Global Brooklyn: Designing Food Experiences in World Cities

The fashionable food hot spots of Cape Town, Mumbai, Copenhagen, Rio de Janeiro, and Tel Aviv share a common aesthetic: rough wooden tables in postindustrial interiors lit by edison bulbs. This is known as 'Global Brooklyn,' a new transnational regime of urban consumption shaped by networked locations where consumers participate in the global circulation of styles, flavors, practices, and values. This book explores the global mobility of aesthetic, ethical, and entrepreneurial projects and how they materialize in everyday practices, arguing for a stronger appreciation of design and materialities in understanding food cultures.

Format: Hardback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 14 January 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Global Brooklyn, a new transnational aesthetic regime of urban consumption, has emerged as a common trend among fashionable food hot spots in Cape Town, Mumbai, Copenhagen, Rio de Janeiro, and Tel Aviv. Despite their diverse differences, consumers in each major city are drawn to a similar atmosphere characterized by rough wooden tables in postindustrial interiors illuminated by edison bulbs. Here, they indulge in single-origin coffee, kombucha, and artisanal bread, embracing a new way of experiencing food and drink.

This phenomenon, known as 'Global Brooklyn,' represents a deliberate and carefully designed approach to urban consumption. It may evoke a sense of shabby and improvised charm, but it is meticulously crafted to capture the attention of Instagrammers and enthusiasts alike. While it often references the iconic New York borough, Global Brooklyn is shaped by a network of interconnected locations where consumers actively participate in the global circulation of styles, flavors, practices, and values.

This book explores the phenomenon of Global Brooklyn across different world cities, advocating for a deeper appreciation of design and materialities in understanding food cultures. Contributors delve into the global mobility of aesthetic, ethical, and entrepreneurial projects, examining how they materialize in everyday practices on the ground. They describe new connections between eating, drinking, design, and communication, providing a clearer understanding of the contemporary transformations of food cultures worldwide.

In Cape Town, for instance, Global Brooklyn manifests in the rise of hipster cafes and restaurants that offer a fusion of local and international flavors. These establishments boast industrial-chic interiors, with exposed brick walls, Edison bulbs, and a curated selection of craft beers and artisanal cocktails. Customers gather here to enjoy single-origin coffee, served in hand-crafted cups, alongside locally sourced and sustainable food options. The emphasis on design and materiality extends to the menu, which features locally inspired dishes with a modern twist, often incorporating fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Similarly, in Mumbai, Global Brooklyn is evident in the proliferation of rooftop bars and restaurants that offer panoramic views of the city skyline. These venues feature a mix of contemporary and vintage decor, with a focus on sustainable materials and eco-friendly practices. Customers enjoy single-origin coffee, craft beers, and fusion cuisine, which blends Indian and international flavors. The emphasis on design is evident in the attention to detail, from the use of reclaimed wood and recycled materials to the carefully curated playlists that set the mood for the evening.

In Copenhagen, Global Brooklyn is celebrated through the emergence of food halls. These venues combine a love for food and design, offering a curated selection of artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and organic produce. Customers gather here to enjoy single-origin coffee, craft beers, and artisanal cocktails, surrounded by a minimalist aesthetic that emphasizes clean lines and natural materials. The emphasis on design extends to the menu, which features seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, presented in a visually appealing way.

In Rio de Janeiro, Global Brooklyn is embodied by the fusion of Brazilian and international cuisine in beachside cafes and restaurants. These venues feature a tropical and laid-back atmosphere, with colorful decor, palm trees, and a soundtrack of Brazilian music. Customers enjoy single-origin coffee, caipirinhas, and fresh seafood, while taking in the stunning views of the ocean. The emphasis on design is evident in the use of sustainable materials and the integration of local culture into the culinary experience.

In Tel Aviv, Global Brooklyn is showcased through the rise of food halls and markets that offer a diverse range of culinary experiences. These venues feature a mix of contemporary and vintage decor, with a focus on sustainable materials and eco-friendly practices. Customers enjoy single-origin coffee, craft beers, and a fusion of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors. The emphasis on design is evident in the attention to detail, from the use of reclaimed wood and recycled materials to the carefully curated selection of local produce and artisanal products.

Despite their differences, these fashionable food hot spots in Cape Town, Mumbai, Copenhagen, Rio de Janeiro, and Tel Aviv share a common thread: a deliberate and carefully designed approach to urban consumption. Global Brooklyn represents a new transnational aesthetic regime that blends analog romance with digital innovation, shaping the way we experience food and drink in the modern world. By exploring the global mobility of aesthetic, ethical, and entrepreneurial projects, this book encourages a stronger appreciation of design and materialities in understanding food cultures. It sheds light on the new connections between eating, drinking, design, and communication, providing a clearer sense of the contemporary transformations of food cultures around the world.

Weight: 488g
Dimension: 164 x 240 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350144477