Relaxing after recipe testing … Photo by Vishnu Hoff

Mad Tropical, the wonderful hot-spot in the heart of Brooklyn’s “it” neighborhood of Bushwick, will start serving a very special (and much-needed!) “Lovers Brunch”, starting this February. This duo of creative chefs are given a platform to present their unique tropical twist on what can sometimes be a tired weekend tradition.

Chefs Miranti & Diavanna met and bonded over the cultural threads of their origins, the East & West Indies. Both had beloved grandmothers who were the keepers of ancient rites and traditions, and each has taken on the task of preserving what would otherwise be lost, including keeping a female touch in professional kitchens where male chefs usually dominate.

The Lovers Brunch pays homage to the weekend lovers in all of us. No matter how good or bad your tryst, you will definitely find satisfaction here. Wake up from your 2 pm slumber with your Tindr date and roll over to get a cup of spiked coffee and Pandan French Toast, or follow-up your one-nighter with a twist on the classic Grilled Cheese and a hit of Granny's Sambal on homemade sourdough bread. If you’re feeling the need for pampering there’s Eggs Beneduck, a definite upgrade from traditional eggs benedict. For vegetarians and vegans there is Kuku Sabzi and Coco Yoghurt Tropical Granola, and select entrees will have gluten free options.

The food menu will be complimented by a variety of house signature cocktails and unique non-alcoholic beverages from the bar.

Diavanna is a chef, traveller, and amateur culinary historian. She’s worked in New York City kitchens for the last 10 years, and did short stints in London at the trendy eateries Rochelle Canteen, and Frenchie.

Her love of cooking started at an early age by her grandmother’s side, a woman famous for her cooking, in addition to being a healer and keeper of the traditional Dominican food-ways. As a general pain in the ass, Diavanna was often given tasks to put her off cooking, but you know, it’s in the blood.

She is beyond thrilled to find the Frick to her Frack in Miranti, her tropical sister in everything good, and to spread love. Cause you know, it’s the Brooklyn Way.

Miranti, described by celebrity chef Graham Elliott as a “Culinary Poet”, is an Indonesian native and founder of The Joy of Feasting, a lifestyle brand exploring the intersection of food & culture. She is a self-taught cook with a background in art, design, and performance, and uses food as her canvas for artful creations and memorable experiences.

Miranti’s tastes are deeply informed by her Indonesian heritage and flavored by her international travels, wide-ranging culinary interests, and life as a long time Brooklynite. She is particularly known for her sensitive palate and exceptional and daring flavor combinations.

As half of the Island Hop team, a popular Indonesian & Filipino periodic pop-up with a cult following, Miranti has made Mad Tropical her laboratory of choice for experimenting with creative food ideas and an opportunity to introduce people to new flavors.