Both Tompkinsville resident Marcie Delapaz, 51, and award-winning chef Amira Cintron, 30, of Stapleton, had the same vision: They wanted to create a Chelsea Market-like atmosphere on Staten Island’s North Shore where chefs, artists and local entrepreneurs could come together to sell their goods. (photos by Marcie Delapaz

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Both Tompkinsville resident Marcie Delapaz, 51, and award-winning chef Amira Cintron, 30, of Stapleton, had the same vision: They wanted to create a Chelsea Market-like atmosphere on Staten Island’s North Shore where chefs, artists and local entrepreneurs could come together to sell their goods.

“We realized we had the same goals -- basically to create something where we could support both restaurant businesses, as well as small business owners. So we wanted to create a platform where we could do both under the same roof. People can come in, sit down, eat, and while they’re waiting for their food, they can shop,” said Delapaz, whose corporate resume boasts of working for such top companies as Disney, ABC News, Marvel Studios, Goldman Sachs, A&E Network, USA Network and Pixar Films.

Both Tompkinsville resident Marcie Delapaz, (right) and award-winning chef Amira Cintron of Stapleton, (left) had the same vision: They wanted to create a Chelsea Market-like atmosphere on Staten Island’s North Shore where chefs, artists and local entrepreneurs could come together to sell their goods. In April, the pair joined forces to launch Staten Island Food and Art Market in Tompkinsville. (Courtesy of Marcie Delapaz)

After retiring from the corporate world about 10 years age, Delapaz went back to pursuing her passion of photography. While displaying her work at local shows in 2017 she stumbled upon an opportunity to run a local market, and has been planning vendor events for the last few years. Along that path she met Cintron, owner of Amira’s Cafe and Bistro, who has worked with such renowned chefs as Wolfgang Puck, Raymond Weber and David Tang.

In April, the pair joined forces to launch Staten Island Food and Art Market in Tompkinsville. Here, customers can shop for unique merchandise -- from handmade jewelry and candles, to artwork and clothing -- while grabbing a bite to eat from a menu created by Cintron and a variety of “pop-up chefs.”

Amira Cintron, owner of Amira’s Cafe and Bistro, who has worked with such renowned chefs as Wolfgang Puck, Raymond Weber and David Tang. (Courtesy of Marcie Delapaz)

“Being that we’re minority women in business, vendors and small business owners ourselves, we know what it entails to sell and be successful,” said Delapaz.

“People come in; they shop. They want to order some food and drinks, they see a dress they like, or a purse or a piece of jewelry, and it’s fulfilling. We’ve created a little bit of a Chelsea Market feel,” added Delapaz.

“Besides me being a chef and having culinary background in Indian, Greek, South American, Central American, Caribbean and Asian cuisines, we also allow ‘pop up chefs’ to come in and show their culinary skills. This gives them a space where they can sell their food as well,” said Amira Cintron. (Courtesy of Marcie Delapaz)

And Staten Island Food and Art Market also provides a stage for local performers, from rap artists to rock musicians.

Cintron launched Amira’s Cafe and Bistro almost three years ago as a small catering business. In 2020, she open her first brick and mortar location on Van Duzer St., she moved in April to 11 Cebra Ave. and is now located inside Staten Island Food and Art Market.

“Besides me being a chef and having culinary background in Indian, Greek, South American, Central American, Caribbean and Asian cuisines, we also allow ‘pop up chefs’ to come in and show their culinary skills. This gives them a space where they can sell their food as well,” said Cintron.

She said the “cultural dishes” theme allows customers to keep coming back to experience different types of foods and tastes from around the world.

“My specialty is in Caribbean and Latin, like Puerto Rican, Dominican and Cuban foods,” said Amira Cintron, noting her Puerto Rican and Caribbean heritage. “I infuse my Puerto Rican, Caribbean, Latin food with different foods from South America, Central America, Mexico, India. So it’s a fusion of two cultures combining into one.” (Courtesy of Marcie Delapaz)

“My specialty is in Caribbean and Latin, like Puerto Rican, Dominican and Cuban foods,” said Cintron, noting her Puerto Rican and Caribbean heritage. “I infuse my Puerto Rican, Caribbean, Latin food with different foods from South America, Central America, Mexico, India. So it’s a fusion of two cultures combining into one.”

Some foodie favorites are Cintron’s mofongo, tostones rellenos and traditional Cuban sandwiches.

“I do modern food too. I do traditional American or dishes, like fresh burrata. I try to keep my produce local, as well as seasonal. I like to use what’s fresh. There’s days where we’ll change the menu just to have what is local and fresh. This gives them [customers] a chance to try new things. I’m also big on vegan and vegetarian food,” said Amira.

The business partners are always seeking new vendors to showcase their wares on the weekend or leave their items for Citron and Delapaz to sell on consignment during the week.

“Our plan is to expand and get more vendors, and do more pop up events. We want to give small business owners an opportunity to shine, and not break the bank or have to worry about all of the fees that come with owning a business,” said Cintron.

Both Tompkinsville resident Marcie Delapaz, 51, and award-winning chef Amira Cintron, 30, of Stapleton, had the same vision: They wanted to create a Chelsea Market-like atmosphere on Staten Island’s North Shore where chefs, artists and local entrepreneurs could come together to sell their goods. In April, the pair joined forces to launch Staten Island Food and Art Market in Tompkinsville. (Courtesy of Marcie Delapaz)

“We do consignment on a 30 day basis, and we sell it for them. We sell it as we are the the owners of an item. We take full responsibility. ... What we do is we push [the vendor’s] items for them,” she added.

Staten Island Food and Art Market is also available for rent for private parties.

The business partners are always seeking new vendors to showcase their wares on the weekend or leave their items for Citron and Delapaz to sell on consignment during the week. (Courtesy of Marcie Delapaz)

STATEN ISLAND FOOD AND ART MARKET AT A GLANCE

New Businesses in Focus is a weekly column that relates the stories of new Staten Island businesses owners.

If you have a new business on Staten Island, e-mail porpora@siadvance.com.

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