The Brooklyn Borough President Nightlife and Restaurant Coalition (BNRC) hosted some of the biggest superstar Caribbean eateries in the community, such as Suede Restaurant, Silver Crust, The Hills Restaurant, and many others, to celebrate its first International Food and Wine Tasting event on June 22 at the Tropical Paradise Ballroom in Brooklyn.
From jerk chicken, to stewed fish, steamed crab, rasa pasta, pizza black and white pudding, curried goat over peas rice — the sampling of food, and tasting of wines from major sponsors, BK Bottles, Bartenura – brought together an appreciative audience who flocked to tasting stations, leaving with hefty plates and promises to patronize the vendors in the future.
The businesses also didn’t leave empty handed, they receive awards for their steadfast commitment to providing the community with good service, and great food and drink, while maintaining a standard befitting the grade system created by New York City.
With live entertainment by Wrickford Dalgetty and a costume carnival presentation by revelers from Sesame Flyers Int., BNRC Coordinator, June Persaud, welcomed the wide-cross section of patrons, and thank them for their support, stating that the event could not have been a success without them.
Ms. Persaud handed out awards for Best Customer Service, Most Improved, Women Owned Business, Networking, and Community Appreciation Business, Best Restaurant of the Year, Franchise Awards, and others, to those deserving entrepreneurs.
The Coalition, established just a year ago by Borough President Eric Adams — who was unable to attend the event due to a tight schedule – said Organization Coordinator, Ray Martin, seeks to engage and unite businesses while advocating on their behalf.
He said he wanted the businesses to understand that joining the coalition would be beneficial to them as entrepreneurs.
A website is in the works to give the businesses an opportunity to register and become a part of the coalition. Issues such as improving relationships between the industry and city agencies, will be the responsibility of the coalition.
Martin added that two coordinators in each of the eighteen community board districts, across Brooklyn, would advocate for the business through the Borough President’s Office.
The event, that was attended by Barrington Barrett, chairman of Community Board No: 17, and District Manager at Community Board No17, Sherief Fraser, and organized by Community Board 17 Coordinators June Persaud and Chasen Hollancid – is one of many activities to be held all across the borough to empower and educate businesses, and help them to grow, while eliminating challenges they may face, said Martin.
The free membership is available to Bodegas, mobile food trucks / carts commissary kitchens, and liquor stores. Businesses that do not hold such licenses are not eligible.
District Leader of the 58th Assembly District Cory Provost, congratulated the coordinators, and called on the attendees to support the vendors, stating that he looks forward to more events in the community.
“Hopefully you will get a little hint of what the restaurants have to offer so that you could go back and patronize them a lot more, by using their catering to help them grow, while the money is circulate in our community,” said Provost.
Pizza 57 Inc. Tonel Lounge, D’ Savannah, Round 2 Café, Plenty Paradise, Footprints Café King & Queens, Sip & Chat café, Rag Top Lounge, Charlena Chateau, Fisheye Bar& Grill, Boston Jerk Center, Aura Bar & Lounge Queen Bee’s Corner, Brooklyn Soul Food, Fay & King Restaurant, Klissix Restaurant & Bar, Freda Home Made Juice, and Rose Garden Catering Hall made a contribution to the event.
The success of the event was also attributed to other participating restaurants, including Roof Sport Bar and Grill Corp. Universal Mobay Restaurant, The Oval Sports Bar & Grill Corp. Oxygen Nation Cocktail Lounge, Silhouwette Kitchen & Custom Cake, Taste Delicious W.I. Bakery & Restaurant and the Loft of Avenue H. Restaurant & Lounge.
