NEW KDHamptons Lifestyle Diary: Jennifer Oz LeRoy
Jennifer Oz LeRoy’s middle name is Oz for a reason. In her grandfather Mervyn’s most famous film, a tornado transports its young protagonist from a monochromatic existence on a Kansas farm to a technicolor world of unprecedented fantasy and wonder. Much like her grandfather’s famous heroine, Jennifer LeRoy has emerged from a personal whirlwind and woken up to a world of vibrant possibility. She has found herself in Oz, where anything is possible.
Daughter of business impresario and restaurateur Warner LeRoy (owner and operator of venerable New York City Restaurants Maxwell’s Plum, Tavern on the Green, and the Russian Tea Room as well as creator of the Great Adventure Theme Park), Jennifer LeRoy is the heir to a storied family legacy of showmanship, spectacle, and impeccable entertainment. Not content to stay in the same lane, Jennifer now works as a restaurateur and restaurant/nightlife consultant at Beautique in Southampton, as well as a sought-after host and public speaker. Hear how she navigates the east end in this new KDHamptons Lifestyle Diary, below:
KDHamptons: How long have you been coming to the Hamptons? Why do you love it so much?
Jennifer Oz LeRoy: I grew up coming to Amagansett my entire childhood. My parents ‘discovered’ the Hamptons in the mid 70’s – I have always considered the Hamptons my home and where I grew up. This summer, I rented in Southampton so I could be close to Beautique.
KDHamptons: What does a perfect Hamptons day look like to you?
Jennifer: When I am not working, a perfect day in the Hamptons would start with a great drive through the famous ‘back roads’ where you can see all the beautiful horses, produce and flower fields and farms. You really get to see what makes the Hamptons so special. I would have breakfast at the Candy Kitchen (where I had my first birthday party and used to have breakfast with my mom and dad Saturday mornings) and then some shopping at my favorite shop Blue and Cream in East Hampton, or Kyle in Southampton. Then perhaps a bike ride to the duck pond and some beach time. I am not a huge beachgoer but certainly love to sit and listen to the waves. For dinner, if I wasn’t at Beautique I would go to Circo, the Maccioni’s are close friends of my family and I always have a wonderful time with them.
KDHamptons: In addition to your consulting gig at Beautique, what else are you working on this summer?
Jennifer: I am also working on the relaunch of Tavern on the Green as a global brand. I recently was once again allowed to use the name outside of New York, NJ, Conn and Pennsylvania. I am working on opening new Tavern on the Green’s worldwide, as well as a line of products for the brand and my own line of Jenny Oz products.
KDHamptons: What has been the highlight moment of your summer so far?
Jennifer: That is tough, we have some really great moments at Beautique – to be honest when we have a really big night, and the chef, kitchen team, and the front of the house are all happy with a terrific night of service, it makes me the happiest. I truly love working with a team, we are more like a squad! Oh, but presenting Jennifer Lopez with her birthday cake was quite fun too!
KDHamptons: Any exciting new projects we can look forward to?
Jennifer: Yes, I am bringing back Maxwell’s Plum to New York City. It was my dads first restaurant in NYC!
