Nostrand Avenue Restaurant Row - Updates
Funso Becomes Famous
Back in our February issue we published an article by Peter Anekwe about the restaurant Akara House. We are a modest community news outlet, and we wanted to let people in the community know about this small restaurant that serves excellent vegan food. We also covered Akara House as one of the members of Restaurant Row, the group of twelve restaurants that define an area of four blocks along Nostrand Avenue from Prospect Place to Dean Street The next time Akara House emerged in our pages was in relation to the Book Ball, the fund raiser for Brower Park Library that took place back in June. Our article about this event did not come out until the September issue as we do not publish in July or August. Owner of Akara House, Funso Ankinya, agreed to supply food for this event along with SoulBK (since closed) and Pando's Creperie and Cafe. I heard from numerous people who attended the event that the food supplied by Akara House was excellent, and Funso himself told me that people recognized him in the street and complimented him.
However, it is only recently that I came to realize that Akara House has gained enviable coverage in the New York press. At least four major publications have noticed the Nigerian restaurant and expressed their admiration in print. First I wanted to provide a photo of Funso, the man who creates wonders in his kitchen at 642 Nostrand Avenue between Dean and Bergen Streets.
photo of Funso
Now I would like to review of some of the things that have been said about this extraordinary place In the May 12, 2023 issue of the New Yorker magazine Hannah Goldfiend weighed in. Her article is titled “Fantastic Fast Food, West African Style, in Brooklyn” her piece begins, “What exactly is Funso Akinya doing back there, in the kitchen at Akara House (642 Nostrand Ave.; $5-$16), his tiny takeout counter in Crown Heights? The first time I tried his food, I looked up from my cardboard container in stunned silence.” She goes on to rhapsodize about the marvels of this place, putting it on the same level as upscale places in Manhattan. My first experience of the Akara Burger was similar. I remember telling myself, “This is very good.” And to prove it was no fluke, I have been back many times.
New York Magazine did a piece about Akara House in late 2023 that reads as follows: “At Akara House, you can get sandwiches that are crunchy, creamy, and a little bit sweet. This Is Brooklyn's Most Exciting New Veggie Burger.” Funso began his life in the US as a counter person at McDonald's, so he knew that Americans love burgers. He also knew how to make one that tastes much better than what McDonalds offers and is not bad for your health. He makes his burger from beans and seasons them in a way that creates an amazing taste.
On March 24, 2024, The Daily News sent someone to Akara House to write a review. The title is “NYC Hidden Dining Gems; Akara House Brings Nigerian Food to Crown Heights.” There follows a description of how delicious the food is, and since it is vegan, it is good for your health.
And then on September 4th of this year the newspaper of record, The New York Times, gave their take in an article about hamburgers all across the United States. Priya Krishna and Tejal Rao included Akara House and wrote as follows:
“Working as an Instacart shopper at the height of the pandemic, Funso Akinya noticed that people kept buying plant-based burgers from companies like Impossible Foods. So he bought one to try. “I was like, ‘Wow, this is very terrible,’ ” he recalled. Surely, he thought, he could make a better vegetarian burger. He found his solution in akara, a Nigerian fritter made of peeled, mashed beans seasoned with plenty of fresh herbs, garlic and onion, and deep-fried until the outside is lightly crunchy and the interior is soft and lush.”
They also included two photos, one of the Akara Burger and the other of the paste it is made with.
Photos of the Burger and the paste
So it is that a small restaurant charging prices that are listed at $10 to $20 has gotten reviews from the major print media in New York. And this is backed up by reviews from customers that go like this: “Lovely food, lovely people, so happy this place opened in the neighborhood.” But the impact goes way beyond Crown Heights. Funso reports that people in Nigeria are aware of his success and would like to welcome him back in Nigeria as a kind of celebrity.
If you haven't been yet, do not delay. You are in for a special treat.
– John DeWind
Yummy's Has a Grand Opening – Going for Brunch
On September 7th, my wife and I went over to Yummy's at 706 Nostrand Avenue, around 1pm, for it opening. The doors were open, there was a banner proclaiming the Grand Opening, and black and yellow balloons had been attached to the doors.
Photo of the front of the restaurant
Inside we found the place had been painted yellow and there was lots of greenery, some attached to the walls, and many plants and flowers. It makes for a cheerful, pleasing atmosphere. The place was well staffed; perhaps nine people were ready to serve customers but the customers had not yet turned up. Our hostess was Stormy, and she took us to a table for two. Soon after a waitress showed up. She introduced herself as Lexi; she took our drink orders and gave us menus. There was loud music with a heavy disco beat that made communication difficult. Eventually Keith Bryant, the owner and chief cook came out and welcomed us. He said the opening had been hectic and that he was just getting deliveries that should have come the day before. This was confirmed when a hand truck loaded with boxes was pushed through the restaurant. We asked him to turn the music down a bit, and this he agreed to do. It soon was lowered to a level that made talking easier.
Lexi returned and took our order. My wife ordered scrambled eggs and a fruit salad, and I chose an omelet with onions and tomatoes and some turkey bacon. There was a bit of a wait during which I asked a man sitting by himself two tables away what he thought of his food. He was having crab cakes and fried chicken. He said the food was very good and that he had come because he lived in the neighborhood and decided to try out this new place.
Lexi told us that when things settle down she would be covering dinner and working in the lounge downstairs that will be open 10pm to 3am. The lounge will also be where special events take place. In the morning she will work at her other job which is teaching sewing. She lives near Ebbets Field, so her waitress job is convenient for her.
Eventually Lexi returned with the news that there was no fruit salad. So my wife changed her order to the kale caesar salad with chicken. Lexi told us the brunch menu would not be ready until next week. There was more delay, but then when the Kale salad arrived, my wife said the dressing was quite tasty. Soon after we were surprised that a plate of fruit salad appeared. Apparently the fruit had been in the last minute delivery, and then a plate with eggs appeared. We were told this was the omelet I had ordered, but it seemed more like the scrambled eggs. There was no filling in it. The turkey bacon never appeared So we settled with what had come, which was well prepared and quite tasty.
I let the staff know I wanted to take a picture. Stormy gathered a group of people including Jay and Nosca and we took a joint photo.
Soon after this we met Cliff who is in charge of the music. He told us the Delfonics would be coming later, about 5pm, to play They are an old R&B/Soul group that were popular in the 60's and 70's. I remembered some of their songs. He added that in general he wanted to play a variety of music that would appeal to all tastes.
Photo of Cliff and Louise
Eventually we finished our food and got the check. It was $38, with the tip added we had spent $45. As we left, I got a copy of the menu. There was a broad variety of offerings, $14 to $25 for brunch with sides offered for $4. Desserts were $10. Entrees for dinner went from $20 to $40 and appetizers for $12 to $18. The brunch offerings covered eggs, pancakes and waffles with different chicken and sea food added. The dinner entrees included steaks, chops, oxtail, all kinds of seafood and chicken as well as penne and salads.
All in all, Yummy's still has a few wrinkles to smooth out, but it could catch on. When I went by later, a lot more people had showed up and the place was humming. We will have to keep an eye on this eatery and see how it fits in with the other restaurants on Nostrand Avenue.
– John DeWind
Grand Opening at Yummy's
On a wonderful Saturday night, I found myself at 706 Nostrand Avenue in Crown Heights, drawn in by the vibrant sight of yellow and black balloons heralding the "Grand Opening" of Yummy's Restaurant. Before I even reached the entrance, I was greeted by a cheerful young lady in a pink sweatsuit who excitedly told me, "You should come in, the food is great, trust me." Her infectious grin set the tone for what would be an unforgettable evening.
Photo of hostess at the door
As I approached the door, Aisha, the stunning and lively hostess, danced me inside. It wasn’t just a typical entrance – it was a full-on celebration. A DJ came down from his platform, and before I knew it, we were belting out Tevin Campbell's R&B hit, "I'm Ready," together. The theme of Yummy’s is clearly joy and positive vibes, and that was evident from the moment I walked in.
The restaurant’s architecture is sleek and modern, with unique lighting that creates a warm and inviting ambiance, perfect for a fun evening out. It was heartening to see a diverse crowd enjoying the atmosphere: girlfriends laughing over drinks, couples sharing intimate meals, and families soaking up the lively energy.
Yummy's offers a fresh twist on dining while honoring traditional flavors. Chef and part-owner Keith Bryant has expertly combined Caribbean cuisine with soulful dining favorites to craft a menu that’s bursting with flavor. I indulged in a delicious steak, perfectly creamy mac and cheese, and tender green beans, all complemented by a great drink.
Photo of the writer studying the menu
Throughout the night, Aisha floated through the dining room, checking on guests and ensuring everyone felt welcome. The music kept the energy high and made it tempting to linger for just one more drink.
Photo of a delicious drink
Kevin Walters, the manager, is passionate about serving his community. His goal is to make Yummy’s the go-to spot, a place "where everybody knows your name, and they're always glad you came." This philosophy shines through in every aspect of the restaurant, from the attentive service to the upbeat ambiance.
Yummy’s Restaurant is a gem in Crown Heights, offering great eats, amazing entertainment, and a dose of beautiful energy. Be sure to check their website for hours of operation, and treat yourself to this one-of-a-kind dining experience!
– Jenn Peck
