Trini Christmas Wishlist – To Taste

Trinidad and Tobago is a true diamond in the rough with a topography that retained some of the rainforests and biodiversity from its South American neighbours before the Pangea split. This southernmost twin island republic is situated just outside the hurricane belt. This means the destination has been fortunate to avoid the wrath of cataclysmic storms and hurricanes during the tyranny of the rainy season. The destination was formerly inhabited by native Amerindians; the Tainos and the Kalinagos. They would soon fall under the ‘protection’ of the Spanish colonizers. European settlers like the French, the Portugese and the Dutch also become part of the changing demographic before its final ownership and freedom from its British colonizers. India, Africa, China and the Middle East would soon call Trinidad their new home before the destination gained their independence in 1962. Today, the country is a diverse blend of cosmopolitan races and ethnicities enriched by tradition and cultural practices. It is this blended ancestral lineage that births an indescribable energy which serves as the impetus for creativity and innovation. Unmistakably, this is evident in the design of Trinidad Carnival, the fashion and creative experiences within the lingering notes of the  island's music and the delicate balance of flavour in the destination's sumptuous cuisine.

Christmas in Trinidad and Tobago is another opportunity for visitors to truly experience the warmth of the destination and the multifaceted Trini Christmas menu. Caribbean islands share similarities in the historical origins of some of the items that appear on the Trini Christmas menu. Trinidad Black Cake is a dense and moist fruitcake darkened by homemade or store bought browning. Its origins are traced to the British colonizers and their savoir faire for plum pudding. Pastelle is another tradition. It is similar to the Latin American tamale but quite different in the complexity of its preparation, pressing and wrapping process. It has several origins with stories of its arrival from the cocoa panyols (the Venezuelans who came to work on the cocoa estates) , the native Amerindians and even bearing a resemblance to a cooking technique shared by African and European settlers. The same cocoa panyols are credited for the ponche de crème/ponche ah crème. Unlike the Venezuelan’s thickly constituted ponche crema, the Trini adaptation is a thinner yet smooth and creamy libation of Trinidad rum, milk, eggs, sweetened condense milk or sugar, homegrown spices like nutmeg and a hint of lime zest. The flavour dimensions of ponche de crème is guaranteed to intrigue and excite the senses every year.

The older folks are keen on their ginger beer popularized by the Spice War and also bearing British birthrights. The ginger crop was brought to Trinidad and has survived to date. The classic ginger beer exists with its fermented starter base but Trinis have added their own twist with the addition of cinnamon spice sticks, nutmeg and aniseed. Finally, there is a Trini Christmas condiment that packs a full flavour punch but often goes underestimated and overlooked. Picalilli or chow chow is a relish of combined vegetables and sometimes fruits sharing a similar pickled taste to its British relative Picalilli. This condiment has been manufactured and packaged by Matouks and it is available at most leading supermarkets nationwide. It usually accompanies a serving of ham and hops bread, pastelles and more. The seasoning, flavouring and fusion methods of preparation and creative experimenting transforms the taste of Trini Christmas.

The gastronomy of Trini Christmas is further elevated by Trini entrepreneurs and professionals in their various culinary fields. They were forged from the birthplace of fusion culture and now they champion culinary innovations backed by patriotism, passion for the culinary arts and premium quality ingredients and high standard processes. They continue to push the limitless boundaries of their craft and stand out in their respective culinary professions.

Here are our Editor’s 6 picks for The Christmas Wish List – To Taste

Cocobel Chocolate

This architect turned chocolatier is taking her award winning chocolate making to higher heights. In addition to her chocolate creations this year Isabel Brash has released yet another alluring Trini Christmas dessert menu that is tempting everyone to treat themselves this Christmas. These gourmet delicacies save time and energy. All the hard work is already done and readily available for pick up with carefully sculpted and hand painted culinary delights. The options are so divine that there is a 100 % guarantee that each item will be a rock star to that Trini Christmas office party or that Christmas breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner party that begs for a gourmet facelift. These items are novel housewarming gifts and act as an exceptional ice breaker to the homes of the dreaded ‘in laws’ (especially if they have a sweet tooth you know you will instantly be dubbed a ‘keeper’). Cocobel’s Christmas desserts are always gone in the blink of an eye so place those orders early for pick up at Cocobel Chocolate located on #37 Fitt Street in Woodbrook Port of Spain just upstairs from The Medulla Art Gallery.

Dreamy Creamy Ice Cream Company

Craig Smith’s local family owned ice cream brand is a beloved favourite for locals and tourists. International culinary enthusiasts rave that this family owned ice cream is on par with Italy’s best gelato. Fans familiar with the regular menu can attest to Dreamy Creamy’s cheeky ice cream names, their gratuitous serving sizes and their availability in several leading supermarkets and shops nationwide. This year, Dreamy Creamy’s Trini Christmas ice cream flavours are back on the menu and they are going pretty fast. Visitors or Trini Christmas ‘bantons’ wishing to snag a cup, a cone, a liter or two must act now. This is a great addition to the Christmas menu for kids and adults alike. Conveniently located on Saddle Road Maraval, Coffee Street San Fernando and S.S. Erin Road Debe Penal, these are the best gifts for the ice cream aficionado in your life.

L’eau Pont Winery

Red hibiscus is brewed into a drink that the Caribbean has long consumed on their Christmas menu. Trinis call this red drink Sorrel and serve it ‘on the rocks’. A local winery has captured the rich full bodied flavour of the red hibiscus in a classy bottle of port wine. This perfect Christmas gift is available for direct order and pick up at selected wine shops locally. This sorrel port is almost always sold out every year for those who are too late in their Christmas shopping. It is the quintessential wine that accompanies a delectable Christmas dinner and even the right dessert pairing. For the daring home chefs, it is an accoutrement to their specially designed gourmet Christmas menu.

Tami’s Dee - lightful Ponche de Crème

The art of making Ponche de crème or Ponche ah Crème comes with a learning curve. It is okay to admit this minor defeat in the kitchen and leave this skill to the experts like Tamara from Tami’s Dee-lightful Ponche de Crème. By Trini birthright, she understands the dexterity of fusion food and beverage and its industry. In addition, to the original flavour of Ponche de crème she offers her moniker in a collection of holiday flavours for ponche de crème lovers. Her unforgettable creations are available in several sizes and for this reason they are perfect as a gift for visitors and an excellent choice to serve at the Christmas office party or Trini Christmas lime.

Gina’s Chocolates

Trinidad has award winning chocolatiers like Gina Hardy.  Gina’s Chocolates is an artisan chocolate brand with Gina at the helm. She has perfected the divine art of chocolate making to the point that the discerning food critics can distinguish, award and celebrate the difference. Visitors to the island and locals looking for that signature gift for that special someone can look no further. Gina’s Chocolates has launched fifteen of their best chocolate truffles since opening shop and they are all available in boxes of several quantities. She has also designed some fun stocking stuffers with individually wrapped chocolate coins available in a variety of flavours. This season her fine flavour chocolates include Trini Christmas fillings that will surprise and satiate the taste buds of everyone from the untrained palette to the chocolate critic to the foodie adventurer. For anyone who has a fear of missing out, orders are to be placed early for pick up before or by the allotted deadline.

Cheesecake House TT

Visitors no longer have to wait until they get to another world famous factory with this namesake to enjoy cheesecake. The culinary entrepreneur has been throwing cheesecake parties ever since she can remember in New York and Trinidad. Jineal Chichester has as much passion and flair for cheesecake as her adoring cheesecake fans. Her discipline and training as a former graduate of the University of the West Indies and a former Royal Naval Officer does not permit her to shy away from her endeavors and her creativity. Trini blood flows through her creative veins so much so that classic Trini Christmas flavours have become a staple in her innovative cheesecake cones, shakes and slices. The diaspora and visitors to Trinidad and Tobago don’t leave without visiting her food truck at Cross Crossing in San Fernando and they never fail to place their orders to pick up. Dessert lovers have already adopted Cheesecake House TT as a staple to their Trini Christmas menu.

Maria’s Bakery – Designer’s View & Foodie’s Experience

 

Cookies

Photo Credit: Maria’s Bakery


Gluten Free Banana Bread

Photo Credit: Maria’s Bakery

Have you ever heard the expression “ kid in a candy store” ? I think it perfectly describes the expression of pure bliss on anyone’s face. I believe this statement totally sums up my expression when I enter a bakery.  I remember my childhood sweetened with memories of the bakery vans speeding through the community and my many jaunts to their store front. This was way before the café concept was introduced to Trinidad.  During my college days (aka the best days of my life #sororitylife) bakeries in Trinidad were not trending as much with the evolving generation. Café concept shops  emerged and this was the beginning of an almost never ending fascination. Entrepreneurs, artisans and chefs looked on at this and I could feel some creative genius bubbling.

Christmas Menu

Photo Credit: Maria’s Bakery

Fast forward to post college years and I find Trinidad’s creative entrepreneurs taking advantage of the opportunity to merge the public’s demand for fusion concepts (makes sense as we are a fusion culture after all).  The public wants to reconnect with something reminiscent of the past but something that is designed for modern day lifestyle (and instagram). I believe this is what makes Maria’s Bakery the crème de la crème in finding their business brand’s sweet spot and making it worth their while and yours too.

Traditional “Trini” Christmas Plates

Photo Credit: Maria’s Bakery

Bake and  Saltfish Buljol

Photo Credit: Maria’s Bakery

The Designer’s View

Please excuse me as I go on my interior design binge here (I can’t help it). Design is not just aesthetically pleasing but functional too. It is a critical success factor in my opinion as it is used to create a space that will be inhabited or experienced by one or more persons at any given time. Hence it is crucial to pay heed to design as it significantly impacts the lives of those who immerse themselves in any created place. My review is on Maria’s Bakery, the St. Augustine branch.  St. Augustine is the smallest of the branches. It is a convenient “grab and go” space. Each location carries their signature logo and look so the brand essence resonates with the customer when they do a “walk in” to any Maria’s Bakery branch. There is strategic placement of item display bins. The showcase is coordinated in a visually appealing manner and it allows easy movement of the lines of sight. I appreciate the thought given to spatial planning in this location as it relates to the customer service blueprint in terms of the customer who walks in, chooses an item, approaches the cashier, makes a purchase and departs.

Store Front of Maria’s Bakery , St. Augustine

Photo Credit: Samsung Galaxy 7

Back End of Maria’s Bakery , St. Augustine

Photo Credit: Samsung Galaxy 7

I welcome the mix of achromatic and monochromatic colour schemes as well as the pops of colour. The executed mix appeals to a warm vibe. Brown tones are masculine but not harsh as they transition and evoke feelings of strength and stability. This is seen in the menu board, the exterior signage, flooring and the cabinets.  I like the use of shades of white because whilst white is the colour of innocence and cleanliness this shade does not dare appear too clinical on walls and ceilings. The hue reflects light to make the cozy location appear a bit more spacious.

Obviously thought was given to the orientation of the building where the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. Notably, the  glass doors are on the western side so the full brawn of the rising sun is not felt as much as the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. This  means a  cooler temperature is maintained during the daytime which is aided and abetted by air condition vents.  In a tropical climate  careful consideration to this is important so Maria’s Bakery does not  become weathered by sunlight exposure or become an oven (no pun intended).

Storage, is another design solution that minimizes the chances of  a warmer and  “boxed in” space. Sometimes too much clutter and or open storage in a space can make areas feel claustrophobic and appear even smaller. However,  Maria’s manages to strike the right balance as glass display bins and chillers keep items stored in sight  whilst opaque  cabinets manage to keep other items organized and out of sight. The artificial lighting sources are perfect  as they serve their function to see the displays, walking and working areas.  Nonetheless, there is so much natural light that comes in from the glass door and windows that  there is no need for too many additional light sources.

The view through glass doors of Maria’s Bakery , St. Augustine

Photo Credit: Samsung Galaxy 7

Storage Cabinets inside of Maria’s Bakery , St. Augustine

Photo Credit: Samsung Galaxy 7

I adore the strategic use and mix of architectural styles in this location. The minimal and modern styles of design for this space are  made more beautiful with the mountainous backdrop and surrounding views. There is great use of the elements of design like shapes and lines to project adjusted perceptions of space. The curved lines along the display showcase among other places  are organic and freeing which break up the structural aspects of the modular space.  I see balance in the vertical and horizontal lines used in store. The vertical lines make the space appear taller and the horizontal lines keep the space grounded evoking more intimate, comforting and safe vibes. I see more squares and rectangles in this location. I like the use of these geometric shapes as they stimulate feelings of trust, stability and equality.  The ceiling lights are squares. There are circles at the base of the display bins. The circle shape is feminine with engaging characteristics like love, power and energy. This shape also defines infinity and harmony which are needed in a space like this.

Display Bins, Bread Baskets and  Floor Finish of Maria’s Bakery , St. Augustine

 Photo Credit: Samsung Galaxy 7

The finishes used in store appear more natural and give that modern, simple, authentic yet earthy vibe. The materials used seem to be  laminate, brick/stone, wood, concrete, glass and steel. This location feels like a fusion concept gourmet bakery as a sky high stone/brick finish “chimney”  alludes to that charm of a  rustic café/bakery without compromising the modern feel of minimalistic architecture. This tall projection also draws the line of sight upward. There is  ample use of reflective and matte finishes in store.  The rhythm and repetition flows throughout this space endorsing a feeling of completion. The ceilings are lighter toned which makes the space appear bigger. Even though the floor is a darker hue to the ceiling there is balance in a space that appears to recede yet advance for an intimate vibe. The flooring at Maria’s has a matte wood grain surface. There is a blend of matte and shiny surfaces on the interior at this establishment.  At the top of the display bins some woven baskets ( filled with Maria’s signature homemade bread) add texture to the smooth  surfaces of the countertops, display bins and floors. I love the way the principles and elements of design were used to create a space and make it into a created place that enhances the experience of everyone who walks into Maria’s Bakery.

The Foodie’s Experience

On another note Maria’s Bakery products are an even bigger part of design. I love their product design as each item is handcrafted with love and attention to detail. Their products comprise of sweet and savoury goods. Their offering ranges from traditional, seasonal to gourmet items. Maria’s Bakery is a great stop for bread, breakfast, lunch and snacks.  There are soups, sandwiches, pancakes, crepes and waffles.  One can enjoy items like corn soup, bake and shark as well as gourmet treats like red velvet cookies, chocolate croissants and nutella swirl cookies. This is bakery heaven, as one has in front of them, a paradise of almost infinite choices. Thankfully there is a menu on hand so your eyes can focus on that and make an informed decision rather than dart to and from all the delectable awesomeness in front of you. Also, there is a superb variety of pies, tarts, cupcakes and cakes to pair with tea, coffee and juice of your preference. Gluten free items are also available. One can find pastelles and even fruitcake during the holiday season.  Maria’s prices are reasonable considering the time, effort and creative thought put into the design of product, service and experience. Prices start at under TT$10 and increase depending on purchase. The staff is knowledgeable of the products and services that the business offers. Employees are attentive, courteous and professional. The wait time is not long and arduous.

Blueberry Crepes

Photo Credit: Maria’s Bakery

Oreo Brownies

Photo Credit: Maria’s Bakery

Currently there are three main locations for finding Maria’s Bakery; North, South and East. An additional location will be opened soon at Piarco’s International Airport. Meanwhile patrons can look to  Port of Spain at #5 Pole Carew Street in Woodbrook to find Maria’s Bakery. The telephone contact there is 223.5050. The next stop would be alongside Republic Bank’s University of the West Indies branch in St. Augustine. The final stop is at Southpark Plaza in San Fernando. The contact at the south branch is 221.2460.   Maria’s Bakery can be found online. There are website and social media channels to follow the latest buzz on what’s baking at Maria’s as well as what promotions and deals are in store for you!

Bacon and Eggs Breakfast Plate

Photo Credit: Maria’s Bakery

 

Waffles

Photo Credit: Maria’s Bakery

Find them on facebook at

https://www.facebook.com/Marias-Bakery-157399634340644/

Find them on their website at

http://mariasbakerytt.com/