Blessed are the Vegan Sandwich Makers
Flatbush, Brooklyn

Having the vegan cred of eating at the original Veggie Castle back in the early 2000’s, I’ve always associated Flatbush, Brooklyn with my early pilgrimages for vegan food. Though, admittedly, this is a very superficial exposure to the neighborhood, it was within a time I was beginning to embrace my vegan life as a young adult, no longer living in my parents’ house. The memories of this important bend in my vegan path are vivid, as was the new joy of “all-vegan,” almost non-existent at that time.

Flash forward to 2021. Eateries across the spectrum are embracing plant-based offerings, not just a lone veggie burger or salad options but the gamut of flavor, texture and nostalgic cravings. Within this cross-section of evolved eating comes a new joy of mine, similar to that early joy of simply finding an eatery aligned with my values: distinguishing greatness within this now ever-growing field.

And oh how I gleefully doggie paddle within the frothy crème de la crème (non-dairy), devoting this space, this tummy, to the endeavor–discovering rare eateries that are pinnacle of this exciting time: mindful, discerning, delicious, aesthetically fire, socially conscious, community-orientated, delicious (again). Aunts Et Uncles is one such eatery.

The images below, their food, help to highlight the excellence they are offering Brooklyn. Add to that creative nourishment, intellectual nourishment, community nourishment and you’ve got something far greater than an eatery. You have the best parts of home, perhaps the home you might have needed some time in your life.

The Lobster Roll is Hearts of Palm, vegan mayo, fresh dill on a pretzel bun. Bright and herbaceous, cool and crunchy… I have never had a sentient lobster roll, but thought the form and flavor profile would be a nice vegan bite to eat. It certainly was. I might suggest a dash of Old Bay seasoning.

The Mofongo–two big scoops of mashed but chunky green plantains topped with a salsa, cilantro and a sesame mix. You can tell by just how well it’s dressed how good it’s going to be.

The bright green dill and that little pop of red–beauty.

Here are some bites. I do this when I love what I am eating. I take a picture after each bite in an attempt to capture some of what I am experiencing while eating it. It’s futile.

Another blessed vegan eatery on my list. Please add Aunts Et Uncles to yours and contribute to all the good they are endeavoring.