-0891 This event *WILL* sell out, (Wed is sold out, still a few seats for Tues) Please reserve your seats as soon as possible! Please note that a credit card hold will be required for all reservations. This special Italian Feast is being served banquet-style. No private tables.

This wonderful Italian Feast will be served banquet style, so we regret that no private tables will be available.

Interested in learning a bit more about the movie (and the food)?
Try these stories:

Bon Appetit Magazine Interviews the Cast of Big Night

Big Night and the American Food Revolution

NIbbles Launches 12th Seasonal Menu

August 24, 2016 By Lisa Grigsby

Right in the center of historic downtown Miamisburg, is a quaint little 800 square foot restaurant run by Chef/Owner Maria Walusis (learn more about her in our DMM 10? interview). It is also home to Chef Maria’s catering business. Nibbles seats just 35 guests at a time, and features a a new menu with each season.

Chef Maria just recently posted Menu # 12. Highlights include savory fried oysters, Butternut Squash Bisque, a Wedge salad that Chef declares is the best you’ll ever taste, a seared scallop appetizer or goat cheese ravioli and that’s just to get you started!

Entrées will include a Pork Saltimbocca with prosciutto and sage and braised red cabbage, a Pan Seared Cod, Smoked Beef Brisket and a Roasted New Zealand Rack of Lamb

Dessert will feature the return of the Baked Apple Rosette (pictured left), a Campfire S’mores Cake and a Pumpkin Tart.

If you’d like to dine at Nibbles, reservations are suggested and they are open Thursday – Saturday from 5-10pm. You’ll find them at 105 S. Second Street, where you can park on the street, and then follow the walkway to the entry around the building.

–

10 ? With Chef Maria from Nibbles

June 22, 2016 By Lisa Grigsby

After 20 years as a dental hygienist, Maria Walusis decided it was time for a career change. So she began to apprentice with accomplished chefs from L’Auberge and Cumin in Cincinnati, restaurants that have since closed. She launched her catering business about 6 years ago and then in Jan of 2015 she opened the intimate 800 square feet fine dining eatery Nibbles at 105 S. Second Street, which is the former Hamilton Hotel building in historic downtown Miamisburg. Seating just over 30 guests inside, patio seating doubles the occupancy when weather permits.

Chef Maria shares that she customizes her menus “each season so you can have a unique food experience and not the same old thing you see all the time.” With the start of summer, she introduces her 11th menu starting with a shrimp roll, fried green tomatoes and lobster hush puppies. Entrees include her amazing chile relleno, jerk chicken or a tomahawk pork chop. See the full menu here.

Chef Maria agreed to take a break from cooking long enough to answer our 10 ?’s interview:

Vodka-cured Salmon with Soy Cubes, Yuzu Gelee

What is your favorite ingredient to cook with? Hard to pick just one! I love all seafood and there is always a variety of seafood items on our menus! The current menu has lobster hush puppies! I am already craving some.

What ingredient do you dread?
Artichokes are a pain in the butt. They are prickly, and quickly turn a yucky shade of gray. I love to eat them but hesitate to work with them.

What’s your favorite dish to make?
I have a thing for braised meat of any kind. It’s some comforting and homey and smell amazing when cooking and just falls apart with a fork.

What’s your favorite pig out food?
Definitely pizza! Pizza is amazing and when you want something late at night it’s the way to go!

What restaurant, other than your own do you like to dine at in the Miami Valley? There are so many great places and great chefs here in Dayton! I like to support all the chefs as much as I can. Favs are Rue Dumaine, Meadowlark, Wheat Penny and Salar! Very excited about some of the new places coming to Dayton soon like Basils!

Brown Sugar Shortcake with Rhubarb and Candied Ginger

What’s your best advice for home chefs? Cook! Cook! Cook! Read cookbooks and study and just cook. Try new things and have fun creating.

If you could invite any 4 guests to a dinner party who would they be and why?
I would invite all the local chefs who could get away from their restaurants! We all work so hard and its difficult to actually get together for any sort of social time, so to be able to get us all together and cook some great food and kick back together would be awesome, and spoil them a little bit with some great food.

Who do you look up to in the industry and why?
I have had some mentors who have encouraged me along the way to becoming a chef and are a source of support, and answers to my sometimes silly questions. Chef Anne from RueDumaine has taught me a lot along with Chef Michael from Michael Anthony’s at the Inn in Versailles. Two amazing chefs with different styles and strengths who have both influenced my cooking and how I run my restaurant.

What do you do in the Miami Valley on a day off? Well, since I haven’t had a “day off” in weeks I’m not sure! We go out to dinner/drinks when we can to enjoy someone else cooking for us! WE enjoy spending time with family and friends, our daughters and parents.

Share a kitchen disaster, lucky break or an interesting story:
I was running a private party for another chef as a favor, a private party in a home. As I was trying to get the filet cooked to temp it was taking forever and I finally realized the oven wasn’t working. I opened the door to the pro-viking range and the entire door literally fell off the oven into my arms! I was completely horrified and had to figure out how to finish cooking steaks for 60 guests with no oven!!