After opening last year at Jones Beach State Park, The Landing is gearing up for an even bigger sophomore season of hosting weddings, reunions, special events — and most of all, fine dining.
Located inside the venerable second-floor Marine Dining Room in the historic West Bathhouse, the restaurant and event space features a full bar and two outdoor patios while retaining the Art Deco vibe that master builder Robert Moses originally created when the building opened in 1931.
“We are extremely excited, lucky and grateful to be able to provide catering and food service at The Landing,” says Frank “Turtle” Raffaele, CEO and founder of The Landing at Jones Beach.
The Landing joins two other restaurants of the same name — one at Pier 45 in Manhattan and the other in Long Island City — that are part of New York City-based COFFEED, a food service company and coffee roaster.
The Landing’s debut comes as the West Bathhouse is undergoing more than $16 million in capital improvements.
The menu is New York-centric, featuring local beers, wines, and seafood as well as locally sourced vegetables. Highlights include Duck Empanadas, Blue Point Oysters, Pulled Pork and Honey Lime Sea Bass.
Raffaele believes The Landing’s ocean views, private terraces and an extravagant bridal suite will make it one of the top wedding destinations in New York State.
“Jones Beach is a part of Long Island culture, part of people’s families and their history,” says Stephanie Thornton, The Landing’s catering manager. “It is a privilege to be a part of it.”
For Raffaele, whose first job was working as an adviser for a former New York City Parks Commissioner, he sees this as his life’s work as coming full circle.
“I have an abiding affection for parks,” he says. “My role with The Landing is much more than just food and beverage … It’s been a part of my life for a long time.”
The Landing at Jones Beach is located in the West Bathhouse at Jones Beach State Park, Ocean Parkway, Wantagh. They can be reached at 516-785-0012 or landingatjonesbeach.com
