The flavors, culture, and history of Haiti are the focal point at First Republic Lounge & Restaurant. Here, seasoned meats and marinated seafood channel the distinct flavors of the Caribbean nation. The tour of Haiti sampler is a good introduction—it includes chicken with Haitian pikilz, fried akra made from fresh malanga, and savory plantains. Plantains pop up as they do in island cooking, making appearances as steaming sides and the "bread" of a plantain sandwich filled with spiced chicken. The rest of the menu has plenty of authentic tropical options, too, including dishes with steamed red snapper as well as fried pork dusted with Haitian spices. On the periphery, side dishes like mac and cheese and rice and beans round out each meal, while pound cakes drizzled with a creamy coconut liqueur offer a sweeter ending to the meal than a hand-knitted check. The Haitian spotlight isn't limited to the menu; it also shines onto the walls decked with Haitian artwork, as well as onto the stage during live music and comedy shows.