Black Seed, which has seven stores scattered around the city, is known for combining - in a way some purists may find heretical - the attributes of the disparate Montreal and New York bagel styles.
Bushwick is home to several black-owned cafes and restaurants. Supporting them helps the community as surely as a protest or sharply worded letter to a Congressman.
This edition of "Under Siege" profiles two eateries whose focus - apart from staying afloat in trying times - is food that speaks fluently their origin countries' culinary language.
Lisa Fernandes opened Sweet Chili late last year, only to close in early March. A smaller menu of her creative Southeast Asian fare will be available, in addition to cocktails and beer.
Gordo's executive chef, Mexico City native Reyna Morales, is a 25-year veteran of the industry; her food is evidence both of abundant experience and intimate knowledge of her country's cuisine.
Was it a crazy conspiracy against Bushwick or a pure lack of diligence from the organizers that caused Bushwick to be mysteriously left out from Dine In Brooklyn, a restaurant week organized by Borough President Marty Markowitz's office? Our guess is the latter