About Us
For those who’ve walked through the dark — welcome home.
Lantern is more than a restaurant;
it’s a place to sit down, connect, and feel something real again.
Built from the coast of Virginia and the people who call it home, Lantern brings warmth, craft, and intention back to the table.
With each plate, we gather around food, atmosphere, and community — created to remind us that light always finds its way back, and the sun will shine again.
At Lantern, we cook with meaning, serve with purpose, and every seat is an open space to belong and grow.
Meet the Team
Micah French - Executive Chef - Owner
Shirley Brackett - General Manager - Owner
Shirley Brackett - General Manager - Owner
Born and raised in Virginia, Micah French built her craft in the kitchens that shaped the region’s coastal identity. From the Culinary Institute of Virginia to years spent behind the line at restaurants throughout the area. Her journey has always been about more than food, it’s been about people, purpose, and the quiet fire that brings th
Born and raised in Virginia, Micah French built her craft in the kitchens that shaped the region’s coastal identity. From the Culinary Institute of Virginia to years spent behind the line at restaurants throughout the area. Her journey has always been about more than food, it’s been about people, purpose, and the quiet fire that brings them together.
Micah co-founded Lantern with the belief that hospitality can be healing. Her cooking is rooted in Virginia’s seasons - drawing from local farms, waters, and communities to create dishes that feel both familiar and new. Each plate is a reflection of balance: grit and grace, comfort and craft, light and shadow.
At Lantern, Micah leads with heart and intention. Her kitchen isn’t just a workspace; it’s a table of connection; where guests, chefs, and neighbors alike are invited to sit down, share a moment, and remember that light always finds its way back.