16121: (Hermantin) Miami Herald-Haitian restaurant, nightclub celebrates first annivers (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: leonie hermantin <lhermantin@hotmail.com>

Posted on Sun, Jul. 13, 2003

Haitian restaurant, nightclub celebrates first anniversary
BY EILEEN SOLER
Special to The Herald

Marabou Cafe in Pembroke Pines last week celebrated two things: the 227th
birthday of the United States and the first birthday of Southwest Broward's
only upscale Haitian restaurant and nightclub.

Balloons, elaborate art, artifacts, and posters from the Caribbean nation
decorated the club at 9940 Pines Blvd., where more than 200 people paid $25
each to see, hear, and taste America meet Haiti.

Owned by Emmanuel and Carline Derosier of Pembroke Pines, Marabou Cafe is
not a conventional place. It is a restaurant that morphs into a high-class
nightclub as sure as night becomes morning.

''For dinner, the tables are draped in linen and there are flowers in
vases,'' Emmanuel Derosier said. ``But when the party starts, the linens
come off and the dancing begins.''

And while bartenders serve beer, martinis and shots of Haitian rum, chefs
prepare some of the finest Haitian-Creole delectables all night long. The
menu includes fresh akra, griyo, poul fri, taso kabrit, lambi non sos, and
homemade Haitian desserts.

''We don't skimp when it comes to quality,'' Carline Derosier said.
``Customers get less oil, less fat, less salt, but more taste and the best
ingredients.''

But it isn't just the food and drink that draws crowds.

At Marabou, the music is just as important, said Jean-Claude Jean, a Haitian
who is a member of the world-renowned kompas band Tabou Combo.

Jean, a childhood friend of Emmanuel Derosier, said he mixed business and
pleasure when the band played there last week, its first time in Pembroke
Pines.

Other weekend nights, Caribbean bands such as Top Vice and Dezine are
featured. From 8 to 10 p.m. Fridays, stand-up comics take the stage.

''This is my place,'' said Jean, who is a regular customer when Tabou Combo
is not performing in Paris, New York or elsewhere. ``It is just like home
away from home.''

Marabou Cafe is open from 3 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 3 p.m. to
3 a.m. Friday through Sunday. Call 954-436-8585.

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