Bed-Stuy's Trinidadian Bakery Wins James Beard Award

BEDFORD-STUYVESANT, BROOKLYN -- A Bed-Stuy doubles and roti shop won a prestigious award from the James Beard Foundation, which dubbed the bakery an American classic Friday.

A&A Bake & Double and Roti Shop was one of five eateries to win the 2019 America's Classic Award. The Trinidadian bakery at 1337 Fulton St. earned praise from James Beard for serving and representing its community.

"As the neighborhood continues to rapidly gentrify," officials wrote, " A&A’s sustained success serves as a delicious reminder of the Bed-Stuy’s rich Caribbean history."

Trinidadian natives Noel and Geeta Brown opened A&A in 2002 and have since garnered a loyal following of doubles-loving locals who can often be seen lining up for traditional Trinidadian street food.

Culinary Instagrammer Brian Lindo, of @briancantstopeating, announced A&A's victory in a video posted to Instagram on Friday.

"The winner that I'm about to announce has been blessing New York City's community of Bed-Stuy," Lindo said. "Restaurant owners Noel and Geeta have made every effort to make the restaurant like home."

Lindo made special reference to the doubles, curried chickpeas sandwiches between two deep-fried flatbreads, but A&A is also known for roti, breakfast bakes and curries, none of which costs more than $10.

It was this mastery of a "New York City art form," the "cheap-and-cheerful," that earned the respect of James Beard judges looking for well-established and locally-owned restaurants to honor with an American Classics award.

“It is important to honor and celebrate the establishments that have stood the test of time," said the foundation's CEO Clare Reichenbach.

“These restaurants provide not only wonderful culinary experiences, but are important and enduring pillars in their communities.”

More than 100 restaurants have earned the accolade since the category was introduced in 1998.

Photo courtesy of GoogleMaps