Who says there is nothing to do in Haiti?!

Back in town after traveling for awhile.  Friday, and I’m already back to my old routine.  After doing some runs and a couple of meetings, I was too happy to accept an invitation to a Happy Hour at the Royal Oasis Hotel, especially since I hadn't been there since the grand opening.

I stopped at the Le boudoir de Francoise Elizee, a chic and elegant boutique at Oasis, whose owner likened it to Henri Bendel.  She had me at hello!

Le Boudoir carries luxury items from designer sunglasses, beauty and bath products, jewelry, to the amazing handbag collection of Francoise Elizee. 

Francoise's handbags are made of the most exotic of skins; crocodile, python and just added ostrich!  Think Nancy Gonzalez... yes on that level.  "My bags are for the woman that has everything, she has the Chanels and just wants that one special and unique piece"  says Francoise  With finishes like; glazed, metallic, and stone washed you'll covet one as well.

Le Boudoir is also the only official retailer in Haiti of  premium makeup line Black/Up   The usually, only found in Europe, line was the first to be created by makeup artist and specializing in women of color.  It has very quickly become the #1 ethnic makeup brand in France, and distributed in approximately 200 locations. Francoise worked very hard getting Black/up in Haiti and it is magic.  A consultation with the line’s official make-up artist, the infamous Valery Vilain, is a must!  Valery demonstrated their top seller, the vibrating mascara on me, and I was hooked.  I almost didn't bat an eyelash at the $42.50 price tag. 
        I had time for one quick cocktail, which so happened to be being served right on the balcony of Le Boudoir.  #ijs #style  #class @leboudoir  

Next I head to meet a friend at an oldie but goodie, Eminia’s Garden.  I am struck speechless, as I see the oldie underwent a face lift in my absence.  In the middle of the outdoor space is now a large outdoor grill kitchen.  The balcony area now had large, what seemed to be paper mache light installations, hanging from the ceiling.  I think the remodel/renovation definitely did a lot for the place, giving it an updated look with a nice dinner lounge vibe, but I was a little disappointed. One of the reason I loved Emina’s was because of its old flair.  I like that it had been there for so long that many of my friends have memories of kiddie pizza parties there.  Gone is my favorite little “quiet” table in the corner where I could have my anchovy pizza while taking calls and answering emails.  Now there’s a twenty something DJ and Emina’s is now Redstone grill. 

A bottle of wine, and a Shrimp Fettuccine later, I am off to meet friends at Le Perroquet for some live Jazz.  Le Perroquet use to be home of the old El Cubano Restaurant, which has been closed for about 15 years.  I was glad to see that much of the building's integrity has been maintained, for I had always admired the exposed stone and wood work of the façade as I  would drive by.  








Le Perroquet is now not only a restaurant which has great live Jazz music every Friday night, but it is also a quaint bed and breakfast owned by a Russian couple; Lana and Eric.  
Do try the Shrimp Creole.   

Nite cap time!  Bamboo formerly Mocha’s is hoping to be the next new hot spot, and if new promoter Florence Demarco has anything to do with it, it will be. She’s already upped the décor by adding sheer panels throughout the various, strategically placed, plush all white lounge areas.  Even the waitress' uniforms have been upgraded to a very sexy all black outfit, equipped with lace bustier.  OOO, la la!  I didn't have much time to enjoy the new vibe, as my night cap turned into an aperitif before continuing on.  The group has spontaneously decided to go see kompa band Djakout #1 perform at Café Trio night club.  To refuse would  be mal élevé, just bad mannered.  Heehee ;)  

All in all is was a long, but good day in Port-Au-Prince.   Tomorrow... recuperate, and do it again!  

fyi: In reading you will realize that everywhere I went was either new or newly renovated.   Forget what you've heard, Haiti is definitely open for business.  

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Related Items Bamboo Lounge Cafe Trio le Boudoir de Francoise Elizee Le Perroquet Redstone Grill Royal Oasis Hotel Valery vilain