A local community pop-up shop has returned for the holiday season in Prospect Lefferts Gardens.
At Caribbeing’s annual holiday pop-up shop, passersby will get a chance to try out and purchase imported and locally-made food products from all over the Caribbean. This year’s “Little Caribbean Food Pop-up shop” is showcasing products from Trinidad and Tobago, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, along with Brooklyn-made island-inspired merchandise. One of the newest additions to the shop this year concentrates on the creative minds in Caribbean gastronomy, said one of the co-organizers of the pop-up.
“We decided to do a food pop-up shop to highlight Caribbean vendors and culinary chefs, and we broke them down into themes in the year,” said Tiara Torres.
The first week of the shop spotlighted food and samplings, and the final two themes will center on mental and physical health, she added.
“The first theme focused on food, and next week it’s going to be wellness — so we’ll be focusing on food products that are relative to wellness, as well perfumes, body oils, and candles,” said Torres.
The last theme will be the holiday market, and all Caribbeing merchandise will be on sale, she added.
From now until the last week before Christmas, the Caribbean-centric cultural hub — housed in a bright yellow shipping container parked at Parkside and Ocean avenues — will be selling all sorts of Caribbean offerings.
She said shoppers have been interested in all the products, which include jerk seasoning, spice rubs, drinks and beverages, condiments, and sweet snacks. And some items may need to be restocked.
“They’ve been picking up everything because we already sold out of a cookbook and pepper sauce,” said Torres.
The key to boosting the products comes with tasting.
“What really helps is our activation — so when we sample food with one of the products, they sell really quick,” said Torres.
A few of the products include guava sticks and coffee from Puerto Rico, Brooklyn Brewed’s Sorrel drink, Ess Dot Mars jerk spices, and utensils and other artisan items.
Torres said not only does the pop-up offer a variety of products to try, but it supports a vital industry.
“It’s great to shop local because this is all going directly to the makers in the Caribbean, and it’s a great authentic food made by hand,” she said.
“Little Caribbean Food Pop-Up” at Caribbeing House at Parkside Plaza [Parkside and Ocean avenues in Prospect Lefferts Gardens, www.carib
