We wanted to try Haitian soup. Unfortunately, a nearby restaurant only sells it on Sunday, and…read morequickly sells out. Another location had no day restrictions, but was farther away. Then we remembered Brunia's Caribbean Takeout.
Located in a small, strip shopping center, behind a used car dealership, it can be difficult to find. But once you find it, the food is worth it.
This was actually our second visit to Brunia's. Our first was an unfortunate one. The space inside is very small. Three patrons were seated, and voraciously eating their food. The order window was barren because all the staff was around the corner handling a series of tasks. We noticed the prices for Bouillon and Soup JouMou [pumpkin soup] were more expensive than most places, but figured it was because they probably served larger portions.
We left confused and empty handed that day.
This visit, there was only one voracious customer, slurping away at his food. Once again, the order window was vacant, and everyone was around the corner. Only this time, we could not see anyone. Determined to order, we looked at the order window again, and noticed an old-fashioned service bell. Yes, the ones common in the really old days. So we rang it, and someone appeared. We placed our order, and had it in no time!
The service was good. The woman at the counter asked if that was all, which was good service. However, the price did not match the menu; it was $2 more. Prices on some food, especially meat has increased. One restaurant had a huge sign on the door stating that. We figured it was a price increase, and the menu was not updated. Or it was a takeout fee.
No worries. We paid the amount, and enjoyed the soup, even added some very hot sauce to it after we found out on a Haitian cooking YouTube channel that adding hot sauce was okay.
Brunia's is very good for Haitian fare. Just be sure to ring the bell, if you see no one, and inquire about and confirm the menu price before ordering.
