Langosta Lounge, an oceanfront bar and restaurant in Asbury Park, NJ, announced today it will open its doors on Christmas Day to anyone and everyone in need of a free holiday meal.
While most restaurants have been busy planning prix-fixe menus and taking holiday reservations, Langosta Lounge’s Marilyn Schlossbach has teamed up with her community ally Pat Sherman and Asbury Park’s Trinity Church to plan a Christmas Day soup kitchen at her Jersey Shore restaurant.
A sign of the times, Schlossbach and Sherman expect unprecedented turnout on December 25. On Thanksgiving Day, an estimated 900 people – between sit-down and to-go dinners – were served free meals at Langosta Lounge. Given the economic climate, the turnout this Christmas is expected to be great.
In an effort to provide guests with holiday cheer, Schlossbach and Sherman are asking for donations of turkeys, hams and deserts, as well as canned food, toys, hats, gloves and scarves to distribute to guests. With Langosta Lounge’s spacious interior, organizers and volunteers are able to set up a variety of ‘stations’
“Our Christmas soup kitchen brings people together from all walks of life,” said Marilyn Schlossbach, owner of Langosta Lounge. “Whether it is volunteering, cooking a turkey, or donating winter coats and clothes, the response to our soup kitchens has been inspiring. The participation and commitment from everyday individuals is what makes our efforts a success, year after year.”
Langosta Lounge’s soup kitchen will be held at 1000 Ocean Ave. in Asbury Park, NJ from noon to 4 p.m. on Christmas Day. Efforts will include serving sit-down meals as well as delivering food to shelters and homebound residents. Live music and a special visit from Santa are currently being coordinated.
Schlossbach and Sherman have been producing holiday soup kitchens at Schlossbach’
