The Comet Club Arrives: A Fusion of Culinary Artistry and Luxury Real Estate

WESTBURY, NY – April 13, 2026 – A new star has appeared in Long Island's dining firmament today with the official opening of The Comet Club. This ambitious new restaurant, located within the opulent confines of The Vanderbilt luxury residence in Westbury, represents a landmark collaboration between two of the region's most influential forces: two-time James Beard Award nominee Chef Jesse Schenker with Claudia Taglich of Lush Life Group, and premier real estate developers Michael and Steven Dubb of The Beechwood Organization.

The launch marks more than just another high-end restaurant; it signals a strategic fusion of bespoke hospitality and luxury residential living, aiming to redefine the dining landscape in Westbury and beyond.

A Culinary Luminary's Long Island Encore

At the heart of The Comet Club's immense buzz is Chef Jesse Schenker. A celebrated figure in the American culinary scene, Schenker is not merely a chef but a proven innovator. His reputation was forged in the competitive crucible of Manhattan with his critically acclaimed West Village restaurant, Recette, which earned a coveted two-star review from The New York Times. His accolades include two nominations for the prestigious James Beard Award, a spot on Forbes' "30 Under 30" list, and a victorious appearance on Food Network's "Iron Chef America."

After relocating to Long Island, Schenker, along with his partner Claudia Taglich, founded the Lush Life Group, a hospitality company dedicated to creating unique, design-forward dining experiences. The group has steadily built a portfolio of successful establishments in Oyster Bay, including the American brasserie 2 Spring and the exclusive 10-seat chef's counter, FOUR. The Comet Club is described as their most ambitious project to date, a culmination of their philosophy of pairing culinary excellence with thoughtful, guest-driven hospitality. This venture brings Schenker's high-caliber talent—once a staple of the West Village—to a new, discerning audience in Nassau County.

Dining as the Ultimate Amenity

The Comet Club's location is as strategic as its menu. It is the anchor dining destination for The Vanderbilt, The Beechwood Organization's flagship luxury apartment and hotel residence. Beechwood, Long Island's largest residential builder, invested $85 million to create The Vanderbilt, envisioned as the region's "first true 5-star living experience." The development caters to a demographic seeking amenity-rich, carefree living, from young professionals to empty nesters.

This partnership exemplifies a growing trend in high-end real estate: the integration of destination dining as a core amenity. Rather than simply including a generic restaurant, developers are now partnering with top-tier culinary talent to create exclusive lifestyle packages that enhance property value and resident experience. For residents of The Vanderbilt's 178 apartments and 17 hotel suites, The Comet Club offers an unparalleled convenience—a world-class dining room just an elevator ride away.

Steven Dubb, principal of The Beechwood Organization, articulated this vision in statements leading up to the opening. "We want to give our residents and guests an elegant and exclusive dining experience possible only at The Vanderbilt," he noted, emphasizing the synergy between the two brands. "Our ambience together with Lush's chic and engaging concept will create an experience that we're pretty sure people will want to return to enjoy again and again." This collaboration aims to make The Vanderbilt not just a place to live, but a self-contained luxury ecosystem.

A Transportive Experience of Food and Design

Stepping into The Comet Club is intended to be a transportive experience. Designed by the New York-based studio Sugarhouse, the 5,000-square-foot space blends the grandeur of Gilded Age New York with the sultry glamour of 1920s Miami and Havana. The design narrative, inspired by the golden age of rail travel from which the restaurant takes its name, unfolds across multiple spaces, including a 12-seat bar, a piano lounge, a main dining room, and a seasonal patio. A richly textured palette, warm finishes, and soft, glowing light create a cinematic world that feels both timeless and contemporary.

Chef Schenker's menu complements this lavish atmosphere, offering a sophisticated take on continental comfort. The offerings are broad yet focused, featuring coastal classics, an extensive raw bar, and prime cuts of meat. The restaurant aims for a balance between grand occasion and approachable comfort, with tableside theatrics adding a touch of drama.

Instant signatures are expected to include an inventive "Garlic Bread," featuring housemade sourdough focaccia with confit garlic and tableside-grated Parmigiano Reggiano. Other highlights showcase Schenker's flair for elevating classics, such as a Prime Ribeye French Dip served on a housemade baguette with bone marrow-enriched au jus, and Dry Aged Roasted Duck Fajitas presented with housemade masa tortillas and salsa macha. In a whimsical nod to its namesake train, the "Comet," the experience will soon be enhanced by dessert carts and trolleys circulating nightly with a rotating selection of pies and cakes.

Redefining Long Island's Dining Landscape

The Comet Club enters a robust and competitive high-end dining market on Long Island, a region well-populated with acclaimed steakhouses and fine Italian restaurants. From the established chophouses like Tellers and Prime to the Italian elegance of Il Mulino, diners have no shortage of upscale options.

However, The Comet Club is positioned to carve out its own unique niche. Its strength lies in its multi-faceted appeal: the star power of Chef Schenker, the proven operational expertise of Lush Life Group, and the built-in audience and luxury branding of its home within The Vanderbilt. The concept is not just a steakhouse or an Italian eatery, but a transportive American restaurant with a distinct thematic identity and a menu that reflects a modern, creative culinary voice.

By bringing together top-tier real estate development and high-profile culinary artistry, the venture is a significant bet on the continued evolution of Long Island's suburbs into a sophisticated destination for luxury lifestyle experiences. The Comet Club is open to the public seven nights a week for dinner, with early evening bar service from 4:00 p.m. and dinner service beginning at 5:00 p.m. While reservations are suggested, the team emphasizes that the space is designed for both special occasions and easy, frequent visits, aiming to become a cherished fixture for the community.