YORK, Maine — Long Sands Beach’s newest tiki bar is open to the public after a holdup this summer in the restaurant’s approval process.

Lulu’s has been serving guests of the Nevada Hotel since its historic reopening this summer by Joe Lipton, who completely refurbished the establishment and added a third floor. Initially, town officials required the restaurant to remain exclusive to hotel guests until a change of use was approved.

However, two weeks ago, code enforcement informed Lipton that the restaurant could now open to the public. The delay was due to a stream overlay district intended to protect a non-existent stream, mistakenly marked on the town’s maps.

“They realized that they can now make a determination the stream never even existed,” Lipton said.

Lipton had been using guest day passes to give people access to Lulu’s while he awaited approval for the restaurant to be public. With Lulu’s open to guests only, he allowed people to request the passes so they could get full access to the hotel’s amenities, including the restaurant.

Now, Lulu’s is preparing to hold a celebration on Sept. 8 with a live steel drum reggae band from 3 to 6 p.m. commemorating the first summer open at the Nevada.

“We want people to know that, especially for the locals heading into September, we’re open,” Lipton said.

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What’s on the menu at Lulu’s at York Beach?

Lulu’s, named after Lydia, the daughter of Lipton and Michelle Friar, and her childhood nickname, offers a mix of Mexican and Polynesian cuisine. Tiki-style restaurants and décor, which gained popularity in the 1950s, complement the Pacific Rim theme that aligns with the Nevada’s naval motif. The hotel itself is designed to resemble a battleship flybridge, similar to the one founder Henry de la Pena served on during World War II.

Lulu’s focuses less on imagery like native tiki masks and more on the connection between food and nature. On the menu is a raw bar with ceviche, rice and noodle bowls and al pastor – pork cooked vertically, rotating underneath a pineapple from which juice flows down.

Lulu’s is one of three restaurants operated by Lipton and Friar at their three hotels. The other two are A Little Auk at the ViewPoint Hotel and Stones Throw, which has both a restaurant and hotel rooms.

Lipton said he plans to offer a shuttle service between Long Sands Beach, where the Nevada and Stones Throw are located, and the ViewPoint on Nubble Road, which overlooks the Nubble Lighthouse.

After completing work on all three establishments in recent years, he intends to take a break from major projects for a while.

“One of the things we really wanted to do was be able to share the Nevada and Lulu’s with the people, with the town,” Lipton said. “I’m definitely excited.”

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The White Coat Ceremony for incoming medical students is a profound and symbolic event, marking the official start of their journey into the medical profession. Since 1996, the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) has welcomed a new class of first-year medical students with the White Coat Ceremony. This year, on August 10, 2024, UNR Med welcomed 71 students to the M.D. Class of 2028 at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Reno.

The ceremony signifies the students’ commitment to the values of compassion, integrity and excellence in patient care. As they donned their white coats for the first time, these aspiring physicians embarked on a path of lifelong learning and dedication to improving the health and well-being of others.

“This is a special day because it signifies the first tangible step in a long and complex path to becoming a physician,” UNR Med Dean Paul J. Hauptman, M.D., said. “So, while this path of education is difficult and you will sacrifice time with friends and family, you are making a commitment today to a noble profession, one that the public implicitly understands is a profession of sacrifice.”

Nevada Assemblyman Reuben D’Silva, keynote speaker at this year’s ceremony, delivered a powerful message to the Class of 2028. Drawing from his journey as an immigrant, marine, educator and patient, he highlighted the importance of compassionate, patient-centered care.

D’Silva emphasized, “Compassion is the bridge that connects science to humanity. It is what turns a good doctor into a healer, and what allows for the building of trust and strong relationships that are essential for positive health care outcomes. Always remember, patients may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel and how much you cared for them.”

Each student’s path to the White Coat Ceremony is unique, marked by personal achievements and steadfast determination. Donning the white coat represents the beginning of a new chapter for these future physicians, blending personal passion with professional dedication. The ceremony concluded with the Honor Pledge, underscoring their commitment to the path ahead.

The Class of 2028 is a diverse group of future physicians, ranging in age from 21 to 40. With 33 students who completed their undergraduate studies at the University of Nevada, Reno, and 32 hailing from Nevada, the class reflects a strong connection to the state. They have demonstrated strong academics across a wide range of majors, including biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, global politics, business administration, mechanical engineering, anthropology, biomedical engineering and public health.

Class Highlights:

• 11 students are first-generation medical students
• 8 students have ties to rural communities
• The class speaks a combined 22+ languages

Explore more of the magic from this year’s White Coat Ceremony