Lakay Bistro opens on Ralph Avenue, bringing Haitian flavors to Bed-Stuy * Brooklyn Paper

"Owners and Bed-Stuy residents Alifax Mentor and Steve Osias, who are both Haitian, opened the restaurant at 55 Ralph Ave. on October 10 with a menu that includes Cajun-Creole shrimp in epis butter and baked mac and cheese with oxtails, both for $12, and tamarind rum chicken for $11. Sides start at $3 and plates go up to $15, while diners can order a plate of three dishes for $25. Cocktails range from $12 to $18, with wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options also available."

"Osias said Mentor brings restaurant experience to the partnership, having previously worked at Beso on Lewis Avenue, which is owned by his girlfriend. Osias, who still works full time in healthcare, said he had been praying on what to do next as he plans for retirement when Mentor approached him about going into business together. "He made me the proposition and I was all in, it's as simple as that," Osias said. "For me, it's something to do after I retire. It still gives me purpose. And I love to eat, I like to think I have good taste buds.""

"Osias said they chose the location for its diversity and mix of cultures. "As far as what we want to offer, it's a taste of our culture, which is Haitian cuisine, which is, to me, awesome," he said. "It's a little taste of Haiti, a place where you can come and experience a little bit of our culture and engage in conversation about the culture.""

Lakay Bistro opened October 10 at 55 Ralph Ave. in Bed-Stuy, offering Haitian and Caribbean fusion cuisine. Owners Alifax Mentor and Steve Osias are local residents and Haitian. The dinner-only menu features dishes such as Cajun-Creole shrimp in epis butter, baked mac and cheese with oxtails, and tamarind rum chicken, with sides starting at $3 and plates up to $15; cocktails range from $12 to $18. Breakfast and lunch menus are planned, followed by a fuller dinner menu. Mentor brings prior restaurant experience and Osias balances full-time healthcare work while planning retirement. The location was chosen for neighborhood diversity and cultural exchange.

Read at Brooklyn Paper