Hopatcong - Nolan’s Point is an ideal spot all year long, from its frozen lake views in winter to its pleasant summer breezes. With their opening of the Boathouse Tavern in November, Laura and Jim Durso and Rebecca Sherburne have brought the beauty of the point to diners. It is the trio’s first business venture, but they are no strangers to restaurants. Laura and Rebecca, who are sisters, often helped their parents with their catering business while growing up in Maplewood. Sherburne has worked as a hostess, bartender and assistant manager in restaurants. Laura, who also handles the “back office,” used to operate a bookkeeping business. Mindy Varzal, a self-taught chef, runs the kitchen. Varzal’s past experience includes stints at the Country Club in Jefferson and a restaurant in Daytona Beach, Florida. “I think the best way to learn is hands-on. I learned from working and from studying others,” she said. The Boathouse offers appetizer-size portions, in the vein of Spanish tapas or Chinese dim sum. “When we bought the building, we would sit in our boat waiting to close on the property, and while we were picking on various foods, it came to us,” Laura said, describing the impetus for their pick-and-choose menu. Sharing food had brought them together, and they hoped to do the same for their customers. Sherburne said, “It allows you to graze.” They named the choices “Farings,” after the British “fairings,” gifts exchanged between guests and hosts. The owners hope to foster that sort of hospitality for their clientele. From couples to large groups, diners are in for a leisurely meal as they sample the varied selections. An extensive wine list features small vintners. The restaurant is the exclusive New Jersey outlet for Lost Canyon wines, which have richer, more robust flavors than most sold in the area, according to Sherburne. The structure the three purchased was razed and replaced with the current building. Jim’s labor of love is the bar, which he designed and built. The lounge and dining room feature paneled honey maple walls, which the sisters hand stained. The comfortable, informal dining room with a wall of windows overlooking Lake Hopatcong can accommodate about 55 diners. The menu offers a range of vegetarian, meat and seafood dishes. A limited selection of full-portion meals includes filet mignon and pork ribs. Varzal also serves up kid-friendly foods, such as chicken fingers and macaroni and cheese. The chef particularly recommends the Mediterranean Platter: hummus, baba ganoush and couscous served with pita, lettuce, tomato and black olives. Another favorite is smoked salmon in a spinach wrap, with cream cheese, avocado, black olives and tomato. For a hot meal, check out the chicken and beef satay skewers that are layered with shallots and roasted peppers and served with three dipping sauces, Jamaican mango, coconut curry and spicy peanut. The restaurant is already experiencing some early success. “It’s only been eight weeks, and people are starting to see what we offer. We are having a lot of repeat business, and we are already recognizing familiar faces,” said Laura. The Boathouse Tavern is located at 26 Nolan’s Point Park Road, Lake Hopatcong. (973) 663-0270. Available for private parties. Acoustic blues and jazz performances on Friday and Saturday nights. Hours: 4pm to 10pm Tuesday through Thursday; 11:30am to11pm Friday and Saturday; 11:30am to10pm on Sunday; closed Monday.