The Gumbo Bros. aren't actually brothers but good friends who both hail from the gumbo-loving South. Clay Boulware and Adam Lathan were roommates at Louisiana State University. That's where they realized they shared a love for the spicy Cajun stews.
Clay came to New York to pursue a career in acting, while Adam continued onto culinary school. Clay handles the hospitality and operations, while Adam, of course is the executive chef. He learned the art of making gumbo from his great-grandmother Nanny, who gets credit on the menu for their excellent seafood gumbo.
The What:
The guys first sold gumbo to New Yorkers in 2014 when they decided to fill what they saw as a missing dish in New York's large culinary landscape. There were a handful of Cajun restaurants, but nobody making gumbo quite like this.
They started selling the gumbo at Madison Square Park before graduating on to other outdoor street fairs like Urban Space and earning a Vendy Award nomination. The demand increased and they found a perfect little storefront on Atlantic Avenue to start their brick and mortar restaurant. The cute spot is just steps away from our Brownstone Brooklyn tour route.
For the uninitiated, gumbo is a well-seasoned roux based (flour and fat) stew with vegetables (usually okra, celery, onion, and pepper), and meat or seafood. Gumbo Bros. offer three excellent, warming, full-flavored versions: Chicken & Sausage, Shrimp & Blue Crab, and a vegan option.
You can also find po' boys here, Southern sides (including fried pickles) and other Louisiana specialities like beignets, sweet tea, and chicory coffee.
The Why:
Now the Carroll Gardens/Cobble Hill neighborhood really does have every food you could imagine. The small inviting Gumbo Bros. is a welcome addition to this culinary capital. And whether you're homesick for the Bayou or you are new to gumbo, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the quality and flavor on offer here. Also it's cheaper than a flight to New Orleans.
The Where:
The Gumbo Bros.
224 Atlantic Avenue,
Brooklyn New York 11201