Port Jefferson’s Steam Room provides compassion this holiday season with a free Thanksgiving meal

By Toni-Elena Gallo

The Steam Room restaurant provided a free Thanksgiving Day meal Thursday, Nov. 28, with all welcome. Whether the person who dined at the restaurant was financially struggling, alone for the holidays or simply in the neighborhood, no one was expected to pay for the feast, which was provided by DiCarlo Food Service.

“When we started this three years ago, we did it for those in need. But what happened was, not a lot of people came,” said Vinny Seiter, general manager of The Steam Room. “I think a lot of people felt that they did not need the meal as much as somebody else, and had the feeling they were taking away a meal from someone who might need it even more.”

So the restaurant opened it up to everyone. “Even if someone comes down in their fancy jewelry and nice car, so be it,” Seiter laughed.

The manager explained that the initiative came about when Welcome Friends Soup Kitchen, located in Port Jefferson, shared with him that they did not have people to help on Thanksgiving Day and were not able to serve. “That is what inspired us to do this,” he said.

Seiter estimates that about 200 people partook in this year’s event, which saw them seated throughout the front dining area as well as in the large dining room in the back of the restaurant.

In addition to Thanksgiving Day’s free meal, a discounted menu was available all weekend long.

The Steam Room is located at 4 East Broadway in Port Jefferson.