Goute & Groove

When I first started cooking, nothing brought me more joy than feeding my friends and family — making sure every plate was full, every belly satisfied, and only then sneaking a bite for myself. Goute & Groove felt like a grand, soulful extension of that kitchen joy.

I had the pleasure of leading a hands-on Pikliz class with 22 amazing attendees, and with Chef Sabelle executing my recipes to perfection, the day truly felt like home. Our partners at Tingz turned up the vibes with a cocktail class, shaking up drinks from my cookbook I Can Cook and keeping spirits high.

Together with Tingz’ Caribbean crowd and our NYC Croissants community, we filled Damballa with flavor, rhythm, and connection. The atmosphere pulsed with the sounds of Ted Bounce, Citizen B, and SbSounds, while guests sipped specialty THC cocktails crafted with Haiti’s own Clairin Communal. It was an unforgettable fusion of food, culture, and music — the perfect recipe for celebration.

The Tasting Menu Highlights

• Pikliz Pâte à Choux Puffs – a Chef Sabelle original twist

• Tropical Salad with pickled red onions, pineapple, mango, papaya, and passionfruit vinaigrette

• Plantain Empanadas straight from my cookbook I Can Cook

• Djon Djon Paella – earthy, rich, and deeply Haitian

• Blan Manje Ice Cream – creamy, cool, and nostalgic

Seeing people taste my creations in real life — dishes they usually only see online — was pure magic. The smiles, the conversations, the grooves on the dance floor — it all reminded me why I created The Haitian Croissant: to connect, to nourish, to celebrate culture.

To everyone who joined us: thank you. Goute & Groove is only the beginning. Stay tuned, because we’re bringing I CAN COOK to cities around the world — and next time, we want to see you at the table.