Introducing: La Créole brings refined island cuisine to a romantic room on St. Clair West
Name: La Créole
Contact Info: 810 St. Clair Ave. W., 416-651-8228, lacreole.ca
Neighbourhood: Humewood
Owners: Ben Cherette and Paterson Louis-Jean of Manje Kreyol Catering
Chef: Manje Kreyol chef Magda
The Food: Six months after Jen Agg opened Rhum Corner, her laid-back Haitian hangout on Dundas West, the city has a second refined island kitchen. La Créole serves a mix of French Caribbean, Créole and Haitian dishes in a fabric-swathed room on St. Clair West. Appetizer platters come heaped with cod fritters, fried plantains and chunks of marinated beef served with plenty of picklese, a pickled condiment made with shredded cabbage. Main dishes include stewed snapper with black-bean sauce and a roasted quail glazed with guava.
The Drinks: Beer, wine and signature cocktails, like the Kremas, a mix of coconut cream, rum and spices. Non-alcoholic beverages include te jenjanm (ginger tea), kafe ayisyen (traditional Haitian coffee) and bottles of Malta Créole, a carbonated malt beverage that’s traditionally served ak let (i.e. with milk).
The Place: A gauzy draped ceiling and crystal chandeliers give the casual room a touch of romance. The cozy back area is outfitted with booths, colourful Creole paintings and a small stage equipped for Haitian-style music performances, like konpa and Creole jazz.
The Numbers: • 75 seats • 75 per cent imported ingredients • 1 stage for live musical performances
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