Still a chef 5 nights a week at age 92

Dot Merrill, 92, executive chef at her restaurant, Merrill's Colonial Inn in Belcoville, just outside of Mays Landing, was honored Tuesday by the Professional Chefs Association of South Jersey at its monthly meeting.

Ed Hitzel, the Jersey Shore-based radio host and restaurant columnist, believes that Dot is the oldest working chef in the region. She received a plaque for longevity and professionalism. She still works five nights a week as executive chef and has worked as chef, bartender, and server for 56 years while raising seven children.

How does she feel? "Great," she told Hitzel. "Some nights are harder than others but I don't think about me being 92, I think about how blessed I am that I can still do it."

David Goldstein, president of the association, said Dot was "amazing - just amazing. She has forgotten more than I know. "

The restaurant is known for homemade soups, meatballs, white clam sauce, and pies.