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With a full off-season under their belt, the operators of Tiki Joe’s at Captree State Park are full throttle for summer 2019.
“Seeing everyone and their reactions has just been amazing,” said the location’s general manager, Joe Braccioforte, on the building’s renovations.
The upstairs of the two-level building has been transformed into a seafood restaurant called Captain’s Table, while the downstairs concession area was upgraded to include an open floorplan with new chairs and tables and a retail area.
In addition to the inside upgrades, Tiki Joe’s at Captree has added an outdoor bar that holds eight seats, as well as additional dining tables.
Tiki Joe’s, which is owned by J&B Restaurant Partners, took over the property formerly known as Captree Cove last April.
“Many people didn’t even know we opened the upstairs last year,” said Braccioforte, of East Islip.
After closing for the season last December, it paved the way for their executive chef, Jeff Manzullo, to focus on his dishes.
For the concessions, which opened March 30, there is a focus on fresh, quick eats such as deli sandwiches, hamburgers, and soups. There is also breakfast served daily. They’re also offering to-go boxed lunches for boaters and beachgoers.
“It will be made fresh, ready to go at their convenience,” Braccioforte said of the boxed lunch.
As for Captain’s Table, which launches Memorial Day weekend, Manzullo has rolled out a more upscale experience.
“I do a Carribean-marinated shrimp with a lime butter for dipping sauce,” said Manzullo, a culinary graduate from Johnson & Wales, on one of his dishes.
Other plates include grilled Mahi Mahi, stuffed soft shell crab, and marinated flat iron steak. Click here for the full menu.
This year, Tiki Joe’s will be using its 80-seat restaurant, which features a panoramic view of the bay, for private events as well.
“It is a great place with an amazing view of the water,” said Manzullo.
The chef, who’s worked in several restaurants on the South Shore, has really enjoyed manning the concessions, as well as operating the upstairs kitchen.
“Most of the time, as a chef, you are hidden in the back,” he explained. “Now people get to know me, and it’s great.”
To learn more about the hours of operation, make sure to follow Tiki Joe’s online.
Scroll down to see photos of the location.
