Steve Cohn’s annual breakfast keeps Brooklyn’s political tradition alive
FULL SLIDESHOW BELOW
Pictured from left to right: Alan Rosen, owner of Junior’s Restaurant; District Attorney Eric Gonzalez; Steve Cohn, the former district leader and host of the annual Cheesecake Breakfast; and Scott Stringer, former NYC comptroller, gather at Junior’s in Downtown Brooklyn for the annual event, a pre-election tradition that brings together Brooklyn’s political and legal community. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Mario Belluomo
By Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor
November 4, 2024
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Brooklyn’s political figures gathered once again on Friday, Nov. 1, for the annual Cheesecake Breakfast hosted by former district leader Steve Cohn at Junior’s Restaurant. This event, held each year on the Friday before Election Day, has become a hallmark of collegiality in the borough’s political scene.
This year’s breakfast saw a smaller crowd of prominent attendees, with Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams both absent. However, Attorney General Letitia James and Kings County Democratic Party Chair Rodneyse Bichotte were among the politicians who gave brief addresses to the gathered crowd, reinforcing the event’s historical role as a forum for unity rather than active campaigning.
James delivered a spirited message, urging attendees to consider the broader implications of the upcoming presidential election.
The Cheesecake Breakfast, now in its third decade, maintains a distinctly low-key atmosphere where political adversaries and allies alike gather for a slice of cheesecake and informal conversation. Cohn, who served as district leader for the 50th Assembly District for 27 years and who once held the title of Brooklyn Bar Association president, created the event as a tradition that values camaraderie over rivalry.
Known for his deep roots in Brooklyn’s political and legal landscape, Cohn’s career spans decades as an advocate for community issues, from environmental justice to neighborhood safety. The breakfast, a tribute to his legacy, continues to be one of Brooklyn’s most enduring political traditions, reminding its attendees of the borough’s shared values and the relationships that shape its politics.
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
