Haitian Favorites at TiGeorges' Chicken Are An American Dream

Like so many others in this city, Georges Laguerre came to Los Angeles to work in the film industry. He emigrated from Haiti with plans to be a cameraman. But when those dreams didn’t materialize, he instead founded his own restaurant, .

But more than that, Laguerre is Echo Park’s unofficial ambassador for Haitian culture and cuisine. “I want somebody to enjoy Haiti,” he says, in coming to his restaurant. “It’s a must to get a Haitian experience here.” From the coffee to the chicken, to the photos on the brightly colored walls, patrons are immersed in Laguerre’s infectious enthusiasm for his home country.

FAMILY RECIPES

Laguerre’s grandmother was a street vendor and cook. His father was an agrologist, who studied the soil of Haiti. With these family roots, Laguerre crafts traditional Haitian dishes with care, using fresh ingredients. “We don’t take shortcuts here,” he explains.

The chicken, for instance, takes two days to prepare. First comes the marinade, made with garlic, herbs, wine and key lime juice. Then there is the roasting over a fire of avocado wood. Finally it’s popped into the fridge to stay juicy before being reheated in an oven for serving.

HAITIAN SPECIALTIES

But Laguerre offers more than just chicken. Made from his grandmother’s recipes, you’ll find other specialties. There’s the griot – chunks of pork made with sour oranges and pepper. “If a Haitian restaurant does not have that,” says Laguerre, “they are not Haitian!” You can also sample squash soup, fried plantains and goat meat fricassee.

Laguerre is especially proud of his Haitian coffee, which is made at a coffee mill his father once built and that has now been restored. Haiti has the perfect climate for coffee growth and soil rich from ancient volcanic ash. Their beans are “among the best coffee in the world,” he states proudly.

HELPING HAITI

Haiti was once a major supplier of coffee to the world, and Laguerre would like to restore that reputation. He would also like to remove the “fear” and “reluctance” that people have over sampling Haitian goods.

Ten percent of the proceeds from his coffee sales are funneled into his non-profit organization, The Tigeorges Foundation. Haiti may currently suffer from social ills, but it’s been “steered wrong,” says Laguerre. It is rich with possibility, and he would like to see his native country become “self sufficient again.”

The foundation provides basic tools to Haitians to improve their lives and their surrounding environment. A simple propane burner for cooking is quick and easy – but it also combats deforestation. Haitian trees are usually the only source for cooking fuel. Laguerre offers mangos, coconuts and avocados to plant. A folding saw and a pair of clippers allow people to maintain their land.

I AM THE MENU

Patrons unsure as to what to order will be guided by TiGeorges himself. “I am the menu,” he laughs. He moves from table to table, chatting with customers in English and French. Haitian music plays in the background. It may not be a trip to Haiti itself, but it’s the closest thing to it you’ll find in Echo Park.

This story is park of Patch's nationwide series, "" Tell us what issues and what stories go to the heart of your American Dream. Please contact editor Anthea Raymond at anthea.raymond@patch.com.