#trinidad – Page 6 – Travel With A Purpose

Salt N Pepper – The Review

Posted on June 12, 2015by admin

Salt N Pepper is conveniently located in Shoppes of Maraval near to Papa John’s. The restaurant is relatively new just opening in November 2014. They serve Indian and Pakistani cuisine. Their serving portions are quite reasonable and their rates are comparable. Whilst this is not a huge restaurant it fits the description of a more intimate and updated take out/walk in type of set up. The customer still gets waiter service if they decide to dine in. One should note that gluten free and fodmap dieters can comfortably eat at Salt N Pepper. My order was some aloo paratha which I requested gluten free paratha. Their food was good. Yet again I am amazed at the clear distinction between Indian paratha and Trinidadian paratha as they are two totally different things. I have zero complaints about their staff as they were helpful and attentive.

My suggestions

The restaurant is fairly new and their focus seems to be creating authentic and quality food. I feel as though a few more things could have been done. Of course I am not judging because maybe these things will be rolled out as part of their strategic plan or even marketing plan in the future. But let us not be oblivious to the fact that I have been in marketing, hospitality and tourism for a minimum of eight years.

Ambiance: I loved the look it is almost like an Indian diner (the Indian version of the American diner). However, dining out is an experience and even diners set the mood and tone with some music. I would have loved to feel immersed in India while dining. This would have added some vibe and pulled some patrons to return or visit for this experience.

Staff: The staff is so sweet and kind. Whilst I noted only two persons I did hear faint Indian accents echoing from the kitchen. I would have loved to at least interacted at some point with authentic Indian staff to make me feel as if I really went to India without leaving Trinidad. Perhaps this can be implemented where a staff member maintains a role to visit the dining customers when they are eating and simply ask about the customer’s dining experience. Another idea is to interact with the customer by serving them or retrieving their plates.

Marketing: Social media, word of mouth, print advertisement seems to be the “run of the mill” with their advertising. I am not too sure how an average day is gauged in terms of number of patrons and dollars. But during my time there which was just after lunch I only saw about ten persons including myself and a friend. I completely understand that their space is small but I believe marketing is about racking up those numbers. I suggest they tap into product differentiation and try other target markets. I did notice there is some advertisement of similar services offered on their website but I am curious about their leads and follow up on this. They can explore collaboration as a supplier for expos (career fairs, school events or industrial events) and catering for industrial meetings (the industrial sector is forever flooded with meetings and tea plates or snack boxes). They can investigate a partnership with Eat 868 the local gourmet delivery service. Nonetheless this is the digital era and so much can be done for free with access to social media platforms. It basically takes some time to just be creative and plan ways of connecting with the target market and keeping them up to date with the happenings of the restaurant from menu changes to deals and closing times.

https://www.facebook.com/saltnpepper/info?tab=page_info

http://www.saltnpeppertt.com/

Well that’s my two cents they can take it or leave it. Notwithstanding, Salt N Pepper has the right formula. Their food is good and once the product is top notch and the service is okay this model can function. However, this is the world of business so room for improvement will set Salt N Pepper apart from its competitors. Trinidad already has quite a few Indian restaurants. Although they are located in several parts of the country clear distinctions in a well marketed brand will determine whether the clients choose the competitors over Salt N Pepper.

So if you have not been there yet…

Go check them out and take some friends with you!

xoxo

Let’s Go Trinidad and Tobago

Chimichanga- Mexican Fast Food in Trinidad

Posted on April 11, 2015by admin

A Chimichanga can best be described as a deep fried burrito. However the Chimichanga I speak about is an orange food cart that is situated on “the cross” or Cross Crossing in San Fernando. It is found closest to the Kenson Institute just before the traffic lights if you are exiting JTA Supermarket. Also it is usually the last food cart at the end of the food strip of huts. It can also be the first hut if you are driving up the strip just after Kenson heading towards the JTA Supermarket. There you will find a brightly coloured hut named “Chimichanga” and you can find a park as close as possible to it if you are driving. They are open on Fridays and Saturdays from 7 pm – 11 pm.

The menu at Chimichanga consists of burrito bowls, tacos and burritos. The rates vary for different items. The prices range from TTD$25.00 – TTD$40.00. They are very organized from ordering, production to customer service delivery. The surroundings are clean. The team that works there is outfitted in Chimichange t-shirts which differentiates them for bringing a level of professionalism, marketing, branding and courtesy to restaurant operations even on a cart. There is a certain synergy of passion and love for what they do that should not go unmentioned because it is felt when this same energy is transferred to the customers.

My order consisted of a fish burrito wrap and chicken tacos (soft shell). The burrito comprised of Mexican rice, black beans, shredded cabbage, corn, salsa, lime, pepper, sour cream, chips and fish. The tacos were stuffed with chicken, vegetables, salsa, corn, sour cream, cheese and chips. Usually guacamole is added but my friend opted for its omission to the tacos. Both items were delectable bursting with colour, zest, flavour and so much excitement packed into a wrap! Yet, I noticed that the chips sprinkled on the burritos, tacos as well as the wraps and shells themselves were prepackaged (I know some people who go ballistic over the authenticity of food including myself). All the other items seemed to have been home cooked which contributed to a realistic Mexican appeal even the fish. However, I do understand the model of their business and the need to use prepackaged taco shells and burrito wraps because of the fast food pace, storage, cook time and the list goes on.

Chimichanga is a recent addition to the food strip in the south land and hopefully it continues to be a star attraction there. It brings diversity and cultural value to the destination Trinidad. I highly recommend that you try them out if you have not done so already. After my first purchase there I can definitely say it won’t be my last. The food is as vibrant and impressive as the Mexican culture and people. It is simply amazing that even though some of the former inhabitants of Trinidad were from Latin America that today we can still share in the celebration of their lifestyle through their food.

Contact Chimichanga today!

https://www.facebook.com/chimichanga.trinidad/timeline?ref=page_internal

1-868-780 – 6954

COCO Dance Festival

Posted on October 3, 2014by admin

The COCO Dance Festival began in 2009 with dance professionals and founders Nancy Herrera, Sonja Dumas, Nicole Wesley and Dave Williams. This festival gives choreographers and dance professionals the opportunity to pioneer approaches to choreography and explore contemporary and post modern forms of dance. Moreover, there is much space to experiment with dance aesthetics. This festival is a dynamic force for propelling the Trinidad and Tobago Dance Industry. It fosters the development of collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches in the production of art, performance and lecture with The University of the West Indies and the University of Trinidad and Tobago’s dance programmes. Basically, it offers mentorship for emerging choreographers by giving them a professional platform for performance and experimentation with direction for development as their steward.

(NeoIndigenA – Santee Smith)

So far the work of founders as well as creative art and dance professionals from Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Canada and the U.S.A have been showcased. This year the festival has a guest cast of the New York Battery Dance Company (supported by the Embassy of the United States of America), The University of South Florida’s Dance Program, The University Dance Company of Texas Tech University (supported by Texas Tech University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts). The COCO screening committee also chose Akuzuru, Brittany Williams, Deliece Knights, Jacob Cino, Jelae Stroude-Mitchell, Jillene Forde, Juan- Pablo Alba- Dennis, Kinesha Charleau, Sade Chance and Santee Smith to perform. The COCO community outreach programme has selected finalists from the Prime Minister’s Best Village Trophy competition to make their contribution. Other dance entities participating include Ibis Dance Company directed by Sherma Burke, New Edition by Jodie Daniel, Eh Beh Oui Don Don directed by Kizzy Murray. founders and directors like Sonja Dumas and Dave Williams will also feature their work.

(Summer Fall – Sean Scantlebury – New York Battery Dance Company)

The calendar of activities include a free film series( four french films in collaboration with L’Alliance Francaise), the annual COCO awards and the COCO Dance Festival programme of performances. There is also the community outreach initiative with a series of master dance classes that are being facilitated by local and foreign dance professionals at TTD$40.00 per class. The types of dance forms include contemporary modern, contemporary Amerindian, Zena Rommet Floor Barre and Modern African Caribbean techniques. The COCO Dance Festival itinerary starts on Friday October 3, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. (inclusive of the COCO Awards). On Saturday October 4, 2014 there will be outdoor/indoor spatial presentation at 6:30 p.m. However, showtime is at 7:30 p.m. On Sunday October 5, 2014 there is an outdoor/indoor spatial presentation at 5:30 p.m with showtime at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are only TTD$100.00. They are available at Alliance Francaise, The Bread Basket in St. Ann’s and Woodbrook, participating choreographers and Queen’s Hall.

(Oshe – Sherma Burke – Ibis Dance Company)

After being invited to attend the dress rehearsal for the COCO Dance Festival last evening at the Queen’s Hall we realize the commitment that this country (public and private stakeholders) has made to its creative arts industry. This is not to be taken lightly. An industry can only grow and develop further from partnership, collaboration, stakeholder relationship, excellent quality and quantity of resources, zero tolerance for laissez faire attitudes, an ambition to improve, a strong recognition for standards and their maintenance of them. They identify that dance is an art form and like true connoisseurs of this art form Sonja Dumas and her team appreciate that there is no room for sub standards. Rehearsal after rehearsal they must get it right because the international stage is watching. But this is not the only reason. Aside from the fact that this is the social media era where any click on a camera phone literally puts Trinidad and Tobago on the map Sonja and everyone participating must ensure that quality of production is up to par because this affects end result of production.

(Intomergence – Jeane Travers)

The design thinking behind costumes, choreography, musical arrangements, programme structure all tie together to evoke emotions and convey the visionary’s (committee’s ) concept. Last evening, locals and foreigners performed on the same stage. There was a high rank of execution and delivery to the audience. However, there was enough clarity to distinguish among the Caribbean, American and Canadian dance professionals. Simply, each contingent owned their dance aesthetic identity which is most important in any art form. I could not choose a favourite for the night because they were all exceptional. They communicated a plethora of undertones; love, happiness, sadness, pain, struggle, freedom,celebration and so much more which were easily identifiable. The couples, solos, trios, groups were all on point. Their exchange and collaboration made for the perfect night allowing the viewers to vicariously live through their performance. (Yes it was that authentic even though we were just observing!) Yet, it was the design management of the production that allowed for the COCO Dance Festival to be identified as such a superior creative arts brand in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean.

(Striking – Jacob Cino)

Overall, the advent of training sessions, the exposure to foreign work and these outstanding dance personas, the support of local dance institutes, production companies, the passion for dance and the national pride exist to promote the art form as an international brand with its distinct aesthetic. They signify advance development for the creative arts sector in Trinidad and Tobago. The “powers that be” should carefully consider the magnanimous implications of future development and promotion of the creative arts sector. The COCO Dance Festival is already a box office hit. One can only suggest that creative arts as a solution to the migraine of diversification in Trinidad and Tobago (an ironically already diverse destination) would result in the catapulting of a more sustainable and stronger economy.

So what are you still waiting for?

Go get your tickets!

Don’t miss out on this experience!

https://www.facebook.com/COCODanceFest

Thank you Liza Miller ( Estuary PR)

for your invite to cover

The COCO Dance Festival

xoxo

Let’s Go Trinidad and Tobago

Fashion Therapy – #IAM

Posted on September 16, 2014by admin

Fashion Therapy is a worldwide phenomenon that has deep roots in retail therapy, wearapy and art therapy. Retail therapy is a confession of almost every human being. Often we splurge on at least one item that we use to make us feel better by increasing self esteem and confidence. Do you give the gift of fashion? Do you love to help others through your profession or personal accord of styling, make up art , designing, shopping ? Do you practice those “do it yourself” tutorials revolutionizing your old sandals, accessories, creating turbans, head wraps from scarfs and scraps of cloth? Do you do this with your “besties” ? Well consider yourself part of the movement. What movement?! I’m sorry I meant the lifestyle. Yes, the lifestyle to incorporate healthy stress relieving activities into your monotonous and hectic schedule.

Back it up!!!

Multi millionaire divorcee Mouna Ayoub spent more than 500,000 pounds a year on designer clothing. She was married to billionaire Nasser Al Rashid in 1979. Then she used clothes as a form of retail and fashion therapy during her years in the isolated environment of the Saudi Arabian marriage. She is even quoted as saying, “Fashion became my medicine- my only way out of a very restricted life,” (Rose and Allen, Teenagers Get Fashion Therapy). Another concept, wearapy is a term coined by television personality and style expert Jeannie Mai. She is quoted explaining wearapy as her psychology of style, “colours, textures and the way we reveal our body shape can enhance, reflect and effect our every mood and thought. Fashion has the power to fuel our souls and create a specific audience of energy in our lives,” (Style Bistro, Jeannie Mai Dissects 10 Celebrity Styles).

There is further proof that fashion therapy is functional. The Arthur Centre at the University Hospital of Marseilles offers patients the opportunity to dress up in designer wear to raise self esteem and treat adolescent problems like anorexia and depression. It was noted that after the adolescents try on the designer clothes they are proud of their bodies again. There is reinforcement of positive behavior and extinction of negative behavior by trying to wean the teenagers off the behavior that is associated with their condition. Research at this unit has discovered that clothes are symptomatic to certain diseases. Bulimics prefer darker clothes and anorexics choose larger sizes. Hence bulimics are weaned to wear brighter colours. Soon the therapists notice progress when the teenagers start trying on clothes and progressing towards positive behavior. Then they leave the center. The center’s annual report of the first year has already indicated significant success (Rose and Allen, Teenagers Get Fashion Therapy).

But wait there is more… fashion is a form of creative art and design so it is also a form of art therapy (Oh yes it is!!). The American Art Therapy Association defines art therapy as “a mental health profession that uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical , mental and emotional well being of individuals of all ages. It is based on the belief that the creative process involved in artistic self expression helps people to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior , reduce stress, increase self esteem and self awareness, and achieve insight,”(Cherry, What is Art Therapy). Basically thoughts, images, perceptions, feelings and imagination from the inner self are coerced to emerge from inhibition through art sessions of sculpting, painting, drawing and collage making.

In Trinidad there is music therapy (Jamal Glynn), play therapy (Healing with Horses) and art therapy (Sian MacLean) but there is certainly a prevalence of fashion therapy although it is not formalized. We love to dress up and change up our look to events, home gatherings, school, work, church, other religious associations and jaunts to the supermarket or Sunday market. There are local fashion markets (RackedTT), creative markets( Upmarket, ThingsTT), local designer boutiques (Woodbrook is becoming the local fashion district) and enough resources to acquire textiles (Jimmy Aboud The Textile King), accessories, embellishments (beadcafe) to create your own outfits and start designing your own look or enhancing it. There are local beauty and hair care brands such as Sacha Cosmetics, Immortelle Beauty, Cher Mere. Infinite independent make up artists with easy access tutorials online help you change up your look (allyuh know I not joking when I say infinite almost everyone of you reading this knows at least one local make up artist).

So in addition to your extra glass of Cabernet Sauvignon try some fashion therapy. The shopping for clothes, shoes, accessories, their inherent textures, colours, cuts, styles, the act of creating and reinventing your old outfits, personal appearance through make up, hair and nail art are just as therapeutic. Whether you do this alone, in groups or as a couple (yes this is not just for you ladies!) you have given yourself the freedom of expression of identity and the release of your pent up stress and anxiety.

So now that you know this is serious business and “pinky swear” with me not to take fashion therapy for granted (lol okay you don’t have to do it…it was just a figure of speech). But in future try not to bail on the next shopping spree, make over or reconsider going out because you take hours styling your OOTD (Outfit of the Day) or OOTN (Outfit of the Night). You might want to think about that favor you would be doing yourself. Oh and guys give the ladies a break and don’t hassle them when they take their time. It is merely because women are more emotional beings. They are trying to express themselves through their clothes and sense of style. The process of choosing an outfit is a detailed process that requires revisiting how certain colours and textures make them feel about themselves. This is unpredictable and can take from ten minutes to about an hour or more. So either learn a lesson from them, join them in this stress relieving venture or give them their time. Trust me it is definitely going to be worth your while in the long run.

Here are some useful links below

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-11932/Teenagers-fashion-therapy.html

http://www.stylebistro.com/How+Do+I+Look+-+Jeannie+Mai+Dissects+10+Celebrity+Styles

http://psychology.about.com/od/psychotherapy/f/art-therapy.htm

#fashiontherapytt

Let’s Go Trinidad and Tobago