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: Paperback / softback
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 culinary experience that transcends borders.

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

This book delves into the phenomenon of 'Global Brooklyn' across various world cities, advocating for a deeper appreciation of design and materialities in understanding food cultures. Contributors, attentive to local contexts, struggles, and identities, explore the global mobility of aesthetic, ethical, and entrepreneurial projects and how they materialize in everyday practices on the ground. They describe new connections among 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 blend rustic aesthetics with contemporary culinary innovations. These establishments offer single-origin coffee, craft beer, and locally sourced ingredients, creating a sense of authenticity and community. Mumbai, on the other hand, embraces Global Brooklyn through the proliferation of fusion cuisine, where traditional Indian flavors are combined with international culinary techniques and ingredients. Copenhagen, known for its sustainable food movement, showcases Global Brooklyn through the use of eco-friendly materials, minimalist decor, and a focus on organic and locally sourced produce.

Rio de Janeiro, with its vibrant music and dance culture, has embraced Global Brooklyn by creating food spaces that merge culinary excellence with cultural expression. From rooftop bars with panoramic views to street food stalls that offer a taste of Brazil's diverse culinary heritage, Rio de Janeiro's food scene reflects the city's embrace of Global Brooklyn. Tel Aviv, renowned for its vibrant art scene, has also incorporated Global Brooklyn into its food culture. The city's restaurants and cafes feature a mix of contemporary design, innovative cuisine, and a focus on sustainability and ethical practices.

Global Brooklyn's appeal lies in its ability to create a sense of belonging and connection among consumers, regardless of their geographical location. It celebrates the diversity of food cultures and encourages individuals to explore new flavors, styles, and practices. By embracing design and materialities, Global Brooklyn creates a platform for consumers to engage with food in a more meaningful and visually appealing way.

In conclusion, Global Brooklyn represents a new transnational aesthetic regime of urban consumption that has transcended geographical boundaries. It brings together consumers in major cities around the world into a shared experience of rough wooden tables, edison bulbs, and artisanal food. While it may evoke references to New York's borough, it 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 various world cities, advocating for a deeper appreciation of design and materialities in understanding food cultures. By examining the global mobility of aesthetic, ethical, and entrepreneurial projects, contributors shed light on the contemporary transformations of food cultures, highlighting new connections among eating, drinking, design, and communication. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of urban consumption, Global Brooklyn serves as a reminder of the power of design and materiality in shaping our culinary experiences and fostering a sense of belonging among consumers.

Weight: 354g
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350144460