Caribbean Cuisine, Right Off the 1 Train
Experiencing Haitian culture is just a "krit krat" away
Nancy Olisma
Issue date: 9/2/09 Section: Features
It is the end of summer vacation and fall classes have begun. But that's no reason to despair: You can still bring summer back by experiencing the Caribbean for a day with a short trip uptown on the 1 train. Located at 844 Amsterdam Avenue, you will find Krik Krat, a small Haitian restaurant that transports you into the Caribbean the minute you step foot through the door (Krik Krat is a Creole phrase used to begin what in English is known as a knock knock joke). All that's really missing from this bona fide tropical experience is a warm ocean breeze. Those of you who have been to Haiti will be flooded with memories, while those of you who haven't will feel like you have once you're dining experience is complete.
Not only is the atmosphere a reflection of Haitian culture, with instrumental music such as "Compas" playing quietly in the background, but the menu is as well. With a range of soups, salads, seafood, meats, stews, and poultry, this intimate and inexpensive restaurant gives you the choice of various traditional Haitian dishes. Dishes range from $5 to $22 and are served with a choice of white or brown rice, salad, and fried plantains. The food is beautifully presented and tastes as good as it looks. The Lambi Creole, a spicy conch dish, is not like any seafood that you have ever tasted. It is the most expensive dish there ($22), but well worth the price. With sautéed onions, peppers, and a traditional Creole sauce, your taste buds will beg for more as your palate experiences all the different spices.
If you are not a big fan of seafood, you can try the Poulet Grille ($14), which is fried chicken served with a Creole sauce that will bombard your mouth with flavor. The Creole sauce is a mixture of tomatoes, onions, chicken sauce, and spices. The Bouillon Haitian, a soup with vegetables and meat, is another good option and costs only $5. Krik Krat also offers four different legumes, or stews, to choose from.
If you are looking to eat something light, you have a choice of less authentic salads, such as Caesar or chicken, for $7. Appetizers such as Akra De Malang, fried dumplings made of dough, Ailes De Poulet Frites, which are chicken wings, or Petites Boulettes De Viande, mini meatballs, are available for only $3. Krik Krat also has traditional Haitian sides such as bean sauce and rice that complement the spicy main dishes. On weekdays from 11am to 3pm, there is an $8 lunch special that includes a choice of Griot (fried pork), Legume (vegetable), Poulet or Dinde (turkey), served with salad, rice and fried plantains.
Not only is the atmosphere a reflection of Haitian culture, with instrumental music such as "Compas" playing quietly in the background, but the menu is as well. With a range of soups, salads, seafood, meats, stews, and poultry, this intimate and inexpensive restaurant gives you the choice of various traditional Haitian dishes. Dishes range from $5 to $22 and are served with a choice of white or brown rice, salad, and fried plantains. The food is beautifully presented and tastes as good as it looks. The Lambi Creole, a spicy conch dish, is not like any seafood that you have ever tasted. It is the most expensive dish there ($22), but well worth the price. With sautéed onions, peppers, and a traditional Creole sauce, your taste buds will beg for more as your palate experiences all the different spices.
If you are not a big fan of seafood, you can try the Poulet Grille ($14), which is fried chicken served with a Creole sauce that will bombard your mouth with flavor. The Creole sauce is a mixture of tomatoes, onions, chicken sauce, and spices. The Bouillon Haitian, a soup with vegetables and meat, is another good option and costs only $5. Krik Krat also offers four different legumes, or stews, to choose from.
If you are looking to eat something light, you have a choice of less authentic salads, such as Caesar or chicken, for $7. Appetizers such as Akra De Malang, fried dumplings made of dough, Ailes De Poulet Frites, which are chicken wings, or Petites Boulettes De Viande, mini meatballs, are available for only $3. Krik Krat also has traditional Haitian sides such as bean sauce and rice that complement the spicy main dishes. On weekdays from 11am to 3pm, there is an $8 lunch special that includes a choice of Griot (fried pork), Legume (vegetable), Poulet or Dinde (turkey), served with salad, rice and fried plantains.
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