Haiti is calling you….bienvenue!
As the first successful slave revolution marks her independence, so does the diverse and exquisite culinary culture that exists in the country of Haiti. Marred in recent years by abject poverty and political unrest, Haiti is usually only mentioned out of pity, in negative press, and the spokesperson for utter misery. While Haiti’s list of have-nots is quite long, her history and the richness of her people and culture far outshine any of the negativity that hovers above this Caribbean island.
Enter into the madness of the capital city, Port-au-Prince, for a flavoring of Haiti’s French past as well as the Lebanese culture that exists within the country’s rich tapestry. Spend a night dancing to the house band, Ram, and drinking rhum punch at the Hotel Oloffson, only after savoring their memorable bread pudding. Don’t miss out on the fried yummies: griot with spicy pikliz, fried plantains, and the super delectable akra. Your choices are endless, only in just the capital.
If you dare to venture out , first head to Jacmel, an aristan beach town, so that you may dine on grilled fish and lambi by the sea. Their sweets are worth sampling as well. You may even have time to catch a rara band on the road near Leogane or venture farther down the national highway to sample the sugary temptation of dous macoss, an almost sickly sweet treat native to the region of Petit Goave. Head farther south for cuisine that differs greatly from that of the Central Plateau and the north. The northern region takes native foods and transforms them into high cuisine plates.
I could go on and on, but I won’t. Go and see for yourself or rather, taste for yourself a bit of the mystery that this island nation holds. A mélange of African, French, Middle Eastern and Caribbean culture makes this country her own. Even the language, Haitian Creole, is original. Be careful not to lose yourself in the vodou drum rhythms or the local moonshine, kleren. If this leaves you too pickled, a cold Prestige (found on Champ Mars) or a glass of smooth Barbancourt rhum would make a good accompaniment to any venture in this unique and seductive country. Bonne voyage!