By Nelson A. King
The Jamaica, Queens-based
Caribbean American Restaurant
Association (CARA) said on
Wednesday that the first ever
in-person National Caribbean
American Restaurant Week will
be launched on Sunday.
CARA said in a statement
that the historical event will
take place from 1:00 pm to 3:30
pm at Suede Restaurant in East
Flatbush, Brooklyn.
The group said that it has
also organized participating
restaurants in over 17 states
and 30 cities across the US.
CARA said National Caribbean
American Restaurant
Week will feature “exceptional
Caribbean foods, top-shelf mixtures
of Caribbean drinks, and
a unique experience for our
important invited guests and
patrons alike.
“This celebration will kick
start extended Restaurant
Week, which is helping as
many restaurants as possible to
recover and restore the financial
health of their business
due to the devastating losses
caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,”
Caribbean L 40 ife, JUNE 11-17, 2021
it said. “The slogan
‘Taste the Culture, Savor the
Vibes’ is indicative of the exceptional
cultural experience that
awaits patrons.”
CARA said one of the objectives
of the National Caribbean
American Restaurant Week is
to help generate local support
for restaurants impacted by the
pandemic in New York City and
around the country.
“CARA accomplishes this
through aggressive local marketing
and promotions that
will drive old and new patrons
to participate in this event,” the
statement said.
Sunday’s launch will be
hosted by Oliver Samuels, the
legendary Jamaican actor, performer,
comedian, director and
producer, who recently celebrated
his 50th year in cultural
entertainment.
“I am proud of my Caribbean
heritage and. along with
thousands of New Yorkers, I am
thrilled to support the first-ever
National Caribbean American
Restaurant Week,” said New
York City First Lady Chirlane
McCray, who traces her roots to
Barbados and St. Lucia.
“Caribbean restaurants are
the heart and soul of neighborhoods
across New York City and
across the nation,” she added.
“They bring the warmth of a
culture that celebrates family
and community with tantalizing
traditional dishes and the
familiar flavors of home.
“Like so many other small
businesses — especially in
communities of color — our
Caribbean restaurants were
devastated by the COVID-19
pandemic,” McCray continued.
“Now, as we focus on a fair,
inclusive recovery, it is up to
all of us to support these businesses
as they recover.”
Caribbean American Congresswoman,
Yvette D. Clarke
said that “not only will there
be a myriad of delicious food to
choose from, but this is also an
opportunity to highlight small
Caribbean-owned businesses
and support their economic
recovery from the devastating
impacts of COVID-19.
Jamaican comedian Oliver Samuels.
“As a Jamaican-American
woman, I take great pride in
my heritage and understand
the illustrious legacy of how
Black and Caribbean culture
contributed and continues to
contribute to this country’s
culinary identity,” said Clarke,
representative for the 9th Congressional
District in Brooklyn,
whose parents hail from
Jamaica.
National Caribbean American
Restaurant Week to launch Sunday
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health,
for OUR
FAMILY
and
COMMUNITY!
!
VISIT nyc.gov/vaccinefinder OR CALL 877-829-4692
to get your COVID-19 vaccine.
Bill de Blasio
Mayor
Dave A. Chokshi, MD, MSc
"#$$
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Health Commissioner
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