STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A former neighborhood deli has become a rare Staten Island destination for both Caribbean food and soul food, with family recipes connecting the two traditions.
The former Vincent’s Deli has a new identity as Lavi, a Caribbean-soul restaurant at 500 Henderson Ave. in West Brighton. Open since May, the eatery blends Southern comfort food and Caribbean specialties under one roof. The name, Lavi, is derived from “La Violet,” a family name that inspired the restaurant’s concept.
According to a restaurant rep, home cooking is the foundation of Lavi’s menu, which combines culinary traditions from the Carolinas and the Caribbean, particularly St. Martin.
At Lavi, Southern comfort food staples such as fried chicken, turkey wings, cornbread and a knockout macaroni and cheese tango with Caribbean favorites including jerk chicken, curry chicken, stew chicken and oxtail…