Rosemond Jolissaint plays at Tap Tap restaurant in Miami on September 27, 2008. The whole place looks like an overgrown tap tap, a brightly painted jitney common in Haiti before the devastating 2010 earthquake. But pre-quake Haiti is alive and well in this restaurant that pays homage to the recovering island nation. Every inch is painted in vibrant neon hues (blue, pink, purple, and so on), and the atmosphere is always fun. It’s where the Haiti-philes and Haitians, from journalists to politicians, hang out. There’s often live music or other cultural programs happening here. The lanbi nan citron, a tart, marinated conch salad, is perfect with a tall tropical drink and maybe some lightly grilled goat tidbits, which are served in a savory brown sauce and are less stringy than typical goat dishes. Another supersatisfying choice is the pumpkin soup, a rich brick-colored purée of subtly seasoned pumpkin with a dash of pepper. Shrimp in Creole sauce is another standout. An excellent salad of avocado, mango, and watercress is a great finish. Soda junkies should definitely try the watermelon soda. For the ethnophobic, there’s a rather tasty vegetable stew, but I strongly recommend the goat — it tastes just like chicken.

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