In Little Haiti, Barbecue Is Part of History

Score another for the NYT, reminding us that food can be a uniter. Enjoying these looks into foodways I'm less familiar with, and grateful for the recipes, which I'll try.

I ride place this spot driving my wife to work to the Design District...I was wondering if I should stop...I will now.

I could not focus on the food and ignore the hate full comments that were directed at some of the nicest people I have ever met ( the brother of President Estime was once a client who I helped go back home and retire from Queens ) , and it is of course the same dirt hurled at African Centered People for hundreds of years from the racism that originated from Europe .These are far more than harmless slights for they keep investment away and keep Haiti in a cycle of poverty and despair . When it comes to food here in America of course the culinary bias towards the most expensive and esoteric ingredient and presentation adds another barrier to acceptance of this cuisine and any african influenced restaurants from discovery and enjoyment from the masses . Such a shame . Maybe one day Haitians and Dominicans can get rid of the hate produced by Colonization of the French and Spaniards and recognize their common roots and these entrepreneurs can have their dishes viewed as good as French Cuisine if not better .

I read this article and my mouth watered. I do love barbecue. How I would love to be able to eat this wonderful sounding food. But, as a type 2 diabetic, I know this is forbidden to me. Please know that this old man [age 78] is eating his heart out and lusting for food he will never get to enjoy. My heart is with Haitian American cuisine. God bless one and all.

As a Florida native, who grew up in the 70’s watching neighborhood Dads marinate pork ribs with sour orange, I loved the story, the colors, smells, tastes and characters. Our setting was a bland, white, middle class neighborhood, and we always knew from an early age the source of the best BBQ was across town. The Dads knew it too.

Funny, kind of. Taino's were not exclusive to Hispaniola. In Puerto Rico I was taught Tainos there originated BBQ. Obviously, BBQ is a worldwide development due to circumstances but why not claim greatness as yours. I worked in that part of Miami n the 90s. Haitian food was outstanding. It made think of a cross between Jamaican, the heat, and Puerto Rican, where I'm from.

As a kid, I always remember reading that BBQ, in its many reincarnations as we know it today, originated on the island of Hispaniola during the age of Caribbean pirates.

Food can evoke so many memories… Reading Ms. O’Conner’s words about Little Haiti Conjured up all types of nostalgic memories of food, music and laughter for me. Thank you so much for reminding us about the Haitian American contribution to Miami.

“If you ain’t got no scars,” Mr. Lucel said, “you ain’t barbecuing.” And, if you ain't got no scars, you ain't a good writer. Dinkinish O'Connor must have plenty of scars. That's how good this writing is, how clean, how beautifully detailed: "At 7 a.m., the neighborhood is a Port-au-Prince morning poem. Roosters stagger from yards like old men. Cats sprawl out. Ribbon-crowned girls in school uniforms stand outside homes painted in the colors of guava, mint, papaya and star apple." Thank you for renewing my faith in the Times.

I loved this piece about my hometown- especially this particular section of my hometown. There hasn't been much written about the Caribbean food culture in Miami and after reading this, I wanted to book a flight immediately. Thank you NY Times, and Dinkinish O'Connor for educating us on Haitian food, especially Bon Gout. Well done!

how are you all doing sak pase. I would like to thank New York time for this amazing article about my people I appreciate the love. wish we have a Haitian restaurant here in LA, but I am now far away but will soon be in Miami to have some Haitian food. one love

"Boukannen" and "buccaneer" must be related words: Maybe the pirates of old turned out tasty ribs, brisket and chicken when they weren't terrorizing the Spanish Main. I'd sure like to think so!

This restaurant is a block away from my home and was a cheesesteak place just prior. The mural on the side of the building is fantastic! Haven't eaten here because I don't eat meat, but I wish the guys success.