Allan’s Bakery (New York) | Influencer Restaurant Review by Righteous Eats
AI-Generated Summary: Righteous Eats’ Restaurant Review Video
Christian Smith, speaking from Allan’s Bakery, shares the history of the family-owned Caribbean bakery founded by his grandparents, Gloria and Allan, in 1961. The bakery’s recipes are influenced by their large family, making it a true Caribbean establishment. A signature item is the black cake, a vanilla-based cake infused with spices, extracts, and a fruit mixture soaked in rum and wine. This cake is essential in Caribbean celebrations and is sold year-round, especially during the holidays. Christian highlights the community’s support, which has allowed the bakery to thrive and continue giving back since its inception.
- Restaurant/Food Influencer: Righteous Eats
- Note: Christian Smith, who is interviewed and speaks in the video, is the third-generation owner of Allan’s Bakery.
- Video Platform: TikTok
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Full Transcript: Righteous Eats’ Restaurant Review Video
My name is Christian Smith, and we’re in the back of Allan’s Bakery. My grandparents are Gloria and Allan, and they founded the bakery in 1961.
My family’s pretty huge, so they all have had an influence on all of our recipes and how we incorporate different ingredients. We generally like to say we’re a Caribbean bakery because everybody has contributed to how we’ve got here today.
Once it’s time to celebrate, black cake is very, very important to have at the table if you’re in the Caribbean community or of Caribbean descent. Essentially, it’s like a vanilla-based cake, I’ll say. Then spices, extracts, and emulsions are added to it, along with a fruit mixture that includes currants, raisins, prunes, pineapple, cherries, orange peel, lemon peel, rum, wine, and some more liquor. The taste should be a little fruity, and you should feel a little tipsy.
We end up selling thousands, especially around the holiday season, but we serve it all year long. Any big occasion—weddings, you name it—but it’s also important even when it’s not time to celebrate. We have a customer who lives just a block away, and he comes in for black cake almost every single week. He grabs a slice.
Thanks to the community, we’ve been able to survive, be in the community, and give back to the community since 1961.
@righteouseats In Little Caribbean Brooklyn, black cake is essential for any celebration. Allan’s Bakery sells thousands during the holiday season, but they keep it in stock year-round for their community. What food traditions do you celebrate with? Let us know in the comments. #RighteousEats #HowNYCCelebrates #Brooklyn As New Yorkers, we know that holiday celebrations take on many forms in many cultures. For this collaboration with NYC Gov, we’re highlighting 3 celebrations from 3 boroughs. For the 3rd in the series, we’ve highlighted the Caribbean tradition of eating black cake. Follow Righteous Eats to learn more about local eateries to support in NYC. Follow NYCGov to stay up-to-date on the greatest city in the world.
♬ Tezeta (Nostalgia) - Mulatu Astatke
“Third generation black family-owned and operated Caribbean bakery that has been serving the Brooklyn, New York area for over 60 years. Allan and Gloria founded the bakery after friends and neighbors suggested opening a store.
Allan started baking goods in one small residential oven and sold them from the back of his station wagon with his wife, son, and daughters by his side in 1958. In 1961 they opened their first storefront on Saratoga Avenue in Brooklyn, in the same building they lived in and eventually moved to Nostrand Avenue years later. The bakery occupies 1107, 1109, and 1111 Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn, New York.
Top 5 Baked Goods: 1) Currant Rolls, 2) Hard Dough Bread, 3) Coconut Rolls, 4) Beef Patties, 5) Sponge Cake”
Address
1109 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225
Customer Feedback
Allan’s Bakery has garnered a loyal customer base, with many praising the quality and authenticity of its baked goods. While some reviews highlight occasional issues with customer service, the overall sentiment reflects a strong appreciation for the bakery’s offerings, particularly the currant rolls and doubles. The bakery has successfully navigated challenges over the years, maintaining its status as a beloved institution in the community.
