"Chef Annabelle Goodridge brings Trinidadian flavors to Oakland, expanding a diverse palette of ethnic cuisine that already exists in the city. She has been cooking since the age of 12, inspired by her mother and aunt, and has been contributing to the culinary scene in Oakland for over 40 years. Her restaurant, Cocobreeze, is an authentic Caribbean restaurant, catering service and full service standard and vegan bakery. "
“It is a whole experience for all of your senses to enjoy,” said Lyons, who was laid off at the outset of the pandemic. “We understand that people feel isolated, they feel sad or distraught, or overwhelmed, not only with their health but with their circumstances. We just want to help people in that regard”. "Knowing that so many of their neighbors are struggling, Goodridge and Lyons also collect donations and distribute meals to local families experiencing homelessness. “We are trying to be part of this community and not just located in the community”, Goodridge said. Now, less than five months into their venture, regulars can’t seem to stay away."
" The Bay Area has been hungry for more Caribbean food options for some time now, which is why this new Trinidadian spot in East Oakland was such a welcome addition to the scene: Its curry roti wraps, fiery and unspeakably tender jerk chicken, and house-made ginger beer are the real deal."
“I think that we bridged a gap because there’s a lot of Caribbean shops, stores, and restaurants on the East Coast but on the West Coast there seems to be a void,” Lyons said." "We want to make sure that we have something that’s approachable to every palate, but you’re still getting that real flavor,” Lyons said.
