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| - Slipped in here tonight following their soft launch two nights ago. This beautiful restaurant and bar is finally open and worth the wait, a partnership between Jen Agg and Roland Jean of popular Toronto spots Rhum Corner, the Black Hoof and Cocktail Bar with Win Butler and Régine Chassagne of hometown heroes Arcade Fire. It's a lovely bit of late night in the Caribbean tucked off Amherst in the Gay Village, with a record player and a box of beautiful Haitian records by the door. The room is gorgeous, we felt comfortable and dreamy immediately. The staff were super welcoming and chill and professional, though still clearly figuring things out, they managed to make everyone around us feel cared for and the Haitian-inspired food seemed to come out quickly and to much delight around both the main floor and the mezzanine. I tried the potato cake dessert, drench in rhum raisin sauce and topped with lovely whipped cream, alongside a rum sazerac and another twist on a classic cocktail called the Suburban with rye and porto - both really excellently done, and both a relief to see on the menu alongside some fun big dreamy summery sweet drinks. There's also local Ghost Farm IPA on tap, and Prestige, a Haitian beer in bottles. I can't wait to come back and try the full fried fish, or any of the totally affordable main meals like the chevre and vegetables and rice at $15.
But mostly I can't wait to see how this place will continue to build and create connections between this neighbourhood and Montreal and Haiti. Plans include a next door cafe that will also stay open late, and a big terrasse for eating outside, both on track to be open by the Summer.
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