JULY 2012
THE SEED OF HAITIAN ART
ENARTS
LIVIN’ THE GOOD LIFE AT
KALIKO BEACH CLUB CARVING FOR WOMEN
RONALD LARATTE FROM
YAQUIBA WITH LOVE
Editor’s Note Dear Readers, Well it’s hot time summer in the city Fet chanpet happening all over the country, Go out and lose yourself Cool down with a fresco and sit back to discover the magic March to the beat of a mystical culture Hold on to your hat for it’s going to be sizzling And at the beach it’s a different vibe Let the water sooth your soul, come, come on and just let go Eat and dance and let the magic take control Enjoy the summer in Haiti, the summer in Haiti In this issue of Magic Haiti you will certainly be marking your calendar since there are so many Hotdates for you to consider. You will indubitably develop a better understanding of the abundance, richness and diversity of Haitian art as you read about ENARTS. You might even consider becoming a member of an equestrian club, or enjoy premium blended Haitian tobacco, and better yet acquaint yourselves with Haitian comfort foods. In addition, you will get to know some great artisans, restaurants, hotels, and a Haitian author and filmmaker. The goal of the magazine is to promote local tourism by encouraging foreign professionals residing in Haïti for whatever length of time, Haitians living in the Diaspora visiting family and friends, as well as locals, to explore and discover the depth and breadth of Haïti. Our country is rich in culture and more specifically in the arts. Admittedly, Haïti may not be the island that comes to mind when planning a magical Caribbean getaway for rest and relaxation or just a simple vacation, but reconsider and you will be pleasantly surprised. I encourage you to simply Discover Haïti and experience the Magic!
Roxane Kerby
MAGIC HAITI
JULY 2012 Spotlight
Escapade
24
Les Saveurs du Terroir, Enticing Local Treats
30
From YAQUIBA With Love
40
ENARTS: The seed of Haitian art
38
Words in Print
22
Marvin Victor: Victim of Literature when Inspiration Strikes
Hot Dates T-VICE: 20 Years in the Making
Executive Editor Roxane Kerby 509 3492 2289 roxanekerby@magichaiti.com Managing Editor Nastasia Boulos
Northern Hospitality
Hotel Mont Joli 6 35 10 14 32 18
Artmosphere Carving for Women Atizana Lakay, Sona Alexis
Escapade
26
Copy Editor Angela Galbreath Kristina Delatour Contributors Maureen Boyer Farah Doura Rachele Viard Taïna Mayard Kristine Belizaire Christina Jean-Louis Alain Menelas Winter Schneider Kohl Threlkeld Fanorah Duval Graphic Designers Clarens Courtois Rody Victor Senior Photographer Frederick Alexis Photographer Ludmillo D. Pierre Printed by L’ Imprimeur SA Publisher Le Nouvelliste
Livin’ the Good Life at Kaliko Beach Club
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Lamanjay
Cover Photo by Daniel Kédar
Comfort Foods Ayisyen-Style: Le P’tit Creux
+509 2816-0224 / 2941-4646 publicite@lenouvelliste.com
Chicken Fiesta: Finger-licking GOOD
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Postcard in Motion
www.magichaiti.com
An Equine Classroom
product of
Hot Dates
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KARIBE CONVENTION CENTER
The Legendary
Freres Dejean
By Fanorah Duval and Jean-Ronel Noel | Photos contributed by Organizers
Y
ou want to get a headstart on the musical ambiance of Carnaval des Fleurs. Well, there is a perfect manner for you to do so. On July 21, 2012 at Karibe Convention Center, you must add to your outfit a touch of flowers and come celebrate pre-carnaval with the well-known Haitian Konpa band: Les Freres Dejean. For those of you, who are unfamiliar with Les Freres Dejean. This group, as the name implies, was created by a group of brothers in the late 60sFred, Andre, Philip, Camille, Lionel Dejean. These brothers have distinguished themselves during the golden age of Konpa Direk with a special note: an exceptional harmony in the brass. Their sound is so unique that only after a few bars you are able to recognize them. With so many years of continual entertainment, it is understandable that the original group had to revamp but through it all they have retained all the freshness of yesterday. The group still maintains the consistency, harmony and disci-
pline that once made them very famous. After a long hiatus of over 20 years, punctuated by an attempt to rebuild the group in Miami, in 1998, Les Freres Dejean came back to the delight of konpa direk lovers. We were lucky enough to attend their first performance at the Ritz Kinam on January 2, 2010. A few months ago, for Easter vacation, they wowed the audience of Aquin. Lionel Benjamin is a famous singer who had the chance to produce a record with the brothers., When asked what is the first thing that comes to mind when he hears Les Frères Dejean, he responds immediately, “Talented musicians with an extraordinary imagination, and most of all well harmonized.” “The best thing that can happen in your life is to have the opportunity to listen to Les Frères Dejean perform live,” says Phillipe Saint-Louis a radio personality at Radio Solidarite. Mark your calendar. July 21 should find you swaying at the Karibe Convention
Center to the sounds of their hits such as Marina, Debake, L’univers, and Belle Deesse. It is best to be accompanied but if you are alone, don’t worry, it won’t be a problem
at all.The brass section wind instruments will sendyou on a journey and you too may discover that special someone in our Magical Island.
JULY 2012 MAGIC HAITI 3
Hot Dates
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J U LY
29 31 2012
CHAMPS DE MARS
Carnavdesal
s r u e l F Celebrating Nature By Fanorah Duval | Photos by Jean Claude Mathieu
D
reaming of an exotic way to have fun and enjoy your nights to the fullest? You will be able to do just that for three days. Yes three days!!! From July 29th to the 31th, downtown Port-au-Prince will come to life during “Carnaval des Fleurs.” According to Mrs. Stephanie Villedrouin, Minister of Tourism, this carnival was relaunched as a means to attract tourists as well as entice Haitians in the Diaspora to return to their homeland to partake in this extravaganza. Given that the flora in Haiti is as rich and colorful as its culture, The Carnaval des Fleurs is unique as it enables revelers to appreciate nature while enmeshed in traditional foods, music and of course some good Barbancourt. This second carnival celebration for 2012 promises to be as exceptional as the carnival held in Les Cayes back in February. What is the “Carnaval des Fleurs” you wonder? Well, it is a time when the Champs de Mars is transformed into a world of revelry. A time when the splen-
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dor of nature is displayed and celebrated. A time when all cares are put aside, and “don’t worry be happy” is the rule for those three days. It is a time to watch a captivating parade, enjoy our traditional Bande a Pieds and some of the most popular konpa bands. Unlike Carnival, the Carnaval des Fleurs focuses on natural beauty and as a result expect to view colorfully ornamented convertibles with the most exotic, tropical flowers found on this mystical island. Stunning and beautifully clad queens, drivers dressed for the occasion, and scenic views that will divulge the true potential of Ayiti. Plan to be at the Champ de Mars at around 3:00 p.m. and be prepared to dance as the beat of the drum will not only draw you in but will also have your body swaying from side to side and then, you too shall soon forget your cares. From July 29th through the 31st, come celebrate nature and have fun Haitian-style at the “Carnaval des Fleurs”.
D
Mrs. Stephanie Balmir Villedrouin Minister of Tourism
ear Readers,
The Ministry of Tourism is on the move and extremely excited about the steps that it has taken thus far to identify and implement the necessary infrastructure to propel Haiti’s tourism industry. We at the Ministry intend on making major strides such as our very beautiful “choublak” which has been selected as part of our logo and our new slogan “Experience It.” The new modern logo and slogan are the result of a contest launched by the Ministry. This call to action encourages one and all to immerse themselves in our culture and let your senses guide you through this magical island. It equally signals to the outside world that Haiti is rising, that Haiti is ready to reveal its essence, its inner beauty and with open arms is ready to welcome the world. In this spirit, this summer is full of exciting events and activities that will lure Haitians in the Diaspora to return home and be part of an old tradition as well as entice tourists to experience these festivities for the first time, but not the last. We are ready to celebrate the vast richness of not only our culture but of our tropical cornucopia. On July 13th and 15th with the assistance of the Ministry of
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Tourism, the north will roll out the red carpet and “Celebrate the Sea.” The “Carnaval des Fleurs” will be held July 29th through the 31st in the Champ de Mars. This three day long parade will highlight our natural environment as well as the beauty of our queens. To further achieve our goal “Ayiti ap Dekole,” Air Caraibes has created destination packages to selected touristic areas that have been centered around events such as “fet champet” designed to showcase local flavor. Also count on attending many concerts, bals and clubs. In addition, the Haitian Ambassador in Mexico, Prime Minister, Mr. Guy G. Lamothe, signed on behalf of the Haitian Minister of Tourism, Mrs. Stéphanie B. Villedrouin, a protocol between the Haitian Ministry of Tourism and the Mexican Secretary of Tourism on Wednesday, July 4, 2012 in Mexico. As a result of this protocol, FONATUR specialists will come to Haiti in the near future to provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Tourism. More tangible accomplishments. And to appropriately welcome arriving passengers, the Arrival Section of the Toussaint L’Ouverture International Airport is scheduled to be unveiled at the end of July. Truly an exciting time, truly an exciting summer charged with many first steps. Steps that will lead to the attainment of our goals. Goals which will directly impact you the tourist. Spread the word “Ayiti ap Dekole.”
Artmosphere
Carving for Women By Kristine Belizaire
Photos by Ludmillo D. Pierre
“Women are my inspiration. They are the most beautiful beings on this earth.”
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I
n his studio in the town of Gressier, about an hour west of Port-auPrince, Ronald Laratte tells us about how he has become a talented and highly regarded sculptor. Born into a family of artists, Laratte is the son of Haitian craftsman George Laratte, who carved with many raw materials, particularly wood. “I believe that I was born a craftsman,” he says. “As a child, I used to observe my father taking pieces of wood and adding emotion and depth to them. My life has always been filled with artistic warmth, and for that I am eternally grateful.” He actually started sculpting at the age of twelve, and sold two sculptures to the esteemed Gallerie Marassa in Port-au-Prince, when he was just fourteen. At twenty-five, he traveled
to New York, and worked at an art studio where they produced marble sculptures for galleries. There, he was able to further develop his skills and learn new techniques. When he returned to Haiti two years later, in 1995, he began sculpting African women, especially queens and dancers. “I was drawn to the emotion and intensity that they embody,” he s. With pronounced
features and a smooth feel, these crafts brought him success within Haiti’s artistic community. “But I wanted to make products both of women and for women,” he tells me. Indeed, he also wanted to make pieces that women could use. Why? “Women appreciate value and aesthetics. And, they are the largest, fastest-growing market.” Hence he started creating items
that are both artistic and beautiful. “Why purchase a plastic and ordinary household object when you can have something that is alluring and durable?” he says, with an easy laugh. He creates boxes, vases, plates, bowls, ashtrays and mirrors, all carved with intricate details. Laratte mainly uses basalt, a dark-colored, fine-grained, igneous rock. He also sculpts with pebbles and limestone,
which he purchases in areas all across the country such as Cormier (North), Jacmel (South-East), and various towns west of the capital. Once he acquires the material, he uses a hammer and chisel to remove unwanted parts and impurities. This is done very carefully, as the smallest miscalculation can damage the stone, and even the sculptor’s hand.
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When the general shape of the statue has been achieved, Laratte uses other, smaller tools to refine and add texture to the object. Afterwards he begins the process of polishing the stone to bring out its color, reveal the patterns in the surface, and add shine. He never paints his pieces, as he does not want to take away from their raw and natural color, which can range from green to pink to grey. “In Haiti, we are blessed with an unimaginable amount of high quality raw materials. Thankfully, I can transform them into high quality products,” he remarks Laratte regularly participates in exhibitions around
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the world, including the Dominican Republic, Canada, the United States, Puerto Rico, and Martinique. The gifted sculptor also believes in nurturing the passions of others. At his studio, Atelier Ronald Laratte Sculpture en Pierre, he instructs over 300 students on the art of sculpting. “It is rewarding to be able to help young people realize their passion.” Laratte’s items can be found at several locations in Haiti, such as MEN NOU, 30, rue Goulard (Place Boyer), Pétion-Ville.
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Escapade
Livin’ the
Good Life
Kaliko Beach Club
at
T
he small bridge over the pool at Kaliko Beach Club was most likely the coolest thing I’d ever seen at nine years old. It rapidly became the top attraction for the weekend: hiding right below the arch as parents walked ‘over our heads’. Then there were the hourlong ping-pong and basketball competitions that usually ended in a heated discussion about who actually won. Not to mention the spaghetti (my favorite) for breakfast and sweet pain patate at dinner. Life. Was. Good. By the time I was fifteen, the resort 10 MAGIC HAITI JULY 2012
By Cynthia Hage Photos by Frederick Alexis had become a common destination for my family. Though the ping-pong table no longer seemed as appealing, the long sandy beach (with ample room from which to get a tan) was more than enough. The spacious room with flatscreen TV and A/C were the place to cure the ensuing sunburn. And the bathroom, with enough space to fit three people or
more and the long mirror, meant I could spend hours getting ready for the New Year’s Eve bal held on the premises that night. Life. Was. Good. Today, not much has changed at this colorful beach resort, which reopened its doors in 1997. The restaurant, decorated in bright blues and yellows, still serves its mix of local and international favorites. Spaghetti for breakfast is still available, but I can also order eggs made to order, pancakes, and fresh fruit. For lunch or dinner, there’s a choice between Haitian dishes such as griyo (fried pork) and banan pese (fried plantains), or fresh grilled lobster, hamburgers, or hot dogs amongst other things. Desserts, which include flan and sometimes cake, are still as sweet and delicious. Two types of rooms are offered, though all are equipped with TV, A/C and private bath. The standard ones are hotel-like and provide a view of either the mountain or the gardens. The bungalows, probably the best solution for families,
are painted in tropical colors, surrounded by lush vegetation, face the ocean and it’s your own little beach cabana. With three large conference rooms, equipped with projection and sound material, Kaliko can also accommodate large groups, for business or other events. After a day of meetings, you can chill by the pool, where a DJ keeps things lively. Or play tennis, basketball, beach football, or board games. For excursions, diving, or snorkeling, Pegasus Exploration (a company based nearby) is available to take you to explore what nature has to
offer. On Sundays, the resort is quiet (no loud music is played), to allow guests to relax and forget about their stress. It’s 2012 (my age I won’t tell) and I sit on a rocking chair in front of my room, sipping on a rum and coke (from the bar on the beach), carefully taking in my surroundings. The waves wash up on the shores of the beach, as the
JULY 2012 MAGIC HAITI 11
sun starts to set. In the garden, I recognize an almond tree, and a coconut tree, but the others I can’t identify. There are at least three different colors of flowers: red, yellow, and blue.
How to get there
Rue Jose Martin
Ou impasse des Hôtels
Vers Bourdon
Pétion-Ville
am
eric ain
e
Rue Rebeca
Rue Derenoncourt
Pa n
Rue Derenoncourt
Ru e
12 MAGIC HAITI JULY 2012
28.13.10.57
At this very moment in time, my only concern is whether I will get another of the same drink, or switch to a fresh tropical cocktail like the complementary one I received when checking-in.
Life. Is. Good. Kaliko Beach Club is located at Km 61, route Nationale #1. For more information visit www. kalikobeachclub.com
JULY 2012 MAGIC HAITI 13
Lamanjay
I
n the US, there is what is referred to as ‘southern comfort foods’ which includes staples such as fried catfish, blackeyed peas, turnip greens, cornbread, sweet potato casserole and so many other tasty dishes. Here in Haiti we have our own comfort foods, and one of the places to find these savory dishes in a relaxed and casual atmosphere is Le P’tit Creux (The Little Hole). When hungry, Haitians often say I have a p’tit creux. Appropriate name and place to fill that little hole in the tummy. Located in Pétion-Ville, the restaurant, which opened in 2003, provides authentic Haitian food with a setting comfortable enough, that you can really let your hair down and enjoy homemade dishes with silverware or with your fingers depending on your indulgence. Le P’tit Creux’s casual vibe, the intent of its owner and Chef Patricia Arty, is ideal for gatherings large and small. “I want customers not to feel like they are at a restaurant but rather as if they are enjoying a special meal at home or
Comfort Foods Ayisyen-Style
Le P’tit Creux By Rachele Viard | Photos by Ludmillo Pierre
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over at a family member’s house.” Arty, who has always had a passion for cooking, catered her first event-a communion - at the tender age of fifteen (15). It is that passion and love of feeding people good Haitian food and seeing the satisfaction in their faces that propelled her to cater professionally in 1992 and then later open Le P’tit Creux. Once inside the restaurant, from the manner in which the wait staff greets you to the aromas that permeate the air, you immediately get that cozy warm feeling. And more often than not Arty is engaged in conversations with her “friends and extended family” for you are only a patron on your first visit. The décor is quite simple, locally made tables and chairs and ample Haitian artwork reflect the theme of
“I want customers not to feel like they are at a restaurant but rather as if they are enjoying a special meal at home or over at a family member’s house.”
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Delmas 53,No 5 Tels:2943-0470 / intl phone: (305)-851-6162 16 MAGIC HAITI JULY 2012
the authentic Haitian meal and experience that Arty intended. Well now let’s get to the heart of the matter. The menu! Le P’tit Creux offers all of the Haitian comfort foods from fritaille (fried plaintains, marinade, acra) to tassot dinde (fried turkey) to our famous griyo
of course hamburgers. All meals are served with the perfect accompaniment of well seasoned vegetables. And no meal is complete without libations such as fresh cherry, grenadine, orange, passion fruit or lime juice. As tempting as the menu is, do save room for the equally delicious
(deep fried pork) served with a spicy slaw, to bouillon cabrit (goat soup) poisson gross sel (stewed fish), to riz national (rice and red beans). There are too many other comfort meals choices to enumerate. The menu also offers other supper plates such as steak au poivre, grilled chicken, pork chops and
desserts. Though any occasion at any time is a great time to head to Le P’tit Creux, the Saturday brunch starting at noon, is however, a “must.” The buffet style meal offers several types of meats and seafood, soups, vegetables, salads, rice, and desserts. While savoring on the myriad of dishes you will be treated to live music. Arty invites local groups and up and coming artists to drop in and jam for the afternoon. It is almost like time is in slow motion. While you sit back and enjoy the great food and drinks in this casual environment, for sure you do not want to rush through your time at Le P’tit Creux. If comfort food is your thing, it does not get any better than at Le P’tit Creux. The friendly service, fantastic food, and relaxed energy is the perfect setting for a real treat and taste of Haiti.
www.idealevillahotel.net
Le P’tit Creux is located at 87, Rue Rebecca, PV 2942 3892 / 2942 3893
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Postcard in Motion
An Equine
Classroom
William Shakespeare wrote, “My horse, when I bestride him, I soar!”
By Angela Galbreath | Photos provided by ACCE
A
t the Equestrian Center Athletic Club more than one hundred students soar over jumps as high as 1.3 meters (4 feet). A soft green field equipped with competition quality
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obstacles is their picturesque playground. There are three full-time instructors who receive students that can ride any time between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. For the price of one horseback-riding lesson at most stables, members of this equestrian center pay a flat monthly fee to ride as often as their hearts desire. Ximena Vidal, originally from Colombia, has been taking lessons for a year. “As soon as I get off from work on Friday, I come straight to the Center. Then I come back Saturday and Sunday. This place is heaven!” she says.
Owner, operator and former show jumping champion, Pat Chemaly says, “Riding is a form of self-expression just like making music or painting.” With the help of several friends who believed in the project, Pat created the Center 26 years ago as a way to pay homage to former riding coaches who invested their time and faith in him. At the Equestrian Center, riding is not just a hobby, but a way to build character. “Riding allows us to test ourselves and to discover the very fiber of our emotional and psychological make up,” Pat says. Indeed, the fourteen thoroughbreds and warmblooded creatures in the Center are bigger and physically more powerful than any human being and have a brain the size of a walnut. The rider must learn to tune their intuition to the signals sent by the horse. The moment when the animal behaves unpredictably is exactly the moment that its rider must be calm.
Pascacio Gonzalez began riding at age fourteen and now teaches lessons at the Center. “Riding helped me regain my strength,” remembers Pascacio, who was left paralyzed from the waist down after falling out of a tree as a child. His family helped him continue to ride and eventually he learned to walk again. He beams think-
ing about the progress that his special students make in balance, motor control, and communication skills. “It’s incredibly rewarding” he smiles. In 2004, the energetic native of the Dominican Republic initiated a partnership between the stables and a care facility for disabled children called Wings
of Hope. Competitions held four times a year help students measure their progress. Hundreds of spectators are drawn to this special event, the casual and elegant atmosphere, where action, passion, and emotion combine. In between shows, spectators have a chance to win prizes of their own in bingo. The
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Krezi Horse Cafe serves cold beverages and snacks on site. On October 7th of this year, the club will host a team competition. Riders from several schools in the area will be divided into four teams.
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Points are earned by successfully negotiating the jumping course without displacing any of the jump elements, which are made of light PVC piping that are placed in shallow cups. The slightest bump
of a horse’s hoof can cause them to tumble. “Our shows celebrate the gathering of horses, riders, and friends,” remarks Pat. “Our philosophy is that a champion is determined by a score whereas a winner is determined by an attitude. Each competition will yield a champion, but with the right attitude, every-
one can be a winner!” For more information about sponsorship, enrollment or competitions, contact the Equestrian Center Athletic Club at 4782-1362, web: www.patchemaly.com, or find them on Facebook under ‘Athletic Club Centre Equestre Haiti’
Hot Dates
AU0 1G2 2
04
at CLUB INDIGO
A
T-VICE Years 20 in the Making
By Rachele Viard | Photos by Frederick Alexis 22 MAGIC HAITI JULY 2012
nd what a twenty years it has been! T-Vice has been entertaining and making Haitians and non Haitians alike dance to their rhythmic sound all over Haiti as well as Holland, France, Panama, the U.S to name a few. To think it started all those years ago when brothers Roberto and Rey Martino were experimenting, trying to find their sound. They initially began by playing gigs at school graduations and friend’s parties, they then formed a band which to date has a special dynamism. T-Vice has been traveling the world over these past twenty years sharing our beloved Konpa music with people who otherwise may not be exposed to it. Inspired by the music of their father, Robert Martino, Sweet Micky, Tabou Combo and System Band, T-Vice developed a unique sound often described as rhythm swaying dance worthy Konpa. The group is continually reinventing themselves in order to stay current and it is no wonder that their 2012 carnival song“Rigwaz”captured the crowd and they were voted best band during carnival in Les Cayes.
And on August 4th, to commemorate this significant juncture in the band’s history, Dream Productions has put together what is sure to be an amazing show which will be held at Club Indigo with special guests including Carimi, Robert Martino, and others. T-Vice known for their lively and fun shows are sure not to disappoint as they definitely leave it all on the stage for their fans. These young humble guys full of energy have a lot more years of hot music and entertainment left in them. It will be great to see what’s next in store for T-Vice as they continue to keep us swaying. Wishing T-Vice a happy 20th, I think it is awesome to see a group of guys like these really make it, and show the world our culture through their music. What better setting? Indigo. What day? August 4th. What to do? Get your ticket now. I know I am and get ready to party the night away with T-Vice and friends, it will be EPIC! T-Vice may become your vice!!! Tickets can be purchased at Giants, Muncheez, Game Box, and Mail N More.
Spotlight
Les Saveurs du Terroir Enticing Local Treats
By Christina Jean-Louis | Photos by Ludmillo D. Pierre
W
hat began on a whim a short year ago for graphic designer Sybille A. Figaro, has transformed into a conglomerate of savory spices, fiery liqueurs, tangy vinaigrettes, hot sauces, oils, mousses/dips, sweets, jams, marmalades, and additional tasty treats. Though Figaro’s culinary journey began as most, following her mother around for endless hours in the kitchen, it wasn’t until one night that she was left with an insatiable hunger to create.
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Surprisingly, what may appear to be an anomaly to the outside world, a seasoned graphic designer turned chef extraordinaire overnight, is also a mystery to Figaro herself. “One evening I just woke up in the middle of the night and felt a fervent desire to create. It just came in like a rush. I sincerely believe it is a gift from God and it is my duty to share it with the world,” she states With the continuing support and encouragement of her close family and friends, Figaro officially launched Les Saveurs du Terroir on January 12, 2011.
Les Saveurs du Terroir awakens your palette to myriad exotic flavors. Her first product line was a line of spices entitled L’épices Saveur and her first spice was “Pike a Lwil,” a freshly pressed olive oil, blended with organic hot peppers, garlic cloves, and vinegar. Currently the L’épices Saveur line has over 35 products, including a
wide range of fresh blended seasonings, oils, hot sauces, marinades, flavored butters, mousses, and vinaigrettes. The hottest selling item, the Hot Karmasutra, hails from her line LeXotic Saveur a group of spicy fruit-based liquors. Sizzling and sensual, the Hot Kamasutra is a fresh blend of passion fruit juice, Clairin (moonshine), ginger, and hot red peppers. The company has grown to include four collections and over 65 savory gourmet products harvested from the finest local fruits and vegetables. Each bold flavor selected within each line unfolds a telling story. Douceur Mauve, a blend of fresh grapes, anis, ginger, and alcohol, stimulated childhood memories
for one avid consumer-- “The liqueur Douceur Mauve reminded me of days at school spent enjoying my favorite fresco, grape flavored syrup drizzled over freshly grated ice that quenched my thirst under the warm Caribbean sun. It brought me to a place euphoric nostalgia.” The Mousse de Aransò, (pâte of smoked herring), hot peppers and cheese is, to Figaro, the ‘signature du pays’, “the country’s signature.” Indeed this classic Haitian staple reminded me of my winter breaks back home from college, savoring aransò and feeling that I was truly back in Ayiti Cheri. Currently all Figaro’s products are available on demand, have absolutely no preservatives, are completely organic, and 100% Haitian. In-
creasing local production and showcasing the exceptional level of taste and flavor found only in Haitian fruits and vegetable serves as her mission. Some consumers were surprised to hear that all Saveur du Terroir products are made in Haiti. Because of this, Figaro now stamps each creation with the seal “product of Haiti.” As for the future, Figaro has
plans of exporting her product internationally, but for the first couple of years she finds it important that her products be exclusively available in Haiti. Due to over 18 years of
experience in graphic design, elegantly branding her array of products happened naturally. The simple vibrant design mirrors the organic flavors found in each container, and the originality of the names chosen for each product illustrates a true sense of creativity. Figaro has found a way to innovatively blend her two passions. With this line of savory Kreyol flavors, Figaro has awakened a culinary genius. But, she insists, “This is only the beginning!” For more information contact Sybille A Figaro at Tel: 3784-3984
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Escapade
Northern Hospitality
Hotel
Mont Joli
By Farah Doura | Photos by Frederick Alexis As is the town of Okap, the Mont Joli is all about traditions. Many of the patrons that have been coming here for years will request the same room, the same dishes and the same drinks.
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A
quick drive uphill in the neighborhood of Carénage brings you to Hotel Mont Joli. A landmark since 1954, the lodge towers over Cap-Haitien and offers a breathtaking view of the coast in a setting that feels safe, quiet and peaceful. Decorated
in good taste, the Mont Joli inspires well-being, class (the essence of Okap) and the comfort of being home. “It was a home before being a hotel,” confides its third generation owner, Nicholas Bussenius. “It was a family home that my grandmother who liked having
people around decided to turn into a Bed and Breakfast,� he continues. What started with 6 rooms in the early 50s has grown into 42 rooms today with 40 more underway. A Haitian grandmother and a grandfather from Germany explains Nicholas’ foreign heritage. The view is not lost once settled in your room. Pull apart the curtains of the large windows and there it is, as if it were a moving painting. One could spend hours trying to identify bits and pieces of the city. Make sure to locate the domes of the Cathedral that stand so majestically because coincidently, Nicholas’ grandfather
was the one commissioned to build these babies back in the day. While shacked in, turn on many of the international channels on the TV and cool off with the A/C or the ceiling fan in a room of subdued colors that induces rest. And if the night is not over for you, go down to the bar (exposing of course more of the view) to have as many cocktails as responsibly possible and make it a fun one! Waking up at the Mont Joli, the scent of freshly brewed tea pervades and practically guides the patron to the restaurant area
JULY 2012 MAGIC HAITI 27
by the pool. For breakfast, you can choose between international options like pancakes and omelettes or go traditional with a Mayi Moulen ak Aransò (corn meal and herring). Come dinnertime, treat yourself to the Poisson Gros Sel served with fresh sweet shallots that will keep you wanting more.
28 MAGIC HAITI JULY 2012
If you’re indecisive about your meal, let the knowledgeable waiters help you. They’re trilingual. The tropical landscape of bougainvilliers and palm trees set the tone for relaxation. The crystal blue water of the swimming pool invites you to dive in or just laze on a chaise longue
with an ice cold Prestige or Cola Couronne to let the sun work its magic. While lounging, gaze back at the mountains and take a closer look to try to spot the Citadelle. As is the town of Okap, the Mont Joli is all about traditions. Many of the patrons that have been coming here for years
will request the same room, the same dishes and the same drinks. “For many people it’s a home away from home”, reiterates Nicholas. The regulars even feel comfortable enough to call the front desk and say “Please take care of this for me,” or “go to the airport and send this package for me.” It’s hospitality all the way! And since traditions never die at the Mont Joli, the hotel still runs the project pioneered by grandma that feeds prisoners in Cap-Haitien every Sunday. And that in a nutshell sums up the spirit of the Mont Joli, a place of respect, customs and ethics. It’s not just a hotel but better yet a place that allows its guests to discover and enjoy the core values of Cap-Haitien.
JULY 2012 MAGIC HAITI 29
Spotlight
From
YAQUIBA With Love By Farah Doura | Photos by Frederick C. Alexis
B
etween the Cohiba of Cuba and the Romeo y Julieta of the Dominican Republic exists the Yaquiba of Haiti. Meet Mr. Franck Bauduy, a 36 year old entrepreneur of Jacmelian descent on a mission to save Haiti. Told by his father that export would be the only way to help this country, Franck decides that revitalizing an old tradition could in fact do just that. Jacmel or Yaquimel in the Taino language, has long been rolling tobacco into artisanal cigars but realizing that if he took the craft, improved the presentation and worked according to international norms, it would be just what the country needed to give itself a competitive edge in the world of cigars. “Conditions are favorable for cigar making,” shares Franck. “There is plenty of tobacco in Haiti, the advantage is that the varied climate offers various grades in taste, flavor, aroma and certain areas of Jacmel being above sea level offers excellent tobacco”, he continues. Since 2003, Franck’s 1930s style family home has seen itself turn into what is today the Yaquiba factory. A quaint atelier of four work stations allows workers to hand roll an average of four thousand cigars per month which are then stocked
30 MAGIC HAITI JULY 2012
in a humidor of a storage capacity for sixty thousand. Although production runs according to demand, Franck understands the needs of a developing country and will therefore divide labor in a way to keep employees consistently rolling to preserve skills and above all to keep hope alive. Proving that Franck’s vision goes beyond financial gain, the brand has instilled a sense of shared pride among its workers and the community. When asked what they love most about the craft, the staff unanimously shares that cigars were something they only saw on TV and now there they are making it themselves. Franck knows that moving the factory to Port-auPrince, where he currently lives, would ease many headaches but
faithful to his social responsibility and understanding of Yaquiba’s contribution to his native town, he keeps operations in Jacmel. Meanwhile, until the rest of the world can welcome the Yaquiba and commercialism is feasible, Mr. Bauduy takes full advantage of the local market. Cigar shops, gas stations, the National Airport and, and supermarkets carry the popular brand. Yaquiba has even created new cigar smokers in Haiti. It is not unusual to see Haitian celebrities who pull out, cut, light, and puff our national confection with pride. From the same land that grows cocoa, coffee and human warmth grows the tobacco blends that create the smooth licorice smoke of a Yaquiba. Expertly rolled and filled with aged tobacco,
the cigar is of firm touch and has an earthy aroma. Between the fingers, the Yaquiba burns slowly and evenly. Enhance the experience by pairing the cigar with a tumbler of local Barbancourt rum. Be transported by visions
of the sultry mulatto women on whose thighs the famous myth says the finest cigars are rolled. For more information, please write to yaquibacigars@yahoo.com or visit www.yaquiba.com
Anndex international Service CORP Anndex international Service CORP Licencee Federal Express Corporation Licencee of of Federal Express Corporation Ave Marie Jeanne 3333 Ave Marie Jeanne 2813-0078/ 2816-8456/3702-2348 Tel:Tel: 2813-0078/ 79,79, 2816-8456/3702-2348 8
JULY 2012 MAGIC HAITI 31
Lamanjay
Kohl Threlkeld | Photos by Ludmillo D. Pierre
W
Finger-licking GOOD
32 MAGIC HAITI JULY 2012
alk inside Chicken Fiesta on any night of the week, and instantly you know you have stepped into a truly unique place. Try the food, and you know this won’t be your last time back. And if you are anything like me, someone who appreciates the passion and flavor of made-from-scratch food, then you will most likely be back several times in the following weeks. From the décor to the food, Chicken Fiesta is truly a creation of its New York trained owner and Chef Joanne Laborde. “I didn’t ask to be Haitian, I just got lucky,” jokes Laborde while sitting outside her restaurant on an unexpectedly bustling Monday evening, “Haiti has a way of calling its people back.” And call her back it did. After spending almost all of her life in the States, the New York trained chef landed in Haiti with only about five US dollars
in her pocket and a small piece of family property to call home. Now, Chicken Fiesta is one of the most vibrant and deliciously unexpected places in which you might find yourself on an evening in Port-au-Prince. Chicken Fiesta was set to open its doors only a week before the earthquake that devastated Port-au-Prince, and it suffered extensive damage to its newly purchased equipment and furniture. After five months of scraping and saving, the restaurant opened its doors, even repurposing much of the damaged wood to make new tables for its outdoor patio. It is the “if life gives you lemons, make lemonade” mentality that got Laborde, and her co-owner sister Carmel Gabriel through the tough first months of restaurant ownership. With major setbacks and the high costs of owning a restaurant in Haiti mounting (the restaurant uses generators, inverters and 48 batteries to keep the coolers running, to name just one example) there were times they wanted to give up. “We used to look at each other and think, are we going to keep
doing this?” says Gabriel. It’s a good thing they did though because today Chicken Fiesta has something of a fan club. Its fast growing popularity is due to several reasons. For one, the food is incredible, but also reasonably priced. The service, based on American style restaurants, is attentive and fast. Additionally, it attracts every type of person you could imagine. From Haitian couples, families, NGO workers, to the likes of Sean Penn, Steven Spielberg, Alec Baldwin and maybe more surprisingly, other Haitian restaurant owners. But perhaps the main attraction is the restaurant’s creator, Laborde herself. With a larger than life personality, she greets most of the people that enter the restaurant by name,
and for those whose name she doesn’t know, it is only a matter of time. For Laborde, all patrons are treated equally, even the likes of Sean Penn, who has become one of Laborde’s most dedicated customers despite a rough introduction. Penn, after spending a long day in his tent camp, walked in with several of his friends and tracked fresh mud all over the restaurant. The unamused Laborde said to Penn, “You know you are cleaning that mess, right?” Seeing the seriousness in her face, he felt it best to obey. Two years later, Penn is still calling at all hours of the night to order his favorite dish, the Curry Mild wings.
Save more, do more
JULY 2012 MAGIC HAITI 33
Like the signs say Chicken Fiesta claims to have the “Best wings in the country,” and to the “wing connoisseurs”of the world, this is a claim to be met with delicious skepticism. But with madefrom-scratch sauces like Asian Zing, Curry Mild, Kookaburra and Spicy Garlic, the claim holds true.
The rest of the menu is packed with traditional Chinese-style dishes collected from Joanne’s culinary studies in Asia. The General Tao’s Chicken for example is a refreshing change from the soggy, saucedrenched dishes that
have become the standard on the other side of the pond. The breading is crisp and fresh and the sweet and spicy sauce has
the distinct taste of being home made. Chicken Fiesta has truly found its own exciting approach to traditional Chinese dishes. Almost everything at the restaurant is done the “Chicken Fiesta way.” The beers are served in chilled mugs that are so cold that the foam freezes for a moment. And instead of calling your waiter or waitress in a traditional
34 MAGIC HAITI JULY 2012
manner, patrons are handed a yellow rubber chicken and instructed to squeeze it when they need something, which causes the chicken to squawk. But above all other things that Chicken Fiesta has done right, one stands out above the rest: delivery. That’s right, for the price of the moto taxi ride, Chicken Fiesta will deliver fresh homemade chicken wings directly to your doorstep. Above all else, Laborde says her main goal is that people feel comfortable, happy and at home in her restaurant. “If you want to come in flip flops, fine. If you want to come in shorts, fine. Hell, if you want to come naked, you’re welcome too.” Chicken Fiesta is located at 124. Rue Panaméricaine, PV 2813 9866
Artmosphere
Atizana Lakay
Sona Alexis
By Maureen Boyer | Photos by Frederick Alexis n a small road between Route Frères and Pétion -Ville, there is a workshop located in front of a residential house which is where Sona Alexis, her husband and her three kids live and it is also in this workshop that Sona’s creative juices come to life. Skillfully and beautifully designed items such as tablecloths, sheets and table accessories can be found there. They are all decorated with vibrant designs made
with fabric appliqués, embroidery or paint. She is the brain and the muscle behind this workshop and moreover, she has major plans for the future. Sona Alexis is originally from Camp-Perrin, a town located in the South of Haiti. Ever since she was 11 years old, Sona has had a needle JULY 2012 MAGIC HAITI 35
in hand sewing clothes for her dolls and retrofitting dresses that she owned. For as long as she can remember she’s always been a seamstress, “Sewing is in my blood; my grandmother was a seamstress, my mother was a seamstress and my brother is a tailor.” But Sona did not start taking sewing seriously until she didn’t pass a state exam. It is then that she decided to drop out of school and become a fulltime seamstress. Sona began making pre-made dresses and inspired by her very artistic town, she soon added flare to the designs she made. Many of her friends were participating in art fairs and exhibitions; this influenced her to be more of an artisan than a seamstress. In 1996, she established her-
36 MAGIC HAITI JULY 2012
self fully as an artisan and participated in different fairs including Artisanat en Fête and Femmes en Democratie. In 1998, a very busy Sona moved to Port-au-Prince in order to better serve her clients. Sona designs all her pieces and usually hires a couple of employees at her workshop to lend a hand. Each piece takes one to three weeks to be completed. She buys the fabric, designs the shape of the dress or the cloth and conceptualizes complimentary embellishments. Some pieces require no additional fabric designs, paint, or embroidery. Next she has the workers assemble the pieces by hand or by sewing machine. As far as the finishing touches, no
one else executes them but Sona herself. The designer prides herself on being unique. She creates tablecloths with giant red hibiscus appliqués and long dresses painted with bright tropical themes. She uses contrasting fabrics in order to add a special distinction to the
garments that potential clients won’t find anywhere else. “If I see that other artisans have similar designs to the ones I make, I come up with something else that no one has seen,” she states. Staying current is extremely important to the success of her line. Sona makes sure to satisfy her clients’ demands. She manages her production,
entitled, Secondhand (Pepe). The artisan isn’t just satisfied with the status quo. Sona is looking to modernize and extend her business. When we spoke to her, she was in the process of creating a website with a young man from her neighborhood. She is also planning on
knowing which clientele will be present at which fair. Tablecloths may be the hot item at one fair whereas the dresses are the must-have item at another. She also designs custom pieces for her clients, who are mostly women. Sona’s work has taken her around the country and even to the Dominican Republic. In
2006, Sona was featured in a documentary on the culture of second hand clothing by American filmmakers, Hanna Rose Shell and Vanessa Bertozzi,
adding tags with her name and sizes to the pieces. Within the next several years, she hopes to have her own boutique where she can smartly display her
products. At the moment, her biggest obstacle is garnering enough exposure in order to augment her clientele. Sona Alexis loves what she does.“I would not leave what I do for any other job in the world. The more clients I get, the more I want to work. This art is the only thing I like doing, it’s been like this ever since I was young; it is my job and my hobby,” she affirms. Sona is an artisan as well as an entrepreneur; she is forward thinking and has a knack for great customer service. This is what sets Sona apart from the rest. Sona Alexis #27, Bas-Duval rue La Pepiniere Route Freres, Petion Ville (509)3741-8521
Choix, Conseils, Services, Ceramex c’est la bonne adresse.
PÉTION-VILLE 14, rue Rigaud AÉROPORT Route des Nimes ROUTE DE FRÈRES Building Quincaillerie Totale
ADVANCE
CROIX-DES-BOUQUETS Route de Santo
Tél. : 509-2510-7095 / USA: 305 517 5451 email: info@ceramex.net
www.ceramex.net JULY 2012 MAGIC HAITI 37
Words in Print
MARVIN
Victim of Literature when Inspiration Strikes
V I C TO R
By Winter Schneider Photos by Ludmillo D. Pierre
A
ny act of creativity takes inspiration. Inspiration is the wind that animates a lifeless plastic bag to make it dance and it is the evening light that paints a dusty city. To hear Marvin Victor, a 30-yearold author, painter and filmmaker describe it, when inspiration strikes it leaves its victims powerless to resist. Victor grew up in Port-au-Prince’s hillside neighborhood of Pacot, and he has spent his adult life led by his creative impulse between Haiti, France, Brazil, Cuba, Martinique and the United States. Following his inspiration again, this year, he returned to live in his native city. Author of the critically acclaimed book “Corps mêlés,” published in the Gallimard Blanche Collection (2011), Victor lives as a self-described paradox: unabashedly happy with the successful reception of his
38 MAGIC HAITI JULY 2012
work, yet what he wants most of all is to disappear. On the literature scene in Haiti, Marvin Victor is not only a newcomer, but a fresh new voice whose style so far is distinctively unlike any we’ve read. Corps mêlés, in its long, detailed prose, bears little resemblance to the shorter acclaimed works of Lyonel and Evelyne Trouillot, Dany Laferriere, Edwidge Danticat,Yanick Lahens, and GaryVictor. Instead, his style has been compared to that of Glissant, Condé, Chamouiseau, Joyce, Proust, Faulkner, and even Balzac. Especially as it is Victor’s first full-length novel, Corps mêlés has made a big impression on the Haitian literary scene because of its publication in the Editions Gallimard, where it joins the work of a very select group of Caribbean authors Glissant, Jacques Stephen Alexis, Marie Chauvet, Saint-John Perse, and René Depestre and it has received critical acclaim from an audience waiting for the first fulllength testament to the 2012 earthquake.
But what does this all have to do with Marvin Victor the man? As we sit down for our interview, it is very apparent that this quiet explosion on the Haitian literary scene is as much a critic of himself as his critics. Gentile, unassuming to the point of being shy, Victor talks about himself almost as if by accident. Instead, his passion for creation, be it in ink, paint or film, shines through. Working out of his love for traditional Haitian expressions, his nostalgia of man’s rapport with nature, and the sense that he is on a quest for beauty to the extreme, makes it easier to imagine Victor as the victim of his inspiration, the writer compelled to pen by the imagination he himself breathes into a person or landscape. He creates as inspiration moves him, yet for him all of the arts that he creates live in close cohabitation with one another, informing and transforming one another. Victor’s book follows the story of its narrator, Ursula Fanon, and begins with her birth in Baie-deHenne in the mid-1960s.
In a story that alternates be- terview with Victor, says “… it tween past and present, Fanon does seem that in Victor, Haitian works to announce the death of writing has a remarkable, new, her daughter in their home in and original author, one who the earthquake of January 12th. was born, one might say, from Back at home in Port-au-Prince, the disaster and whose work Victor himself reminisces about But what does this all have to do with the city he grew Marvin Victor the man? As we sit down for up in. Walking our interview, it is very apparent that this the streets of auquiet explosion on the Haitian literary scene thors like Jacques Stephen Alexis, is as much a critic of himself as his critics Victor firmly believes that all literature bears the marks a new and distinctive imprint of work that preceded it, mode, written as it were from he writes for people who like to the other side of the fault line.” read. He strongly believes that In addition to spending time in order to judge if it is “good” on his film work, Victor is in the or “bad” fiction is whether the process of completing a novel. book sweeps its reader away and whether it’s can believable. Marvin Victor’s book Martin Munro, in his recent re- can be purchased on Amazon.com view of Corps mêlés and in- or at local bookstores.
JULY 2012 MAGIC HAITI 39
40 MAGIC HAITI JULY 2012
ENARTS The seed of Haitian art By Maureen Boyer | Photos by Frederick Alexis
A
statue of national hero Jean-Jacques Dessalines greets you at the entrance of this well-maintained campus filled with sculptures and murals. On your left, the sound of footsteps accompanies the fast rhythm of local drums. On your right, a student practices the piano, and about twenty young men and women are rehearsing a play. This is, ENARTS (Ecole Nationale des Arts), the center where modern Haitian culture is nurtured. ENARTS is a state-funded universitylevel art school that has been fostering great local talents for nearly thirty years, and which has been pivotal in the advancement of local contemporary culture. The school began as the Academie des Beaux Arts in 1959, an academy solely focused on fine arts (it held the iron foundry where the famous Neg Mawon statue was
created by Albert Mangones). In 1983, it was inaugurated as ENARTS, and other creative compnents like theater, dance and music were added (as well as an IT). On December 29, 2011, renowned artist Phillipe Dodard was appointed as General Director, replacing jazz saxophonist Turgo Théodat. Dodard is a painter, sculptor, and designer, whose name appears on almost all the catalogs of major international exhibitions featuring Haiti. As we speak with him, his enthusiasm for the school is rapidly apparent. He shows us a rendering of the proposed new campus, which includes the reconstruction of the foundry and a spacious exhibit room. Dodard’s goal for the school is for its students to become ambassadors of Haitian art nationally and globally and for them to be “carriers” of contemporary Haitian history. He hopes to have exchange programs with different art schools in other
countries in order to broaden the students’ perspectives of their own art as well as to present the modern Haitian conscience to the world. He states, “The end result would be a generation of well-trained artists who will perpetuate the legacy of Haiti’s art reputation.” But even more than art, Dodard believes that the school will play a major role in rebuilding the country. He says, “When we speak of national identity, when we speak of cultural tourism, it is all based on our cultural richness. We have to have well-prepared students who can be proportionally integrated in different rebuilding projects, whether it’s an architecture project, an agricultural project, a park project, or a cultural project. The possibilities are infinite; all these skills are needed in the national development projects.” As you walk around the school,
JULY 2012 MAGIC HAITI 41
it’s clearly evident that you have entered an important art center. From the administrative to the creative aspects, inspiration seems to be flowing out of every square inch of the school. The artist in residence, Maksaens Denis, is a multimedia artist who created a robot to be presented at the
42 MAGIC HAITI JULY 2012
Havana Biennial in Cuba, an exhibit that focuses on artists whose works represent concerns and conflicts that are common to their regions. The fully-functional robot is made of 3.50 meters of worked metal (fer decoupé) and different screens projecting sounds and images that denounce global
social injustice. The professors, all established artists, demonstrate as much enthusiasm for their craft as Phillipe Dodard does. Ludovic Booz, another famous sculptor and painter, has been involved with ENARTS since 1984. As he teaches a sculpting class, he insists on the need to
boost and promote the sculpting culture and the use of our natural resources to make this possible. He hopes to teach a marble sculpting class in the near future. The school has also been an important promoter of cultural events. Its teachers, students, and former students often take part in many music and art festivals in Port-auPrince, such as Artisanat en Fête, an annual art fair, and La Semaine de la Francophonie, a week-long international festival that celebrates Francophone culture in Haiti. ENARTS has formed many wonderful artists, including its current General Director Phillipe Dodard. With national support, its students will be able to take charge of the cultural developments that are at the center of Haiti’s reconstruction. It is simmering with talent and will be at the forefront of any cultural renaissance. As drama student Daphne Menard notes, “I hope to produce musicals one day, ENARTS is one of the artistic environment in Haiti that could teach me and help turn my visions into reality.” ENARTS is located in downtown PAP at Rue Mgr. Guilloux 3919-2979
JULY 2012 MAGIC HAITI 43
ATH MEMBERS Agence Citadelle Air Caraïbes Air France Air Transat / Hamaserco S.A. Antilles Tours Aldy Hôtel Auberge du Picolet A&J Crème et Restaurant Ballet Bacoulou d’Haïti. Beau Rivage Hôtel Berling S.A. Brasserie La Couronne Best Western (Carabimmo S.A.) Ceramex S.A. Châtelain Tours Club Indigo Coconut Villa Hôtel Coles Distributions
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S.A.(CODISA) Cormier Plage Culinary by Design Delta Airlines Encocha S.A. Fondation Françoise Canez Auguste Francheco Agence de Voyage Galerie Marassa Galerie Monnin Goeland de Voyage Habitation des Lauriers Habitation Hatt Habitation Labadie Harmony Tours & Travel Agency Hostellerie du Roi Christophe Hôtel El Rancho Hôtel IboLélé
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Royal Oasis Royale Rent a Car Sans Souci Agence de Voyage Secom S.A. SirepTours S.A. Société Labadie Nord (SOLANO) Sogecarte Sterlin Entreprise Taino Tours The Lodge Trans Hispagnola Tours Uniglobe S.A. Unipro S.A. Up 2 Date Travel Visa Lodge Voyage Plus Voyages Lumière Wahoo Bay Beach
THURSDAY CHICKEN FIESTA
MONDAY SANKOFA
Chicken Wings Your Way Finger Licking Chinese Food as Well Delivery Available
Lunch & Breakfast Specials
Open Daily for Lunch & Dinner
Delivery Available
Open Daily for Breakfast and Lunch
124 Rue Panamericaine 3 813-9866 Jlaborde25@yahoo.com
43 Rue Rebecca 2 940-6262
SUNDAY LA RESERVE Barbecue
TUESDAY
GARDEN STUDIO
SATURDAY LE P’TIT CREUX Local Buffet & Live Music
Kareoke Night Thursday
Noon – 4:00 p.m.
Unplugged
Beginning at 9:00 p.m.
Open Tuesday to Sunday for Lunch & Dinner
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Lunch (Salad Bar, Grill, Soups) Monday to Friday, Noon - 4:00 p.m.
Open Daily
for Lunch & Dinner 2, Rue Marcel Toureau, Berthé, PV 2 940 1190 - 2 946 1111
Open Daily for Breakfast & Lunch 57, Rue Rebecca, PV 2942 3892 / 2942 3893
101 Rue Gregoire 3 499-0452
WEDNESDAY LE COIN DES ARTISTES Dinner with Live Band
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Daily Lunch Special - 300 Gdes
Open for Lunch & Dinner 59. Rue Panamericaine. PV 3 747 1163
SUNDAY CAFÉ DE L’EUROPE Brunch
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Saturday Live Sax Player Friday Tapas Night with Troubadour 17. Rue Mangonès. Berthé. PV 3 406 8525 / 3 464 0468
JULY 2012 MAGIC HAITI 45
restaurants
5 Coins
Haitian cuisine 20, Rue Panaméricaine, PV 2511 1044 / 2257 0277
Acajou Restaurant & Bar
Fior Di Latte
Italian Cuisine Choucoune Plaza, Angle des Rues Lamarre et Chavannes, PV 2813 0445
Haitian/international Cuisine Hôtel Montana Rue Frank Cardozo, Bourdon 2940 0585 / 3880 6610
il Vigneto
Anba Tonèl, Bar & Grill
HANG Sports Bar & Grill
Haitian Cuisine Angle des Rues Clerveaux et Villate, PV 3403 0822
Assiette Créole Haitian Cuisine 6, Rue Ogé, PV 2 940 0041
Babako
Haitian Cuisine 254. avenue John Brown, Lalue 2813 1912
BreakTIme
Haitian Cuisine 38. Rue Darguin, PV 3515 6262 / 3554 0027
Café Com' Ça
Italian Cuisine 7, Rue Rigaud, PV 3419 2050 / 3736 5414 American Cuisine 31, Rue Rigaud, PV +509 2 942 4264
Intrigue
Italian Cuisine Hôtel Ibo Lélé, Montagne Noire, PV 2940 8504
Kay Atizan
Haitian Cuisine 43, Rue Magny, PV 3456 6989 / 3452 1772
L'Olivier
Haitian Cuisine 37, route Montagne Noire 3455 4454 / 3467 0707
Fusion Complexe Promenade. Angle Rues Grégoire et Moïse, PV 2943 2014 / 3444 0607
La Coquille
Café de l'Europe
La Plantation
French Cuisine 17. Rue Mangonès. Berthé, PV 3 406 8525 / 3 464 0468 /
Café Terrasse
Fusion 81, Rue Grégoire, PV 2 944-1313
Celeri Rouge
88, Rue Panaméricaine, PV 3719 9670 / 3587 9670
Chez Wou
Chinese Cuisine Place Boyer, PV 3777 6625 / 3777 6626
Chicken Fiesta
Haitian Cuisine 10, Rue Rebecca, PV 2942 5225 / 3466 3908 French Cuisine Rue Borno, Bois Moquette 22941 6334
La Réserve - ATH
Fusion 2, Rue Marcel Toureau, Berthé, PV 2940 0190
La Souvenance French Cuisine 48, Rue Geffrard, PV 3475 9795
La Table de Cauis
16, Rue Legitime, Champs de Mars 2940 7227
American and Chinese Cuisine 124. Rue Panaméricaine, PV 2813 9866
Le Christo Villa Russo
Citronelle
Le Coin des Artistes
Domino's Pizza
Le Daily Gourmet Cafe
Haitian Cuisine Shodecosa, 5, Rue des NÎmes 3558 8387 Fast Food 91, Rue Panaméricaine, PV 2514 7574 / 2813 1446
Emina's Garden
Italian Cuisine 36, Rue Magny, PV 3747 1177 / 2816 2005
Angle Rues Faubert & Ogé, 3736 4166 Haitian Cuisine 59, Rue Panaméricaine, PV 3747 1163 Buffet Rue Roumain off Tabarre Maison Handal across Parc Canne a Sucre. Email: Ledailycafe@gmail.com 3411 5274
Le Florville
Les 3 Decks - ATH
Le P'tit Creux
Les Délices Burger
Haitian Cuisine Kenscoff 3551 3535 / 3449 6161 Haitian Cuisine 87, Rue Rebecca, PV 2942 3892 / 2942 3893
Le Paris St Tropez
Italian Cuisine 88, route de Kenscoff, Laboule 12 3410 7219
Le Relais de Chateaublond Fusion Par Historique de la Canne a Sucre 3 449-7407 rachelhyppolite@yahoo.com
Le Toit Blanc
Fusion 3 bis, Fermathe 54, 3418 8511 / 3462 6201 Fast Food 97, Rue Grégoire, PV 3646 1600 / 3646 1601
Les Jardins de Gérard 17, Rue Pinchinat, PV 3449 5943
Look-Nun's Thai Restaurant Thai Cuisine 35, Rue Villate, PV 3724 1661
LunchBox
Fusion Route du Saut # 22 4408 0824
L’Esplanade 2 Rue Darguin, PV lunchboxhaiti@gmail.com 4 412-3138 / 3 781-0012
Le Villate
Magdoos
12 Rue Villate, PV levillate@gmail.com 3400 1212 / 3 402 1212
Mediterranean Cuisine 30, Rue Ogé, PV 3821-2121 / 3733-2525
Mikaz
Fusion 56, Rue Geffrard, PV 2256 2659 / 3727 5951
Mozaik
Fusion 89, Rue Grégoire, PV 3702 3939
Mr. Grill
Esperanza Building, 87, Rue Grégoire, PV 3774 6729
The Lodge - ATH Fusion
Furcy. après Kenscoff 3458 5968 / 2510 9870
Steakhouse
Tiffany Restaurant
Muncheez
Vert-Galant
39, Rue Rigaud, PV mrgrillsteakhouse@live.com + 509 3114 2524 / 3620 4954 Fast Food 2. Rue Rebecca, PV 3713 1393 / 2942 1392
O Brasileiro Social Club Fusion 103, Rue Louverture, PV 3813 1050
Océane Bar & Grill
Haitian Cuisine 3 bis. Rue Derenoncourt, PV 2940 2449
Papaye
Fusion 48. Rue Métellus, PV 3558 2707 / 3771 3678
Pizza Garden
Italian Cuisine 36, Rue Chavannes, PV 2 813 2100 / 2 813 2200
Presse Café
Haitian Cuisine 28, Rue Rigaud, PV 3701 0092
Quartier Latin
Fusion 10, Rue Goulard Place Boyer, PV 3460 3326 / 3445 3325
Rebo Expresso
Fast Food / Coffee 25, Rue Métellus, PV 2949 0505
Sankofa Salads
Fast Food 43, Rue Rebecca, PV 2940 6262
48 MAGIC HAITI JULY 2012
The Bookstore Cafe & Wine Bar
Haitian Cuisine Boulevard Harry Truman, Bicentenaire Creole and bistro cuisine 81 avenue Lamartiniere (Bois-Verna) Facebook.com/vertgalant.boisverna 4629 8659
View
Fusion Complexe Le Belvédère. Angle des Rues Chavannes & Clerveaux, PV 3632 7706
travel companion Ouanga Bay Auberge du Rayon Vert
Côte Atlantique Hostellerie du Roi Christophe-ATH
Côte Caraïbe Cap Lamandou (Jacmel)
(Cap Haitien) hotroi24@yahoo.com 3 687 8915
+509 2941-4000 +509 3720-1892 3920-9135 / 3720-1436 caplamandouhotel@yahoo.fr
Résidence Royale-ATH
Hôtel Villa Ban Yen
Hôtel Mont Joli-ATH
Auberge du Mont Saint Jean
(Cap Haitien) golfromes@hotmail.com +509 3602-6676 2942- 0540 / 2813- 7959
(Cap Haitien) hotelmontjoli@gmail.com +509 2943-1110 / 2942-6975
Auberge du Picolet-ATH (Cap Haitien) auberge.picolet@gmail.com + 509 2945- 5595 3438-6357
Hôtel Beaux Rivages-ATH (Cap Haitien) beaurivagehotel@yahoo.fr +509 2262-3114 / 3682-5583
Cormier Plage-ATH
cormier@hughes.net +509 3702-0210 3804- 6673 / 3556- 1549
(Petit-Goâve-Vallue) absept60@yahoo.fr +509 3420-2091 / 3941-2091
(Vallée de Jacmel) aubergesaintjean@yahoo.com +509 3702-0510 3707-0605 / 3401-1789
L’Amitié Guest House :
(Port Salut) aubergedurayonvert@yahoo.fr www.aubergedurayonvert.com +509 3713-9035 / 3779- 1728
Dan’s creek
(Port Salut) danscreekhotel@gmail.com www.danscreekhotel.com +509 3614-8143 / 3664- 0404
Relais du Boucanier
(Port Salut) lerelaisduboucanier@hotmail.com www.leboukanier.com +509 3558- 1806 / 3720-1144 3702- 1066 / 3554-1806
Auberge du canal d’Avezac Levy (Camp Perrin) +509 3739-2800
Le Recul (Camp Perrin)
valnuma@yahoo.fr +509 3454-0027 / 3727-3589
Aldy Hôtel- ATH (Aquin)
(Ti Mouillage, Cayes Jacmel) (509) 2942-7156 / 3417-7582
nancyecomeau@yahoo.fr +509 3458-2566 / 3741-0532
Hotel Florita
Hotel Kabic Beach Club
(Historic District of Jacmel) +509 3785-5154 / 2274-2015 info@hotelflorita.com www.hotelflorita.com
(Jacmel) www.kabicbeachclub.com/ +509 3780-6850
(Marigot- Jacmel) lacollineenchantee@gmail.com +509 3703-0448 / 3701-96 97
Centre Hotel l'Ermitage de Pandiassou-ATH
(Hinche) 3472 -5934 / 3474-1599 3741-8753 lermitagedepandiassou@yahoo. com
Hotel Maguana (Hinche) 2277-0528
Wozo Plaza
(Mirebalais) 3455-7730/ 2942-1256 wozoplazahotel@yahoo.fr
(Ile a Vache) abakabay@hotmail.com +509 3721-3691 / 3683- 6253 www.abakabay.com
Port Morgan-ATH
(Ile a Vache) portmorgan@hughes.net, www.port-morgan.com +509 3921-0000 3922-0001 / 3663-5154
Manolo Inn
3, Rue Berthold, Delmas 19 3 179 3752 / 2 510 4901 3 556 1549 coconutvilla19@aol.com
El Rancho-ATH
5, rue Jose Marti, Avenue des Hôtels, PV 2 944 0707
Habitation Hatt-ATH
sachasaieh@hotmail.com + 509 2510-2635 / 2940-0135
Hôtel Le Jardin-ATH
9, Imp Hérard, Delmas 75 lejardinauberge@yahoo.fr +509 2813-8008, +509 3486-6966
Ibo Lélé-ATH
Delmas 53 # 6 f1berthold@yahoo.com +509-2943-0470
Côte des Arcadins
Karibe Hôtel-ATH
Kaliko-ATH
kalikobeachclub@hotmail.com +509 2940 4609 / 4640 2223
info@karibehotel.com 2812- 7000 3701-1138 / 3701- 1140 www.karibehotel.com
Wahoo Bay-ATH
Kinam Hôtel-ATH
wahoo@dadesky.com +509 3735- 2536/ 3735-2831
Moulin sur Mer-ATH
info@moulinsurmer.com + 509 3701- 1918 2813- 1042 / 3702- 1918
(Petite Rivière de Nippes) lemanoloinn@mac.com +509 3461-7108 3768-2059 / 3752- 3838 3727- 0201
Club Indigo- ATH
Hôtel du Village (Port Salut)
Xaragua Hôtel- ATH
portsaluthotelduvillage@yahoo.fr +509 3713- 9035
Coconut Villa-ATH
Ideal Villa Hôtel-ATH
Cyvadier Plage (Cyvadier- Jacmel)
Abakabay
Port-au-Prince
elsabaussan@yahoo.com, jvinchy@ yahoo.fr +509 2514- 0166 2940- 8503 / 2940- 8504
La Colline Enchantée
hotelcyvadier@hughes.net +509 3844-8264 3482-2585 / 3844- 8265
ouangabay@hotmail.com +509 3756- 5212 3932-5810
contact@clubindigo.net, reservations@clubindigo.net + 509 3651-1000 3650-1000 / 3441-1000 lexaraguahotel@yahoo.fr +509 2510-9559 / 3795- 5983
info@hotelkinam.com , reservation@hotelkinam.com +509 2944- 6000 / 2945- 6000 /29456001 / 2511- 4400 ww.hotelkinam.com
Kingdom Hotel
Tabarre 36 19, Rue Sol Solon 3 455-7822 / 2 943-2385 1 407-792-0738
La Réserve Guest House-ATH
+509 3452-3065 / 3510- 5026 3510- 4678 / 3940- 0182
JULY 2012 MAGIC HAITI 49
Le Montcel-ATH
(Kenscoff- Belot) montcel@aol.com/ www.montcelhaiti.com +509 3701-4777 3701-1744 / 3702-7202
Le Ritz-ATH
apartement@hotelkinam.com catering@hotelkinam.com +509 2943- 0303
Le Plaza-ATH
info@plazahaiti.com, reservations@plazahaiti.com +509 2814 6000 www.plazahaiti.com
Montana Suite Horizon-ATH Rue F. Cardozo +509 3880 6610
Palms Résidence
palm.events@gmail.com +509 3706-7342 3454-0053
Paradis des Receptions & Hotel Frere 29 2 940-6624
Prince Hôtel--ATH
princehotelha@yahoo.com +509 2517- 0597 3791- 1549/ 2944- 0422
50 MAGIC HAITI JULY 2012
Servotel
www.servotelhaiti.com info@servotelhaiti.com +509 2812-7500
Art Galleries
The Inn at Villa Bambou
Collection Flamboyant Galerie d’Art
The Lodge-ATH
Expressions Art Gallery
Port-au-Prince +509 2 813-1724 www.villabambouhaiti.com Furcy +509 2510 9870 3458 5968
The Palm Inn Hotel Delmas 31 3, Rue Hatte 3 2 513-4810 / 2 519-0700 www.palminnhotel.net
Villa Créole--ATH
villacreol@aol.com +509 2941- 1570 / 2941- 1571 2941- 0965 / 2941- 1040
Villa Ban-Yen
Value (between Grand Goave & Petit Goave) hotelvillabanyen@yahoo.com +509 3420-2091/2941-2091
Visa Lodge-ATH
services@visalodge.com
+509 2813- 0777 / 2510- 3424 www.visalodge.com
9 Rue Darguin¸PV Mimv54@yahoo.com.mx 3 909-9231 / 3 555-9398
55, Rue Metellus, PV 2 256-3471 / 3 558-7584 admin@expressionsgaleriedart.com www.expressionsgaleriedart.com
Festival Arts
43, Rue Magny, PV 3 551-7311 / 3 401-3171 festivalhaiti@yahoo.fr
Galerie Marassa-ATH
17, Rue Lamarre, PV 3 558-8484 / 4 739-2923 galeriemarassa@yahoo.com www.galeriemarassa.com
Galerie Monnin-ATH
19, Rue Lamarre, PV 2 257-4430 / 3 680-3240 galeriemonnin@galeriemonnin.com www.galeriemonnin.com
Galerie Nader
50, Rue Grégoire, PV 2 257-0855 / 3 709-0222 galerienader@hotmail.com www.galerienader.com
L’Atelier Boutique Fondation Theard
Fermathe 59 2 513-9874
Les Ateliers Jerôme
68, Angle des Rues Rebecca & Lamarre, PV 2 513-5362 / 3 705-6825 lesateliersjerome@yahoo.fr www.lesateliersjerome.com
Receptive Operators Agence Citadelle American Express Travel - ATH info@agencecitadelle.com +509 2940 5900 / 3445 5900 www.agencecitadelle.com
Go Haiti Tours
info@gohaititours.com +509 2941 0742
Uniglobe - ATH
uniglobe@haine.net +509 2941 0742
Voyages Lumière - ATH voyageslumierehaiti@gmail.com + 509 3607 1321 www.voyageslumiere.com
Voyages Plus Cap-ATH
vpcap1@gmail.com +509 3443 0823 / 2940 0484
Car Rental Avis
20, Rue Mais Gaté, Route de l’Aéroport + 509 2229 6399/ 2941 5555
Budget Rent-a-Car
Angle Rue Léonard & Route de l’Aéroport + 509 2813 1094 / 3856 4988
Dollar Rent-a-Car
Blvd Toussaint Louverture, Route de l’Aéroport + 509 2813 1800 / 3724 0950
Europcar
13, Blvd Jean-Jacques Dessalines, PAP + 509 2518 5555 / 2518 5556
Hertz
Route de l’Aéroport + 509 3779 0700 / 2816 0700
Secom
564, Route de Delmas + 509 2942 2940 / 2942 2941
Airlines Aerolineas Mas
+ 509 3704 4560 www.aerolineasmas.com
Air Caraïbes - ATH +509 2813 1037 www.aircaraibes.com
Air Canada
+509 2810 5857 www.aircanada.com
Travel Agencies
Transborder Bus Lines
Air France - ATH
Agence Citadelle – ATH
Capital Coach Lines
American Airlines
Chatelain Tours – ATH
Caribe Tours
Francheco Agence de Voyage – ATH
Terra Bus
+ 509 3115 5000 www.airfrance.com +509 2229 6000 www.aa.com
Continental Airlines www.continental.com
Copa Air
+509 2940 2326 / 29402327 www.copaair.com
Delta Airlines- ATH
+509 2943 3582/2816 1666
info@agencecitadelle.com +509 2940 5900 / 3445-5900
chatelaintours@hotmail.com +509 3701-4570
franchecoav@hotmail.com +509 2940 1168 Goeland Voyages – ATH goelandvoyages@yahoo.com +509-2511 3883
info@capitalcoachline.com +509 2 512 5989 / 3 455 1777 caribetours@gmail.com +509 2 257 9379 /3 785 1946 chatour@hotmail.com
Airport Shuttle Service
Airport Express
Insel Air International- ATH
Harmony Tours & Travel Agency – ATH
Mission Aviation Fellowship
Multivision Agence de voyage – ATH
Obonsoins
Napolitano Travel Service
Pharmacie du Boulevard
+509 2813 0403 www.fly-inselair.com +509-3791-9209 www.mafhaiti.org
SALSA d’Haiti
Toussaint Louverture Int’l airport +509-2813-1222
Spirit Airlines
+ 509 2940 4421 / 2940 4422 www.spirit.com
Tortugair
+ 509 2812 8000
Turks & Caicos Airways www.airturksandcaicos.com
harmony@harmony-tta.com +509 2813-0533
Multivision.voyage@yahoo.com +509 2941-0110
+ 509 3445 5902
Pharmacies 107, Rue Louverture, PV + 509 2512 5260 / 3800 3737
– ATH
1, Angle Blvd. du 15 Octobre & Rue D. Lespinasse, PAP + 509 3459 6553 / 3808 9050
Sans Souci Agence de voyage – ATH
Pharmaximum
napolitanotravel@yahoo.com +509 2940-0750 / 2940-1402
mpetoia@gmail.com +509 1813-1564
Uniglobe – ATH
uniglobe@hainet.net +509 3607 1321
12, Rue Ogé, PV + 509 2816 0116
Polyclinique 48
408, Auto Route de Delmas OPEN 24/7 + 509 2942-0068 / 3694-2078
JULY 2012 MAGIC HAITI 51
general info PASSPORT & VISA
No visa is required for stays less than 90 days. A valid Passport is mandatory. Visa required only for citizens of Cuba. Dominicans, Colombians and Panamanians do not need a Haitian visa as long as they hold a valid American or Canadian visa.
ELECTRICITY 110 V, 60 cycles, American outlets
CURRENCY
The national currency is the Gourde (ISO Code: HTG) The U.S. dollar is accepted everywhere. Currency exchange is available in many banks or hotel front desks. The current rate is around USD1.00 for HTG 41.00 It is advised to convert your home currency into USD before leaving since the local rate of conversion is not always advantageous.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Public transportation is not very well organized and is part of the folklore. Private taxis as well as car rentals (sedans and 4x4s) are available from various agencies. Local incoming travel agencies can also arrange cars & minibuses with drivers & guides for transfers and excursions.
INTERNET ACCESS
Major hotels offer Internet access Wi-Fi in public areas & in rooms. Cyber Cafes & Hotspots are available everywhere.
52 MAGIC HAITI JULY 2012
CREDIT CARDS
Visa, MasterCard & American Express accepted in most tourist establishments. Cash Advance is available in some banks and ATMs.
TELEPHONES
Country code for Ha誰ti: 509 Local numbers increased to 8 digits. The first digit indicates whether it is a fixed phone (2) or a mobile phone (3). The three mobile phone carriers have booths at the airport.
MEDICAL CARE
The hotels have a list of private doctors available for emergencies. Private hospitals offer better service than public ones. Air ambulances may be required for cases requiring transportation to facilities in the region. Several drugstores and pharmacies are available.
LOCAL AIR TRANSPORT
Several local airlines offer regular flights with aircrafts of up to 19 seats to the following cities: Cap Haitien, Jeremie, Les Cayes, and Port de Paix. Aircrafts and helicopters for air taxi/charter services can also be organized to various other areas of the country.
BANKS
Local & international banks have an extensive urban coverage. A limited number of ATMs is available.
4 MAGIC HAITI JULY 2012