Ethnic Foods Abound, From
`Bubble & Squeak’ to BBQ
By Sarah Zorn
Brooklyn Daily Eagle
BROOKLYN -- The moment Jerome Griffin’s colorful artwork began to arrive in mailboxes, promoting the annual “Brooklyn Eats” event, people became excited. And on the day of the event, Tuesday, Oct. 27, eager foodies crowded Stage 6 at Steiner Studios, where 40 of Brooklyn’s premier culinary stars showed up to demonstrate their art.
The excitement was both culinary and cultural, as Brooklyn’s diverse dining universe was on full and delicious display.
Chef Chris Leung of Ve Restaurant & Lounge (370 Fourth Ave.) may be a relative newcomer to the Brooklyn scene, but he has already been inspired by its flavors. “I make classic comfort food with an Asian influence, seasoned with New York’s pantry,” he explained. His Roasted Filet Mignon on an ‘Everything Bagel’ Lotus Chip had definite Asia-meets-New York flair!
Bussaco restaurant (833 Union St.) offered another play on regional comfort food with its version of Bubble and Squeak. The British pub favorite of mashed potato and cabbage got a haute-cuisine makeover with the addition of duck confit and roasted Brussels sprouts.
Comfort food was definitely on the menu and offered in abundance by Soul Sister Quisine (635 Vanderbilt Ave.). “That’s Q as in Queen, because I’m the Queen of Brooklyn barbecue and soul food,” proclaimed chef/owner Nicole Gates. “A lot of restaurants do one or the other, but we’ve got it all — sweet, hot, tangy. People settle in Brooklyn from all over — the South, the Midwest — and they love these flavors.” An informal poll of the crowd proved her right. “Soul Sister’s food made my night!” enthused patron Ricardi Calixte, a first time attendee from Queens.
Guests looking to satisfy a sweet craving had their choice of “red velvet” treats, from sheet cakes (Abu’s Homestyle Bakery, 1184 Fulton St.) to cheesecakes (The Sweet Tooth, 305 Halsey St.) to mini-moon pies (Trois Pommes Patisserie, 260 Fifth Ave.). Do we sense a new food trend? Top marks were given to Cake Man Raven’s classic cupcakes (2914 Atlantic Ave.) by Coney Island resident Bianca Fosterly. “Absolutely amazing, the best” she gushed. “This has been such a great night, and a great opportunity to taste all of these restaurants at once.”
Essie Lash of Crown Heights couldn’t agree more. “I’m eating my full, I can tell you that. They’ve got such a great cross-section of restaurants here, from Park Slope to Bushwick to my own neighborhood. It’s great to see Abigail’s Café and Wine Bar (807 Classon Ave). Their food is so wonderful and seasonal.”
So what does she usually look for in a restaurant? “I like a combination of warm and friendly atmosphere, great food, of course, and a relatively low price point,” she said. “I’m also a Brooklyn biker, so if I can get there on a bike, I’m happy!”
Whether by bike or bus, on the subway or on foot, the night’s event further confirmed what most Brooklynites have known for years -- there’s no need to cross the Brooklyn, Williamsburg or Manhattan bridges if you’re looking for a great meal.
