Le Toukouleur in Bed Stuy: Doing an opening right

Borrowing from Brooklyn Record, we bring you the story of Le Toukouleur, a new African-French restaurant on Bedford Ave. in Bed Stuy.

To anyone thinking of opening a restaurant in PLG, please take note: for the grand opening, Le Toukouleur had free appetizers (aka functioning kitchen, intact chef) and drinks (liquor license).  These two items are essential for a successful grand opening.

Not only do the owners know how to do a grand opening right, but they also seem to have a good concept going.  Whether or not the cuisine can really be described as African-French, the menu incorporates both Carribbean specialties and American favorites. 

This is the type of place that would be a goldmine in PLG... if well run, of course.

Comments

[Ed]

Or for that matter, PLG could get a Parisian bistro or Malaysian cuisine. Why does everything have to relate to the existing african/caribbean community? Did these communities relate to the existing jewish community when they started immigrating into the neighborhood? Let's encourage diversity.

[babs]

Ooh, boy, someone's grumpy -- all ATP said was that this was "the type of place," that could work here -- meaning (I take it) a well-thought out, well-run, well-managed establishment (just like we're all hoping for in Enduro, a Mexican restaurant, if you need to be reminded). You're right, Ed, a Parisian-style bistro would be nice (I'm really not as sure about the appeal of a Malaysian place, although I'll try anything twice) -- but as an afficionado of French African cuisine, I would certainly love to get my maafe on closer to home than Dakar!

[Ed]

Not grumpy Bibs, just tired of everything in PLG having to relate to the African diaspora.

[LeffertsLiving]

Jesus Christ Ed, stop whining. If you moved into China Town, would you complain about everything having to relate to Chinese or Asian culture. Ed, you and your newcomer friends have just moved into the belly of the Brooklyn Caribbean community. No one complains about the fact that park slope is mostly all white and caters mostly to white people.

What do you expect? Why don't you get with your pals and open something you can relate to or just go to Park Slope, Bensonhurst or Bay Ridge?

People of European decent, welcome to West Indian Town!!!!

[Harry]

Poor Ed. Let's be nice to Ed. Such a nice short name too. Ed. How can you be mad at someone named Ed? I sure can't.

[Ed]

Gosh, I'm so confused. I thought this neighborhood was a white, jewish area that was going through a black, West Indian phase. Please clarify.

[Ed]

p.s. - I hate Chinatown. It's dirty and smelly and overpopulated.