Blog Roll! – Page 11 – Travel With A Purpose

My Asian Persuasion – Passage to Asia

Posted on July 21, 2014by admin

While trying to recover from the humidity last evening I got a random call to accompany some friends to the new and improved Passage to Asia restaurant. I had been there before a few years ago and my experience was a bit different. But I was also aware of some changes that were happening so I decided to get dolled up and head out with my pals!

It did not take too long to find. It is conveniently located on Yves Street, Chaguanas. There was easy access to parking and security. The dining room is tastefully decked with a royal lure of chandeliers, carefully set dining tables, the aroma of spices and hues of the orient land. The west coat wearing, heavily accented waiters were quick and knowledgeable of menu items, suggestions. They were professional as well as very hospitable and polite. We did not wait too long to have our orders filled yet I think I had them waiting a bit since I could not decide between Indian, Thai or Chinese cuisine. So my friends opted to order for me. Everything comes in portion sizes that can be shared among groups. Hence, we decided to order this way. We ordered from the Indian cuisine section of the menu.

Soon we got our yummy dishes of paneer( soulful food ), vegetable biriyani (spicy), chicken biriyani, chicken masala, fish in curry sauce (light, tender and delectable) and paratha roti (not buss up shot, this is filled with curry potato and warm spices). The smell was amazing (this was unlike the spices I use in my kitchen) this was authentic orient cuisine. Although the biriyani was a bit too spicy for me, I blame my change of diet (that has decreased my tolerance level for spicy foods). We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and even had leftovers to take with us. The bill was not too pricey considering the ingredients, the service and the experience.

While waiting for our bill we were alarmed by an Indo rendition of happy birthday on their sound system to celebrate a customer’s birthday. The celebrant even got a cute candle lit cupcake for their celebrations. This was not all. We were also graced by the presence of a cohort of our local parliament. We were almost sure if we had waited a bit longer we probably would have even saw our Honourable Prime Minister. Passage to Asia is home to everyone. It has gotten a makeover that suited them best. I am liking the new image and it’s beauty is more than face value or skin deep. We will definitely return and try some new dishes perhaps Thai cuisine.

xoxo

Let’s Go Trinidad and Tobago!

REPRESENT!!

Fairy Cakes #magicinabox

Posted on July 8, 2014by admin

“Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker’s man.

Bake me a cake as fast as you can;

Pat it, roll it and mark it with a “B”,

Put it in the oven for baby and me.^[1]

Patty cake, patty cake, baker’s man.

Bake me a cake as fast as you can;

Roll it up, roll it up;

And throw it in a pan!

Patty cake, patty cake, baker’s man.^[2]^[3]

Patty cake, patty cake, baker’s man.

Bake me a cake as fast as you can;

Roll it up, roll it up;

Put it in a pan;

And toss it in the oven as fast as you can!”

Forget the Baker’s man look out for the baker woman! Here’s a hint! She’s a foxy chef with a flair for creativity and an eye for detail touched by the warmth of humility and massive personalization! She has done several cakes for me and just like “magic in a box” they surprise me! They leave me with glitter, sparkle and that extra fuzzy vibe every time! Fairy Cakes is a gourmet cupcake service from central Trinidad. They are quite a lifestyle brand since they are never missing from exclusive local celebrity gatherings and the coolest parties on the island. Although they provide more than specialty cup cakes they also specialize in fantasy weddings, birthdays, corporate functions and special occasion cakes and cookies. The chef starts from scratch and her magical hands begin to create and sculpt your dream cake just as you requested!

SPECIALTY CUPCAKE FLAVOURS
(Includes alcohols such as premium rum, vodka, Baileys, and various liquers)
White Chocolate Caramel Cupcakes
Baileys Cupcakes
Margarita Cupcakes
Strawberry Daquiri Cupcakes
White Russian Cupcakes
Pina Colada Cupcakes
Rum & Raisin Cupcakes
Black Forest Cupcakes
Butterscotch Cupcakes

GO LOCAL CUPCAKES!

Coconut Lime Cupcakes
Sweet Curry Cupcakes
Ponche de Creme Cupcakes
Simply Barbadine Cupcakes
Soursop Punch Cupcakes
Passionfruit Daiquiri Cupcakes
Mango Daiquiri Cupcakes
Lemon Carambola Cupcakes
Orange Pineapple Cupcakes

HOUSE CUPCAKE FLAVOURS
Chocolate Cupcakes
Dark Chocolate Cupcakes
Mocha Cupcakes
Coffee Caramel Cupcakes
Coconut Cupcakes
Vanilla Cupcakes
Red-Velvet Cupcakes
Oreo Cookies & Cream Cupcakes
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cupcakes
Cinnamon Mocha Cupcakes
Banana Chocolate Chip Cupcakes

The skill and detail to attention is phenomenal as well as the taste, texture and durability. I love them because they also fill the gap of attention to durability. This is important because sometimes a cake needs to survive a long distance trek across rocky road Trinidad for a special event in tropical humidity! In addition, it also needs to last a few days if its being dropped off in advance for an event or to allow for those who like to savor the moment and stretch their cake consumption for a bit longer than the event day. (This is usually my predicament)

Bakers are creatives and artisans in their own right. They are trained in their field, they experiment, they learn and they create magic! While business is business the price on creativity is priceless! Innovation, Ideation, Creativity, Imagination the keys to the future of their creative lives are in their hands. We at Let’s Go Trinidad and Tobago would like to recognize Fairy Cakes for their excellent service delivery and their creativity! May they continue to be their best and strive to propel forward!

purple-fairies-fairy-dust-girls-lake-magic-moon-playful-170211

Check out Fairy Cakes!

#delivery #pickups #magicinabox

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fairy-Cakes/384012932320

xoxo

Lets Go Trinidad and Tobago

REPRESENT!

Maday Maday! Resort Bug Alert!

Posted on July 8, 2014by admin

While Trinidad has been famed for being the New York of the Caribbean or The Metropolitan Hub of the West Indies it is only obvious that we would see meetings, investment, conventions and enterprise developments to ally with our tourism sector. Special interest tourism niches have been developing to keep close to our vision from our National Tourism Policy as part and parcel to diversify our economy. A nation dependent on oil and gas and industrial and manufacturing sectors for its GDP rations has yet again been receiving continued support from the private sector to boost the nation’s identity and what may seem as a step backward may be a step into the future.

Private entities are exploring options of the scenic landscapes of Trinidad and are capitalizing on developing five star resorts for visitors and tourists as well as locals. It seems that an attempt to push the country back to a 1980’s status of resort ridden images of mass tourism that could create a tourist arrival boom yet destroy the harmony that coexists here may not be so ideal. Even our tourist specialists and tourism research consultants might be spitting out their callaloo in uproar and gasping at the blatant disregard for Butler’s Tourist Area Life Cycle (stages of destination in its tourism life cycle) or Plog’s theory ( type of tourists attracted to a destination). However, these entrepreneurs may be on to something when they decided to promote accessibility for locals in a staycation type campaign.

(callaloo)

The inescapable terrors of last minute booking to our sister isle paradise can be soon subsided as new options promote secure, clean, green, attractive accommodations and entertainment for families, couples and friends who love to take the “lime” with them. Why not give back to the people who work hard to develop their nation, support their families and yes contribute to increasing the annual GDP? Don’t they deserve something nice that they can call their own that is not too far out of reach for them?

I think it’s about high time people woke up and smelled the “bush tea”. Come on man! Citizens who feel that they are part of a nation and that they contribute or can enjoy the fruits of their labour and feel proud of their destination will either instantly or eventually realize their role to pick up the slack and become their country’s brand ambassador and brother and sister’s keeper. Perhaps, bonuses include increased self esteem, ownership, sense of pride, more linkages, sense of belonging and hopefully in the not so far future there will be more solidarity! (Well I guess we just have to watch and see how this turns out shall we?!)

(lemon grass also called fever grass for fever grass tea)

The two resorts that I have seen pop up on the scene are Clifton Hill Beach Resort and Queen’s Beach Hotel and Holiday Resort Ltd. Queen’s has been opened in 2012 which is fairly recent and its location is in Mayaro. Clifton Hill Beach Resort is in Point Fortin and has been gradually opening to the public as they complete each stage of development in 2014. The irony of these two locations may be that they are both located in oil and gas industrial districts yet exist in the ecosystem of serene and beautiful beaches, southern hospitality, mouth watering cuisine and non stop activity. Locals can now explore their other avenues than guest houses and bed breakfast units.

Moreover, locals and tourists can actually mingle.Tourists can also benefit by getting a more authentic experience as they actually interact with the locals. Since Clifton Hill has been opened it has been receiving an overwhelming turn out from locals island wide. So all you have to do is take a road trip to the resort and check it out yourselves or try the age old ‘word of mouth’ reviews. “Trinis” are our own harshest critics( although I still think “Seeing is believing”). So heads up Airport and Port Authority you just might have a situation (no not the Jersey Shore dude with the Abs) when the skies get busy and the roles are reversed just a bit for our fellow “Tobagonians” courtesy the attack of the Trinidad Resort Bug!

In case you have been bitten please try to contact the following units immediately!!!!

1. Queens Beach Hotel and Holiday Resort

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Queens-Beach-Hotel-Holiday-Resort-Limited/1896480677574372

2. Clifton Hill Beach Resort

https://www.facebook.com/cliftonhillbeachresorttt

Meanwhile try to contact every possible friend and relative who may be able to help you with the following

My ‘Do Not Forget’ List

UV Sunglasses
Camera / Underwater Camera
Organic Sunscreen (I like organic)
Swim wear and glam wear (not necessary but the choice is yours)
Open mind
Open heart
Leave your stress and worries at home
Add whatever else you want…

xoxo

Let’s Go Trinidad and Tobago

REPRESENT

Ecstasy in a box- Abraham’s Grill Hut

Posted on June 5, 2014by admin

(a photo of Abraham’s Grill Hut courtesy their Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/AbrahamsGrillHut

)

After months of not being able to take you guys up on your offer I finally made it! As you may have guessed it this is my gratitude post to my darling sweethearts at Abraham’s Grill Hut at Munroe Road near the Fly Over! I am going to jump straight into my review! All I can say is Oh My Word you continue to astound me with exemplary service and baffle me with your gifts.The shift manager “Sammy” was on point just as well! Customer service and knowledge of menu were key mannerisms that did not fail him!

As I saw the sign lighting up behind the counter on the Red Snapper now available like the glitter bag inside me just exploded to say, “Yes I will have that too” and so I did have my red snapper, loaded potato and stuffed ravioli( sweet heaven was so awesome). My friend opted for mashed potatoes and barbequed chicken. We ordered separately cajun chicken pasta for a guest of ours. We were most pleased with the exceptional food; appearance, quality and quantity.

(Red Snapper, Loaded Potato, Stuffed Ravioli)

(Barbecued Chicken and Mashed Potatoes)

(Cajun Chicken Pasta)

However, we were most captivated by our desserts. Oh my God! These three words pretty much summarize our ecstasy in a box. My friend had chocolate eruption which is actually more mousse than cake and it was so divine (this I know because obviously I had to have a piece of that cake!) I ordered caramel cheesecake! I have not had such premium tasting cheesecake in over three years ( a story for another time about when I was surrounded by some of the world’s best dessert chefs that this hemisphere has to offer). Look Out World Trinidad Chefs Are Taking Over!

(Chocolate Eruption)

(Caramel Cheesecake)

So I have finally convinced myself that the secret recipe of success is…. wait for it…. “love“. Of course not any daytime soap opera love duh! Rumour has it that some of the best culinary dishes taste better because it is made by the hands of love. Abraham’s owners love what they are doing and it should not be a secret that this love for their food and people is so overwhelming that it will always guide them to find the right staff (who feel the same way)! Undeniably, this love energy is so darn strong that it is transferred to the food and to the customers.

Rest assured many of you can relate to this. You can see and feel what I describe when you walk into Abraham’s. There is love amongst the staff working together as a team. But it does not stop there. Look around and you will see families, friends, couples and all their endless love.

So fellow restauranteurs and potential start ups while business models, sound management principles and the best education and skilled staff in the universe may help you make some waves in the food industry there is one thing that stands the test of time in any successful business….(I am going to borrow somebody’s tag line here but it is so fitting I can’t help it) ….please remember “love is all you need”.

So from the team at Let’s Go Trinidad and Tobago

We would like to say

Thank you for hosting us!

We continue to look out for better things to come!

GT #Dappered

Posted on June 1, 2014by admin

It seems like Men are becoming quite conscious of their fashion sense as they seek out new ways to express themselves and stand out from the crowd. Alpha Male, Emo Male you name it they all share the collective conscience of finding a way to express themselves. Fashion is so powerful it is not just an art or the science of tailoring and styling colours and looks for particular profiles or personas. It is more than a mere euphemism that can be used for the greater good one that provides the basic need of clothing. It also allows the individual to express themselves, their moods through the colour they decide to wear. An outfit well put together can reveal one’s aura and impact everyone that they come in contact with whether at an interview for their dream job, a client meeting, a first date and of course the many social gatherings that pop up in life. Patterns, prints and cuts help define one’s individuality but a man’s sense of style is the ultimate wielding power of the dapper!

(photo courtesy

https://www.facebook.com/dawwcreations

)

Don’t take my word for it just read the infinite research columns online and the same threads appear. The intervention of e-commerce and e-tailers have revolutionized men’s shopping experience. What do guys love more than their football and women…if you guessed technology ding! ding! Mucho Correcto! There are infinite blogs and styling guides to keep men updated with trends and different looks they can incorporate into their wardrobe. According to research by MarketLine the world’s menswear market is expected to exceed $402 billion in 2014. This figure has been indicated to represent a market expansion of more than 14% over a five year time span. In the United Kingdom menswear has increased sales for designers by over 40 and 50 %. It is even anticipated that the 25-34 age group is expected to increase by 11 % between 2012-2017. These men are less interested in trends. However, the 16-24 age group buy fewer but better quality items and are huge fans of online shopping and multichannel retailers. Both groups are expected to drive sales in the future.

(photo courtesy

https://www.facebook.com/ecliffelie

)

The Caribbean including Trinidad is not to be left behind as our creatives have designed an island aesthetic full of colour and attitude that reflects the life in this island paradise. The circumstances of Trinidadian and by extension Caribbean men from slavery, immigration and the black power movement to name a few have sculpted our men. Today, they are professionals, intellects skilled in their craft with labours of love as fathers, care takers and bread winners who exude strength in brotherhood. Their fashion tells a story and depicts a paradox of complexity in multiculturalism and simplicity in humility. In Trinidad there are several designers who assist in sharing this island story.

(photo courtesy

https://www.facebook.com/theclothcaribbean

)

So while The Dapper himself David Beckham is launching his new underwear collection in the United Kingdom we in the Caribbean are getting ready to start our own movement! We are exploring our creativity and taking advantage of that space to develop our own elixir of life in the power of fashion backed by innovation and realized through entrepreneurship.

Keep Styling & Keep Smiling

xoxo

(Please feel free to check out GT #Dappered link below and spread the word!)

https://www.facebook.com/events/567855086666942/

Steve Ouditt Unrehearsed

Posted on April 10, 2014by admin

He is unrehearsed, unforgiving, and a relentless brawn of a one of a kind Trinidadian artist. Conveniently, his studio is currently located in Woodbrook, Trinidad upstairs the Costa Rican embassy at 38 Carlos Street next to the Church of God. I advise the visitor to leave your preconceived notions about art at the roadside before you enter that gate. Try to walk in like a blank canvas to soak in the wealth of expression and inspiration about to be bestowed upon you. Oh yes, Steve Ouditt is definitely the game changer you need to be wary of because antics, skill, creativity and perspective will blow you away! ( Of course I did not take any pictures! In other words… “get up and go see yourself.”)

Steve Ouditt is an entrepreneur, designer , artist who exudes the beacon of pioneer. His education and practice has taken him global with several documented publications on his work in Germany, China, Jamaica, India, Holland, London, Australia and the USA to name a few. It’s amazing how he’s been able to realize his potential internationally then to return to share that knowledge and experience in his life with whomever he has that interaction and his profession where he lectures at The University of the West Indies. Often some artists are chauvinistic, egocentric and tend to be more boldface than their work. However, Steve Ouditt has the tenacity to expose to society the reality of life in his fearless, daring and sometimes disturbing pieces of work. Yet, he maintains that keen sense of humility often reflected in his hospitality. Humility, undying passion for social change, art and design, his global experience, Trinidadian identity can only spur him on to move more mountains.

Its amazing to see an artist who has carved out a distinct niche of art form that is exceptional and full of caricature. I feel proud to be Caribbean being at his studio. I see my Trinidadian aesthetic and heritage brought out in every drawing and work of art. The aesthetic I see is not so much of fruits and vegetables but a reflection of our identity, psychology our genetic and societal being that’s been consumed by the artist, absorbed and spilled out on a canvas in perspectives inspired by our life. He is known for his work with mental health as this was his first showing in his home country since being away for so long. It’s astounding how the location of this studio is so ideal. It is smack in the middle of the heart beat of the island where one can observe the human puppets playing out a sweet strain of life jeered on by the puppet master that is society. Every visitor feels welcomed at the studio with open arms and “irie” island vibes. You are treated like you belong rather like you have the blessing of being witness to life unfolding in different bits or pieces.

So artisans, future designers and creative junkies and you my dear reader get up and go check it out ..this is not your typical design studio… I promise!

Also see his Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/steve.ouditt

Abraham’s Grill Hut; Central’s Flyover Favourite

Posted on March 3, 2014by admin

We have all become familiar with the international franchises and their family food restaurants. But I don’t think they excite us as much as our locally owned outlets like Abraham’s Grill Hut. My trip to Abraham’s always happens at the second franchise situated near Munroe Road flyover. Families couples, friends almost anybody who appreciates quality food visit this place frequently. Hence, it is almost always cramped for parking space.

The kaleidoscope of green, orange and white keep the vibrant ambiance far from sterile. The menu boards look just as appetizing as the food. Even though the food is cooked in front of you the menu allows your imagination to stir as you begin to create your own images of what their grilled fish, jerk chicken, pasta, specialty dishes or quesadillas may look and taste like when you order.

If you are like me you would never make up your mind and stall in the line undecided for hours wondering which one shall be tried first. Of course, I always end up ordering one thing then wanting another dish or their decadent smoothies and desserts. However, I am never disappointed with my choice. The quality and quantity for value of money is amazing. The service is warm and friendly and the surroundings are always clean. It is definitely “a soon come back” for me.

The Mexican Love Affair

Posted on February 25, 2014by admin

A culinary haven can sum up foodie destination Trinidad and Tobago. We are famous for our local cuisine and our love affair with food. Creative entrepreneurs have dived into this food niche. They saw the space for opportunity in this thriving food culture business such as developing an ode to Mexican food. Similarly the consumers; tourists, visiting diaspora and locals in the domestic market reply to this growth when they literally clear their calendar for a food date!

My only advice to those of you skeptical about getting your heart broken from trying new foods is to just “do it” because you only learn from experience duh!

My first local Mexican experience was Senor Jalapeños on Ariapitha Avenue. It happened after a CLD fashion show and I was just…. hungry? Actually, I am always enthused to try out these new hot spots. I was super excited to see what they’ve done and how they captured the authenticity of Mexican culture. What a damper on my mood though as the only thing Mexican was the Jalapeño in the window and at after 9pm the food did not look as appealing and the employees seemed to be having some trouble expressing warm happy hospitality. I liked the lay out of the different condiments and dressings. The staff was informative and the general area was clean. There was no fish at that hour. The energy and vibe was dismal and I retired for the night with a bag of colourful salty chips and Pico de Gallo. Lesson for the staff if you do not believe in your product or service you cannot expect the customer to believe it either.

Next, I decided to try again at the other Mexican joint Senor Tacos on that hip strip near Grand Bazaar. Please forgive me but my travel, hospitality and tourism orientation forces me to subconsciously evaluate service organizations especially food with international standards . Hence, I am immediately spun into a tailspin of utter disappointment if low standards prevail. Anyways, back to the story. So obviously the employees didn’t seem very Latin. Next, I noticed, that there were a few sauce pots brewing. They appeared to be some sort of meat or something cooking in the back. However, I just find it unbelievable that taco shells were prepackaged in containers and boxes. Imagine my further despair when I saw that the fish was really ready made fish sticks from a bag in the refrigerator. Then my toppings that were all inclusive were regular. So I had to pay extra for a “Mexican” experience that included pickles and jalapenos taken from a jar and guacamole ready made from prepackaged container. (My Miss Piggy grunt!) Seriously! Furthermore, my pain was enhanced when they wrapped it up and put it on a warming bed. Umm no… $40TT dollars for two depressing, whole wheat tacos with extra paid for specialty toppings.

On to stop numero tres, Mr. Rango’s Cook House and Bar at Price Plaza Chaguanas. One word amazing ! Mr. Rango offers Tex Mex cuisine; a fusion of Texan and Mexican food. Hell, most of the staff speak Spanish and they have a good command of English language! Amazeballs! The branding is everywhere from floor to ceiling. table mats to their signature Rango movie character in the bathroom. Of course their slogan “food, friends and life” is captured in all their branding of menus, table mats and pepper sauce bottles. The service is attentive and quick. The dessert shelves were well stocked with decadent cakes. You can dine in or outside or take away your food. The decor, lighting, seating for take away service, bar and dining is very tastefully done. I even spotted cactus plant. Television screens surround the bar area but you can choose a more intimate setting if you want. How could I forget ! The music was pure latino vibes! Hallelujah! My friends ordered honey BBQ chicken, coconut shrimp and fries and lamb and mashed potatoes with vegetables. The presentation looked as yummy as it tasted ! On leaving, we even got a brief history of Tex Mex food and the unique fusion served at Mr. Rango’s. Talk about turning up the night a notch ♥. While the menu was a bit pricey my friends didn’t mind the trade off since great food, service and ambiance were worth the cost.

So my sour face from my choices was quite temporary.You have to do to experience and most times learn from experience . Now let me back up a bit here. I understand the three Mexican type food concessions are family(Senor Jalapenos), street (Senor Tacos) and upwardly mobile chic restaurant (Mr. Rango’s). Yet, my evaluation was based on the context of quality of food, cleanliness, taste,quality of service, aesthetics, vibes and any wow factors that left “soon come back” lasting impression. So, I’m terribly ecstatic about my new favorite Mexican food spot in Trinidad so go check it out! I hope you have as fabulous a time as I did at Mr. Rango’s

#foodloversdreamcometrue

Thank you Mr. Rango’s for truly sharing your culture not just the celebration of food, friends and life!

Style it out! Back to School!

Posted on September 3, 2013by admin

While Trinidad and Tobago do not see a autumn/fall season we do have a wet season and we are in full throttle to the hurricane season. This fall all college undergrads and grads are coming out with a bang! The first day of school is no longer a date on the calendar but a fashion event to remember. Hence, some fashionistas are calling on autumn trends and mixing them up with local vibes for this semester’s functional but fashionable look.

Pantone for each season can help you put your wardrobe together. This season some colours to watch out for are grey, black, navy, red, mustard,emerald, browns, coral to name a few. Dresses are taking a fancy to animal print, lace and floral that can be made uber “stoosh” with cardigans and blazers. The outfit can be dressed down with a jean jacket. In light of the season for cold weather flat boots and flats as well as some brightly colored sneakers seem to be the order of the day.Textured looks with faux fur and plaid features are the autumn favorites that can be added in minute detail than vavavoom runway styles perfect for school. Our ladies are getting the nails done paying attention to jewel tones, metallics,holographic, textured and sparkly glitter. The graphic tee is also making its appearance.

Moschino-fashion-show-fall-winter-2013-2014-587x440

2013-fashion-trend-graphic-print-tees-on-the-runway

While chic looks, rings and things are making an appearance. School can be quite expensive so cost effective yet eye popping “feel good” looks can be found by adding some pop up to your present wardrobe. A flirty or funky scarf can make your used outfit a belle of the halls. Hair bands and bows can add a cute stylish pop to a boring hairstyle. Some simple accents to your outfit can be midi rings which can add that silver or gold lining accentuation to your look. A staple to your outfit is the jean. There is a throwback trend to the classic with bootcut, skinny and flare so resurrect an old pair or two.The oversized tote and school bag is seen as the stripe,messenger and patterned styles including holographic which I’m sure you have at least one of each if not all three styles in that closet of yours!

2013-spring-and-autumn-long-font-b-scarf-b-font-women-s-sun-cape-leopard-print

So this season style it out and be cool for school with these tidbit styles.

I’m sure you already have a few in mind!

(my personal favourite see below Loud by Afiya)

Join the movement! – #fashionconsciouscricketcouture

Posted on August 7, 2013by admin

The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Twenty20 Cricket Tournament is a hot topic with locals in Trinidad. Recently, Marylebone Cricket Club drafted a dress code which permits entrance into the Lord’s Cricket grounds. Some of these include shirts with collars for gentlemen but no polo shirts, T-shirts or anything made of denim. Whilst the ladies are banned from wearing bikini tops, bare midriffs, leggings without skirt. There is even a picture card to reinforce what the ideal dress code looks like. This immediately makes me think whether our cricket club needs to instill a few of these rules at Queen’s Park Oval? Our islanders are noted for wearing the said banned clothing items.Basically, this could be a good thing or a bad thing. My personal opinion is that this definitely spurs a fashion conscious cricket movement that could sweep the entire Caribbean!

So if we were to endorse these rules I still think our Caribbean designers would be able to add pomp and flair to Cricket Couture. The Art of Wear has a retro collection that maintains that golden era look with Hollywood pizzazz and an exotic twist of colour. Some of the designer’s dresses are at knee length and would work wonderfully for the event. Meiling has a few pieces in her Shirt Tales collection that speak volumes about classy couture that can be included for a Cricket finish. While there are other designers that would be on demand I believe Deron Attz and his tribal prints can make an eloquent but maintain the Caribbean’s ethnic aesthetic in its appearance at the cricket pavilion. These are my quick picks for CPL Cricket Couture!

Come out and support your team Red Steel Trinidad and Tobago!

Join the movement- #fashionconsciouscricketcouture

Let’s Go Trinidad and Tobago!! REPRESENT!!