#trinidadandtobago – Page 3 – Travel With A Purpose

No Room for Cultural Appropriation – The Hakka Express

Posted on August 8, 2016by admin

When discussions of food takes place Trinbagonian people in particular become quite passionate. It is such a touchy subject (no pun intended). People often get quite intimate to describe their love affair with their favourite food, their detrimental journey fasting from it, their lack of behavior when gorging on their delectable treats. Some people get so extreme you can immediately visualize them as movie character Smeagol to Gollum hoarding their food and screeching, “my precious”. Jeez people take it down a notch! Okay I am just kidding it is your life to live after all and not mine! But do not take for granted your luck to be born in a multicultural nation, Trinidad and Tobago. There are so many variations of ethnic food in this country yet little to zero discrimination or offense taken from preparation, cooking or consumption in comparison to other nations. This is why I say there is no room for cultural appropriation but cultural appreciation for Hakka as even this type of food can be embraced in the safest haven for culture in the Caribbean and possibly the world.

(Photo Credit: Hakka Facebook)

My first experience with Hakka cuisine took place a few months ago at The Shoppes of Maraval branch. Now if you are familiar with The Shoppes of Maraval you will understand how challenging it is to choose somewhere to dine as there are so many options and so little parking at peak “hungry man/woman” hours. Nonetheless, The Hakka Express is fairly new there so if you are one of those persons who likes to try new cuisine you may more than likely be motivated to try Hakka unless you are pulled down by the centre of gravity to buy your same old lunch time special. Perhaps you are more like me and leave The Shoppes of Maraval with purchases from Hakka and another food outlet.

(Photo Credit: Hakka Facebook )

Regardless, I chose Hakka because I fell for their history of origin story. It is said that over a hundred years ago a tribe of Chinese persons called the Hakka people travelled to Calcutta, India and settled in a village called Tangra. It was there that the fusion of traditional Chinese cuisine, Indian spices and Indian ingredients began to take place and the Hakka food was born. The graphic design for the Hakka Express logo is electrifying and bold boasting of the strength of the people, the warmth of their service and the fiery blends of their gastronomy that hit your palate with a tasty yet feisty kick. I chose spicy noodles, deep fried chili eggplant and peppery shrimp (not the actual names of the food ). The service was impeccable and the prices were reasonable if you decide to go with a two portion combo or any of the combos. However, if you are feeling to splash the cash a bit more then you will discover that the entire menu is your playground to do just that. Overall, The Hakka Express maintained a clean, friendly and safe ambience great for their target market of walk ins with kids, families, couples and friends. Usually, they are open every day from 11 a.m.

(Photo Credit: Hakka Facebook)

(Photo Credit: S3Mini ) (Noodles, Eggplant and Shrimp)

(Photo Credit: S3Mini) (Hakka Express Take Away Box)

If you would like to find out more about The Hakka Express see below.

https://www.facebook.com/Hakka-Restaurant-Bar-307368162647835/home

http://hakkarestaurant.com/

International Celebrity Beauty Expert, Neema Ali, Searches For The Caribbean’s Next Millennial Makeup Artists

Posted on May 25, 2016by admin

International celebrity beauty expert, Neema Ali of Kreating New Faces.

May 24, 2016 – Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago… In a bold move to expand the US-based celebrity brand, Kreating New Faces (KNF), throughout the Caribbean, renowned makeup artist, Neema Ali, will host a Trinidad and Tobago casting for makeup artists. The twin-island’s entertainment, film, fashion, music and creative fraternities will soon welcome its newest elite member with the fast-approaching launch of the award-winning KNF. The first round of castings will take place on Saturday May 28, 2016 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the brow and makeup salon, Ultimate Beauty Queen.

Ali’s flawless finish on author and speaker, Lakia “LB” Brandenburg aka “The Wife Coach”, at a March 2016 promotional photo shoot. Photo courtesy Lakia Brandenburg.

The makeup artist, male groomer, stylist, image consultant, educator, motivational speaker and life and wellness coach eagerly shared, “I have a wealth of knowledge and expertise to impart. I look forward to nurturing a cadre of trustworthy, business savvy, talented and highly creative professionals who deliver the highest standards in service while using beauty to create platforms for self-love, self-worth and appreciation.”

Ali does on-set makeup application for calypsonian, Karene Asche, at a recent photo shoot. Photo courtesy estuary PR.

Ali attends to every detail on-set at a recent photo shoot with Dr. Hollis “Chalkdust” Liverpool. Photo courtesy estuary PR.

With over 20 years of experience consulting in the beauty industry in the United States of America (USA), Ali has amassed an extensive résumé of accomplishments. Most notably, through the Teknique Group, she was the on-set makeup artist and hair stylist for five seasons spanning three years of the number one hit reality TV series, VH1’s Love & Hip Hop: New York and Atlanta. During this time, Ali’s celebrity looks were known to go viral with widespread recreation of makeup by fans globally.

Ali’s TV accolades also include makeup artistry for Dr. Heavenly Kimes during Season 3 of Bravo’s Married to Medicine. She also executed on-set makeup for Season 1 of VH1’s Gossip Game and on-camera makeup for Tasha Marbury during Season 5 of VH1’s Basketball Wives. Her glamourous makeup artistry has been sought out by a host of celebrities for red carpet events including TV One’s Jennifer Williams for the 2016 NAACP Image Awards; actress Garcelle Beauvais for the 2015 ESSENCE Festival; and poet Erica Mena for the 2014 BET Hip Hop Awards. Other red carpet credentials include a glamour suite for the 2014 BET Awards.

Male grooming behind the scenes with Ali and calypsonian, Chucky Gordon, at a recent photo shoot. Photo courtesy estuary PR.

Ali’s flawless finishes can also be seen in promotional photos for TV One’s Here We Go Again and the movie, Dead Beat Dad Rehab 2. In former years, Ali executed runway makeup for the Season 11 Finale of Project Runway during New York Fashion Week 2013. That same year, she did a three-city tour with international cosmetics brand, Cover Girl, for Taylor Swift. Ali launched her career in the world of beauty as one of MAC Cosmetics east coast Operations Managers in the USA.

Makeup artists interested in mentoring under Ali are invited to attend the first round of castings where they will be required to create their best look in twenty minutes. All applicants are asked to walk with their makeup kits, a model for creating their look and a résumé. There is a registration fee of TT $350.00 per applicant. For more information, join the Facebook (FB) event at http://x2t.com/KreatingNewFacesTTCasting or connect with KNF on IG @kreatingnewfaces or email kreatingnewfaces@gmail.com. Connect with Neema Ali on IG and Twitter @iamneemaali. To book Neema Ali, contact Liza Miller of estuary PR at liza@estuaryPR.com or (868) 367-5295.

WHAT: Kreating New Faces TT Makeup Artist Casting – Round 1

WHO: Celebrity makeup artist, Neema Ali, of Kreating New Faces

WHEN: Saturday May 28, 2016 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

WHERE: Ultimate Beauty Queen, Suite 25, A&A Mall, Charlotte Street, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

REGISTRATION: TT $350.00. Walk with makeup kits, a model for creating one look and an up-to-date résumé.

Ali applies last minute touches as she prepares Lord Superior on the set of a recent photo shoot. Photo courtesy estuary PR.

For booking and media inquiries, please contact:

Liza Miller, Managing Director

estuary PR Limited

Phone: (868) 367-5295 / (868) 761-1195

Email: liza@estuaryPR.com

www.estuaryPR.com

The Best Weekend Ever is Not Coachella

Posted on March 19, 2016by admin

The world over is getting ready for The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Annual Festival (affectionately called Coachella). It is held at the Coachella Valley in the Colorado Desert. It is the most talked about event for spring breakers, hippies, wannabe hippies, cultural/art enthusiasts and celebrities. It’s a time when Spring fashion trends come out of their hiatus to thrill the gawking fashionistas and stylists with inspiration. If you have no idea what I am talking about perhaps you recall North West’s first birthday bash. She enjoyed a Coachella themed party hosted by the Kardashian tribe.

Perhaps you remember these photos of Selena Gomez and her “besties” enjoying the raves with top notch and small bands performing in genres from hip hop, rock, independent and electronic dance music whilst sparking fashion trends. Well either way this year Coachella takes place from April the 15th to April 24th 2016. So I guess it may be safe to say Coachella does not happen over the weekend so it can never be the best weekend ever (it actually spans a rough two weeks and). Moreover, the world over that has been there and done that are looking for something new to experience.

Why?
Well some of you are looking for a more intimate, cultured experience. You want to expose yourselves to new culture, cuisine, creative art, music and people. Also some of you would rather relish in doing this amid the backdrop of an exotic island whilst still “doing good” by following sustainable principles and best practices there. In addition, celebrating peace, love and unity with family, old friends and new ones all in one weekend getaway may just be your ‘cup of tea.’

Where am I taking you?
So let me introduce you to your next festival destination, a twin island state called Trinidad and Tobago. It is the most cosmopolitan island in the West Indies. It is the most southern island at the end of the chain of the West Indies close to the Amazon Forest and Venezuela. It is one of the few places on this planet where the locals are bonded by their love for culture in different ethnic cuisines, music, festivals and celebrations. This tropical island boasts of vibrant and infinite talent in their creative industry; fashion, music, art, food and even fun.

In fact, there is an organization in Trinidad called New Fire which is responsible for curating a series of musical concerts each month to showcase new music and progressive culture. New Fire is an initiative under the non-profit social enterprise called The Trinidad and Tobago Bridge Initiative. This year they are putting their mark on the local festival scene to promote a signature of theirs called New Fire Festival 2016. The team at New Fire has dubbed it, “The Best Weekend Ever”.

New Fire Festival 2016 is carded for 26th and 27th of March 2016 at Sanderson Park in Freeport Trinidad. The event promises outstanding live performances, outdoor camping (under the stars ), yoga, a midnight rave and a local shopping market featuring artisans, artists and fashion. There will be family zones, a pottery talkshop, a drum circle and musical acts from reggae to rock. All of the activities at New Fire Festival are pitted on the concept of sustainability. This includes upcycled shopping but is certainly not limited to that alone. Patrons interested in purchasing food are advised to bring reusable food containers as the New Fire team wants to reduce as much waste as they can that may harm the environment.

The partners for this event are also keepers and leaders of organizations that promote sustainability. Some of these include Wa Samaki Ecosystems (permaculture restoration), Upmarket (artisan market), Sun Eaters Organics (high quality local food products and gourmet chocolate), Soular (plantain and cocoa nibs), Sonara Sound Therapy, INIPIS (sustainable human involved planetary systems), I Am Movement (distributing information and providing workshop facilitators), Anugraha Yoga, Akasha Studio and Destination Chocolate.

There are different types of tickets available. Persons can choose from various options the type of experiences they mostly prefer and enjoy.If you would like to find out more on tickets and about The Best Weekend Ever then please have a look at the links below.
(w): http://www.newfireworld.com/
(e): newfirett@gmail.com
(fb): https://www.facebook.com/events/430322497165733/

So whatever you decide I wish you the best weekend ever!!!

xoxo

Let’s Go Trinidad and Tobago