DJONDJON
Haitian restaurant · Prospect-Lefferts Gardens ·
Haitian specialties, daily brunch, weekend live music, tropical sips
Haitian specialties, daily brunch, weekend live music, tropical sips
"Chef Wesly Jean Simon recalls communal practices around soup joumou from his upbringing: “In our neighborhood [growing up in Haiti], families would go and trade soup with each other,” says Wesly Jean Simon, and he remembers the exchange concretely: “Somebody would come and drop off a bowl, then I’d go drop off a bowl from my mother to another family member and then we’d all trade soup.” In recent years he has turned that spirit into outreach, giving out free bowls of soup at his restaurants and bringing portions to local hospitals and police precincts as a gesture of appreciation; last year he distributed 900 cups and this year hopes to hit 2,000. He explains the intent behind the effort plainly: “I know the Haitians are going to come anyway and get it,” he says. “But I focus on non-Haitians because it’s a part of Haitian history andI want the world to remember our history.”" - Annie Harrigan
"DjonDjon BK is a venue that captures the essence of Haitian culture, offering a unique dining experience in East Flatbush. Situated up the street from Immaculee Bakery, it is a destination for those looking to enjoy authentic Haitian cuisine and atmosphere." - Cori Murray
"Wesly Jean Simon, chef-owner, describes the immediate business fallout after false, demeaning rumors: “You walk in here and you only see one table [occupied].” He reports that sales at his restaurant dropped by 50 percent and that “Even Haitians don’t feel like going out and eating. They don’t get excited about hitting the streets and going to the restaurants and having a good time anymore.” Simon pushes back on recurring racist tropes, saying, “All these things they’re saying about us, that we eat cats, we eat dogs, it is not new to us,” and adds, “Back in the ’90s, it was, ‘Oh we give every American AIDS.’ And we’re still standing. We don’t have time for your rhetoric.”" - Annie Harrigan
"With a name meaning "friends" in Haitian Creole, Zanmi welcomes diners to a taste of the Caribbean. Located in "Little Caribbean," the artistic façade and simple interior set the stage for staples like squash-based soup joumou and inventive twists like pate kode with cod fish. Skip dessert for a tropical journey through non-alcoholic sips." - Ty Gaskins
"With a name that means "friends" in Haitian Creole, this spot is fittingly warm and welcoming. It is also located in an area known to some as "Little Caribbean" so if that doesn't transport folks to the islands, the enticing carte will certainly do the trick. The artistic façade is a thing of beauty, while the interior is simple and functional.This kitchen team may be found preparing such venerable staples as the squash-based soup joumou, seasoned with epis and bobbing with vegetables. Pate kode features a unique twist on the empanada, stuffed with cod fish and served with pikliz; while kabrit boukkanen brings tender goat over mixed greens and an onion-pepper medley. Skip dessert and stick with the non-alcoholic sips for a bit of tropical fun." - Michelin Inspector
