OZY TV Spotlight: Aunts et Uncles

Mike and Nic didn’t set out to pursue each other romantically, even after they kept running into each other informally through a handful of mutual friends. It was only after they collaborated on a design project and the business emails turned into several meaningful conversations that they realized their bond might be unique. Mike invited Nic for wine and cheese and one hour turned into six hours. That’s when they knew they were meant for each other. Twelve years later, and they are celebrating their 11th wedding anniversary and it’s apparent they’re not slowing down anytime soon, personally or professionally.

Both Nic and Mike come from large families, where gatherings with family are first and foremost. The name itself, Aunts et Uncles, is a warm nod to their roots and in particular, all of their extended family and the uncles and aunts who have made an impact on them in their lives. It only seemed fitting that the name incorporate the warmth and welcoming nature of their beloved families. The café in fact was always on the agenda from the moment the couple met. They knew that they wanted to create a revolutionary space for plant-based soul food that incorporated a mindful community and social outreach with an emphasis on family values and love. The “et” between Aunts et Uncles is a bow to their French-speaking Caribbean heritage.

The ingenious idea behind Aunts et Uncles was inspired by the couple’s love of hosting friends and family for holidays and events in the home they shared. Mike and Nic took the idea to the next level by deciding to open a café that could act as a community center for socially-minded, creative events. The visionary, plant-filled space also serves as a mindful retail store where the duo sells Caribbean-inspired art, music, books, and their own clothing line that honors Black culture. And of course, delicious vegan fare. In the end, Aunts et Uncles is a revolutionary blend of equal parts restaurant, upscale bar, retail store and community space for all to gather.

Mike and Nic have used their experience in hospitality, business, design and the food industry to create a thriving business in a bustling neighborhood that has always been home to them. Their innovative space burst onto the restaurant scene in New York City due to a solid work ethic and a whole lot of faith in what they do. As Nic puts it, “An idea is an idea but the passion behind it is what you really have to understand,” when it comes to making a business thrive.

In years past, one might argue that vegan fare was a flash-in-the-pan movement in a world that is constantly seeking new, trendy diets and lifestyles. These days, Nic and Mike are everywhere on the scene from American Express commercials to proudly ringing the bell on the famous New York Stock Exchange. These two go-getters have proven they are certainly not just a trendy craze. The bottom line for Nic and Mike is that food brings people together, no matter social class, race or personality.

Nic describes her journey to go plant-based initially as a choice for the betterment of her own body and mind. Clean eating helps her skin to look radiant and helps her to feel better physically and mentally. Mike also went vegan after coming to the conclusion that he needed to lose some weight and live more healthfully. Fix Me A Plate was their first joint cooking endeavor, where they used social media as an ordering tool for fresh, Caribbean-flair cuisine. From there, the idea for the clean, healthy, vegan food behind Aunts et Uncles was born.

Aunts et Uncles is located in trendy Flatbush, Brooklyn; home to the neighborhood’s largest West Indian population. The café, with a nod to Caribbean culture, is the first of its kind to combine healthy eating with a forward-thinking agenda that encourages local talent to stay and thrive in the neighborhood. As Mike puts it, he was born and raised just a stone’s throw from the café. As connectors, the innovative couple encourages a community bond. As they put it, their odyssey has not been easy, but it has absolutely shown that resilience, determination and hope in the face of challenges have come as a result of their journey.

Traditional Caribbean cuisine is heavy on bold flavors but not typically healthy. Hearty, spicy sauces with goat, pork and chicken are common. This Caribbean-inspired oasis takes bold Caribbean flavors and mixes them with vegan options that don’t skimp on flavor. Nic has spent years adapting the plant-based alternatives that are just as bold in flavor. Think cauliflower mac-n-cheese with coconut milk and white truffle oil, lobster rolls with fresh dill, hearts of palm and delectable vegan mayo topped with peppers, onions and tomatoes in a pretzel bun. The café prioritizes flavors that are daring and abundantly brave and the results are sure to please. Most typical vegan hangouts don’t serve such innovative flavors and the world is taking notice.

Successfully opening Aunts et Uncles at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in October 2020 was a feat in itself. As Mike puts it, “Success is the journey, not the destination.” Nic and Mike had to come up with creative means to solve myriad issues that came up as a result of the pandemic and subsequent lockdown. When the work world literally stopped around them, the determined couple had to resort to doing the labor themselves, including installing all of the café’s electricity and plumbing. Most certainly a labor of love. In the end, the pandemic ironically created an opportunity for Mike and Nic to change the narrative around healthy food, adding a community service-based purpose. People inevitably turned towards family during the confinement and ideas were changed as to what is important. Aunts et Uncles is the mindful result of this shift.

on The Carlos Watson Show, Season 4!

According to Nic and Mike, the menu is a hybrid of rich, daring flavors and textures that have been thoughtfully tested and chosen to mimic the authentic West Indies dishes they know and love. Throw in a dash of dynamic energy and a clear love of what they are doing and magic is happening in the Aunts et Uncles kitchen. Their vision of vegan food isn’t static; it’s continually evolving, changing and becoming more creative and exciting in the process.

Aunts et Uncles has become a mecca for meaningful meetups and social media events with a clear goal of service in mind. The visionary restaurant is known for its promotion of diverse, creative, revolutionary minds that share a common objective of social awareness/consciousness and philanthropy. The interior of the café is designed to be bright, welcoming, eclectic, and progressive; innovatively aligned with the pioneering vision of its ingenious owners. After all, as Nic and Mike put it, people should be proud of their neighborhoods and their roots. It is where change can happen.

The space of Aunts et Uncles is clearly fueled by a foundation of love and understanding. Mike and Nic have an easygoing, friendly energy that exudes warmth and respect for each other. They often laugh with each other during interviews and it’s obvious that their partnership is based on mutual respect for each other. Partners in life and partners in business. Luckily for us, their story is just beginning.

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