Chris Rock Would Have a Field Day at Waid’s Haitian Cuisine and Lounge

Peter Mumford

Related Content

• Cafe Flora's Spring Nettle Ravioli with Cashew Cream Sauce: No Cream, No Butter (Believe it!)
  April 4, 2012
• Ear Supply: Like Clusters of Grapes
  October 19, 2011
• La Tartine Gourmand Charms and Inspires
  March 26, 2012
• The Human Resources Manager: A Mortal Errand in Romania
  March 23, 2011
• Rob Schneider
  April 28, 2010

More About

• Jerusalem
• Chris Rock
• Food and Cooking
• Ethnic and Regional Cuisines

Like this Story?

Sign up for the Music Newsletter: Keep your thumb on the local music scene with music features, additional online music listings and show picks. We'll also send special ticket offers and music promotions available only to our Music Newsletter subscribers.

Privacy Policy Cancel Continue

"We should just love each other as human beings!" exclaims the man on the voice mail at Waid's Haitian Cuisine & Lounge. That welcoming vibe carries over into the Central District establishment. A smiling server called Jerusalem ferries drinks to the outdoor patio, calling patrons "honey" and telling those heading out to "Come on back and see us soon!" The kitchen serves up Haitian cuisine until 10 p.m., highlighting rich dishes like taso (marinated "goat bits" with onions, cloves, and peppers) and chiktay (salted cod), but Waid's stays open late with various events from reggae nights to hip-hop. On a recent Tuesday night, however, something seemed strange. The lounge's floor was loosely filled with awkwardly dancing white couples, moving to jazz and soul classics provided by a bored-looking girl sitting behind a laptop, while the bar area was abuzz with jovial, mostly black, nondancing patrons. Jerusalem shed some light on this bizarro scenario—which my drinking partner accurately observed would be a gold mine of material for a comedian like Chris Rock—letting us know that on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, Waid's hosts a jazz dance class. While the entertainment (and cringe) factor was high, the $7 to get through the door would be better saved for another, less offbeat night at the spot. 1212 E. Jefferson St., 328-6493, www.waidsplace.com.