Brooklyn Eats! at the Pfizer Building
Last week, The Summer Fancy Food Show, the major industry food expo was held in New York City at the Javits Center. I’ve covered this event for several years, talking about some of my edible finds and scoping out potential trends that I saw (as well as just noshing my way around the display of culinary treats for a few days). This year, I decided to focus my attentions a bit more locally.
Check-in table
Brooklyn Eats! was held the Friday prior to the main conference, sponsored by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, focusing on food artisans and entrepreneurs that are making NYC such a hotbed of gastronomic creativity. The first one of these expos was held last year. I think it flew under the radar of folks a bit, from what I heard. This year, it seemed better promoted, bringing out a steady pack of food industry people, buyers, writers, and retailers. The BCC also assisted those exhibitors who wanted to take part in the SFFS, too, helping them to register and set up their booths, so this project helps entrepreneurs not just in their community but also in the larger, more competitive specialty food market.
Bacchanal Sauce – check out this fiery condiment!
Brooklyn Delhi – spruce up your meals with these tangy-spicy relishes
There was no shortage of great food products to sample at this event, either. As I ate (and drank) my way around the tables set up at historic Pfizer Building (the event venue as well as the site of production kitchens for some of these companies), I was struck by a few interesting aspects. Yes, there were plenty of new, intriguing products to try. At the same time, what made me the happiest to see was that many of the folks whose foods I’ve tasted over the years are still in business.
The Jam Stand – look at their new lo-sugar line
City Saucery – check out their expanded product line and new, larger jars of their sauces
Not only that, many of them have grown and are thriving, adding new items to their product lines and venturing into other areas. Quite a few have gone from the markets like the New Amsterdam Market, Hester Street Fair and Smorgasburg to brick-and-mortar locations. They now employ full-time staff and also mentor other budding culinary start-ups. Many of the founders of these businesses also participate in panel discussions and at other events to discuss in the ins and outs of creating your own food items and brands, offering tips, advice, and resources to those who are thinking of breaking into the industry.
Liddabit Sweets – follow them to see where they’ll be opening up their new store
Robicelli’s – drop by their shop in Bay Ridge
While I don’t have any idea of the dollar amounts that these activities contribute to the NYC economy, I do know that they add invaluable services and grow the resources of the city. It’s exciting to see the continued success of these hard-working folks. Of course, getting to eat delicious things is a bonus for the rest of us, too! I definitely think that our foodscene has improved and grown due to their efforts. Check out the slideshow below to see what other great treats I found at this event.
Buon appetito!
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