Jersey City’s renowned social scene gets more exciting today, June 7, opening day of the glamorous, members-only Stork Club—the latest project of Landmark Hospitality, owned by the Cretella family. (It joins the Landmark Club concept, which comprises similar memberships for all other Landmark properties.)
The Stork Club lounge is a penthouse bar that sits atop Landmark’s elegant wedding venue, Hudson House. It offers seating at the bar, tables, couches and a rooftop deck, with glittering views of the Hudson River and Lower Manhattan. Members can indulge in recreations of the original Stork Club’s artisanal cocktails, as well as wines by the bottle or glass, a small-bites menu, and maybe a spin on the dance floor, accompanied by a jazz pianist.
Nostalgically styled in tribute to the fabled Stork Club that ruled Manhattan gossip columns from 1929 to 1965, it aims to be a relaxation station.
Stork Club is accessible to all Landmark Club members, as well as Port Liberte residents who that evening dine at Felina Steak, Landmark’s new restaurant downstairs. (Members of the public are welcome to dine at Felina Steak as well, but won’t be able to access the Stork Club.)
Bone-in veal Parmigiano at Felina Steak. Photo: Courtesy of Peter Bonacci
Felina Steak offers the creative, contemporary Italian sensibility of its sister, Felina in Ridgewood, which has repeatedly landed on NJM’s annual 30 Best Restaurants list.
“Felina Steak was created with Jersey City tastes in mind,” notes Maddy Cretella, Landmark’s director of engagement and marketing. “It’s modern Italian, sophisticated and fun.”
Landmark Club’s members-only experiences at other Landmark properties include harvest dinners at the Ryland Inn in Whitehouse Station (set to reopen by late summer) and a cigar lounge at the Logan Inn, just across the Delaware River from Lambertville, in New Hope, Pennsylvania. Says Maddy’s dad, Frank Cretella, who started Landmark with her mom, Jeanne Cretella, over 20 years ago, “Our goal has always been to make our loyal guests feel valued and loved. Now we can honor them with deluxe experiences just for them.”
Landmark Hospitality’s Maddy Cretella at Felina Steak. Photo: Courtesy of Peter Bonacci
Why join a private club? “Simple,” says Maddy. “Social clubs are about making connections for friendship, career and romance. Also, in Jersey City and nearby, most people live in apartments. With a membership, Stork Club is your own penthouse lounge with a view.”
Landmark Club membership is available at three tiers; the first, entry-level Liberty, is for under-30s and artists. Adds Maddy, “Every level extends benefits, invitations to parties and special events, and the ability to bring guests. Liberty [level] gets two [guests], Social gets four and Memorymaker gets six per visit. Your friends are going to absolutely adore you.”
Membership requires initiation and an annual fee. “The way I think of it,” says Maddy, “Landmark Club costs no more than a nice gym membership. Don’t your social life and career path deserve to get in shape, too?”
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