By Wendy Lemlin
Vessel, the flagship restaurant at Kona Kai Resort and Marina on Shelter Island, has set sail with a new look, a new chef, and soon, a new menu.
Reopened in early July as part of the $22 million resort renovation, the marina-front restaurant and lounge now exude an atmosphere of organic-chic vibrancy, from the liberal use of reclaimed wood on the walls, to the onyx-topped circular bar, to the beachy color palette of azure, sunny orange and sand. 
With both indoor and patio dining overlooking a vista of water and yachts, Vessel is modern, progressive, and fun.
Newly arrived to take charge of the kitchen is Executive Chef Roy Hendrickson, lately of Huntington Beach’s Zimzala in the Shorebreak Hotel. A strong proponent of using locally sourced products, Chef Roy describes his culinary philosophy thus, “Keep it simple, from the heart. Make everything from scratch, with the best products as a basis.” 
Having traveled extensively with his family as a kid, particularly throughout Europe, he developed an appreciation for the flavors of the world. He credits his wife, who is Peruvian, for helping to bring a Latin influence to his cooking as well. “I love to make ice cream,” the chef divulges, “especially with unusual ingredients. I just recently made some with Hatch chiles for my family, and it was exceptionally good. The cream tempered the heat of the chiles, but there was still enough of the bite remaining to make it really interesting. The sweetness of the sugar, the creaminess of the custard, the tingle on the tongue from the chiles all worked together beautifully.”
Having taken the helm of Vessel a mere two weeks ago, Hendrickson is busy making plans to revamp the restaurant’s offerings, starting with a seasonal fall menu. For him, it’s all about a connection with the customers, about putting something of himself on every plate. “It’s more than just food,” he explains.
Other makeovers at the Noble House Hotels & Resorts affiliate include updated rooms, an expanded pool with four private cabanas, a new palapa pool bar, and the conversion of the former pool bar into a morning coffee bar.
Live entertainment is an integral component of Kona Kai’s rebirth. Although last summer’s early evening dance parties on the sand beach by the Marina are no more, there is now live music on the patio on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights and Sunday brunch, as well as a singer/songwriter showcase every Sunday afternoon from 4-7pm. When the 100 year old merchant ship’s bell tolls “8 Bells” at the outside bar at from 4 to 6 pm daily, it’s time for one of the most scenic happy hours in town, where patrons enjoy 50% off select beers, wines, cocktails and bar snacks.
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