Reviews – Page 4 – Travel With A Purpose

Dreaming on Cloud Nine – Dream Ultralounge

Posted on November 22, 2013by admin

So a birthday for 2 comes every year but this year it was different. This year 25 hit me like a tonne of bricks while being stuck in fifth gear in my support for Trinidad and Tobago’s “stay to get away” campaign.

Yea… I did local for the first time in three years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Me and my better half found ourselves on the Gulf View link road turning into Dream Ultra lounge’s car park before ascending the staircase to Cloud Nine where dreams come true. There we met our angel! Arnorld! We were greeted by him at the staircase. I could not help but notice the islandme magazines at the host’s reception area. Immediately, I got excited by their venture to support local.I loved the use of space, lights and colour schemes. Everything was in sync in a feng shui way. The vibe was totally chic yet very relaxing. Even though we were on a tight schedule our host made us feel welcomed and special. It was a slow lunchtime for them and Arnold just happened to be manning floor manager, chef, bartender and waiter for the moment. He played all parts with zero neglect and maximum productivity. I was shocked and impressed he was so professional every step of the way ahead of the game.

We ordered thai curry chicken with wedges and smoked Atlantic salmon served on garlic bread. It was a bit early for my “wino” temptations so pineapple juice and their in house lemon lime and bitters were the orders of the hour. They were delectable. We didn’t have to wait too long either everything went smoothly. We even got surprises! Cheesecake slices for our birthday. How sweet! We had a little chit chat with Arnold and I couldn’t help but commend him for his extraordinary customer service representation. We wished him the best in his endeavors. Although luck is where opportunity meets preparation and Arnold is definitely prepared to kick it up a notch and take customer service to an exceptional level wherever his career may take him.

My knowledge and skills do not fail me when I walk into any restaurant or service based institution. There needs to be more passionate and professional persons like Arnold in the service industry who are willing to go the extra mile. This is a “must do” if we want to lead the race and set the pace for service excellence in Trinidad and Tobago. Dream Ultra Lounge has a serious treasure and a remarkable asset to their operations. Thank you to the Dream Team especially Arnold who made our 25th birthday sensationally special!

Cheers

Jazzy Vibes; Tablespoon Coffee and Dessert House

Posted on August 28, 2013by admin

If you have been to Coffee Bean in Barbados or have developed that love and appreciation for the time and effort put into Cafe decor, seating structure, customer service, cleanliness and ambience then you will count your lucky stars and jump up and down like me at Tablespoon Coffee and Dessert House. Monday 26th August 2013 was a monumental day in my calendar. I finally made it to Tablespoon Coffee & Dessert House after religiously following them from inception to the raving “foodie” reviews. This quaint, rustic, jazzy vibed coffee house can be found on the Eastern Main Road in Curepe just a few buildings down from Hi Lo Food Stores. Their opening hours are usually 10 am until 6 pm between Monday to Friday.

My particular jaunt for lunch led me to the Coffee House. Upon entering my restaurant radar started buzzing. Again my restaurant and hospitality experience accompanied by my burning love for food among other things can be blamed for this habit. Tablespoon Coffee & Dessert House is small but their tactful use of space must be commended in the coffee hues of brown wood accents, furniture and soft lights. I really like the idea of the scented candle and jazzy notes. The plates and cups were not matchy matchy and I applaud this table decision to mix it up and dare to be different! Personally, I believe this careful consideration given to structure and detail guarantees a customer flow at Tablespoon Coffee and Dessert House. This is our “trini” spin on the Bajan Coffee Bean and may I be a little bit ostentatious to say it has something extra but my lips are sealed! Come EXPERIENCE for yourself!

Tablespoon is the most appropriate addition to the St. Augustine/Curepe area popular for lecturers, business professionals and students who may be interested in a tasteful breakfast meditation, quick lunch getaway, business meeting or casual dates with their cohorts at a real Coffee House. However, it is unique because the cafe culture caters to all persons. Yes I said all! It is the first cafe I’ve been to in a long time that’s been done for the people by the people! Simply you see all different types of customers here. Couples, students, elderly, vegetarians and the average Joe or Jane.Their recipe is crafted in their personal relationship with their customers as they treat you like their own. Always going the extra mile to make their customers satisfied and happy. In addition, the tuna sandwich and crostone are exceptional ! Yes this means quality of food, quantity, cost, presentation and of course customer service delivery all vie for a 5 star position in my gourmet books.

I must commend Chef Bean who is an exemplary young lady in the food and beverage industry. If I could give her an award I most certainly would have done it already! I believe She not only has the knowledge, skills and abilities to venture into this business but a hell of a lot of passion and personality; a winning combo to make her business the best in Trinidad thus far! She owned her information by confidently rattling of the contents of her creations. But it doesn’t stop there this was heightened by her very enticing food sales pitch that makes customers want to just buy buy buy! She also knows how to quickly counteract any grievances that customers may experience if any at all. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw her customer service blue print execution. She effectively dealt with any situation that may arise in her Coffee House. She cooked, served, cashed, took orders and helped out in whichever way she could she truly is a chef who is in command of her kitchen and House!

Since returning to Trinidad in 2010 my impression of the restaurant business was understood to favor certain establishments even the Coffee House Model which must be built in the environment that predisposes that particular crowd in order to be successful. However, I learned something new on Monday. It dawned on me that once a chef has that passion for her craft she can easily cultivate the culture in her domain with a support staff like Tablespoon’s there’s no need for specific environments because once the culture is maintained the experience would always be beyond fabulous! I guess the “foodies” in the “food universe” were listening to my plight for a premium, authentic local coffee experience as they sought to give me something better at Tablespoon Coffee and Dessert House.

Cheers to the entire staff and their Chef Bean for their poise to set the standard in our food and beverage industry and lead by charting a new way forward in the local restaurant and coffee business in Trinidad.

Thank you again for your hospitality

Hafiz Grill and Pasta Hut

Posted on July 29, 2013by admin

It was a breezy tropical night on the beautiful isle of Trinidad. I was starving as my dinner time had already expired. There was so little time with my other engagement taking place in about 2 hours. I had to find a restaurant and I really was not settling for a typical fast food night. Finally, my friends and I decided to head down to Dinsley Junction. We turned left and continued on the main road. The hunt was definitely on for some quality food and ambiance at a reasonable price! I know way too much wishful thinking right! As we approached some food shops I saw a grill and pasta hut that looked clean and the car park was near full. I wailed for the driver and my friends to stop! We scampered out the vehicle and into Hafiz Grill & Pasta Hut for a very chillax evening!

The interior decor at Hafiz is chic but not overdone. The decor boasts of warm tones of red and green with chic chandeliers. The couches are perfect for customers waiting to pick up their order. The dining area also has some classy looks with details of glass tables. The seating at the window is accompanied by soft lit candles for couples or pairs. It stirs ample vibes for friendship, close family and loved ones. The music is hip and not too loud just enough to keep the ambiance lively without people falling asleep or turning it into a sports bar! Hafiz Grill and Pasta Hut is fabulous for family and the loved ones to catch up on old times or spend quality time together. Obviously, they put a lot of thought into every stage of decor and site planning. There is even an employee outside in the car park for security and parking purposes. How cool is that?! Especially since that particular main road is always enveloped with traffic!

Hafiz Grill and Pasta Hut has a variety of menu selections. There are lamb, fish, chicken combos, popcorn chicken, burgers, pastas, smoothies, dessert cakes and milk shakes. The smiling, dancing very skilled chef gives you the food! You can see what’s going on in the kitchen since it is directly in front of you.The price is right at Hafiz Grill and Pasta Hut. There were 5 orders with drinks and we could not complain about the food bill because it was under TTD$200.00. The quantity is more than enough for one serving! Usually, when I order an overpriced dinner I never have leftovers. My pasta primavera was steeped in marinara sauce and I was able to have 3 portions from that one serving. My friends were surprised when they ordered combos and I was the first to be served. They anticipated that pasta would have taken longer and I would have been served last. They were even more astonished that the popcorn chicken came in such a huge quantity and was so yummy even including a side of fries.

I am such a food critic when it comes to dining out. I guess my experience from being around international chefs from high end hotels and restaurants when I travel can be blamed for this as well as my passion for hospitality and tourism. I look at customer service, cleanliness, ambiance, quality, quantity of food and pricing among other things. They topped my checklist. My friends and I all loved the “Hafiz Experience” . The owners obviously have a vision for this place and I can’t wait to see only better, more exciting and fabulous things to come from Hafiz Grill and Pasta Hut!

If you are ever in the area I recommend Hafiz Grill and Pasta Hut!

Let’s Go Trinidad and Tobago

REPRESENT!!

Tastebud Spa Treatment – Yogurtland!!!

Posted on June 6, 2013by admin

“Those of you with the sweet tooth would know what I’m talking about here even my health fanatics. On a sweltering day in tropical heaven or a gloomy and overcast day there’s one place where the anticipation of “do it yourself” means much more! Be enlightened with a ‘taste bud spa treatment’ at Yogurtland!”

I was having one of those bittersweet moments you know the one where you are strung out, caught up and just don’t know what to do when I decided to try something this new dessert place called Yogurtland! Immediately I felt transformed stepping into the quarters of Yogurtland with happy vibes emanating from their pretty painted walls, chairs and the overall aesthetics. It’s not overkill it’s perfect; clean look, nice smell and just calling out my inner happiness! I was welcomed by what seemed to be my personal butler who escorted me to the yogurt machines and briefed me on flavours and textures and toppings and purchase via weight. There’s even a special promotion where if your yogurt weighs 10 ounces on a Tuesday you get it free!

Of course I tried everything! It was so thrilling to create my own yogurt cup and weigh it with the anticipation of hoping to reach that 10 ounce scale! I had some mango, banana and some strawberry shortcake. My friend had cheesecake, cookies n cream and chocolate! I was overjoyed to spend quality time with her. I love Yogurtland because it is fantastic for sharing chit chat with family and friends! We raced to the scale and we were one ounce away from the prize! We decided to fill our cup again and weighed in but we were one ounce over the top! Nevertheless, it was some good yogurt with the milky flavours like chocolate being simply decadent and the fruity flavors being light and sweet. I reveled at the fact that eating so many different flavours did not leave a bad after taste nor did it make me feel queasy! Undoubtedly, it changed my mood and I almost changed my name to Bliss because it evoked pure contentment!

Thank you Yogurtland you certainly fulfilled my expectations and even a little more.

You will forever have a special place in my heart for making Trinidad and Tobago relish in this new experience of healthy eating without guilty feelings!

xoxo

Let’s Go Trinidad and Tobago!

REPRESENT!