Haitian restaurant opening next to one of Lexington’s most popular Cuban dining spots
A Lexington shopping center is about to get a lot spicier.
That’s because a new Caribbean restaurant is going to open next door to one of Lexington’s most popular Cuban dining spots, Hola Havana.
Le Gourmet will open in May in the Man o’War Place Shopping Center just off Richmond Road at 115 N Locust Hill Dr.
Owner and chef Patricia Gedeon says the Haitian restaurant will use her family’s French heritage, African descent and Caribbean attribute to stand out from its neighbors.
“Yes, Le Gourmet is intended to be completely different from Hola Havana,” Gedeon said. “The food may somewhat look similar but with totally different flavors. The Haitian spice is a special blend with a unique flavor. It is made with natural ingredients that include fresh herbs, spices and vegetables. There is also a big difference in the origins of the dishes.”
Gedeon also said the two restaurants have different culinary roots.
“Haitians had to inherit French cuisine because during colonization, they were preparing meals that had to be at their master’s taste and liking,” Gedeon said. “Also coming from Africa, our ancestors brought in their own culture and cuisine that they loved and enjoyed. It was completely different but as good and flavorful as the French food. Last but not least, being in the Caribbean had a tremendous influence because of the types of produce that are available year-round. All this background history influences the menu because Fufu is African, Soupe au giraumon is French, and plantain is a tropical vegetable.”
Gedeon expects the most popular entree on the menu to be boeuf bourguignon, a traditional French beef stew braised in red wine with carrots and onion. Other entrees include boulette (Haitian-style meatballs), griot de porc (fried pork) and poulet en sauce (sauteed chicken stew).
Before opening the restaurant, Gedeon had years of experience catering. A popular dish from her catering days, empanadas ((called pâté in Haiti), will be featured heavily on the menu. The hot pastry will come in many flavors Gedeon says such as chicken, beef, pork, smoked herring, conch and sausage. “I could not open a Haitian Restaurant without it.”
The menu will also include daily specials with items like bouillon and Tchaka, a traditional Hatian stew.
Gedeon said it’s “going to be a family affair” at the restaurant with her mother, sisters, brother, sister-in-law and my niece at her side. And she is looking forward to being neighbors with Hola Havana.
“Being next to another Caribbean-based restaurant never raised an issue, and had no influence at all on my decision,” Gedeon said. “There are multiple restaurants sitting next to each other all the time in food courts and other plazas. The fact that Haiti and Cuba are neighbors, and now the two restaurants share a location, is just an interesting coincidence, or maybe a sign for something. I hope both of us will grow in our own direction.”
Le Gourmet
Where: 115 N Locust Hill Suite 209A
Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Sun.
Dining services: Dine-in, carry-out and delivery available
