Yanui a Vodou dancer was one of the participants in the Fet Gede at Tap Tap restaurant on Miami Beach Saturday night. The Celebration is one of the most important in the Vodou (voodoo) calender. It is observed in honor of the Iwa of the dead. Photo: Michael Marco.

Speak up!

By Rayme Samuels

Travel Channel guru Samantha Brown has recently named it her top restaurant on Miami Beach. Tourists from Japan, Italy and Eastern Europe put this venue on their itinerary based on word of mouth alone. For the last 14 years, Tap Tap has been dedicated to exposing people to Haitian culture, cuisine and sound.

One is immediately overtaken by colorful murals that serve as a portal to Haiti. Created by eight different local artists, the first signature room honors images of a Haitian marketplace, while another room honors religious imagery. The music room, at the far end of the restaurant where the weekly performances take place, appropriately depict the spirit of Haitian celebrations including carnival, rara and summer festivals.

The 5th Street restaurant/bar feels a world away from the neon lights and art deco of Ocean Drive, and their Saturday night live music events have developed an underground following among culture lovers worldwide. Every Saturday night you can catch the contemporary Haitian folk jazz stylings of Manno Charlemagne, the former mayor of Port Au Prince and widely known as the "vocal conscious of Haiti," and the Tap Tap band.

The $7-$8 mojitos here are legendary and are mixed with your choice of 4 or 8 year old rums. Other tropical delights include the Solé (a rum/passion fruit cocktail) and the Full Moon (a soursop/condensed milk/rum cocktail). While you enjoy the relaxing tunes, feel free to sample an appetizer or entrée from the eclectic menu of traditional Haitian cuisine, from fresh whole fish to rich stews to spicy conch salad. "The laid back crowd comes from all tax brackets," says general manager Gary Sanon-Jules. "It's a unique place because we have so many different people from so many different cultures and races enjoying the food, music, colors and artwork here."

Tap Tap Haitian Restaurant; 819 5th St, Miami Beach; 305-672-2898

Published: 1/09

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