Miss-Representation

The month of May is recognized as Haitian Heritage Month in South Florida. All month long the Haitian Diaspora has been proudly representing the Red and Blue and sharing our culture as the world excitedly looks on. Since THE hurricane of 2008 and the 7.0 earthquake of 2010 ravaged Haiti, the small French and Creole speaking island has been in the public eye. With a newly elected President and a new dedication to establishing Haiti as a premiere tourist destination, the negative perception of Haiti has slowly been changing.

But then local news outlets released these headlines:

North Miami Mayor Sought In Mortgage Fraud Investigation - CBS news

North Miami Mayor Facing Mortgage Fraud Charges - NBC News

North Miami Mayor charged in $8 million mortgage fraud scheme - ABC News

North Miami mayor reportedly to be charged with fraud - Fox News

A little Taste of Haiti in South Florida

It is a BIG weekend for all foodies and fans of Haitian culture. In the spirit of Haitian Heritage Month, both Miami-Dade and Broward Counties will be hosting pre-Haitian Flag Day celebrations. The first of the two being held in Miami is called the Taste of Haiti (TOH).

This is the fourth annual Taste of Haiti. It is an event organized by the Haitian Culinary Alliance (HCA). It will not only display the foods native to Haiti but modernized versions of everyone's favorites crafted by many talented local chefs. Many of these local chefs will also be there with their own exhibits to share their talents. Click here for a full list of exhibitors.

The TOH will not only give you a sample of Haitian Cuisine, but its culture as a whole. The event spans May 9-11 with different events tailored for those who work in the culinary world, the general public and a special Mother's Day brunch. My focus will be on May 10, the main event of the weekend. It will be a day full of food and activities for everyone. There will be a kids’ corner so the ti moun are welcome as well. Admission to the event is free but there will be food, drinks and crafts for sale. The event will be held at the MOCA Plaza from 4pm-10pm. The address is 770 NE 125th Street, Miami, FL 33161.

Taso and Banan Peze

So the first Haitian Food recipe I will be sharing with you guys is a double header.

Goat Meat Taso

The first dish is called Taso. The photo and recipe comes from KreyolCuisine.com. Taso is traditionally made from beef or goat meat. But for those who prefer a leaner meat, turkey is also used. Personally I love Taso because it is my alternative to Griot. I don't eat pork so I believe it is a great replacement and it is similarly prepared. The following recipe is for goat meat Taso.

Haitian Food

Ok so I understand everyone around the world says this in their own right...but there's nothing, I mean NOTHING as DELICIOUS as MANJE AYISYEN (Haitian food). I mean the spices, the fresh ingredients, the variety, the love it's all prepared with...WHOOSH!!!! Ok wait, hold on, I am getting a little ahead of myself. As you can tell I am a big fan of food. I love all kinds of food. Asian, chicken wings, Latin, chicken wings, Southern style Soul Food, chicken wings, and did I mention how much I love chicken wings? But there's something about going to manmi's (mom's), my nenen's (godmother's) or ma tante's (my aunt's) house right after they THREW DOWN on some queue boeuf (oxtail), di ri ak jonjon (black rice with mushrooms), makawoni au gratin (macaroni and cheese) and my personal favorite some boulettes (meatballs)!!!

Haitians have their signature dishes that other cultures have come to know well like griot (deep fried pork), tassot (deep fried goat or turkey meat), banan peze (pressed and fried plantains) and of course pikliz (put plainly...a spicy coleslaw). Aside from those and the ones I listed earlier, Haitian cuisine is very diverse and has influences from French, African and Latin cuisine. Also the beauty in the food is that it is a perfect representation of the island. Fresh seafood bears witness to its geographical location. The farm raised animals and fresh grown crops used in the foods are all indigenous to the island. And the blend of spices and the hint of heat in the food shows the fire that burns within the people. (I know I know, I'm pretty deep and poetic.)