Sak Pase? Dining on Good Haitian Grub
Summer heat and a mellow day running errands with a good friend should always end with a good meal. Attempting to just that, my friend and I drove from Five Towns Queens to Cambria Heights in search of some good Haitian food.
My assumption that I would enjoy the culinary offerings of this country is solely based on it's geography and cultural history. Haiti is located in the subtropics on the western third of Hispaniola, the second largest island in the Caribbean, which it shares with the Spanish-speaking Dominican Republic. The neighboring islands include Cuba, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. After the arrival of the Spanish, by 1550, the indigenous culture of the Taino Indians had vanished from the island, and Hispaniola became a neglected backwater of the Spanish Empire. In the mid-1600s, the western third of the island was populated by fortune seekers, castaways, and wayward colonists, who were predominantly French.
We drove along Linden Blvd starting as far back as 235th Street, coming to a stop at Port-Au-Prince on 221st Street. It took all of three minutes inside to let us know that it would not do for us this trip, so we got in the car to make other arrangements. Standing outside my window were two men who weren't shy about staring and whispering to each other, so...I decided to make good use of their interest and check their knowledge of the neighborhood restaurants. We were directed a few block away to La Boisserie Creole Restaurant (227-02 Linden Blvd in Cambria Heights Queens).
It stood out immediately from the brick design on the curb surrounding the restaurant and I admit feeling a bit excited to see the inside. Our server seated us and I began to take in our surroundings while my friend spoke to the manager about the nature of our visit. I must say that I was a bit disappointed as the decor was quite dated and resembled a circa 1985 catering hall, with bright colors and a combination of wine glasses and water jugs stuffed with cloth napkins. There were helium balloon decorations everywhere that I wasn't so sure how to feel about. The stained glass added a nice touch and there were various forms of art hung all around. Fingers crossed, I told myself that still, the food must be good.
Our server brought the menus and we quickly discovered that she spoke very little English. Nevertheless we managed to order Fri Kodenn (Fried Turkey) and Poul ak Sos Kreyol (Chicken with Creole Sauce). They were served with Rice and Beans/Haitian Black Rice and a Garden Salad.
Our entrees were suppose to be small but what was set before us was a very large plate with our own mini mountain of rice. How were we ever going to find room? Well, it began with the first bite of the Black Rice. Loose, seasoned and wonderfully spiced Jasmine rice filled sent my mouth into a happy place. The Rice and Red Beans did not disappoint either. It was a thing of perfection! My chicken was (lightly fried leg and thigh) was also very good, expecially when dipped in the tangy, spicy Creole Sauce. That Sauce could be poured over cardboard and it would be delicious.
The Turkey was not so well received, however. It was tasty but a bit dry and over cooked. We were also served what appeared to be the ankle of the bird, making for bony bite after bony bite. When our server returned to ask how things were, we took the opportunity to attempt to explain the turkey dilemma and to our surprise, our mini Charades game worked and she returned with a saucer of actual turkey meat.
So for decent service despite the language barrier, good food and a family friendly atmosphere, we give our tour of Haiti an solid B. Good job La Boisserie Creole Restaurant. Byen fè!
