Not Just Another Caribbean Take Out Joint

An emerging Caribbean restaurant is taking root in Bedford-Suyvesant. Before you yawn over another eatery serving island fare in the already saturated sea of Caribbean-soul spots, stay tuned because Corlette has potential.

Corlette has some work to do before its official opening later this month on June 24, but its outdoor seating has organic charm and its staff is darling.

You could breeze by this place without knowing it exists. Sitting on a rather sparse section of Nostrand Ave. between Hart and Pulaski Sts., Corlette is nestled below an industrial red awning reading, “BJ Piping and Heating LLC.” You’d have to press your face against the glass store front window  to notice its modern dining room with crisp white table cloths, exposed brick walls, decently sized  bar and large flat-screen TV.  A narrow aisle leads to a small but visible kitchen, and then beyond to a lovely, spacious back patio. As I walk back there, I make a mental note: Dear summer goddess, thank you for this great outside space to kick it!

Apparently, I’m not alone. Area resident Martina Clarke is already enjoying a Red Stripe beer outside.  She happily stumbled upon Corlette early on a Saturday evening as the venue planned to host an intimate tasting for friends and neighbors.

“I was walking on this side of the street for a change and just happened to see it and came by," said Clarke. "I am delighted that they are opening because I think we’re a little slim on restaurants.” 

Corlette’s owner Bernard James has been a fixture in Bedford-Stuyvesant for  years, successfully running his piping and heating business, which he has converted into his new bistro and bar.  The daily operations of  his piping business have been moved upstairs.  

“This is my second restaurant I’m trying," said James. "I did one in Guyana before. This will be Caribbean fusion.”  

The plan is to take patrons on a culinary adventure across ten island nations and highlight their signature dishes. 

“It’s a neighborhood place, away from eating fast food, and it’s going to be healthy,” said Leigh-Ann Rose, Corlette’s General Manager. 

Another Caribbean-American beauty, Melissa Vieira, was busily tiding up the space and working the bar.  She is a force to be reckoned with, possessing brains, brawn and beauty. Vieira is an active-duty member of the U.S. Air Force and is helping Mr. James on Memorial Day weekend.  Her bright smile against smooth, onyx skin lights up when she talks. Her hospitality and cordial ways keep patrons feeling welcome.

“The goal is to keep it a neighborhood staple," said Vieira. "It’s a place where you can come relax, enjoy yourself and have a good time.” 

The small crowd of friends and neighbors seem to be doing just that.

“It’s a warm atmosphere, low-key and pleasant," said Devon Harris, an acquaintance of Mr. James. "It’s going to attract a lot of people because of the environment and the location.” 

Although service is top notch, the food was mediocre at best. It is this foodie’s desire that the true opening of Corette will dazzle deeper in the culinary department. Slack is given because the official chef was  not at the helm during the soft opening.

I nibbled on sliders with chipotle mayo, not sure which island that represents, but I digress.  Jerk chicken wings were nicely seasoned, but a bit on the dry side.  The ribs did hit the mark.  The small white bones had shiny ruby-glazed meat falling off.  Each one was juicy, succulent and flavorful. 

For now, they’re only serving wine and beer, but hope to get a liquor license after a city imposed six-month moratorium.  It makes no difference to Ariam Sahle. She’s enjoying the evening among a group of fresh-faced and trendy East-African women hanging out in the back yard.

“It’s going to develop. Beer and wine takes you far,” laughed Sahle. “Trust me, I’m not disappointed.”

Expect late hours at Corlette.  Management tells me it’s unofficially running on Caribbean time, which is  good for late night bites and a place to drink and socialize well into the wee hours of morning.  Corlette is named after Mr. James’ late wife.  A kind tribute to a woman he called “classy.”

Corlette is both restaurant and lounge.  Can Mr. James and his crew unlock its full potential and vision for the neighborhood digs, or will it struggle to find its identity?  We’ll have to see which way the island breeze blows.  In the meantime, you can’t go wrong to at least check it out next week, when it’s expected to sail.