By: Najla Alexander
Carteret officials announced that Renowned Chef Duke Estime and real estate investor-turned-restaurateur Nagela Duperval share a passion for global fusion cuisine, as well as Haitian heritage.
According to officials, they’ve combined both in the Borough’s hot new restaurant, Ou La, which celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Mayor Daniel J. Reiman and other dignitaries on March 31.
With dozens of guests in attendance, Mayor Reiman said he was happy to help spread the word about Ou La, its culinary delights and exciting cocktails, Carteret officials say. 
Strong critical response to Ou La has pointed out that Estime and Duperval are redefining fusion cuisine with an innovative approach and deep respect for food, Carteret authorities stated.
Mayor Reiman said that the restaurant is part of Carteret’s continuing economic and cultural renaissance.
“I am confident that this fun, classy, diverse restaurant is going to be a smashing success as a destination that will draw people to Downtown Carteret, the Performing Arts & Events Center, and our booming waterfront,” the Mayor said.
“When we built the beautiful Performing Arts Center across the street and expanded the new Downtown with mixed-use developments, we wanted to ensure a selection of restaurant opportunities, and that is happening.”
A world-renowned culinary titan, Chef Estime is also the owner of Estime’s Cafe, a breakfast and lunch eatery in the Colonia section of Woodbridge, and Duke’s Steakhouse planned for Metuchen, and the executive chef at Le Malt Lounge, also in Colonia, according to Carteret officials.
MCPO officials stated that Estime, a graduate of New York Institute for Culinary Education, got his start at the Mark Hotel in New York City and was the chef at La Malt Royale, a social club in Red Bank.
A successful real estate investor, Duperval said she crossed paths with Chef Estime through mutual connections in the culinary world, MCPO authorities say. She said they instantly connected over a shared vision of creating a dining space that celebrates culture, creativity, and community.
“The unique atmosphere, live music, and a focus on community events make it more than just a dining experience,” she said.
“It’s a cultural destination. Ou La is not just a restaurant but a celebration of culture, community, and creativity. We aim to provide an experience that reflects the vibrancy of Carteret and beyond."
According to Middlesex County officials, born in Haiti but raised in Elizabeth, Duperval recently immersed herself in her business’ community by moving to Carteret. Being part of her restaurant’s neighborhood allows her to connect more deeply with the Borough’s diverse people and culture, she said.
Duperval said she was very grateful for the Borough’s help and support, including more than $100,000 in Urban Enterprise Zone grants, Carteret officials said.
Carteret authorities say that Duperval is co-founder of The BLOC Society, a real estate investment firm and fund dedicated to empowering BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color) communities through strategic investments and wealth-building.
The private community of The BLOC Collective is designed to provide women with the education, tools, and network they need to succeed in real estate, MCPO officials said.
“This work aligns with my passion for creating spaces that inspire and uplift communities,” Duperval said.
She said she wanted to open her first-ever restaurant venture in the growing, richly diverse community of Carteret because of the Borough’s incredible potential, especially as a transportation hub with ferry service coming soon.
Duperval said the restaurant’s proximity to Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center was also a factor, MCPO authorities said.
“We look forward to collaborating with Carteret PAC for pre- and post-event dining experiences, special packages for theatergoers, and hosting community events to support the arts,” she said.
According to Carteret officials, Ou La’s signature dish is lamb chops with Haitian marinade, and the signature drink is Exit 12 Rum Punch, named in honor of Carteret.
The bold and refreshing flavors perfectly balance sweetness and spice and embody the vibrant and lively spirit of Ou La, Duperval said.
“Ou La is committed to bold flavors, cultural fusion, and an unforgettable dining experience,” Duperval said.
Ou La is open noon to 10 p.m. Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and noon to midnight Fridays and Saturdays, Carteret officials stated. The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays.
To make a reservation, call 732-860-3553. For more info, visit oulanj.com/ or follow their Instagram.