Lior’s Cafe: A Taste of Haiti in South Side Chicago
Jean-Jacques Dessalines, a historic Haitian figure, looks out defiantly from the mural at Lior’s Cafe in South Side Chicago. This vibrant mural, painted by Rahmaan Statik, also features other significant Haitian figures, such as Marie-Claire Heureuse Félicité Bonheur Dessalines, the first Empress of Haiti. Lior’s Cafe stands out as the only Haitian restaurant on the south side and one of just three in the entire city, offering a fine-dining experience in the heart of Washington Heights.
One of the signature dishes at Lior’s Cafe is soup joumou, also known as pumpkin soup or Independence Soup. This traditional Haitian dish holds historical significance, as it symbolizes freedom and resistance. Chef Daniel Aurel prepares his version of soup joumou with squash, cabbage, carrots, watercress, and penne, simmered in a flavorful vegetable stock and seasoned with epis, a traditional Haitian seasoning blend. Guests can enjoy this dish with shrimp, beef shank, or opt for a vegan version.
Haitian cuisine is a fusion of Indigenous, African, and French influences, along with hints of Spanish and Arabic flavors. Chef Aurel infuses his dishes with his own twist while staying true to traditional Haitian roots. His epis seasoning, learned from his Aunties Myelle and Tatie Nadine, forms the base of many dishes at Lior’s Cafe, including braised oxtails, poule avec sauce, and the five-veggie legume stew.
The journey of Lior’s Cafe began with Jean Claude Aurel, a transit safety engineer, who fulfilled his dream of opening a restaurant named after his goddaughter. His son, Chef Daniel Aurel, brings his culinary expertise to the table, creating a menu that celebrates Haitian flavors with a modern touch. The restaurant’s interior, designed by Bridgeport’s Brooke Lang Design, features Haitian folk art collected by Chef Aurel during his travels, adding to the cultural ambiance of the space.
In addition to soup joumou, Lior’s Cafe offers a variety of traditional Haitian dishes, including griot (deep-fried pork shoulder), poisson rouge (whole red snapper), and a unique pot pie filled with braised goat in a creamy mushroom sauce. Accompanied by rice sides, mac and cheese, greens, and pikliz (pickled slaw), these dishes showcase the richness and diversity of Haitian cuisine.
Lior’s Cafe has become a gathering place for the local community and beyond, attracting guests from the neighborhood, the city’s Haitian community, and even visitors from out of state. The restaurant’s positive environment and welcoming atmosphere have created a safe space where people can come together to enjoy delicious food and celebrate Haitian culture.
Despite recent events that have stirred controversy and negativity, Lior’s Cafe remains a beacon of hope and resilience, honoring the spirit of Haitian heritage and tradition. As guests dine amidst the vibrant murals and savor the flavors of Haiti, they are reminded of the enduring legacy of resilience and resistance that defines the Haitian people.
