Photo by Kim Upshaw Skip Simpson works his way through the buffet as Chef Ben Dela Cruz serves up some London Broil at the new River’s Edge Catering and Conference Center.

The new catering and conference center replaces the old Cedar Point Club (formerly the Officer’s Club) and is located at the end of Tate Road and is within walking distance of the West Basin Marina.

‘‘The building is beautiful and the food was wonderful,” said Pax River Executive Officer Steve Schmeiser after enjoying lunch at the restaurant on opening day. ‘‘River’s Edge Catering and Conference Center is a great addition to Pax River.”

Facility Manager Gilbert Eleazar was pleased with the size of the crowd who came out for lunch on opening day. ‘‘There was a continuous flow of people,” he said. ‘‘It was great because it gave us a chance to really get the feel of the kitchen.”

The restaurant seats up to 155. The ballroom at full size can accommodate up to 300 and can be divided into three separate meeting rooms that can each accommodate 100 people.

The rooms also offer an audiovisual package allowing for audiovisual support for meetings and conferences. ‘‘Each of the three rooms can be controlled individually or all together,” said Kevin Donovan, MWR Project Manager.

The new catering and conference center offers spectacular views of the Patuxent River, Solomons Island and the Thomas Johnson Bridge. There is an outdoor patio area where patrons can enjoy the views weather permitting.

‘‘I would encourage everyone to come out and join us for lunch,” said Eleazar. ‘‘We will continue to offer daily specials, a buffet and a full menu.” Lunch hours are from 11a.m.-1p.m. Monday through Friday and the lounge will be open Wednesday through Friday.

A Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting ceremony will be held on Feb. 12. at 3 p.m. followed by a Mardi Gras party at 5 p.m. with DJ Brown and Great Train Robbery.

To schedule an event after Feb. 15 at the new center call 301-342-6210 or 301-342-3241.