Food is the Staff of life

Predominantly, the price of food has inflated. Constantly, many search for economical ways to feed themselves. Although, it would seem when one weighs the odds the preparation of homemade meals may be cost efficient. Yet, while this holds water this is not entirely true. Carefully, the consumer must investigate alternative dining options and make the average comparison.

There is an inundation of food stalls throughout Trinidad like a roadside buffet. These food carts deliver quality and affordability to all classes and masses. The public can choose from fortifying burgers and hotdogs to suit their palette. Local food like bake and saltfish buljol or smoke herring are fortifying for everyone. There are more flexible options with pies; cheese, beef, chicken, potato.  Corn soup is another divine creation which soothes and comforts one on a cold day or any other. In addition Indian delicacies prove for a more tantric taste bud teaser. Doubles, Aloo pies , Phlouries and  Saheenas are not only exotic variations but reasonable. These national food treasures do not exceed $15. Overall, dining out is none other than a showcase for history, culture and a sweet hand without the hassle of food preparation.

Moreover, local fast food eateries can host the price for your pocket and the quantity for your hunger. Chinese restaurants are invading Trinidad’s length and width. Whilst some are more ostentatious than others there are always good buys around the corner. A dozen wantons can be quoted at most $20. Spring rolls vary according to size but can start at $10 each. A daily special consistent of fried rice, chow mein, noodles and chicken started at $15 and rose to $17.This portion can make 2 servings. The Friendship Chinese Restaurant in San Fernando is a keen example of this whether dining in or taking out. It is small but offers these dishes to compliment your budget. The service is almost impeccable even though the English is not perfect this can be excused since English isn’t their mother tongue.  Barbeque pits have popped up unanimously. The prices range start at $15 for fries and increase to around $25 with meat options. Essentially, this is another meal plan that doesn’t require a quick fix at home.

In addition, delights of buys at local shops.  From time immemorial the bakery has been the choice for many. One can enjoy the warmth of island relishes like coconut tarts, currants roll, pizza, sausage rolls, sandwiches and ice cream. Prices can start at $2 and escalate in proportion to purchases. Rituals Coffee House offers a place to relax and not only have coffee, tea or latte’s that can start at $25 but delectable fancies. Donuts are less than $10 and Jamaican Patties courtesy Tastee Patties are less than $15. Again one can have the best of both world’s while eating and relaxing at the Coffee House. Also UWI Nectars can entice you in your choice of fresh Jamaican Patties at a lower cost of $10. Next, they sell fresh fruit and an ensemble of selected punches and create your own smoothie for the health conscious consumer. Then, one can look to the Supermarket for reasonable and attractive appetizers. Cakes, biscuits, sweetbreads, chips and other snacks start under $5 and increase in ratio to purchase. Drinks start at less than $5 with a chubby and vary with choice. Alas, all is not lost since a plenitude of food is readily available for our satisfaction.

Undoubtedly, food is the staff of life that should not be kept away from people. When one chooses to prepare meals at home for whichever rationale they are allowed to do so. However, one should not be restricted to those options only. Food is an adventure. One needs to explore the hidden trails and secret passageways to isles of sumptuous dishes. Meals are reasonable, affordable and delectable. So immerse yourself in the vibrancy that is food and relish in its glory. Failure to do so and wallow in boring, bland, monotonous dishes can be detrimental to your appetite. Engage yourself and experience the food of life which was not meant to be wasted or hidden from us. Tantalize your taste buds and dine out today.

Tantalize your taste buds with Gastronomy in Trinidad

Often, Caribbean tourism destination has been branded for mass tourism that is the sun, sea, sand factors. While the Caribbean still boasts of these abundant features they are not the only destinations with these product offerings. One can look to the exotic Maldives and by extension the Mediterranean for such sun lust. More over it is cost efficient for European travelers and even worthwhile to experience a vacation there.  A new tourist is emerging who has experience, affluence and looks to a new experience. Now the Caribbean must act on its instinct and open their own Pandora’s box to save  tourism.  Each island is unique so the discovery of niche tourism is just a breath away from salvation for these isles. Trinidad, the energy capital of the Caribbean has hidden secrets.  In this tropical paradise there must be diversification of their product to rejuvenate a fading tourism industry. Trinidad can explore gastronomic tourism, its pros and cons with reference to similar success stories and possible suggestions for implementation.

Gastronomic tourism refers to travel to destinations where food and drink drive tourists to travel. This offers an exhaling experience that purports difference associated with the destination. Gastronomic tourism is practiced in other countries as it is a necessary element for any tourism destination. Usually, it follows tourism products, festivals, sites and attractions and tours. Generally, gastronomic tourists are professionals between 30 and 40- years who earn more than average income.  In Spain, the wineries support local development not to mention the production of garlic and olive oil. Croissants and champagne are synonymous with France. Regionally, jerk chicken and Jamaican patties are “Yardi” fancies. Nonetheless, Trinidad has its own cuisine because of its multicultural ancestry. Hence, bake and shark, pepper sauce, sour sop ice cream, chocolate, tamarind ball, toolum, doubles, pelau, corn soup, curry crab and dumpling are mouth watering desires that entice the palette. Thirsts can be quenched with mango, citrus, passion fruit wines and natural fruit punches. Angostura Limited has reintroduced rum and whiskey which suit the acquired taste buds of the avid food fan.  Essentially, Gastronomic tourism does applaud a possible diversification to Trinidad’s tourism industry.

Basically, there are many advantages for promoting gastronomic tourism in Trinidad. Financially, food tourism can generate revenue. According to The International  Culinary Tourism Association, the average tourists spend about one third of their budget on food related activities. On the other hand, deliberate food travelers spend a higher amount on food.  There is increased food production to supplement the demand. Then, employment becomes the by product for the community. Entrepreneurial activity can be fostered as locals tap into their culinary skills.Greening of the environment can be seized with sustainable practices. Also, these activities usually take place in rural areas so the community benefits too. They attain pride, ownership by decision making and participation by the locals involved in these ventures. A success story is Jamaica who diversified their tourism from mass tourism. Again this activity occurs in rural areas and locals largely participate. Jamaica promote tours to their Appleton Rum Estate and learn the history, rum making, tasting and visit the distillery. Bicycle tours to Blue Mountain are anticipated where one can taste the Blue Mountain coffee.  Devon’s ice cream House has  a variety of  natural flavours to reflect their culture. Similarly, Trinidad has packaged cocoa at Asa Wright Nature Centre for tourist but this is certainly inadequate for a land that is fertile.  There are heritage and cultural linkages.  Gastronomic tourism stimulates domestic tourism. In Debe Trinidad there is an area for vendors who sell popular Indo Trini delicacies to the public. Simply, diversification can breathe more life into Trinidad’s tourism.

Undoubtedly, there are issues that construe the success of any development even food tourism. A destination’s failure to sustain adequate resources to meet demand can plunge the niche market into despair. This emerging market is already creating competition. The main competing destinations are Europe; Spain, France and Italy. In addition, Asia has competition among, Japan, India and Thailand. A negligence to maintain competitive edge can be the deciding factor between profit and loss. Hence, Bio security risks can deteriorate this industry. Capital and accessibility to resources must be readily available to enter this business. Seasonality of products  threaten income in the industry. Prevalent to any activity are disadvantages like loss of time and availability. Stake holder cooperation can deter futuristic development of the niche where conflict arises. Realistically, there are disadvantages in the diversification of Trinidad’s tourism industry.

Significantly, gastronomic tourism diversifies and supplements the tourism industry. It gives destinations the competitive advantage over others. It must be cultivated in a sustainable way with informed best practices to make a mark in this industry. While there are negatives to any development they must be considered for fruitful bearing on the discourse of food tourism in Trinidad. Some of Trinidad’s best kept secrets hide in the food industry. The cocoa has been rated as the best on the market and are exported for use.  The bake and shark was deemed one of the top ten things foodie Zimmerman ever tasted. Trinidad food was rated on Bizarre Foods rated as The Travel Channel.  Overall, there is definitely potential for gastronomic tourism in Trinidad. Essentially, diversification of Trinidad’s tourism industry via gastronomic tourism is a niche market that can supplement and  possibly redeem the faltering  industry.

One of the most beautiful things about Trinidad and Tobago other than its tropical landscape and its people is the culinary delights of paradise. I am forever grateful to the motherland that is Mother Trinidad and Tobago for embracing ethnicity and their influence to this island. Really, if it were not for all these cosmopolitan people we would never have the joys and relishes of variety in cuisine and suffice it to say, “freedom of choice.”

It is without hesitation that I give you a raving review of the best kept Arabian secret in Central Trinidad. I have yet to find out the real name of this enchanting food parlour that fills my palate and heart to its fullest content.

My little “Arabian Place” is set up at Price Plaza in Central Trinidad.This place is easily accessible. It is situated next to a bakery type parlour.  It is within eyesight from the Movietowne’s exit. It can also be seen on entering the car park. On entering you may hear the sweet melody of Arabian music. The décor is simple as the walls are painted in light hues of colour. There is seating on the left and right side of the venue leaving the middle open and free for walk in customers. The physical appearance is aesthetically clean.

Patrons can also come in and dine or takeout. The food menu is extensive. One can choose from salads, rice, garlic potatoes, humus, fish, chicken, shrimp and so much more. I would recommend the tabouli salad, garlic potatoes and the fish (I don’t eat chicken). The portion sizes are plentiful. I guarantee one of their servings can be portioned out for 2 or 3 servings unless you are extremely hungry and accustomed to this consumption.

In retrospect, I had an unbearable Arabian food craving a few weeks ago. Immediately, I went to the little “Arabian Place.” I arrived super late but the Syrian gentlemen ushered me in and offered their service. They were so patient and attentive. Unfortunately, their servings of fish were finished so the choices were narrowed for me. Then by a spark of Syrian warmth and genuine hospitality they decided to go above and beyond. They  offered to get me the grilled fish if I agreed to wait until it was done. Quickly, I placed my order for fish and garlic potatoes. As promised within 20 minutes it was done. The service was immaculate and the food was delectable. They were so gentle mannered, courteous and good humored.  For weeks even today I can’t stop raving over the food but mostly the fabulous and impressionable service.

Oh Mother Trinidad and Tobago thank you for being my birthplace. Thank you for blessing me with the luxuries of culinary treasures. Mostly, thank you for the overwhelming warmth of a true “Trinbagonian” people.

“ A riveting, informative, visually stimulating, mouth watering “must have”

cookbook for the average

pescetarian & food lover.

The publication is done by The Seafood Industry Development Company Limited. The content is different from the average cook book. The concept behind the book inspires an idea to introduce locally caught, prepared and affordable seafood. It offers insight into the benefits of seafood consumption and the impact on health.  Moreover, this suggests the recipes suggest a delectable and a carefully detailed script for the health conscious rave that is taking over gastronomy.  There are recipes which vary from baking, grilling, pan fry, stir fry, deep fry, poach, stew, steam and braise options. The photographer did an excellent job at capturing these 5 star gourmet plated dishes.  These include unique dishes such as Tilefish with Cheese Herb sauce, Nestled Shrimp Oriental and Sea Trout Teriyaki. But I could only imagine your anticipation to try them out and showcase them at your next event!

It is fully equipped with the tools to convert the average seafood consumer into a connoisseur from the market to the kitchen and straight to the dining table! An interesting segment of the publication focuses on the different types of seafood featured in the book so when a recipe requires a particular fish you can refer to your Caribbean Seafood Extravaganza. Unlike other publications this one explores fish and shellfish preparation for which is just ideal for the kitchen novice and food enthusiasts. Also,  there are ample guidelines for purchase of seafood, the appropriate storage of seafood and the significance of ice usage and conversion tables aid with quantity calculation.

Your copy of this gem of a book is waiting for you at all leading bookstores and seafood retail shops and  the SIDC Office. The Seafood Industry Development Company’s office is  located at #6 Bejucal Extension 1, Uriah Butler Highway, Charlieville, Chaguanas. They can also be contacted on Facebook and  via email info@sidctt.com or telephone  1-868-665-0751 / 1-868-672-3427. The Caribbean Seafood Extravaganza is just TT$35.00 for an amazing journey to a Trinbagonian seafood paradise.