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        John Vanderwolf, Mike Chartosiesky, Mark LaMeina and Kim Haga are the team behind Good Juju’s at Aquebouge. (Photo courtesy of Lily Parnell)
        Starting Friday, May 12th, Good Juju’s BBQ & Seafood Shack is opening, where you can buy Southern food tacos at the former Little Lucaritos restaurant. Mark LaMeina, restaurateur and mastermind behind the successful Lucaritos franchise, is on his latest culinary adventure unlike any other on the North Fork.
        “Most places serve classic New York-style seafood here, and we wanted to try something a little different,” says chef John Vanderwolf. “Mark came to me with an interesting idea. We tried a lot of concepts, then tweaked them a bit and decided to mimic the classic seafood and BBQ shacks you see in Florida or the Carolinas.”
        Good Juju’s is opening an 800-square-foot restaurant in Akebog with an updated interior reminiscent of small crab shacks in southern coastal towns. The idea for the rebrand came about when LaMeina realized that Little Lucharitos was too close to Center Moriches and other Mattituck locations.
        “We’re stuck in the middle,” Ramena said. “Matituck and Center Moriches are doing so well that it’s hard to keep people coming to Little Lucharitos. So we wanted to change that concept and try something new.”
        Ramena went to school in Charleston, South Carolina and has always loved the South and its unique flavors. The menu, designed by him and VanderWolf, includes a range of barbecue classics such as brisket, short ribs and pulled pork cooked in a backyard smokehouse. They also decided to offer Cajun-style seafood, including po’boys, fried fish, and seafood poached rice served with biscuits and crackers.
        “We want people to come and treat boils,” Ramena said. “Guests can mix and match lobster, crab and shrimp, as well as potatoes, corn, andouille sausage and various sauces.”
        Seafood and side dishes are cooked and served in pouch bags. The server will shake it up and pour it onto a large metal plate. “This is our wow factor,” Ramena said. “We are committed to the triple threat of food, drink and an unforgettable experience.”
        Good Juju’s will be the first time VanderWolf will head the kitchen. He first joined Lucaritos two years ago as second assistant chef at Center Moriches. An avid fisherman and a skilled smoker, Ramena knew he wanted him to lead this latest venture.
        The duo will also work with Reception Manager Kim Haga, General Manager Tai McKenzie and Regional Director Mike Chartosieski to ensure a fun and welcoming environment for all guests. Haga also works as the head bartender and creates a range of familiar and new cocktails that fit the theme of Good Juju.
        “Unlike Lucaritos, we have a very large drink menu with a focus on whisky,” says Haga. “While we still offer the classic margarita, I think our highlight will be Juju rum casks, which contain rum from the Montauk Distilling Company, our interpretation of Painkiller.”
       The team is happy to welcome people to large gatherings on the patio, where there are several tables and fire pits, inviting everyone to dine al fresco in spring, summer and fall.
        “The key to success is creating an enabling environment for everyone,” Ramena says. “We want people to come here and spend a few hours enjoying our food and our company. It’s all about the experience we provide.”
       Good Juju’s BBQ & Seafood Shack will be inaugurated Friday, May 12 from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm at 487 Main Rd, Aquebogue, NY 11901 and will be open Wednesday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm , Sunday from 11:00 to 20:00.
        Lilly Parnell is a multimedia journalist who joined Times-Review Media Group in 2022. A graduate of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism, she specializes in telling real food, drink and lifestyle stories.
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        What’s next for Mark Ramena? Zombie! Restaurateur at the popular restaurant Lucaritos…
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