Zafè’m Caribbean Restaurant celebrates 3 years
Bernard S For Ebony News Today
Come for the food…stay for the people.
That’s the mantra instilled in customers at Zafè’m Caribbean Restaurant savoring traditional dishes born out of Haiti’s complex fusion cuisine.
The repeated chiming of the bell at the front door and the unmistaken aroma of fragrant spices stood out for regulars dining in at the Haitian eatery during its third anniversary celebration in October.
“We wanted to bring a piece of Haiti to Vero Beach,” said co-owner Lugens Simeon, 34, of Brevard County.
“We prepare the meals the same way we do in Haiti. Customers can taste the Caribbean flavor,” Simeon said of the Gifford restaurant that draws customers from surrounding counties.
Regulars enjoyed a specially prepared anniversary menu that included beet salad made with beets, potatoes, carrots, onions and bell peppers; Haitian macaroni and cheese baked with ground beef, swiss cheese and onions; and sweet desserts like the Tres Leches sponge cake flavored with three different kinds of milk. Simeon prepared the beet salad.
Simeon said the special menu items are traditionally served in Haiti at parties, weddings, graduations and other celebratory events.
“I feel like it’s going to be a party when I make those dishes,” said Simeon, who grew up in Artibonite in Central Haiti and now lives with his family in Palm Bay. “The food makes me feel connected to Haiti. It always gives me a feeling that something special is going on.”
Zafè’m, which means “my own,” is located off 45th Street near U.S. 1 in Gifford, about 45 minutes south of Palm Bay. It is the only Haitian restaurant in Indian River County, according to the owners.
“People (here) were craving Haitian food,” said Simeon, whose customers range from the curious to those with a love of Caribbean infused cuisine.
Entrees that are customer favorites include the Vegetable Medley, or Legim, which is made with green papaya, eggplant, spinach, watercress, carrots, cabbage and chayote. The Jute Leaves, or Lalo, is a dish that comes with fresh shrimp and crab served with white rice and black bean puree.
“Jute Leaves are rich in fiber,” Simeon said. “Everything we cook here is fresh.”
Rice and flattened plantains come with the succulent dishes. Customers can also enjoy smoothies with flavors including soursop, papaya and passionfruit, as well as Haitian lemonade.
Zafè’m is co-owned by Simeon, his wife Rachelle Jacques, Jacques’ sister Ena Jacques, their mother Enitte Jacques, and family members Jodes Elveus and Toninio Louissaint. The family said the customer interactions are what they look forward to the most each day.
Aside from the savory meals, customer Allen Charles said he regularly talks with the owners and considers them family.
“They’re friendly and make time to hear the people. I’ll come by just to say ‘hi,’ and of course, the food,” said Charles, 34, of Sebastian, who grew up in Port-au-Prince, Haiti and moved to Florida in 2014. “Their food reminds me of back home.”
Hanley Jean, 22, of Port St. Lucie, is the son of co-owner Ena Jacques. Jean is a familiar face seen jotting down orders at the front counter, bringing dishes out for customers having sit-down meals and opening trays for take-out customers to see their hot entrees.
Jean said that business is going well.
“It’s good to see all the familiar customers still coming,” Jean said.
From the colorful paintings hanging on the walls, to the food prepared inside the kitchen, Zafè’m holds an endearing tale of Haiti’s history. Simeon said it’s crucial to keep traditions alive. “It’s important to make people feel like they’re back home,” Simeon said.
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