Food
Haiti
Recently Haiti has been in the news for tragic circumstances…again. This is nothing new to Haitians and any observers of history. But one thing that remains constant is the resilience and pride of its citizens to persevere.
As Haiti takes on the task to rebuild…once again, many have inquired how they may help. A trusted source has provided the below organizations as vehicles to directly impact the Haitian people’s lives for the better.
Now for those of you who have only seen that aspect of Haiti. Allow me to show you another angle.
Haiti has several breathtaking destinations that encompasses the history and beauty of the Caribbean. One of those locations is the exclusive neighborhood of Pétionville (located in the capital of Port-au-Prince). It’s a primary spot to enjoy the nightlife and culture of the country. It’s also a central location for international businessmen and diplomats to reside and work in. When visiting Pétionville, be sure to stay in the Maxime Boutique Hotel where you may experience maximum tranquility and world class service.
Haiti is also known for its mountainous visage and delicious food. These two realities meet at the Observatoire Bar & Restaurant. This place has the most incredible views of Port-au-Prince day or night. It’s a great great place to unwind with a group of friends or to create new ones.
If you’re fortunate enough to spend enough time in Haiti, be sure to make your way to the Northern coast and indulge yourself in the Cormier Beach Resort. The pristine beaches, the quiet nights and well prepared food will have you extending your trip for a couple of more days.
It’s only right to keep your options open and spend some time in Labadie. After a quick water taxi ride and some freshly cooked lobster on the beach, you may decide to allocate some time to this resort as well.
After all of that rest and relaxation, you’ll be ready to make your way up the mountain to Sans Souci. This historical site will give you more insight into reign of King Henri Christophe. He was an instrumental figure in the Haitian revolution that secured the country’s independence in 1804.
Last but certainly not least, the donkey ride up to the Citadelle Laferrière must be done to complete your trip. There you will find the largest fortress in the Americas that was built by Henri Christophe to defend the nation. Words can’t describe the magnitude of this structure and its significance to the history of the world.
Be sure to pay attention to every word your tour guide has to offer. You will truly be amazed at the accomplishments of its people during a time of unimaginable conflict.
It speaks directly to the spirit that continues to carry on through its citizens today.
We strolled leisurely down 11th, avoiding the tourist-infused High Line, toward a chef’s counter reservation at Toro where we happily ordered a step beyond what might be considered reasonable.
I went with a steady stream of Pizza Night! cocktails – a spicy Old Fashioned with Calabrian chili, chorizo infused bourbon, Mike’s Hot Honey, and peach bitters. Cold and hot. Spicy and sweet.
We also found the Hell’s Bell Pepper to be just the right amount of savory – tequila, mezcal, yellow bell pepper, agave and bird’s eye chili.
Now we’re diving headfirst into an expensive plate of Paleta Iberico De Cinco Jotas – a dry cured boneless Iberian ham that delights and is gone before you can say “twenty eight dollars.”
Some addictive Maiz Asado con Alioli y Queso Cotija followed – a dangerously convenient version of grilled street corn, and a nice foil for the Setas, a bowl of deliciously unctuous mushrooms set beneath a sexy chivy yolk.
Then things got heavy – in a good way. Unable to choose between bone marrow and foie gras, we picked both. I’m more of a purist when it comes to bone marrow, so the Asado De Hueso with guajillo and chorizo XO, Brussels sprouts and escargot – perhaps has a little too much going on. Yet I ate it happily.
We opted for the Foie Gras Tonkatsu – a crispy foie sandwich with strawberry tomato jam and pickled daikon. Kinda perfect bar food if you’re OK with foie taking second billing. Nice marriage of textures, too.
“Hey man, that’s probably delicious, right?” asked a stranger at the bar – flanked by two liquored up and leathery ladies of a certain age. I smiled and snapped a picture of his seared foie.
For dessert we had hamburgers.
Ok, not dessert per se, but our last course were a pair of delectable Hamburguesas, mini dry-aged burgers with a spicy kick on a potato bun.
In a nutshell, Toro is the perfect place for you and your overpaid friends to meet up, get buzzed, and eat decadent small plates while ignoring a world gone mad.
Olmsted
659 Vanderbilt Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11238 – Map
Website
Prospect Heights restaurant from chef-owner Greg Baxtrom packs them in for dinner and recently rolled out brunch. Expect twists and turns, like a breakfast of Carrot Kathi Rolls (Carrot Pulp Falafel, Cilantro Stem Raita) or the Duck Duo, crispy duck sausage with scrambled egg and maple flatbread. And don’t leave without trying their bacon, egg, and cheese Egg Rolls, as delicious as they are adorable.
The tight and thoughtful dinner menu includes a scrumptious Duck Liver Mouse, a clever Beef Tartare, Heritage Pork with Raclette, and other seasonal curve-balls. Toss in a playful cocktail menu and you’ve found the perfect spot for those who like a dash of quirkiness on the plate.
Duck Liver Mousse
Beef Tartare Polonaise
Beet Gin, Preserved Lemon, Maraschino, Juniper
House Gravlax – Scallion Ricotta, Everything Bagel Crackers
Egg Rolls – House Made Bacon, Farm Eggs, Vermont Cheddar
Frozen yogurt with lavender honey
On your fourth trip to Paris, you take less pictures and enjoy more actual moments. Best to live like a local. We rent an apartment and stock up on breads from Poilâne, french butter, various cheeses, some fromage de tête. Good coffee. And the inevitable bottle of Orangina.
The Google Map below has more restaurants than you could see in any one trip. I wound up having super memorable tasting menus at Frenchie and Ellsworth, and a nice meal at Ore in Versailles. But we also had excellent low key bistro meals, enjoyed Pizzeria Popolare, and some cocktails and charcuterie at aveK.
One of my favorite spots, L’Avant Comptoir, was closed the night I visited. And I regret not getting to Clown Bar or the Experimental Cocktail Club.
There’s always next time.
Between the historic sites, architecture, museums, churches, parks, and restaurants… there’s a whole hell of a lot to do in and around Paris. Check out our Google Map for some ideas.
Links
Eater Paris
Time Out Paris
Lonely Planet Paris
To the GoogleMap above