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September 23, 2020

Trio of new eateries open downtown 

PHOTOS | NEW HAVEN BIZ Christopher Bateman, left, owner of Crafted by Hand Café, looks on as Mayor Justin Elicker addresses a crowd of people gathered to celebrate the opening of new restaurants in New Haven. At right is Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz.
By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo

A sunrise quesadilla with bacon and eggs, homemade vegetable soup, eggplant sandwiches, cupcakes ….

Hungry yet? A trio of recently-opened restaurants in downtown New Haven offer a variety of culinary delights for guests. 

On Wednesday, state and local officials convened to celebrate the launch of the businesses, whose owners are following their dreams regardless of any pandemic. 

Crafted by Hand Café is now at 167 Orange Street, while Vegan Ahava and Edible Couture are sharing a storefront at 129 Court St.

“We are celebrating the opening of three new businesses in downtown,” said Economic Development Administrator Michael Piscitelli. “People are really taking a chance on our city. People are getting back to work. It is a great and wonderful time to discover our city and the great businesses that are here.”

Mayor Justin Elicker said he is happy to celebrate more openings in the “crazy time” caused by the pandemic. Elicker described the new businesses as great places to come and eat or get takeout. 

Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz called New Haven a “restaurant mecca.”

“It really takes a leap of faith and optimism to open a restaurant during a pandemic,” Bysiewicz said. “I’m so excited, and I want to say how important the food and hospitality industry are to the economy.”

Christopher Bateman, owner of Crafted by Hand Café, said opening a restaurant is something he has wanted to do for years.

“This restaurant means a lot to me, and hopefully I can keep it going and be here a long time,” Bateman said.

Poreyah Benton, left and Tisha Hudson, right, who are sharing space for their respective eateries, at the ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday afternoon.

Tisha Hudson, owner of Edible Couture, and Poreyah Benton, owner of Vegan Ahava, decided to share space. The pair met through Facebook, after Benton reached out for someone interested in partnering in one location. Hudson’s business focuses on desserts, while Benton has a van, “grab and go” meals and a catering operation.

“Who would think two strangers would come together?” Hudson said. “We are having a great time in here.”

Officials urged hungry diners to try local restaurants, as many are currently offering special deals for New Haven Restaurant Week(s).

Contact Michelle Tuccitto Sullo at msullo@newhavenbiz.com.

 

 

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