Beloved Chef At Peconic Landing Receives Distinguished Nod

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NORTH FORK, NY — Peconic Landing Executive Chef JP Hascoat, a beloved face on the North Fork canvas, has received a distinguished nod.

Hascoat, who lives in Southold, has been honored with the national Palate Pleaser Award from Senior Housing News as part of its DISHED Dining Innovation Awards, Peconic Landing said.

"The DISHED Awards honor individuals who are visionaries within their organizations whose creativity and passion are transforming senior living dining," Peconic Landing said in a release. "The Palate Pleaser Award specifically recognizes chefs for their innovations in menu creation, use of ingredients, and culinary techniques."

Chef Hascoat, who has been with Peconic Landing since inception in 2002, "was recognized for his dedication to crafting fresh, creative meals with bold flavors and thoughtful presentation," Peconic Landing said.

His passion for cooking was inspired early on by his father, who owned La Gazelle, a well-known French restaurant in Southold that operated from 1975 to 1995, giving him deep roots in the local culinary community.

After running the kitchen at La Gazelle, JP went on to work at the Waldorf Astoria in Manhattan before moving on to Doral Hotels and Resorts. Later, he opened his own restaurant Journey’s Inn, which operated in Southold during the late 1990s. He received his degree in Hotel Restaurant Management at New York City College of Technology in Brooklyn.

"JP has been instrumental in shaping our culinary landscape, consistently elevating the dining experience for our members, team members, and guests," said Robert Syron, president and CEO of Peconic Landing. "His innovative approach to menu development, his incorporation of fresh, diverse, and culturally rich dishes, and his ability to bring people together through food have set a benchmark in senior living dining. In my 35 years in this industry, I have never seen a finer dining experience or higher satisfaction levels. JP’s leadership, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to our members have made him an invaluable part of our community."

Chef Hascoat oversees multiple dining venues at Peconic Landing, including the formal dining room, casual bistro, and the new Water’s Edge bar and restaurant, alongside specialized dining programs in Assisted Living, Memory Support, Short-Term Rehabilitation, and Skilled Nursing. His ability to innovate across such a broad scope is a reflection of both his talent and his dedication to Peconic Landing’s members, Peconic Landing said.

"I am completely surprised, honored, and humbled by this award," said Chef Hascoat. "I do this work because I love it, not for the recognition. Cooking isn’t just a job for me, it’s my career and my passion, and nothing brings me more joy than making our members happy through food. To know that our members and team felt strongly enough to nominate me is incredibly meaningful."

Peconic Landing member Amy Wester, chair of the community’s culinary committee, added: "From the moment I moved here, I was impressed with the menu choices and quality of the food. The variety and presentation bring a diversified dining experience to our community, and I always look forward to seeing what the new week’s menus will bring. JP listens to members, welcomes feedback, and accommodates everyone, from vegans to those celebrating ethnic holidays. His creativity and openness make dining at Peconic Landing a true pleasure."

Peconic Landing began its partnership with NexDine Hospitality in 2023 to further enhance its culinary offerings, "guided by NexDine’s philosophy of crafting made-from-scratch meals with fresh, high-quality ingredients," Peconic Landing said.

Debra Foster, NexDine’s vice president of dining and hospitality, oversees daily dining operations at Peconic Landing.

"NexDine is proud to support culinary excellence at Peconic Landing, where JP exemplifies the spirit of innovation and service every day," said Foster. "From developing seasonal menus to showcasing his popular French-inspired classics, he brings elevated technique and artistry to every plate while ensuring warmth, accessibility, and nutrition remain at the forefront. His leadership and passion continue to make dining at Peconic Landing a memorable experience for members."

Chef Hascoat received the Palate Pleaser Award at the DISHED Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, on September 3.