One New Thing: Krik Krak

I've been wanting to experience some Haitian culture for a while now since one of my heroes, Dr. Paul Farmer, is all about Haiti. (Please don't take this to mean that I want to taste some chimp since one of my heroes, Dr. Jane Goodall, is all about chimps.) So for our weekly Funday Kristin and I finally made our way over to Krik Krak, the Haitian restaurant that Poppy, with her wails of protest, kept us from dining at before.

We started off by ordering Cola Lackay to drink. When we asked what it was the waitress told us it was "soda, but very sweet". I could tell by the look on her face that we were in for something terrible, but we wanted to be adventurous so we plunged ahead. It was the color of Jolt and it tasted like Bubbleyum Bubblegum, which is swell for bubblegum, but not for a drink. We had a few sips and then retreated to our waters. Lesson of the day: Be Cowardly and Ye Shall Reap Rewards Aplenty. Like the reward of not making cat butt mouth in public.

For an appetizer we ordered Akra de Malanga. I really have no idea what this was, but it wasn't great. I should note now that I had a cold (yes, another cold) and couldn't taste a whole lot. What I tasted when I dipped the dumpling in the sauce was burning. When I didn't dip the dumpling in the sauce I tasted nothing.

Then to the main entrees. Kristin ordered Poulet Maison. I ordered Filet de Poisson, which was tilapia in a buttery, garlic sauce. Although you can't go wrong with butter and garlic, it wasn't anything super special like I was hoping for.

All in all it was not exactly a disappointing dining experience, but my expectations were so high that it was destined to fail. I thought Haitian food would be a culinary adventure, but it was just the same ol' same ol'.

- Megan Leigh

I concur with Megan. I thought the food was reasonably tasty, but it wasn't the culinary explosion I had hoped for. You've got to understand that our visit to this place has been months in the making! Our expectations were probably way too high. I think most of the stuff we could have made ourselves--and if we had, I would have been pleased about how they turned out. But when you go to a restaurant, you want something you couldn't recreate at home! At least I do. Also, it was pretty darn expensive for what it was. Still, it was fun to finally get to go!

-Kristin