Djon Djon and the Easter Dinner that Changed Everything
Chef Wesly Jean Simon, owner of Djon Djon in Brooklyn’s Prospect Lefferts Gardens, stands in front of his restaurant. Photo by Nadiyah Washington
“Looking back at Haiti, I wouldn’t change nothing. I think everything that I have done is to shape where I’m at right now and I have more to do.”
By Nadiyah Washington
In each of chef Wesly Jean Simon’s dishes is a promise he made to his mother when he was a teenager in Haiti. Before allowing him to move to the United States, she required that he learn how to cook. And what did he make to prove himself? An entire Easter dinner. Today, Simon is the proud owner of Djon Djon in Prospect Lefferts Gardens, where he mixes local Brooklyn energy with traditional Haitian flavors.
Nadiyah Washington is a senior at Brooklyn Prospect High School. She is an active member of her school's newspaper team, girls' basketball management, climate environmental club and book club. When Nadiyah isn't busy doomscrolling or doing homework, she loves to eat Chipotle, go to the gym or rewatch Gilmore Girls.
The Summer Youth Podcast Academy is The Bell’s immersive beginner podcasting workshop for New York City public school students. This year’s academy was made possible by support from the Spotify Studios Union.
