Taste of Haiti: Jonathan Pierre Lafleur brings Haitian culinary storytelling to NYC families

To commemorate Caribbean Heritage Month, Haitian-American hospitality entrepreneur and cultural programmer Jonathan Pierre Lafleur is expanding Taste of Haiti, a new culinary and cultural workshop series that uses food, storytelling, and hands-on experiences to connect New Yorkers with Haitian culture. This concept is a cultural component that reflects Haiti’s love of vibrant flavors and culinary traditions, bringing heat, freshness, and a distinctive zest to every interaction with the families or attendees. 

The series recently debuted at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum and continues this summer at the Brooklyn Public Library’s Library for Arts & Culture in Downtown Brooklyn. The first workshop focuses on Pikliz, one of Haiti’s most traditional condiments found in most Haitian households. It is known for its bold, spicy, and tangy flavor that adds excitement to many Haitian dishes. It is a mixture of shredded cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and fiery Scotch bonnet peppers, which are then soaked in white vinegar and sometimes citrus juice. It is normally served alongside other dishes to enhance flavor. 

Taste of Haiti is designed as a broader exploration of Haitian culinary traditions, history, identity, and community through a variety of dishes, ingredients, and cultural experiences.

Founded in 2026 by Pierre- Lafleur, Taste of Haiti was inspired by his desire to share a different narrative about Haiti, one that is rooted in culture, resilience, joy, hospitality, and community.

“I have been exploring ways to use food not only through hospitality, but also as a tool for cultural education and public programming,” said Lafleur, co-founder of Rogers Burgers. “Food has the power to bring people together while creating conversations about history, identity, and culture.”

Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Pierre-Lafleur grew up helping his mother with her food businesses and learned from an early age that food carries stories, traditions, and community. 

Today, he describes himself as a Haitian Culinary Storyteller, Hospitality Entrepreneur, and Cultural Programmer. Additionally, he is the co-founder and founding partner of Rogers Burgers, the Flatbush-born burger concept that blends classic American burgers with Caribbean flavors and has expanded to multiple locations across Brooklyn.

Through Taste of Haiti, he hopes to make Haitian and Caribbean culinary culture more accessible to New York families while helping reshape public perceptions of Haiti through food, storytelling, and shared experiences. 

Pierre-Lafleur told Caribbean Life Newspaper that his goal is for every participant to leave not only with a jar of pikliz or a taste of Haitian cuisine, but with a deeper understanding of Haitian culture, history, and community.  For more information, visit: Taste of Haiti – Pikliz Workshop