On the evening of October 26, 2017, the Embassy of Haiti in Washington, D.C. hosted the “Taste the Islands Experience – DC Edition,” presented by Blondie Ras Productions/Island Syndicate and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, with the support of the Embassies of Barbados and Jamaica, and Lakay Foods.
During this Caribbean culinary event, guests explored the Chancery while enjoying delectable, exotic eats, which included a selection of gourmet appetizers prepared by Embassy Chef Challenge People’s Choice Award winner, Haitian Chef Cynthia “Thia” Verna. In fact, the decision was made to bring Taste the Islands Experience to the Haitian Embassy to honor the country’s win at the Embassy Chef Challenge this past May.
In addition to the delicious food, attendees enjoyed a selection of tropical cocktails to the lively sound of Caribbean music, in a historical setting decorated with Haiti’s most renowned artwork from Galerie Monnin’s private collection.
The evening closed with a demonstration by Chef Thia and Ambassador Altidor on the preparation of Haitian chiquetaille de morue (salted codfish marinated in a peppery vinaigrette).
Attendees included members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS), Congressional staffers, Inter-American Development Bank functionaries, U.S. State Department officials, representatives of DC Fashion Week, and more.
