The Citiblog

Creole Flavors Come Alive at Lavitta's by Chef Jimmy Thomas in Harlem
July 24, 2024, 10:55.12 pm ET

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Lavitta's Creole, named after Chef Jimmy Thomas’ mother Lavitta, is nestled in a landmark location in Harlem that was originally a barber shop in the 1940’s. The name represents practicality, ambition, inspiration, beauty, and discipline, all symbolic of Jimmy’s relationship with his mother. Creating this restaurant is his way of paying homage to her.

The restaurant is also approachable featuring high-quality Louisiana Creole food, utilizing farm-to-table methods and local fisheries, revitalizing traditional Thomas family recipes passed down through generations to create dishes with a creative gourmet twist. Lavitta's Creole also adds to the diversity of Harlem known for its rich cultural diversity.

Diners will also find a diverse selection of culinary delights including Puffed Bowl made with puffed Indian rice, fresh veggies, halloumi, and over-medium egg with Creole aioli and ginger-lemon dressing. A Wild Shrimp Avocado Bowl combines Bibb and iceberg lettuce with cherry tomatoes, arugula, grilled shrimp, and vinaigrette.

Lamb & Grits showcases 8-hour lamb with red eye gravy over stone ground grits while a Wild Shrimp Po Boy topped with lettuce, tomato, mayo, hot sauce, and pickles arrives on crusty bread. Guests will also find Blueberry Pancakes served with fresh blueberries and real maple syrup, and fresh Buttermilk Pancakes. There are Crawfish Cakes with Creole aioli, and freshly baked Tomato Focaccia bread and Chicken Sausage.

Desserts include Mango Cheesecake Parfait with mango curd, pecans, whisky Rice Krispies, milk chocolate, and lemon-lime zest, and Beignets with confectioner sugar and strawberry powder. The restaurant is also offering an interesting selection ales and other brews along with wines represented from around the world.

Executive Jimmy Thomas was recently nominated as a semi-finalist in the 2024 Favorite Chef Competition with Carla Hall. His expertise also earned him a spot on Food Network's "Supermarket Stakeout" and as an entrepreneur, he has showcased his catering talents at prestigious events across the Tri-State.

The space features an open-air kitchen so customers can see what's being prepared and to give the restaurant a down-to-earth home feel. Being that the space was a barbershop in the 1940’s, Jimmy Thomas sprinkled the restaurant with African American antiques, some dating back to the 1930s, to pay homage to the original business. The bar is made from a refurbished Chicago gym floor from the 70's and 80s.

Lavitta's Creole is located at 218 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 212-933-1208. For more information, visit Lavittascreole.com



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