Celebrating 4 Years of Haiti Bites: A Journey Rooted in and Around Haiti

Mar 26

This Thursday, March 27th, I am beyond thrilled to celebrate a milestone that is so close to my heart—Haiti Bites turns 4! 🎉 As I reflect on this journey, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible embrace you have given us from Port-au-Prince, and all corners of the world. In a country defined by resilience, creativity, and an indomitable spirit, we have built more than just a restaurant—we have created a home, a gathering place where food, art, and community come alive.

Navigating Challenges with Heart

This journey has not been easy. Opening in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic was just the beginning of a road filled with “pays locks” and countless ups and downs. But through every challenge, I found strength in all of you. This little community we’ve built—this family—has been my anchor. Every time you walked through our doors, you brought warmth, laughter, and hope. You reminded me why I embarked on this adventure in the first place, and for that, I am forever grateful.

A Culinary Mission: Honoring Haitian Heritage

From day one, my mission has been clear—to put Haiti on the culinary map. To me, food is not just about sustenance; it’s a living, breathing expression of who we are. Every dish we serve tells a story, a reflection of our history, our culture, and our shared experiences. From the comforting depth of traditional touffés to the bold heat of our piman bouk, every ingredient, every bite, is a love letter to our homeland.

The Power of Eating Local, Drinking Local, and Buying Local

As we celebrate this milestone, I want to reemphasize something that is deeply personal to me—eating local, drinking local, and buying local. When you choose to support our farmers, our artisans, and our local producers, you are doing more than just enjoying fresh and flavorful ingredients. You are uplifting your neighbors. You are preserving our heritage. You are investing in Haiti’s future.

At Haiti Bites, we take immense pride in sourcing our ingredients from local markets and farmers. The fruits and vegetables we use are handpicked, full of flavor and nutrients—bringing the best of Haiti directly to your plate. From our kassava chips to our truffle papitas and crispy accras served with purée de pikliz, I invite you to savor each bite with this in mind. Every meal we prepare is a tribute to the land we cherish.

Drinking local is just as important. I absolutely love showcasing our artisanal Clairins, our premium rums and liqueurs, our local beer Prestige, and fresh juices that embody the essence of Haiti. With every sip, you’re not just enjoying a drink—you’re supporting passionate producers who pour their hearts into their craft.

And when you shop in La Boutique, you’re doing more than picking up a product—you’re connecting with the talented hands behind it, from Boss Lenor to Boss Saint-Fleur, from Kalalou to Cerabwa. Every handmade craft, every piece from our Artisan Kitchen and Home Collection carries a story, a dream. Your support allows these creators to continue sharing their gifts with the world, and that means everything to me.

Celebrating Culinary Creativity Together

Looking back, I feel immense pride in the experiences we’ve shared together. Our cooking classes at L’Atelier have become a space for creativity, laughter, and connection. From Booz and Tapas nights to fresh pasta, floral arrangement workshops, cooking with your kids, date nights and birthday celebrations, every moment spent cooking and creating together is a reminder of the joy that food brings.

Some of my most cherished memories have been made collaborating with talented guest chefs and culinary experts. These friendships have not only enriched our menu but have deepened my love for Haitian cuisine in ways I never imagined. I am so grateful for every chef, every participant, and every food lover who has been part of this journey.

The Heart of Haiti Bites: Le Bistro

Le Bistro is the heart and soul of Haiti Bites. It’s more than just a place to eat—it’s a place where we gather, celebrate, and create unforgettable moments. From lively brunches and spirited World Cup events to baby showers and graduations, we’ve shared so many special occasions filled with love, laughter, and togetherness.

Our Foodie Diaries have taken us on incredible culinary adventures around the world while exploring the best Haiti has to offer. Every event, from Happy Hours to Apéro Régalo Fridays, has been infused with the warmth and energy of our community. It’s that energy—the love and passion we all bring—that makes this place feel like home.

Looking Forward: Together We Discover

As we celebrate this milestone, I remain excited for all that’s to come. There is still so much to discover, so many flavors to explore, so many connections to be made, and so many beautiful moments to share.

Your support, your enthusiasm, and your love have been the heartbeat of Haiti Bites. I cannot thank you enough for believing in this dream and for being part of this incredible journey. Here’s to many more years of delicious memories, new adventures, and shared joy in the heart of Port-au-Prince!

With all my love and gratitude,
Sylvie & The Entire Haiti Bites Team