Brooklyn foodies chow down at 14th annual Brooklyn Eats

BY MICHELLE ZAUROV & MARIA ELENA PEREZ
editorial@brooklynreporter.com

Brooklyn foodies had a chance to feast during the 14th annual Brooklyn Eats, a trade show organized by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and held on Friday, June 24.

Showcasing the diverse delicacies made by both established and up-and-coming manufacturers/restaurants in the borough, the event attracted potential customers who got to enjoy samples of the vendors’ trademark food.

“This is a place for vendors who are ready to take their food to the next level,” said Carlo Scissura, president and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber. “They truly represent our borough through their diverse food and cultures.”

Damacus Bakery, 56 Gold Street, damascusbakery.com, was on hand serving up its new flatbreads. Dating back to the 1930s, the family-owned business has always found different ways to bring the owners’ Middle Eastern roots into its new products.

“If we’re representing our family and heritage, we need to evolve to tell its story,” said Leila Mafoud, who works in the bakery with her parents. The flatbreads can be used as a substitute for pizza dough.

Pazzi Pasta (227 Smith Street) is a family-owned restaurant in Cobble Hill that features organic pasta and homemade sauces. The nero di seppa pasta, served up with any of Pazzi’s vegan and gluten-free sauces, is a popular favorite.

La Newyorkina treats — including paletas, Spanish ice pops — are a great way to end a hot summer’s day. They come in many different flavors, including coconut and passion fruit. Along with cookies, brownies and other desserts, La Newyorkina also sells cookbooks on how to make its sweet treats at home. Check out where to get them at lanewyorkina.com/web/pages/locations.html.

Need a cake for a birthday, or just looking to appease your sweet tooth? I.M. Pastry (1131 Nostrand Avenue) is the place to satisfy your cravings. From cupcakes to birthday cakes, this woman-operated business in Prospect Lefferts Gardens makes delicious desserts for any occasion. Not in the mood for anything sweet? Not to worry. I.M. Pastry serves breakfast, lunch and brunch throughout the week. Check out the menu at impastrystudio.com/drinks-pacific/.

Only in retail business for seven months, chefs Eric Bolyard and Andrew Black have managed to create one of the most unique food products we have ever come across – brown butter. Mastering the art of caramelizing butter, these two chefs, doing business as Black and Bolyard, sell three flavors you can add to any meal: original, bay leaf and Aleppo pepper. The chefs are looking to expand and add more flavors soon. You can find their products in local stores listed on blackandbolyard.com.

Brooklyn Delhi afforded us a delicious taste of India. Owned by Crown Heights couple Chitra Agrawl and Ben Garthus Delhi, the company produces Indian relishes called “achaar” that enhance any meal or can just be eaten with crackers as a snack. We sampled “Tomato Achaar,” which had a spicy kick, “Roasted Garlic Achaar” and “Rhubarb Ginger Achaar” with tones of rich sweetness. Find shops that carry them at brooklyndelhi.com.

Putting a fun spin on kombucha, Kombrewcha brews produce more alcohol than traditional kombucha, making them only consumable by ages 21+. Four delicious flavors were available to sample: original, lemongrass lime, royal ginger and blackberry hibiscus, all refreshing and sweet, thanks to the use of agave nectar, giving more sweetness and fewer calories! They are the first in the world to brew kombucha this way; find their products at kombrewcha.com.