Hype’s Kitchen Opens In PLG
PROSPECT-LEFFERTS GARDEN – Social media celebrity turned standup comedian Majah Hype is now the co-owner of Hype’s Kitchen and Juice Bar, a Carribean eatery in the heart of PLG.
The social media star who became famous for performing spot-on impersonations of Caribbeans, Africans and African Americans in his edited clips. A month ago, droves of hungry fans came out for the May 4 grand opening at 589 Flatbush Avenue, including rappers Busta Rhymes and Safaree Samuels. Thirty days later, the restaurant continues to serve a steady stream of take-out and dine-in guests.
Noellie Thwaites, 41, grew up in the area but often visits Brooklyn for “true island food” she said is not easily found in Harlem where she currently resides.
“It’s the music, it’s the people, how they interact with you,” she said as popular dance hall tracks, “Joanna” and “Koffee – Toast” boomed in the background. “They make you feel like family.”
Executive Chef Ronald Harris opens daily and created most of the menu. While mother and son chef team, Kathleen and Ahmed Trebuse, operate the evening shifts.
Patrons who dine in are big fans of the Hennessey wings and chicken and waffles, according to Ahmed Trebuse. The latter comes with a Belgian waffle and battered chicken breasts. Rasta pasta, oxtails, and jerk chicken top the list as popular take-out options.
The 1,500 sq. ft. space seats 30, mostly made up of small wooden tables and chairs. Three high-tops stand next to a collage of black and white photos featuring Majah Hype and other celebrities, including rapper Remy Ma and comedian Tiffany Hadish.
Debbie Grant, 42, traveled from Mill Basin to test the latest installation of Caribbean-style restaurants in the nabe. Grant, moved to Brooklyn 12 years ago and frequents the area to see what’s new and exciting along the cultured corridor.
“I like the ambiance here,” she said. “It’s down to earth, clean and the food wasn’t salty.”
Their juice selections include mixes of guava and berry and pineapple ginger. Their version of sorrel, a Caribbean beverage, has a hint of vanilla and other secret ingredients. Some of their fruit-infused dishes make them stand out from the other island eateries.
“We try to keep the West Indian-Caribbean feel with the steamed table and that set of food,” said manager Amanda Singh. “But we also want to bring in diversity by bringing in cinnamon wings, Hennessy wings and plum wings.
Hype grew up on Rutland Road between Bedford and Rogers. The Brooklynite first launched his entertainment career in 2013 but trained as a certified electrician earlier. He co-owns the restaurant with Marlon Harcharran, a general building contractor.
Harcharran also owns 1744 Hookah Lounge/Omar Café where Public Advocate Jumaane Williams held his election party. The East Flatbush hookah bar is the subject of an ongoing court battle sparked by alleged threats and the subsequent arrest of former City Councilman Kendall Stewart.
Majah Hype is open daily from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm daily. As of this post, the restaurant only accepts cash. Management plans to incorporate a credit card system within the coming days.