On Wednesday, April 30, 2008, New York foodies from across the city gathered at Steiner Studios at the Brooklyn Navy Yard to celebrate the return of a new and improved Brooklyn Eats™.  More than 35 restaurants took part in the 11th edition of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce’s culinary showcase that aims to promote economic development in the borough and celebrate all things Brooklyn.

This year’s event had an added twist – visitors tasted their way through the diverse neighborhoods of Brooklyn as well as enjoyed the unique cultural experience that each community offers, with the addition of 13 cultural organizations participating.  Also in attendance for the first time were the New York City Association of Hotel Concierges and Tour Operators and the Guides Association of New York City.  The addition of these organizations to this year’s Brooklyn Eats aims to bring Brooklyn’s hospitality industry to the realms of business event planning, incentive travel, meetings and tours, thereby attracting spending to local businesses that otherwise would not have access to these audiences.

Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Carl Hum said, “At the very first Brooklyn Eats, there were only 15 restaurants representing what was then a very small Brooklyn culinary world. Now, popular restaurant rows like Smith Street and Fifth Avenue have redefined Brooklyn’s cuisine.”

“And, the truly amazing thing about this year’s Brooklyn Eats was highlighting the different neighborhoods and the unique flavor that they each bring. New Yorkers from across the five boroughs are learning that they can find cutting edge new chefs in Williamsburg and Fort Greene; and even our neighbors in Manhattan now know that some of the best Chinese food in the city is in Sunset Park and that we’ve got world-class Italian restaurants right here in Bay Ridge,” he said.

Mr. Hum concluded, “Brooklyn is now rightfully known as an incredible place to find great food, great restaurants and top-notch cultural institutions. All of us at the Brooklyn Chamber are proud of the role that Brooklyn Eats has played in raising the industry’s profile and expanding the restaurant and tourism sector of our borough’s economy.”

In continued support of the development of future culinary artists and entrepreneurs, Chamber officials announced the winners of the 6th Brooklyn Eats™ Scholarships. Carl Hum, Chairman Dan Holt, and a number of Brooklyn’s elected officials presented scholarships to three hospitality management students studying at the New York City College of Technology, CUNY in Downtown Brooklyn. Scholarship winners Reem Assad,   Ronish Hamilton and Natasha Wheatley unveiled their new recipe for City Tech Zen Cookies, created especially for the event.

Major funding for Brooklyn Eats™ 2008 was provided by New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and the Brooklyn delegation of the New York City Council.  Additional funding was provided by Commerce Bank, GHI-HIP, Pfizer Inc., Two Trees Management LLC, with additional support from Brooklyn Tourism, Heart of Brooklyn, New York City College of Technology, CUNY, and Water Taxi.

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce – New York City’s largest chamber with 1,500 Members – is a business assistance and economic development organization dedicated to helping businesses grow and promoting the economic development of Brooklyn.