Photo: Chris Kreussling

The Brooklyn neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant is perhaps best known for being the birthplace of famous rappers like Jay-Z, The Notorious BIG, and Mos Def (now known as Yasiin Bey). But, Bed-Stuy’s contributions to African American and pop culture go even deeper than simply giving birth to hip-hop giants.

The historic neighborhood is home to the first free African American community, is the birthplace of many prolific African American poets, serves as the backdrop to many of Spike Lee’s movies, and was the breeding ground for Civil Rights victories in the late 1960’s.  Bed-Stuy’s little known history is often obscured by its tough reputation for which the phrase coined in the 90’s “Bed-Stuy, Do or Die” speaks to its rugged way of life.  While the hype has kept many would-be tourists at bay it hasn’t diminished the cultural and artistic significance of the neighborhood.

As the neighborhood tastes continue to shift under the influence and interests of its new residents, Bed-Stuy will soon be able to claim another important cultural achievement: home to an amazing culinary scene. Sadly, Bed-Stuy doesn’t ever make the list for neighborhoods to visit for neighborhood to go to get your foodie fix; and that’s where we come in! Here we shed light to a few artisan purveyors, ethnic eats, and date spots located in Bed-Stuy that deserve recognition Read More

Photo: Romain Guy

By: Nicole Lewis

Dumplings aren’t just street food they are smart food. The way meat or vegetables tuck perfectly inside a pan-fried crispy or steamed and wonderfully chewy exterior just makes sense. They are so smart that pretty much every major food culture has their iteration of a dumpling.  The simple yet flavorful treat can be eaten all-year-round, at any time of day; breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

For me the ultimate dumpling is pan-fried pork dumplings, common to Chinese food, called Jiazoi. If you are in NYC, and want a taste of authentic dumplings, head to Chinatown.  Chinatown in lower Manhattan is home to many of China’s ethnic groups. Here you can find a variety of dumplings from shrimp dumplings called, har gow, to soup dumplings, and everything in between. If you ask me, all are equally delicious. Read More

By: Nicole Lewis

For part three of the Little Known Bed-Stuy Eats series, I wanted to focus on a category of restaurant that I think deserves a little recognition in the food blogosphere: date spots. There is so much more to great food and great restaurants than the details we typically focus on. Artisanal foods and Ethnic eats are just one part of the equation of a thriving food scene. Being able to eat a great meal with the person you love in your neighborhood is one of the surest signs you’re in a dynamic food zone.

Yet, great date spots are hard to find in this city as New Yorker’s appreciation for tasty food and lack of kitchen space means we eat out regularly. Packed restaurants, long waits, and a noise level, which even makes it difficult to hear the sound of your own chewing does not make a good date.

In Bed-Stuy, you can take a break from the hustle of the busy city streets and enjoy a fine meal with your sweetie. While any of the establishments in Parts I and II would be great to order take out from and head home for a special evening, dining out provides an added element of romance. Read More

By: Nicole Lewis

While Harlem and Bed-Stuy are best known for being home to a thriving African American community there are many ethnic groups who populate these two historic neighborhoods.  Bed-Stuy, like Harlem and much of New York City, is a mash up of influences. Caribbean, African, African American, Latino, White-American, and European people have all come to live in this notable Brooklyn neighborhood.

Unlike Little Italy or Chinatown the fact that there are so many different ethnic groups living in one place has prevented Bed-Stuy from being dubbed Little Dakar or Little West Indies. Nevertheless, much like Chinatown and Little Italy you will find some of the best ethnic eats the city has to offer.

There so many well kept secrets when it comes to ethnic eats in Bed-Stuy. Read More

Photo: Chris Kreussling

By: Nicole Lewis

The Brooklyn neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant is perhaps best known for being the birthplace of famous rappers like Jay Z, The Notorious BIG, and Mos Def (now known as Yasiin Bey). But, Bed-Stuy’s contributions to African American and pop culture go even deeper than simply giving birth to Hip-Hop giants.

The historic neighborhood is home to the first free African American community, is the birthplace of many prolific African American poets, serves as the backdrop to many of Spike Lee’s movies, and was the breeding ground for Civil Rights victories in the late 1960′s.  Bed-Stuy’s little known history is often obscured by its tough reputation for which the phrase coined in the 90′s “Bed-Stuy, Do or Die” speaks to its rugged way of life.  While the hype has kept many would-be tourists at bay it hasn’t diminished the cultural and artistic significance of the neighborhood.

As the neighborhood tastes continue to shift under the influence and interests of its new residents, Bed-Stuy will soon be able to claim another important cultural achievement: home to an amazing culinary scene. Read More