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A Night at Fête: A Taste of Haiti with Room to Grow
Nestled among the city's ever-evolving culinary landscape, Fête presents itself as a Haitian-infused restaurant with bold ambitions and a warm heart. Its name, meaning "celebration" in French, hints at a festive spirit—and to its credit, the atmosphere follows suit. The space is welcoming, the service genuine, and the chef’s personal visit to our table added a thoughtful touch that elevated the evening.
The menu, however, told a more complex story.
We began with the honey garlic wings—pleasantly crisp and flavorful, though leaning too heavily on sweetness, overpowering what could’ve been a well-balanced dish. The boulettes, or Haitian meatballs, arrived next. Unfortunately, they were dry, almost rescued by their sauce—but the heavy pour only masked rather than mended.
Surprisingly, a few complimentary dishes made their way to our table. A cold sushi offering felt out of place, though the intention was appreciated. The griot—Haitian fried pork—arrived a bit too firm for comfort, missing the juicy tenderness one expects from this beloved staple. Yet redemption came in the form of the Pinchos, skewers of marinated meat grilled to satisfying perfection. Of the complimentary dishes, they were a clear standout.
Service throughout the evening was warm and attentive. The prices were more than fair, especially given the portion sizes. And while the experience wasn't without its flaws, there’s heart here—just one that needs more focus and cohesion in the kitchen. Hotter plates, more mindful seasoning, and a little more culinary finesse would elevate Fête to something truly worth celebrating.
For now, it's a promising start with room to rise.