The most successful edition yet, marking the first-ever participation of the Francophone Caribbean
From September 27th to 28th, 2025, under the majestic Brooklyn Bridge, the Creole Food Festival transformed New York into a vibrant celebration of global Creole culture — an explosion of flavors, rhythm, and pride.
This year’s edition drew an astonishing crowd of over 1,000 participants, far exceeding expectations — a true testament to the growing global love for Creole cuisine and culture.
A Grand Kickoff with the Press Conference
The 2025 edition officially kicked off with an exclusive press conference and pre-press event, hosted in collaboration with @mrcommunitynyc and @gentlemens.factorygf. It was a moment of reflection, connection, and gratitude — an intimate exchange between the festival’s organizers, media representatives, and cultural ambassadors.
Founder Fabrice Armand shared his personal reflections during this event, highlighting the meaning and mission behind the festival’s journey:
“My favorite part of @creolefoodfest is our exclusive pre-press event, where I have the opportunity to share the story behind creating the Creole Food Festival with my business partner @elkhair. It’s typically a candid, heartfelt conversation about our journey, motivations, and future aspirations. I truly enjoy these moments because I can connect personally with media, influencers, and brands, helping them see that this festival reflects them too — that they have a stake in its success.”
— Fabrice Armand, C0-Founder, Creole Food Festival
The event was proudly sponsored by @therogersgarden, @littlehaitibk, @chairmansreserveofficial, and @rhumclementusa, with a special thanks to @jaredzwerling from @closeup360 for recording this spontaneous discussion and Q&A session.
The Vision Behind the Festival: From Inspiration to Impact
Launched in 2018 by Fabrice Armand, a visionary entrepreneur and cultural advocate, the Creole Food Festival was born from a simple yet powerful truth: chefs of color often have to work five times harder to receive the recognition their white counterparts more readily enjoy.
After years of collaborations with the Caribbean Tourism Organization, the Barbados Food & Rum Festival, and the Haiti Food & Spirits Festival, Fabrice encountered countless chefs whose stories of passion and perseverance inspired him to create change.
He wanted to build a platform that honors their talent — and gives them visibility.
“I wanted to create a space that not only celebrates our food but our culture, our legacy, and our identity. Creole is more than a cuisine — it’s a story worth telling.” Fabrice Armand
The Only Festival Connecting Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas
Over six years, the Creole Food Festival has become the only event uniting chefs and cultures from Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, South America, and the Southern United States.
In a world often divided by differences, this festival celebrates what unites us — food, art, and heritage.
It has featured the most award-winning Black and Brown chefs in its history while introducing new voices, especially from the Haitian community. Beyond gastronomy, it empowers small businesses, connecting them with potential partners and clients to sustain their growth.
Watch more: Small Business Spotlight on PIX11 News
With successful editions already held in New York, Miami, Atlanta, and New Orleans, the festival’s influence continues to expand — with growing requests from Chicago, Los Angeles, and even Africa.
Historic Debut: The Francophone Caribbean Takes Center Stage
This 2025 edition marked a historic milestone — the first-ever participation of the Francophone Caribbean, featuring Chef Jean-Rony Leriche (Guadeloupe) and Chef Antoine Zulémaro (French Guiana).
These culinary ambassadors, presented in collaboration with AlizéLaVie Media as sponsor and media partner, embodied authenticity, innovation, and cultural pride.
“For the very first time, these talented French Caribbean chefs showcased their culinary artistry on this stage. This is more than food — it’s culture, identity, and representation.”
— Dr. Alizé Utteryn, Founder & CEO, AlizéLaVie Media
Their participation ignited the audience’s enthusiasm and underscored the importance of representation and unity within the Creole diaspora.
Beyond Food: A Mission Rooted in Culture and Connection
At its core, the Creole Food Festival is not just about gastronomy — it’s about education, culture, and human connection.
Its mission is to share the true meaning of Creole: a living, evolving identity that bridges continents and generations.
💬 “In a world obsessed with differences, we wanted to create something that brings people together — through food, culture, and authenticity.” Fabrice Armand
A Global Future for Creole Gastronomy
The resounding success of the 2025 edition — with more than 1,000 participants and international acclaim — confirms that Creole gastronomy has gone global. From the bustling markets of the Caribbean to the lights of New York City, the festival is writing a new chapter in culinary diplomacy.
And the story doesn’t stop here. The next stop is Atlanta, Georgia, where the Creole Food Festival ATL 2025 will take place on November 22–23, featuring the Grand Tasting on November 22nd.
🎟️ Tickets available at creolefoodfestivalgrandtasting25.eventbrite.com
📺 Watch highlights: East Point Creole Food Festival 2024
Special Thanks
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors from the French West Indies and French Guiana — your generous support made it possible for our Francophone chefs to join this unforgettable edition of the Creole Food Festival 2025 : La Sara, Delices de Guyane, Atol Mon Opticien Guyane, LGA Concept, Primazone ( Saveurs de Guyane), Comité du tourisme des Îles de Guadeloupe, Guadeloupe Islands (French Caribbean), M’amour ( les confitures exotiques), Dame Besson, Karukera Tradisyon), Distillerie REIMONEQ (Sainte Rose),
A special acknowledgment also goes to Co-Founder Fabrice Armand, whose vision, leadership, and trust in the AlizéLaVie team continue to inspire collaboration, representation, and cultural excellence.
“Together, we are building bridges — through food, culture, and unity.“
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