Patrons take pleasure in brunch at CZEN Restaurant in Brooklyn, the place the menu fuses Caribbean classics like jerk rooster with Asian-inspired dishes.
Picture by Tracey Khan
A style of the Caribbean meets Asian-inspired dishes at CZEN Restaurant, a Brooklyn eatery serving a singular menu for almost six years. Proprietor Al and his companions, who’re of Jamaican, Haitian, and Barbadian descent, opened the restaurant to convey neighborhood-style flavors and a vibrant environment to the Brooklyn neighbourhood.
“Seasoned truly stands for Caribbean Zen,” Netfa Ricketts mentioned. “We needed to mix our roots and create one thing that mirrored each cultures.”
Along with its Brooklyn location, CZEN has expanded to Englewood, New Jersey, and not too long ago opened a speakeasy-style restaurant in Lengthy Island Metropolis in collaboration with Newsroom.
The menu at CZEN is a fusion of Caribbean and Asian delicacies, providing every little thing from oxtail and jerk rooster to sushi rolls, dumplings, ramen bowls, and bao buns. Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays, dinner hours run from Tuesday to Friday, 4 p.m. to midnight, and weekends start at midday.
Netfa acknowledged the challenges of opening a brand new restaurant simply earlier than the COVID-19 pandemic however mentioned the enterprise has remained regular. “We’ve been vibrant in the neighborhood, and the truth that we’re nonetheless right here and blossoming at this time is one thing we’re happy with,” he mentioned.
The restaurant prides itself on buyer engagement and group involvement, together with current promotions for Labor Day weekend that includes flags, photographs, and reside leisure. CZEN hosts DJs, reside bands, comedy reveals, and poetry slams to create an lively, inclusive vibe.
Wanting forward, he says the restaurant plans to proceed increasing, whether or not by means of new areas, product placements, or rising model recognition. “Our objective is to solidify our model and hold bringing genuine experiences to the neighborhoods we serve,” he mentioned.
He credited the restaurant’s success to his group, sturdy group ties, and a dedication to recent, high-quality meals. “We all know there’s all the time room for enchancment, and we attempt to boost our model, customer support, and wait instances,” he added. “However anybody who involves CZEN can count on an genuine product and a very good time.”
