After the 2010 earthquake in Haiti , Michael Lafaille went to Montreal to seek treatment for his macular degeneration , a condition that has left him with only 25 % of his vison .
For five years , he worked at the dine in the dark restaurant , Onior , where he learned a lot , but in spite of his sight issues , he had a desire to do more than just work as a head waiter or magager .
Encouraged by his supportive wife , Claudia , Michael decided to venture out on his own and they opened their first location , Kwizinn , Plaza St . Hubert in 2017 . During the Covid-19 pandemic , another location , Kwizinn in Verdun , was opened in their neighbourhood .
At the start , this venture was a bit overwhelming for Michael , especially working in a kitchen with others who at times did not fully understand his condition . It all worked out , however . He built a great team , and with his supportive wife and family , the business is now a known name and popular place to eat .
The location on Plaza St Hubert has now been transformed into a take-out counter only with no seating - catering to Ubereats , Skip the Dishes and Door Dash orders . The Verdun location , however , is spacious , with a nice bar serving delightful rhum cocktails such as O ' zanana . Kwizinn recently launched their own beer called Anbyans , a collaboration with Donmaine Berthiaume Brewery .
Michael loves good food and great flavours . He ' s travelled with his wife to expand his knowledge and taste buds while exploring different cultures . His nanny in Port au Price , however , still remain his main food influence . She taught him about cooking and impressed on him the delightfulness of her traditional recipes filled with lots of love and infused with fresh spices . He has taken these with him to Montreal and they can all be found at his restaurant .
The restaurant ' s decor takes you on a journey to Haiti . Michael ' s wife has incorporated the look and colours of the country in and outdoors . Window styles are reminiscent of Jacmel , fun swings , beautiful art work and wall paper are all geared towards capturing the essence of Haiti and the Caribbean , which , when blended with good food , drink and company result in good vibes . Every weekend , there are live bands , steel pan , DJs , themed nights such as Cuban night or jazz .
One of the traditional dishes
Plantain Burger
Michael serves is Griot Verdun , which is tender pork cubes , marinated in Haitian spices and then fried . It is served with rice and beans ( Riz Cole ), bananes plantain , pikliz ( spicy cabage salad ) and papaya and chayotte salad . There ' s a delicious creation on the menu - a plantain burger ( gluten free ), considered to be a finger-licking , must-order item . Another popular dish is the tasting platter that changes every month based on whatever inspires them at that time .
" I always tell others no matter what , always look towards the positive side and never give up . No matter what , anyone can do anything , as long as you put your mind and heart into it . Have courage and you can accomplish anything ." Michael advised . " Kwizinn ' s projects will never stop . My wife and I have created this from the ground up and with support of family , we will continue to bring new flavors , and great vibes so stay tuned . There will be more in the future ."
Kwizinn Express Take-out : 6670 Rue St Hubert || Kwizinn Resto Verdun : 4030 Rue Wellington
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