People of Mattituck: Tina Langer

Tina Langer and her husband, Kevin, have owned The LLL Deli for about 15 years and lived in Mattituck for more than 25. Langer is originally from Riverhead.

What brought you to Mattituck?
My husband. His family owned the Coffee Pot on Pike Street. We both worked there for a while.

What were your first impressions of Mattituck?
I didn't know it existed. Where I grew up I was always on the other side of the island, my friends all lived in Riverhead and Flanders. But I thought it was very pretty, quiet, a little too quiet for me. I like a little excitement.

So what made you stay all this time? Did you raise a family here?
Yep, two girls. It's very pretty and there's not much crime. I live within walking distance of town, the docks, even the Waldbaums shopping center I could walk to if I want. You don't really need a car. You kind of know everybody here and they've known you since you were little.

What challenges does this community face?
Getting people to come in. It's not like Riverhead that has the aquarium and now a big hotel. Greenport has the carousel and the big ships. Mattituck is a drive-by town. We need something to attract the people here. And Lord knows we don't need any more food places. There are more places to eat in Mattituck than anything else.

Define the character of Mattituck.
Quaint.