We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chef Coy | Executive Chef Chandra Touch | General Manager a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Chef Coy | Executive Chef, appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
Whisk & Whiskey holds a special place in our hearts because it represents the actualization of a shared dream amidst the challenges of the pandemic. It embodies our passion for creating a space where people can come together, feel welcomed, and find solace in the company of friends, both old and new.
Celebrating and highlighting our cultures, West Indian and South East Asian, specifically Trinidad, and Cambodia, is a deeply personal and meaningful aspect of our mission. We want to honor our heritage, share the richness of our traditions, and create an environment where others can experience and appreciate the beauty of these cultures too.
Furthermore, the intention-driven nature of Whisk & Whiskey sets us apart. By purposefully featuring women-owned, minority-owned, and local spirits in our cocktail program, we strive to uplift and support underrepresented voices within the industry. We believe in empowering these businesses and fostering a more inclusive and diverse environment.
Our commitment to the community is also a significant driving force behind our mission. Through engaging events like cookie decorating classes and drag shows featuring Queens of Colors, we aim to create spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together, have fun, and build connections.
Moreover, our Sunday Makers Markets serve as a platform for local artisans to showcase their talents and products, reinforcing our dedication to supporting and promoting local businesses.
In essence, this mission is important to us because Whisk & Whiskey is not just a place to enjoy cocktails, pastries, and small bites. It represents our values, our love for our cultures, our commitment to inclusivity, and our desire to make a positive impact on the community we serve. Through this venture, we hope to leave a lasting and meaningful mark, bringing people together and creating cherished memories for years to come.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Whisk & Whiskey is a contemporary casual bar and bakery located in Park Slope, celebrating the captivating flavors of Cambodia and Trinidad through our enticing cocktails, patisserie, and delightful small bites. Our bakery, cocktails, and small bites menus are seasonally curated, ensuring our patrons savor the freshest produce and most enticing flavor profiles available.
With our extensive events program, you can enjoy live jazz every week, or catch a vibe during our Friday Night DJ sets. Beyond the music, we offer an array of engaging events, including cocktail-making classes, cookie-decorating classes, open mic sessions, and intimate dinner parties.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Within the first six months of opening, we were impacted by two hurricanes, Henri and Ida. Both completely flooded our kitchen, leading to the loss of dry goods, produce, and equipment. The devastation was immense for our new, small business, but we were determined to persevere. Despite the challenges, we knew we had to keep pushing through. With sheer determination and resilience, we managed to get back up and running without skipping a beat.
We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.
Chandra and I have a mutual friend who kept attempting to introduce us, but for various reasons, we kept missing each other. In 2016, I (Chef Coy) attended the Drake concert at MSG and posted about it on Instagram. Coincidentally, Chandra replied that she was also there, and we finally had the chance to meet at one of the bars in the lobby. We hit it off, sharing a round of shots, and from that moment, our friendship began to blossom. Now, we are proud business partners, embarking on this journey together.
Contact Info:
- Website: whiskandwhiskeybklyn.com
- Instagram: whiskandwhiskeybklyn
- Facebook: whiskandwhiskeybklyn
- Other: @cambodiance (chandra) @chefcoyyy (Chef Coy)