By Cathy Shelton and Sherri Donovan
Cathy and Sherri are the co-organizers of the 2025 TCC New York Meet-Up
Brooklyn is the largest borough in New York City, with over 200 languages spoken in one of the most culturally diverse urban areas in the world. Since 1931, residents jump up in the West Indian Day Parade on Labour Day, wearing elaborate costumes—some featured in the Smithsonian.
The Caribbean section of Brooklyn, along Church Avenue between Nostrand and Flatbush Avenues, is home to its most populated diaspora. Start at Labay Market on Nostrand, and get a fresh juice made from okra, sorrel, and coconut, along with callaloo and jerk seasoning. Sample ackee and saltfish for breakfast at Tulun’s Caribbean Cuisine. Other food bites include Allan’s Bakery for currant rolls and Haitian patties, Mr. P’s for soursop ice cream, and Samuel’s Top Ranking Fish Shop! Be sure to visit the French Renaissance Kings Theatre.
Take the L train to The Bushwick Collective, murals by local and international artists. Visit the vintage flea market at Wyckoff and Willoughby and tour the 17th-century Dutch Colonial fieldstone Vander Ende-Onderdonk House at 1820 Flushing Avenue. Greenpoint is the home to Little Poland, which also includes Latino, North African and Southeast Asian communities. Manhattan Ave is the main drag. Eat at Karczma, the oldest Polish restaurant for pierogi.
From lower Manhattan, cross the East River by ferry and disembark at Atlantic Avenue to reach Arabic and Islamic boutiques as well as the brownstone neighborhoods of Cobble Hill and Boerum Hill. Shop at Sahadi’s Middle Eastern supermarket. Stop for a handmade spinach pie at Damascus Bread & Pastry Shop and a nosh of smoked fish at Shelky’s, which was voted best bagels. For must-see cultural performances, go to the Brooklyn Academy of Music or The Theatre for a New Audience in Fort Greene.
In 2018, the Coney Island Boardwalk became a NYC Landmark and is also the setting of many famous films. Take a stroll with views of the Atlantic Ocean, dance to the live Congas with Puerto Rican flags waving in the wind, ride the historic Wonder Wheel, and eat caviar in neighboring Russian Brighton Beach. Then grab a hot dog at the original Nathan’s and catch the Cyclones baseball game!
A special nod to Michele Cohen, Nella Rannazzisi, Dorota Wydro, and Bill Blum for leading these tours at the July 2025 NYC Meet-Up.
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