Chez Yiamme opened an events center and launched its catering business in June 2020 with authentic Caribbean dishes inspired by Haiti.
LAUREL, MD — A family-owned Caribbean catering company and event venue has marked more than five years of creating memories for others.
Owned and operated by Chef Marie Miriame Michel and Jon “Brotha” Michel, Chez Yiamme opened its doors in June 2020 at 347 Main Street in Laurel. Since then, the Michels have turned their passion for Caribbean cuisine and hospitality into one of the most beloved destinations for celebrations and events.
“Chez Yiamme is named after Yiamme, our executive chef’s nickname. ‘Chez’ means home of, so the name reflects our heart: a place where people gather, enjoy delicious meals and feel like family, just like in Caribbean homes,” owner and chef Marie Miriame Michel told Patch. “Caribbean cuisine is deeply personal to us. It carries the stories, resilience and joy of our Haitian culture. We love how the food brings bold flavors together whether sweet, savory, spicy. Yet still being rooted in tradition. It’s comfort food with soul, and it naturally brings joy and togetherness among people of diverse backgrounds.”
Chez Yiamme offers full-service catering for weddings, corporate events and private gatherings, featuring authentic Caribbean dishes inspired by Haiti’s culinary heritage.
“Our dishes are made with intention. We prioritize authentic recipes, fresh ingredients and thoughtful preparation. What truly sets us apart is the passion of our Executive Chef Yiamme. She cooks from a place of love and passion and is supported by a team who honors and preserves the authenticity of our dishes. Our food tells a story, it’s not just about taste, but about memory, culture, inspiration served on a plate,” Marie Miriame Michel said.
Some of their clients’ favorite dishes include their djondjon rice, soup joumou, Haitian jerk chicken, griot with pikliz and fried plantains, snapper fillet, red beans and rice, and macaroni gratine (creamy baked pasta).
“Our dishes are known for lingeringly rich flavor, generous portions and that unmistakable homemade touch,” Marie Miriame Michel told Patch.
The Michels recently expanded their operations to a new building to better serve a growing clientele and to provide a welcoming place for gatherings.
“Our new location gives us the freedom to fully express our vision. Located in historic Laurel, we provide a warm, welcoming and versatile space, perfect for creating memorable experiences. We enjoy the fact that our services attract clients from neighboring cities. What we love most about our new location is being right here in Laurel, where we can open our doors to the community and invite people to celebrate their special moments with us. We love that it allows us to combine great food with beautiful ambiance and intentional hospitality,” Marie Miriame Michel said.
Their event venue can host up to 120 guests and includes tables, food display stations, a mobile bar station and in-house sound equipment, helping create memories now and in the future. They’ve hosted birthday celebrations, baby showers, bridal showers, wedding receptions, networking events, repasts, art expos, anniversaries, community gatherings and intimate cultural events.
“The space adapts beautifully to both elegant and relaxed celebrations. As we celebrate five years, we’re incredibly grateful for the support of our community,” said Marie Miriame Michel. “Our mission has always been to share the warmth and spirit of Caribbean culture through food and fellowship, and we’re excited to continue that journey for many more years. In the next five years, our goal is growth with purpose. Owners Jonathan Michel and Principal Chef Yiamme are excited along with a dedicated team to expand our catering reach, host more curated cultural events, and strengthen our presence as a go-to destination for special occasions in the DMV. We’re also passionate about giving back to the community through partnership and collaborative opportunities.”
Beyond serving Caribbean cuisine and creating memorable events, Chez Yiamme gives back through community collaborations and philanthropic efforts with the Jean Joseph Darbouze Foundation, which supports programs benefiting underserved families in the United States and Haiti.