Miami’s Favorite Haitian Restaurant Started Accidentally from a Health Food Cart - Dining on a Dime

Naomi's Garden, in Miami, Florida, started as a health food depot in the 1980s. Soon after opening, the Haitian staff of Naomi's began cooking Haitian food out of the store.
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[@TheSTORYTIME111]

Where all my Haitian at 🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹

[@ladymahoghany79]

Nou la

[@j.vosier6786]

Genne Clervil ayeeee

[@julieneedssleep5258]

Right here bro

[@Veganwill]

SAK PASE

[@Hygeiainthedesert]

Here

[@Jameson77777]

It’s disappointing that they are selling Haitian food cooked by Haitian women to a predominantly Haitian clientele in a Haitian community yet the restaurant is not owned by a Haitian. These ladies should start a Gofundme page where the community can help them get their own restaurant. As long as you work for someone else you will never see the full benefits of your hard work.

[@rafael285pc]

Jameson Jones just because he is why doesn't mean he isn't haitian

[@gemfloral4016]

Yes I agree

[@Haitieats1]

Of course they can have their own restaurant. However, it takes discipline, passion, and dedication to run successful business.

[@ruthverty-teamdgf2328]

1 minute in the video my appetite was completely shut off when I realized the owner is not Haitian... ugh so put off

[@mgod7664]

Jameson Jones All facts...

[@seanmcdonagh6237]

the guy coming since 1980 doesn't even look like he was born until the 90s

[@jrnr20]

Sean McDonagh he was probably born in the 80s and parents brought him to eat there. 🤷‍♀️

[@ilijazz]

Sean McDonagh it's because he's vegan

[@joumana6465]

lol

[@Raszcall]

black don't crack

[@seanmcdonagh6237]

Jordan Rice I’m just saying he looks very young for his age

[@ritwikbhattacharya1333]

The lady in white, she has such a soothing smile

[@benb405]

Lucas, the reason I'm drawn back to this show time and time again is that you do something that so few others accomplish. You get invested in your stories and the people behind them. You heavily research each restaurant and its owners before your visit. Most of all, you understand the complex stories behind certain cuisines and the way they influence people and communities. Thank you for your attention to detail and your love of what you do. It really shows.

[@cafezo87934]

Ben Ballard agree. he has a rich background in food and culture. he's been all over the place. so hush people, I want to hear his shit stories ☺

[@kalark]

YES! Totally agree! It's such a refreshing show to watch!

[@halimadiallo9377]

i agre with you Ben Ballard its about reclaimming our humanity through food.

[@95mzwinnie]

Kind of upsetting that Haitian ppl don’t own the restaurant, hopefully they are paid well

[@lalalea9187]

winnie hill indeed

[@VySharieff]

winnie hill Definitely sad😏

[@ameard9801]

winnie hill No it could be own by others

[@naromiesbeninche6975]

At they end of the day Haitian wouldn't own that one specific restaurant cause the owner is doing a pretty good job managing . But they could Have brought competition . Build another one in the neighborhood. Why not?

[@thedreamer9011]

You guys didn't pay enough attention. The owner clearly said that his parents hired one Haitian lady and the fact that the restaurant is in Little Haiti, it was a good idea to hire Haitian folks. As a result, the restaurant started to flourish. That was smart to do. So, it was not a Haitian resto at first. The owner saw the opportunity and took it. That should teach you guys a lesson if you want to be a smart entrepreneur. Because you have a passion for pottery doesn't mean you have to open a pottery store. Do what actually works. The owner gave up his own culture to embrace a new one. Now, look at the result. GENIUS!!! Stay positive guys.

[@leannes.9859]

From someone that resides in South Florida..lives and works with Haitians everyday...they are a very hard working and proud people

[@joyjoyoo]

Leanne S. your cat!! 😍

[@beautyloxs]

I totally agree

[@missfancy8365]

This is Facts. I am also from South Florida and Haitians work so hard !

[@michaeledwardsjr6122]

I most definitely. Love da Haitians

[@amiragraceministry401]

This Jamaican 🇯🇲 loves Haitian 🇭🇹 food.

[@yvescharles3193]

Vice versa

[@curtisboudreaux6889]

This Haitian loves jamaican and trinidadian food

[@1996connor]

No way that guy is 39 he looks in his 20's

[@Char12403]

Lucas is similar age and also looks like he's 20.

[@eater]

That's the power of Naomi's!

[@verlan3293]

2017 - 39 = 1978, his year of birth > +8/9 years = 1986/1987, when he immigrated from Haiti to Miami > he would have 3-4 years in the 80s to start coming here. His maths add up. He started coming to the restaurant in the LATE 80s but it is still the 80s nonetheless.

[@snilrach]

We Asians don't age.

[@Face_Meat]

生古塢 He said “since 1980”, not “since the 1980s”. His maths need some work.

[@PozoBlue]

Haitian food is so amazingly good. A mix of creole and french influence, spicy and fresh ingredients. Delish!! And their beer and rum (Barbancourt) is probably among the top 10 in the world (I don't like rum but loved it). They have such a rich history, culture, art, food, literature, etc. It's a fascinating country. Hope I can visit it again someday.

[@nicolenunya984]

PozoBlue thank you!! ❤️

[@Peterblack12]

Well maybe the breakfast but with dinners and signature meals there is 0 French influence.

[@Ninie34]

Peter Black u don’t know what ur talking about 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@Ravyyyy]

@@Peterblack12 Do you even know who Haiti was colonized by? It was the French. Now shut ya ass up

[@rachelsweets]

😍😍😍

[@lunafreeman1]

Omg i’m Haitian and PROOOUUUDDDD!!!!!!!!! 😭😭😭🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@sarahdemosthene9814]

Me too im so proud 😍😍

[@naromiesbeninche6975]

That's good! I share your pride 😎

[@lindachristie6843]

IM HAITIAN , but im disappointed that this guy is using my our Haitian people food to get rich

[@thejompi]

Diri kole, pikliz, griot, sospwa kongo, maye moulin ak zaboka.

[@nicolenunya984]

thejompi please don’t forget the zaboka!!!! Lol

[@marleneaugustin7931]

thejompi wowwwwwwww bon bagay I miss my Haiti

[@Peterblack12]

Sawspwa kongo? Mwen konnen saus pwa nwa.

[@bastianx5801]

Sòs pwa Kongo the best

[@jennyscorner3942]

Curry chicken is not a Haitian dish

[@p4patric]

I'm so glad a KZbin food channel finally noticed there was something besides Cuban food in Miami! There's also a bakery on 62nd and North Miami Avenue if you want to try Haitian bread and candies. Enjoy your time in Miami!

[@MsCatattack29]

I remember that restaurant as a kid.

[@naromiesbeninche6975]

I will go visit that place soon!

[@soulosoultv8803]

Don’t forget the one on 119 and 7th. That’s my go to Haitian family bakery and they are Haitian owned and been running for years

[@hottafyah663]

That business should be HAITIAN OWNED! They are drawing money from the Haitian community. Reselling them their culture.

[@ibexking69]

What? Could you please not

[@teemulan6736]

PERIODD

[@betrousaltaweel]

Lol stop crying. either create an alternative or shut up.

[@olanda7345]

Where my maimi Haitian at 🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹

[@stanleyh3899]

Sak Pase

[@bigel9097]

Can't believe that the rasta man in the beginning is 39....

[@nk2ti]

Black don't crack

[@i-am-your-conscience]

its no joke, thats what happens when you live vegan..

[@invincibleim7988]

Vegan baby. My 21 year old son doesn't want to go anywhere with me people thinks he's my boyfriend

[@Naturellona]

A lot of black look like that that's even older than him it's nothing new he's young how do he suppose to look its called DNA!

[@naromiesbeninche6975]

Baby face😂😂😂😂😂

[@brolyxiong6001]

since 1980, now that's a loyal customer

[@y34r]

holy crap that rastafarian guy is 39! he looks like 23-26

[@shanequaaustin8908]

Exactly 💓I love being colored us Hebrew age gracefully

[@ronnnnie]

Haitian food is really good and very comforting

[@DaveMatthew91]

This is literally my favorite restaurant in Miami. I seriously eat here twice a week and it’s cheaper cheap and amazing quality.

[@mariahray7544]

Facts!

[@ThatOneHaitianGirl]

Our Culture Is One Of A Kind 💯❤️

[@vaiolabazile7955]

Yes it is 🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹❤️❤️❤️

[@cpp8227]

Love this story! It's posting at just the right time

[@LifeAsNathalia]

Was excited until I realized the Haitian women did not own the restaurant. Dislike!

[@MrRighteousfish]

I'm from the Caribbean and Haitian food is my favorite.

[@deanestimable2555]

That rooster is giving memories of waking up in haiti

[@lalitstar2371]

Right ?

[@SincerelyYoursNadia]

With such a large Haitian community it would be so beautiful to see them owning the place or multiple places for that matter. The food looks so amazing.

[@roadworkahead1288]

Where my hatian people at 🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹💛

[@RayfilWong]

Lucas = Humans of Food (Human of New York)

[@ChefLandLand]

🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹

[@bertinabail3228]

I'm haitian and so proud to see that

[@mollymartin3059]

Why did this video make me emotional? 😭

[@kalark]

same hahahaha

[@johnathonmcdaniel751]

Your a unstable psychopath

[@jeon0jungkook83]

I’m Haitian Nd now knowing that rastas don’t eat meat 🍖😮 that’s great

[@peterjohnenelsonbien-aime8486]

No the true Rasta don t eat meat they are vegetarian.

[@Roseyyyyyyyyyyyyy]

I sant to eat their but the owner isnt Haitian. 🇭🇹 🙃 These women are like “family” then give them the restaurant they’re the ones that built it and have the support of our people the *community* Mesiirr ki es ki nan fanmi yo ki ka fè yo gofundme so they can open their own restaurant? 💯🙌🏾

[@chinwenduchinwe586]

Or at least co-ownership: it would be a fair thing to do

[@Clemsterful]

Rosey Florestal even though the owners are not Haitian, what makes this powerful is how they embrace each other as family. it shows the culture and love. the contrast of culture brings out the best in each other. it would be different if it was all haitians

[@Littlething41]

C T Exactly! I love that it was an Israeli family that was trying to have their own business but then not only embraced the Haitian food, the people, and even had their kids with and amongst them. So why separate that? I'm pretty sure the locals appreciate the Israeli family just as much as they love them. It's a great thing what they're doing.

[@Clemsterful]

Mrs. Adriann Yes!!, it makes that place even more special and it show case both their cultures and the beauty of both cultures coming together:) it's so rare these days and what these guys are doing here, it's amazing. we need more places like this:)))

[@chrisj-d3287]

Rosey Florestal i agree because the owner is not haitian I cant support them

[@saintilrachel]

I'll forever love my culture 🇭🇹🇭🇹 thanks for posting this 🙂🙂

[@herbertpearson5665]

I will not support a business that sells Haitian cuisine yet owned by a non Haitian.

[@GGRS]

Lucas I love your show but can you put the prices of the dishes back on?

[@AlexHernandez-up5kf]

Keep up the wonderful work with this series! Doing the city of Miami justice. Very much appreciated ✊🏼

[@chowder125]

My people 🇭🇹.

[@noventar]

Dining on a Dime is by FAR the best series on Eater

[@MiaMixx]

Thank you for speaking well of our people, community and our food!

[@kendrashardae]

I just want to say thank you to Eater and Lucas to bringing light to the food from my culture and making people realize that Haitian food and culture is beautiful. Especially with people now a days saying bad things about Haiti and the people who live there. This was absolutely perfectly executed and I just want to say thank you.

[@kendrashardae]

I also live in Miami and this place is always busy.

[@ninapreciosa377]

I love Haitian food ❤️❤️

[@ninapreciosa377]

Pierre Antoine i am Haitian and yes i speak spanish why ?

[@ninapreciosa377]

Pierre Antoine French , creole , spanish and english why ?

[@ninapreciosa377]

Pierre Antoine Morocha mean morena and Mica is for Micaela my second name

[@Willi4mTrinh]

Man forget what anyone says about your non-food monologues, I love them. I like how you're able to cut through to the core of the place you're eating and deliver to us a genuine look at a place that is beloved by the community. Local places like that don't get the recognition they deserve and putting them on a platform like this is great work. Lucas and Eater crew, keep rockin!

[@kathleenblight5071]

Amazing women!

[@taginefc3189]

This is such a beautiful story. I love my people 🇭🇹

[@nelsongaelle352]

Haitain food is the best 🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹 i love you Haiti

[@EastC0asrVixen]

Oh how I LOVE my people! I'm definitely stopping there this month

[@kelseydaye92]

Did ya ?

[@BasedMilitiiia]

How the owner from israel and they calling it a haitian restaurant

[@mcm3301]

try listening again sweetie...

[@shemiibrahim817]

The granddaughter sounds like Rihanna

[@Session]

Shemi Ibrahim thought the same thing

[@ayiticheri2119]

Shemi Ibrahim the Haitian accent is similar to the Barbados accent for some reason lol.

[@naromiesbeninche6975]

@@ayiticheri2119 I didn't really pay attention until you guys said that. But people sometimes say I sound like Jamaican though 😊

[@lindachristie6843]

she sounds stupid , she should have try to open her own Haitian restaurant along with those other Haitian ladies and not entertain that owner who is robbing them our good Haitian food selling under his company... I have never seen foolishness like this cooking all the Haitian dish for a none Haitian restaurant... this is a big shame and disgrace!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@kmilfort]

LEGUME. Thank you, God, for making me Haitian.

[@yosefhoward5929]

When I go crack to Miami! I’m definitely supporting them.. As an Cameroonian/Ethiopian/ American 🤦🏽‍♂️ I love my ppl cooking....

[@LifeAsBriiiii]

That’s ma food #Haitiantothebone🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹

[@TheSTORYTIME111]

Gade dyol blan mesye 😂😂😂

[@blakeandcamp]

Wow that food looked amazing.

[@mcm3301]

you should try it

[@ZZEB]

Its time for us to be the owners in 2019 and beyond. CULTURE VOLTURES!

[@herbertpearson5665]

These women need to start there own business , the owner needs them not the other way around.

[@screams4tina]

One of the few reasons I'd visit Florida. The food & manatees.

[@Candie5000]

I wish it was black owned.. 😐

[@christinabailey1223]

Made me cry!! Great episode!! The owner and chefs are incredible people!! Much love!

[@belugaabs]

i want to grow old like lady in white...

[@mcm3301]

happy and content

[@thecamrynalex]

you know the food finna smash when the chefs cookin wit bonnets on🤩

[@jaugust7638]

The Haitian food is so good

[@valadina4477]

OMG, I am so ashamed of myself, I haven't there in years and totally forgot about this restaurant since moved to Central Fl😔 need to go get some on my next visit to Miami🤗🇭🇹 thank you for the spotlight on my cultures food. I don't know how I got to your channel but I'm glad I came and will stay🤗

[@kelseydaye92]

Try it for me, I live In Canada.

[@thebrosshow25]

I don't understand why you guys are upset. because the cooks said they are happy.

[@imakesushinotsushit]

I like them black, white, Puerto Rican, or Haitian Like Japanese, Chinese, or even Asian.

[@thedarkknight3721]

Lucas is genuinely the nicest host to make videos on Eater.... God bless you

[@melaninvro]

SHOUTS OUT TO MY ZOES 🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹‼️

[@ashrahman6875]

The lady in white, her smile is so pure!

[@ennvee1989]

Omg I must visit this restaurant one day! My name is Naomi and im Haitian!😂🇭🇹🇭🇹

[@herbertpearson5665]

Haitians start your own business please, sad.

[@ennvee1989]

@@herbertpearson5665 i dont have any talent

[@jaugust7638]

I love Haitian people

[@daphney_hey3142]

Amazing I'm so glad you like the food💙❤i hope you come and visit Haïti one day

[@jodeyjodey7723]

Even though the owner is not Black y'all need to know that this was his family's restaurant and he switched everything up for us Haitians. And plus he knew that the lajan would be good since he was located in a Predominately haitian neighborhood💸💰

[@Lovelyleyy]

Jodey Jodey exactly he changed it for our culture it doesn’t matter that it’s not black owned but technically is because it’s representing Haiti ppl need to stop being so better and negative! I’m grateful because you never know eventually this restaurant could grow

[@m.joseph2284]

But the real question is HOW MUCH OWNERSHIP does these women have in the company. They better not be a salaried workers.

[@mercandog507]

i only respect Caribbean and Southern Black American food 🤷🏿‍♂️

[@nerdydancer900]

I'm coming straight here when I get back from break at uni! I miss Haitian food 😭😭😭

[@mmaking8664]

Where do u study?

[@nerdydancer900]

MMA king Orlando. I'm new here so I haven't checked for any Haitian restaurants yet

[@SaloneDutchess]

Linda Pierre i dnt know man.. i would spend my money there because unfortunately they dont own the restaurant 😩

[@rubyshay6352]

Damn. I looked at the lady saying she looks like my mom without reading he title. Then read she’s Haiti, I know my people.

[@lucienaugustin5805]

Haitian food is the effin bomb!!!! I live in Los Angeles and I wish they had a Haitian spot here. Food is so tasty, so flavorful. You dont know what ur missing.

[@curtisboudreaux6889]

Naw it's a Miami thing sorry

[@tywright3611]

The Haitian community should come together and buy their own store. Why are these Israel’s making money off of there food and culture? Sad.

[@annabellebourgogne8782]

Dès que Lucas apparaît je sais que ça va être super la vidéo! miam miam!

[@therealonnahhh]

Who don’t they just let them have the business? I hope they’re paying them extremely well. Their business has thrived for years due to those Haitian women.

[@RaquelBonillaN]

I love how Lucas always squeezes in an anecdote from the time he spent in El Salvador. Seems like it was a meaningful experience to him. Plus, they're fun to hear about... Like the roosters hahaha

[@001mwalker]

Are these ladies part owners as well? How well are they compensated?... they are the chefs, the talent. I hope they aren't just considered workers. Without them there is no restaurant.

[@AwwsomeD]

was excited to watch until i learned its not a black owned business. we gotta stop supporting these black face businesses, put up a collection and get those hard working women they own shop.

[@joyjoyoo]

How old is noble??? He looks like he was born in the 1980s!!! Edit: Wow, 39!!!

[@sunshinesunflower4110]

My bf is from Haiti but he grew up in the USA. I am watching this to learn more about his culture. 😊

[@lalarochelle]

I love people who enjoy my country’s food!

[@fedup9073]

There used to be a show called Taste of the Caribbean and the host went around to different islands and tried the food and gave you a little history lesson of the particular island. I loved that show. I enjoy this show for the same reason. Lucas is so real, engaging and demonstrates a genuine interest and respect for the cuisine and the people.

[@carriemyerson6786]

Fedup there is a show on channel 2 called taste of the islands. i think thats the show that u r talking about and it is still on tv.

[@adrigirl828]

This this video might be one of my favourite of dining on a dime, just felt so warm and happy after watching it :)

[@chrisrose4769]

People complaining that the owner isn't Haitian don't you think this guys just trying to do something good by the Haitian community and helping these people have a voice

[@GorillaChrist]

Im haitian i do approve of the people and the food. But i dont approve of the ownership, it needs to be black owned.

[@average_pedestrian]

Remember when these segments were only 3 minute long? So glad Lucas continues to get the spotlight

[@Dellll3276]

kisa mwen ye menm parèy mwen yo?🇭🇹

[@milkandhoneyMN]

I love your last comments about the power that food has on the commUNITY...food heals and creates togetherness... Eradicates confusion.

[@monisolaelliott9346]

Hatian food is so good!

[@StephanieLWJ]

I wonder how little he gives them. They probably don't even own any part of that company. Wonder if he still paid then minimum server wages.....

[@ilyasmohdyusof4877]

Vulcan Minbari ah yes he’s white therefore he treats them poorly

[@sappysamurai5170]

Haitian food looks so full of flavor. I want to try.

[@mcm3301]

yes it is

[@Yashmal1804]

I’m born and raised in lil Haiti and I’ve been coming here since 1996 since they opened and honestly now at 38 yrs old (praises be to the MOST HIGH) the son of the owner runs the place and he’s very rude towards blacks and the way he talks to his workers,like they’re children. The food is ok but it used to be better and he charges you a quarter for the plate. Norm is just a jack.

[@jewels24k]

👀 wow

[@lusandrawilson5147]

Haitians should own and operate such a business!

[@cafezo87934]

those women seem shy (I would be too if I was around lucas 😊) but nice and the food looks good especially the fried snapper. I love my fish.

[@Sonny1065LV]

Wow Haitian food looks delicious!!!

[@kuryamtl]

I always thought Haitian food was very meat orientated. I didn't know because of the Rastas they have a vegetarian food tradition. Would love to check that out!!