Dishin’ on the Dish: Goat Pot Pie at Lior’s Cafe
A Unique Twist on Traditional Pot Pie
At Lior’s Cafe, head chef Daniel Aurel has created a dish that combines traditional Haitian flavors with a gourmet twist: the Cabrit Pot Pie. This dish features pulled goat in a mushroom-based cream sauce, enveloped in a flaky and buttery pie crust. Aurel, who has been cooking since he was young, learned to cook from his family and perfected his recipes after a trip to Haiti.
Aurel’s Inspiration
Aurel’s inspiration for the menu at Lior’s Cafe came from his family and his experiences growing up as a Haitian American. He wanted to showcase Haitian cooking and flavors while also appealing to a wider audience who may not be familiar with the cuisine. “I wanted to do a kind of a gourmet pot pie but also give it a Haitian flair,” Aurel said.
The Process
To create the goat pot pie, Aurel rinses the goat meat and pours hot water over it before cleaning the meat with lime juice and rubbing it with the fruit. This helps to remove some of the gaminess from the meat. He then seasons the goat with Lior’s house seasoning, a blend of brown sugar, onion, garlic, and a secret ingredient, and epis, a blended seasoning base with fresh thyme, parsley, onions, peppers, scallion, and garlic.
The Sauce
The goat and sauce mixture is then spooned into a large ramekin lined with a layer of homemade pie dough and topped with another layer of dough. It bakes for about 15 minutes until it’s golden brown. Aurel makes the mushroom-based sauce by sautéing mushrooms in butter and then adding cream and seasonings.
The Result
The result is a rich and flavorful dish that combines the tender goat meat with the creamy sauce and flaky pie crust. It’s a unique twist on traditional pot pie that’s sure to delight even the most adventurous eaters.
Community Focus
At Lior’s Cafe, community is a big focus. The restaurant is owned by Jean Claude Aurel Jr., and the goal is to create a cultural hub for Haitian cuisine, art, and music. “We serve good food here, but we also serve our community, whether it’s hiring Haitians, giving them their start in America, supporting our own as far as in the neighboring areas or right here in our neighborhood,” said general manager Brandon Lenore.
Conclusion
The goat pot pie at Lior’s Cafe is a must-try for anyone looking for a unique and delicious dining experience. With its combination of traditional Haitian flavors and gourmet twist, it’s a dish that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates. And with the restaurant’s focus on community and cultural hub, it’s a great place to visit for a meal that’s not only delicious but also supports a good cause.
FAQs
Q: What inspired the creation of the goat pot pie?
A: Chef Daniel Aurel was inspired by his family and his experiences growing up as a Haitian American. He wanted to showcase Haitian cooking and flavors while also appealing to a wider audience who may not be familiar with the cuisine.
Q: What is the process of making the goat pot pie?
A: Aurel rinses the goat meat and pours hot water over it before cleaning the meat with lime juice and rubbing it with the fruit. He then seasons the goat with Lior’s house seasoning and epis, a blended seasoning base, and makes the mushroom-based sauce by sautéing mushrooms in butter and then adding cream and seasonings.
Q: What makes the goat pot pie unique?
A: The combination of traditional Haitian flavors and gourmet twist makes the goat pot pie a unique dish. The use of goat meat and mushroom-based sauce gives it a rich and creamy flavor, while the flaky pie crust adds a nice textural element.
Q: What is the focus of Lior’s Cafe?
A: The focus of Lior’s Cafe is on community and cultural hub for Haitian cuisine, art, and music. The restaurant aims to create a welcoming space for Haitians and non-Haitians alike to come together and enjoy good food and company.
