ADÀ SUPPER CLUB X CHEF NICOLE “NICKY” MARCELIN CELEBRATED GHEDE, GEDE, GUÉDÉ!
Photos by Darren
On Halloween Day, Adà Supper Club x Chef Nicole “Nicky” Marcelin celebrated Fet Gede by honoring Haitian Vodou traditions at Holiday Cocktail Lounge located in Lower East Side, NYC. Fet Ghede, Gede, Guédé is also known as Haiti’s Festival of the Dead, which is a celebration of Lwa( spirits) of death, fertility, and loved ones who transition to the ancestral realm. Similar to Day of Dead in Mexico!
It is prevalent to hear Mexicans celebrating Dia De Muertos, but it is slightly different from Fet Gede. The narrative has always been to fear the Haitian Vodou traditions, but in reality, it is no different from all other cultures around the world. As a popular celebration among Haitians in Haiti and diasporas worldwide, it is still considered highly taboo among many audiences, especially Haitians too! While there’s a growing interest in the culture, Nkem Oghedo, Founder of Adà Supper Club, curated this event to continue her mission to celebrate black and female chefs to tell their own unique stories through food and shift the narrative about Haitian vodou traditions.
As you enter the venue, you hear electric Haitian Vodou traditional and modern music to get you in the mood. While safety is a major concern, Nkem Oghedo checks for temperature upon arrival and ensures all guests are socially-distant. While enjoying the sound of the beat, you can smell the aroma of these meals from the kitchen and learn something new from the Fet Gede’s leaflet. The menu of delicious tapas and perfectly paired rum cocktails made with Boukman Rhum are all inspired by the plentiful traditional foods and beverages consumed or presented on the altar for the Lwas(spirits) and ancestors during Fet Ghede.
The experience began with Nkem Oghedo introducing Chef Nicky, and she says, “Today, we’re celebrating a holiday, within my culture.” She led with a simple chant behind her mask, “Onè ak respè, in Haitian Creole, which means “Honor and Respect.” She then asked her guests to repeat it. Chef Nicky says, “Once you’re entering a home or venue before eating a meal, where’s there’s a Fet’s Gede’s celebration, You must say this phrase. It’s a way of respecting the Lwas & ancestors.” She then described the menu and educate guests on the significance behind each mouthwatering meals and beverages. As Chef Nicky returned to the kitchen, the first cocktail Cafe Iwa Nwa and dish Sos Pwa Nwa Shooters, landed on everyone’s table. Then, Plantain Chiktaye, Djon Don Arancini, Jezye Griller, and Ti Bijou cocktail curated by Shannon Mustipher.
Throughout the event, Nkem Oghedo frequently connected with each table to ensure guests were enjoying the experience. While guests enjoyed Chef Nicky’s culture through food, she hopes her guests leave with more insight into the rich culture that Haiti has to offer. The respect for the Lwas and ancestors is an honor that everyone should cherish and practice in their own homes. With growing curated music, food, and spiritual events, Haitian Vodou traditions and culture will flourish to be celebrated and appreciated by many.
Welcome behind the curtain of Haitian Vodou culture!
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