JJ Johnson Closes Out the New York City Wine & Food Festival With a Food and Hip-Hop Extravaganza
The chef explains how The Cookout: A Hip-Hop Celebration melds food, music, and culture
The New York City Wine & Food Festival will take over the Brooklyn Waterfront (along with too numerous-to-name restaurants and venues throughout New York City) this weekend with a robust roster of parties, brunches, dinners, and seminars.
By far, one of the most joyous events is the closing party which celebrates Black cuisine and hip-hop.
On Sunday, October 18 from 4 to 7 p.m., JJ Johnson will host The Cookout: A Hip-Hop Celebration, alongside hip-hop legend and Food Network celebrity Rev Run and I Heart Radio’s Angela Yee.
Johnson, a chef, author, and restaurateur (FIELDRIP) will welcome a roster of chefs such as Marcus Woods (Sylvia’s), Melba Wilson (Melba’s), Jumoke Jackson (Slutty Vegan), and Preston Clark (Lure Fishbar) — along with musical artists Kid Capri, DJ Too Much, and Freeway.
Johnson tells Broken Palate that The Cookout’s goal is to be the greatest gathering for Black culture, and a large part of Black culture is its tie to music. “You can’t have a cookout without music.”
Johnson adds that the event was such a success last year, that it’s returning bigger and better. “Last year, we celebrated 50 years of hip-hop, and this year, we are running it back and bringing it to Brooklyn, a borough that is home to some of the greatest musicians.” As for which performance he’s most looking forward to come Sunday? “Everyone! I am excited about the whole lineup, and I am extremely grateful that we added more talent than we had initially planned.”
Johnson is proud to present chefs from iconic Black restaurants, including many from Harlem, including Sylvia’s and Melba’s. Johnson, whose own FIELDTRIP restaurant operates a location in Harlem, says he’s proud to be neighbors with such legendary names. “Harlem has been my home and my community for many years now. It was important for me to feed the people I knew who would walk in the door, and many of the folks I thought about were in my community. It is an honor to be part of that roster amongst these legends and also an honor to be able to feed Harlem nutritious, better-for-you food at an accessible price point.”
If you’re planning on attending The Cookout, Johnson says you’re in for an afternoon that will feed you mind, body, and soul. “Everyone has their way of doing things, but the best way is to try to meet someone new at every station you go to. Food is the greatest connector in the world, and the Cookout is all about celebrating culture, community, and cuisine. Nobody should walk out of there without making at least one new connection.”
Tickets for The Cookout are still available — but going fast. Tickets start at $146.62, and Broken Palate readers will receive a 25 percent discount by using code BP25 at checkout. Purchase tickets at nycwff.org.
If you can’t get enough of JJ Johnson and food festivals, check out Broken Palate’s list of sun-soaked festivals coming up in the next month including the South Beach Wine & Food Festival and the Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival.