Jennifer met Bryan at his brother’s surprise party back in 2013. Initially wanting Bryan to be her professional brownie maker, she gave him her email, address and number, so he can deliver the brownies to her. Since then, they’ve been talking and they have been together five years and counting.

But, in between Bryan, 32, making Jennifer, 24, brownies, they decided to go into business together and called it Sacred Chef and Company. It’s mission? It’s to be a conversation starter for people from all ways of life and culture through food. The meaning behind the name Sacred Chef and Company comes from an agricultural standpoint.

“Nature is sacred to mankind, so the service we provide is from a food-based company that appreciates and respects that,” said the Brooklyn natives. “We aim to provide customers and events with organic, sustainable products at all times.”

Originally called Umami Savory Gourmet, the food-based company was in business for three years before it dissolved and the dynamic duo had to do a brand refresh. Now, this April will Sacred Chef and Company one year!

As a couple, they’re whipping up some dope Valentine’s Day specials for couples that want to experience what it’s like to have a personal chef.

“The current project we’re working on is a Valentine’s Day personal chef three-course dinner,” said Chef Bryan. “The concept is instead of dining in a restaurant, [we] want to bring the experience to your home.”

Read on as we learn how Bryan and Jennifer carve out times for their business and love lives, their upcoming projects and their goals for 2017.

What do you love most about your job?

Chef Bryan: What I enjoy about my career path is how food becomes a universal language understood by all. It took time to realize my purpose on this earth but, once I discovered it each day is so worthwhile.

Jenny: What I love most about what Sacred Chef and Company does is connect with people through food. It is so interesting to start a conversation based on food from any culture.

As a couple, what are your strengths and weakness individually and how do you guys play up on them as a team?

Chef Bryan: As a couple Jenny strengths are marketing, brand awareness and advertisement. My strengths are food and networking. We combine all of the attributes to a personal clients event, a pop up and food based workshops.

Jenny: My strengths are keeping positive momentum going when things don’t go as planned during events. I like to think of myself as the “calm one.” I help Chef Bryan with brand awareness, marketing, social media content for our businesses, which can be a weaknesses for both of us at times. but we work together and figure out strategic ways to get the task at hand completed.

What’s one lesson/piece of advice you would tell someone who wants to pursue the same career path as you?

Chef Bryan: The advice I can give to a person who wants to pursue a certain career path are two things: One, love what you do and what i mean is if it bring you peace then follow it. Two, do not chase the money! Master your passion and money will chase you!

What’s your goal for this year and how do you plan on pursuing them?

Chef Bryan: Our goals for the end of this year is to gain 60 clients that we work with on a monthly basis, a specified revenue for our growth as a small start-up company and to continue building our food-based community.

Why do you think an app like Trendy Tripping is important for entrepreneurs? 

Chef Bryan: An app like Trendy Tripping is important to entrepreneurs because they are able to work with your weak point and align you with resources that can help. Trendy Tripping was able to help my company facilitate “A Taste Of Thanksgiving” a pop up at BKLYN Commons in November 2016.
For more information or if you’re looking to hire Sacred Chef and Co, email them at SacredCoNYC@gmail.com.

However, head over to Lafayette Ave, opposite the BAM, and open the doors to La Caye, an atmospheric, yet trendy Haitian restaurant in Brooklyn. Right from the start, you will get a taste of the vibe of La Caye, from the chairs and tables that spill out on to the pavements, to the activity and buzz that can be seen through the large, inviting windows. As well as serving up some of the most delicious Haitian dishes in the neighborhood (we’ve been reliably informed that the Legumes D’Aubergine is a delight to eat and that the Poulet en Sauce was to die for), La Caye has an excellent bar with a good range of drinks to enjoy.

La Caye prides itself on customer service, and in showing people true Haitian hospitality. Restaurants in Brooklyn often nail it when it comes to a warm welcome and great service, but La Caye brings a little extra Caribbean personality to the table. Guests are assured a great ambiance and will find themselves kicking back and chilling out for far longer than they originally planned! Perhaps the best thing about

La Caye, which really helps it to stand out from other restaurants in Brooklyn, is the excellent events that they host, on a weekly basis. Jazz nights are a regular event, and La Caye present a wide variety of artists, from traditional Jazz bands to exciting Latin Jazz sounds. For more information on what’s on, simply phone up (+1 718-858-4160) or pop in and ask about the famous ‘Sip n Chat’ evenings; for the perfect opportunity to enjoy some fine Haitian food, quaff some drinks with friends, and enjoy the excellent music.

If you’re looking for something a bit fresh and new to tickle your tastebuds, and you require something different from your restaurants in Brooklyn, don’t delay, head on down to La Caye, and indulge in some fine dining and soothing Jazz sounds, Haitian style.

Well, thankfully, Asya Indian Restaurant, situated in Brooklyn Heights, has got that certain special something, which sets it apart from other restaurants in Brooklyn. The first thing that makes this place rather special is the atmosphere. If you’re looking for somewhere intimate and romantic to take your partner, or a new date, Asya’s inviting and atmospheric interior is the perfect location. There is also a healthy dose of New York style in the décor, which marries surprisingly well with the traditional Indian dining.

As for the food? Asya pride themselves on offering a real variety of deliciously flavorsome dishes; from wonderfully creamy kormas to rich masalas, and some of the dishes provide a little twist on the classics, which will leave your tastebuds wanting more. What is unusual about Asya, in comparison to other restaurants in Brooklyn, is that they also offer a fabulous brunch menu, with wonderful lentil and rice crepes (or ‘dosas’) and appetizers, or 50% off their normal menu, if you were after something a little more filling. It certainly fits the bill for people who are looking for a real feast at lunch, without breaking the bank!

Another refreshing aspect of Asya, is that, unlike other restaurants in Brooklyn, it offers a wide range of options for vegetarian diners, indeed, so much that you will feel quite spoilt for choice.

So, if you are perusing your list of restaurants in Brooklyn, unsure of where to sample next, then look no further. You may think that you’ve experienced Indian dining in all its full glory in New York, but trust us, Asya’s divine combination of romantic, chic ambiance, a varied and delicious menu of classic and modern Indian dishes, all at an excellent price, will be sure to delight you.

As far as Indian restaurants in Brooklyn go, Asya seems to be a definite winner. Head on over, and see for yourself what all the fuss is about!

At the Brooklyn Pour, we were introduced to some of the area’s finest locally brewed beers and ciders, now it’s the turn of the distilleries. Of all the things to do in Brooklyn, one thing that always brings a smile to even the sourest city-type is a chance to sample some truly tasty spirits!

And now, for the first time, Brooklyn plays host to an official Spirit Tour, a walking tour of ten of the city’s best distilleries. So, if you’ve a nose for quality craft beverages, locally produced, then as far as things to do in Brooklyn go, you cannot go far wrong with this fantastic (and probably increasingly cheery) tour.

So, just where does the trail lead? Well, here is the official run down of tantalising distilleries and wineries for your perusal and pleasure:

The Red Hook Winery. Insights into the process and of course, tastings of the wines themselves. Address: 204 Van Dyke street (347) 689.2432

Cacao Prieto. Artisan chocolate makers and incidentally, also artisan rums. Just try resisting having more than just a few samples… Address: 218 Conover street (347) 225.0130

Van Brunt Stillhouse. One of Brooklyn’s founding fathers in the business of booze, and also fine purveyors of rum, whisky, grappa and moonshine. Address: 481 Van Brunt Street

Sixpoint Brewery. Who incidentally, believe beer is culture. We concur, Sixpoint Brewery! Address: 40 Van dyke street (917) 696.0438

Jack from Brooklyn. Exclusive small batch makers, using fine spices and cane sugar to create Sorel, a Caribbean originated drink. Address: 177 Dwight Street

Breukelen Distilling Company. Fine gins and whiskeys. (Are you still standing at this point?) Address: 77 19th street (347) 725.4985

Industry City Distillery. New kids on the block, creating super smooth sugar beet vodka. Vodka drinking is a definite must on your list of things to do in Brooklyn at the weekend! Address: 33 35th Street (917) 727.5309

Kings County Distillery. One of the established distilleries, and incidentally, the first one to open after Prohibition. Address: 63 Flushing Avenue

New York Distilling Company. Fancy sampling some smooth American gin? This is the place to go. Address: 79 Richardson Street (718) 412.0874

Greenhook Gin Smiths. With a passion for ‘unerringly excellent gin’. What a way to finish! Address: 208 Dupont (646) 339.3719

And if you are still walking in a straight line after visiting all ten, then we salute you. As far as things to do in Brooklyn go, this walking tour is a truly enjoyable (and very informative) way of whiling away a day.

As their name suggests, Picket Fence is all about creating that perfect all American dining experience. This popular venue specialises in creating traditional American dishes, from melt in the mouth Buttermilk Fried Chicken to perfectly Smoked Gouda Mac ‘n’ cheese, all served with deliciously irresistible French fries or sweet potato fries. Comforting food simply does not come more comforting than this! In addition to lunch and dinner, Picket Fence is also open for brunch, and serves a wonderfully tantalising array of pick me up foods to kick start the day, from black bean and smoked Gouda quesadillas to traditional pancakes or Eggs Benedict, oozing with perfectly created Hollandaise sauce.

The lunch menu also offers up a wide variety of irresistible dishes to tempt the taste buds, with a wide variety of mouth-watering salads and sandwiches, and the dinner menu presents enough range to keep even the most discerning customer content. Traditional burgers are given a classy, tasty twist with homemade chutneys and pickles, and a wide range of tantalising meat and fish dishes ensure that Picket Fence takes its place among the restaurants in Brooklyn for classic, tempting menus.

So, when you’ve had your fill of the exotic and the unusual, head on to the Picket Fence. Whether it’s for an intimate and special date, or a celebration, or simply for a fantastic night out, this restaurant in Brooklyn will tick all the boxes, and leave you mentally making the next booking to visit before you even finish the first. Quite simply, All American dining does not come better than this. 1310 Courtelyou Rd. (Cortelyou Rd. between Argyle Rd. & Rugby Rd.), Brooklyn, NY 11226 (718) 282-6661

The 40/40 CLUB is an upscale, all-American sports bar, lounge, and restaurant that opened in 2003 in Manhattan by rap/hip hop mogul Jay-Z and his partner Juan Perez. Named after one of baseball’s most prestigious achievements (players who hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in one season, of which there are only four players to achieve this feat), the 40/40 Club at the Barclays Center will offer 9,000 square feet of space and have a mix of sophistication along with collectables from this country’s greatest games. On the menu, guests will enjoy upscale, traditional American sports bar fare with selections including Buffalo wings, the club’s famous 40/40 club sliders in their own signature 40/40 sauce, as well as tasty sandwiches and salads, a variety of entrée items, and a whole array of mini desserts.

The 40/40 Club will open its new Brooklyn location at the Barclays Center on the opening night of the arena when Jay-Z performs in concert on September 28, 2012

Pok Pok Ny, brought to you by chef Andy Ricker who has numerous applauded casual Thai eateries in Portland, Oregon, offers food from northern Thailand, which is something that has been missing in New York Thai cuisine. Chef Ricker strives for an authenticity from that region that you won’t find at other establishments. Using an abundance of fresh ingredients and pork cooked over firewood in a black-barrel smoker, leaving a taste laced throughout the whole meal, you can find many great foods including a sausage favorite from the city of Chiang Mai, steamed kobocha squash, a hot and spicy green paste dip called naam phrik nuum, eggplant, and grilled hens with lemon grass know as kai yang.

Be aware that this restaurant doesn’t take reservations so you’ll want to arrive early. Pok Pok Ny is located at 127 Columbia Street (Kane Street) in Brooklyn.

Phone: (718) 923-9322

Come relax in their contemporary setting and enjoy a truly gourmet menu with a large selection of Ethiopian entrees of beef, lamb, poultry, and vegetarian dishes. The flavors are fragrant yet subtle and utterly delicious with more than enough served to make a meal for the next day. You’ll also surely love the art décor of which there is an impressive portrait collection of the past emperors of Ethiopia.

Delivery is always an option and catering services are available as well. Awash is located at 242 Court Street in Brooklyn, between Kane and Baltic streets.

Phone: 718-243-2151

The wait staff is very friendly and approachable, so if you don’t know what you should try on the menu, just ask and they will be able to suggest one of the many great dishes. Regardless of what you order, you’re sure to be pleased both with the presentation and the taste. While some might find the prices a little high, they do have a Royal Card where you can get discounts on your bill making it totally worth the visit.

Riviera Grill & Sushi Restaurant is located at 3100 Ocean Parkway.

Phone: 718-333-0003

1. Super Wings NY — You’ll find some of the most enticing chicken wings in town at Super Wings NY. Voted the “Best Wings in Brooklyn” 1st place winner for 2010 and 1st place People’s Choice 2011, Super Wings NY offers the most unique and tasty flavors you will ever taste on chicken wings. They have a wide array of secret blend sauces with a Caribbean flare and a great selection of side dishes, all at affordable prices and terrific service. 718-467-8737; 1218 Union Street, Brooklyn

2. The Wing Bar – The Wing Bar serves up delicious medium-sized wings in various size orders, enough to stuff yourself silly! The wings pack a flavorful punch with mild, medium, hot, and BBQ sauces. They have a large backyard patio with picnic tables to enjoy your order in a large group on a warm, sunny day. They have cheap pitchers of beer and great prices on food. The Wing Bar serves other items as well, such as burgers, sandwiches, and other bar-style food. 718-237-2728; 8275 Smith St, Brooklyn

3. Pudgie’s Famous Chicken — Pudgie’s Famous Chicken is great for people looking for more healthy choices in their chicken wings. Pudgie’s chicken is fresh and never frozen and they are known for their skinless fried chicken that contains zero grams of trans fat per serving. This makes their chicken 25% lower in fat and cholesterol than traditional fried chicken. They sell their original boneless wings with a variety of sauces including Cajun BBQ, teriyaki, Thai chili, honey BBQ, hot, and mild. Pudgie’s also serves a wide variety of other chicken, fish, burgers, hot dogs, and sides. 718-921-1000; 6819 3rd Ave., Brooklyn.

4. Atomic Wings – Atomic Wings serves authentic wings fresh from Buffalo in true Buffalo fashion, where wings first originated. They serve Buffalo or boneless wings and have a wide selection of signature sauces ranging from mild to medium, to abusive and nuclear. They also have flavors like honey mustard, BBQ, teriyaki, sweet & tangy, and garlic parmesan. While Atomic Wings specializes in wings, they also have burgers, sandwiches, salads, and sides. 718-768-5665; 321 9th St, Brooklyn

5. Wing Wagon – With the name Wing Wagon, you’re assured that wings are their specialty and they’ve got to be good. Sure, they also serve burgers, sandwiches, and chicken fingers, but their wings are sure to please. They have a wide range of sauces including mild (no spice), medium, hot, K-Hot, XXX Hot BBQ, Honey Mustard, Garlic Parmesan, Italian, and Lemon-Pepper. All of Wing Wagon wings are served with celery, carrots, bleu cheese or ranch dressing. 718-398-0501; 351 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn