I really cannot think why I have not written about the Verandah before. This restaurant has been around for over 13 years - and the standard has always been very good. The restaurant is located on Rust Street in St.Clair, in a former home in the style of years past.
It is a pleasant, comfortable setting. The restaurant is open week days for lunch, and on Thursday and Saturday evenings for dinner. There are usually a few starters, a few entrees and a few desserts offerd - which change daily. So the menu remains interesting. The style of cooking, I describe as Caribbean with an elegant twist.
I always enjoy my meals whenever I dine there - and the service is friendly. This is one restaurant that has quietly maintained an excellent standard over the years. I always recommend to friends, and especially foreign visitors.
Yes, you should make reservations as it is popular and space is limited.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Angelo's on the Avenue
I used to be a huge fan of Angelo's and frequented the restaurant on Ariapita Avenue very regularly. I like the busy street life just outside the restaurant...all the activity around makes for an exciting atmosphere.
However in recent times, I have become disenchanted with the place. The menu needs some updating, especially for regulars like myself. And the last time we went for dinner, my friend ordered his usual entree - the seafood pasta. That night he experienced severe stomach cramps and pain - with the inevitable nausea, diarrhoea etc - which lasted for several days. This a person who very very rarely gets sick - and never from food.
Well he reallly was the biggest fan of Angelo's previously - since then, he prefers not to dine there. I do not blame him.
So I do hope Angelo's gets its act together - and put some new items on the menu, just a few will do. The present menu is getting a bit boring.
However in recent times, I have become disenchanted with the place. The menu needs some updating, especially for regulars like myself. And the last time we went for dinner, my friend ordered his usual entree - the seafood pasta. That night he experienced severe stomach cramps and pain - with the inevitable nausea, diarrhoea etc - which lasted for several days. This a person who very very rarely gets sick - and never from food.
Well he reallly was the biggest fan of Angelo's previously - since then, he prefers not to dine there. I do not blame him.
So I do hope Angelo's gets its act together - and put some new items on the menu, just a few will do. The present menu is getting a bit boring.
Monday, April 14, 2008
BLUE HAVEN Hotel, Tobago - HORRORS!!!
I know the Jazz Festival in Tobago is just a short time away, and so I decided to warn any persons even thinking of staying at the BLUE HAVEN hotel in Bacolet. I had a horrendous experience there for Jazz Festival 2007, and I am sure that things have not improved since. Not if the same "gentleman", Mr Mc Fee, is still the General Manager there.
Last year I booked my room at Blue Haven Hotel at the beginning of January - and confirmed with credit card payment. I had asked for the room that they boast about, the one where some actor had stayed many many years ago. I was assured that the requested room was booked and confirmed. I also advised the hotel that I would be arriving late the Friday night as I was going over on the last sailing of the ferry which does not reach untill about 8:00pm.
A few days before the festival, I again rang and made sure my room was confirmed and that all was well. Again I reminded them that I (and my friend) would be arriving at night on the Friday. Fine I was told. Then on the Friday when I got on the ferry,I again called the hotel to let them know that I was on my way. So what do you think happens when we arrive at the hotel?
No hotel room for us- NONE. I was so tired and mad. The receptionist asked us to 'hold on' while she checked. Of course, she came back that there was no room for us and that they had cancelled it at 4:00pm as that is their cut off time. WHAT??? Remember that I had phoned these people a few times to let them know we would be arriving Friday NIGHT. AND we had paid for the weekend in full by credit card!!! I mentioned that I had stayed at the hotel a few times before this when I had to do business there.
The General Manager then decided he would condescend to see us. He came and said that he would do us a 'favour' (IMAGINE!!!) and give us HIS room in the hotel. I told him that I had booked and paid for the special room. Mr McFee kept insisting that I would get the General Manager's room (HIS room) and that it was a favour!!! Can you imagine the gall of this man. They mess up my booking and then he insinuates that he is doing me a favour. I was mad as hell.
I must mention that his manner and tone from the beginning was condescending and patronizing - and he really just kept acting as though we were a bother and he could not care less. Anyway, we had no choice but to accept HIS room. This is a laugh, as the room was an ordinaryhotel room with no special touches.
The next day while dining at breakfast and chatting with a lovely Phillipino waitress, I was able to find out from her that the General Manager DOES NOT have a room at the hotel. In fact, she said he is NOT allowed to use the hotel rooms for his personal use. So Mr McFee was pulling a fast on on us with that old talk about a Manager's room. I never got a refund for booking the special room which I did not get to stay in.
And I hope the owner, a Swedish guy whose name I forget now, finds out about the poor customer service at this hotel as I am never going there again. I stay at Coco Reef or Mount Irvine on my many visits to Tobago...and I enjoy my stays at both hotels tremendously. The service there is so much superior.
At Blue Haven, the employees are also not happy and it shows in the quality of their service. They complained of the way they are treated and especially of the very Mr Mc Fee. Of course I and my travel agent sent letters trying to get some compensation for my predicament and torment - but Mr Mc Fee was indignant and rude in his response.
Although the hotel is somewhat lovely with the refurbishment - the food is poor and the then Food Manager was unpleasant also. There is nothing really to entice me to go there - especially with the POOR customer relations. I am a very frequent visitor to Tobago for work and leisure - and I recommend Coco Reef, Mt Irvine Hotel, Kariwak and Blue WATERS hotels. Keep away from BLUE HAVEN in Bacolet - they are a sham when it comes to their customers.
And it is not only my complaint. A friend of mine held her wedding reception there last year, and the poor girl is still upset about the service and especially the terrible manner of Mr McFee. Food ran out early on although she had paid in full for the catering. And when she spoke to Mr McFee, he was rough and lied to her about the details - instead of trying to make the situation better.
The owner should REMOVE that man if they want to have a profitable business and satisfied guest who want to return.
My verdict - KEEP AWAY FROM BLUE HAVEN HOTEL until a professional is placed in the General Manager's position.
Last year I booked my room at Blue Haven Hotel at the beginning of January - and confirmed with credit card payment. I had asked for the room that they boast about, the one where some actor had stayed many many years ago. I was assured that the requested room was booked and confirmed. I also advised the hotel that I would be arriving late the Friday night as I was going over on the last sailing of the ferry which does not reach untill about 8:00pm.
A few days before the festival, I again rang and made sure my room was confirmed and that all was well. Again I reminded them that I (and my friend) would be arriving at night on the Friday. Fine I was told. Then on the Friday when I got on the ferry,I again called the hotel to let them know that I was on my way. So what do you think happens when we arrive at the hotel?
No hotel room for us- NONE. I was so tired and mad. The receptionist asked us to 'hold on' while she checked. Of course, she came back that there was no room for us and that they had cancelled it at 4:00pm as that is their cut off time. WHAT??? Remember that I had phoned these people a few times to let them know we would be arriving Friday NIGHT. AND we had paid for the weekend in full by credit card!!! I mentioned that I had stayed at the hotel a few times before this when I had to do business there.
The General Manager then decided he would condescend to see us. He came and said that he would do us a 'favour' (IMAGINE!!!) and give us HIS room in the hotel. I told him that I had booked and paid for the special room. Mr McFee kept insisting that I would get the General Manager's room (HIS room) and that it was a favour!!! Can you imagine the gall of this man. They mess up my booking and then he insinuates that he is doing me a favour. I was mad as hell.
I must mention that his manner and tone from the beginning was condescending and patronizing - and he really just kept acting as though we were a bother and he could not care less. Anyway, we had no choice but to accept HIS room. This is a laugh, as the room was an ordinaryhotel room with no special touches.
The next day while dining at breakfast and chatting with a lovely Phillipino waitress, I was able to find out from her that the General Manager DOES NOT have a room at the hotel. In fact, she said he is NOT allowed to use the hotel rooms for his personal use. So Mr McFee was pulling a fast on on us with that old talk about a Manager's room. I never got a refund for booking the special room which I did not get to stay in.
And I hope the owner, a Swedish guy whose name I forget now, finds out about the poor customer service at this hotel as I am never going there again. I stay at Coco Reef or Mount Irvine on my many visits to Tobago...and I enjoy my stays at both hotels tremendously. The service there is so much superior.
At Blue Haven, the employees are also not happy and it shows in the quality of their service. They complained of the way they are treated and especially of the very Mr Mc Fee. Of course I and my travel agent sent letters trying to get some compensation for my predicament and torment - but Mr Mc Fee was indignant and rude in his response.
Although the hotel is somewhat lovely with the refurbishment - the food is poor and the then Food Manager was unpleasant also. There is nothing really to entice me to go there - especially with the POOR customer relations. I am a very frequent visitor to Tobago for work and leisure - and I recommend Coco Reef, Mt Irvine Hotel, Kariwak and Blue WATERS hotels. Keep away from BLUE HAVEN in Bacolet - they are a sham when it comes to their customers.
And it is not only my complaint. A friend of mine held her wedding reception there last year, and the poor girl is still upset about the service and especially the terrible manner of Mr McFee. Food ran out early on although she had paid in full for the catering. And when she spoke to Mr McFee, he was rough and lied to her about the details - instead of trying to make the situation better.
The owner should REMOVE that man if they want to have a profitable business and satisfied guest who want to return.
My verdict - KEEP AWAY FROM BLUE HAVEN HOTEL until a professional is placed in the General Manager's position.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Apsara - BEWARE
DINERS BEWARE!
True story:
I went with my friend to Apsara restaurant, located Queen's Park East, on Saturday 5th April for dinner. The restaurant was filled with diners and we were both looking forward to a good Indian meal. Just to mention at the outset that we had both patronized this restaurant a number of times in the past.
We chose our items from the menu and ordered. The service was quite pleasant, and the food was brought to our table in good time. I must say we both thoroughly enjoyed our meal choices. My friend had soup for the appetizer - Tamatar ka Shorba (Tomato soup, and I had the Tandoori Scallops.We enjoyed.
Next for the main course, my friend had the Murgh Curry (chicken curry) and I had the Zinga Kadhal (a shrimp dish)....delicious. Then for the dessert, I tried the Kesar Pista Kulfi (almond ice cream) and my friend had the Bailey's cheesecake. (You will see lower down why I know the exact names of the dishes).
The bill came and I did not look at it, and as usual my friend paid for meals right away. The waiter brought the change which we intended to leave as a tip.
So there we sat remarking on how much we enjoyed the meal. Then I asked my friend to see the copy of the paid bill as I wanted to get the exact names of the shrimp dish and dessert I had ordered, so that I would remember for any future visits to the restaurant. My friend took a quick look at the bill before handing it to me, and then remarked that he thought his chicken dish had been quoted at $99 on the menu but the bill stated $126 ( now remember, he had already paid for the entire meal). I really did not remember the cost of my dishes by the way.
I took the bill to look at the names of the dishes I had ordered, and my friend kept mumbling that he was sure that the menu listed the chicken dish at $99. So I finally said, "let's ask the waiter for the menu and check the price to make sure". We called the waiter and asked to see the menu again. He brought it and on handing it over to my friend, he said "oh some prices have been changed".
Well we checked the menu and it listed the chicken dish at $99 as my friend had stated. We then decided to check the prices of the other dishes and compare them to our paid bill. We then discovered that my shrimp dish was listed at $140 on the menu but on the bill we were charged $165!!! The soup was listed at $45 and we were charged $50. The Naan (bread) was listed at $22 and we were charged $30.
Needless to say, we were both very angry at being ripped off. The price did not matter, as we had already paid the full amount. It was the dishonesty. To add to that, another waitress came and tried to explain that some of the dishes had increased in price. I responded that it fine to do so, BUT the diner MUST BE INFORMED and the prices should be corrected on the menu because I am sure it is illegal to charge a higher price than what is on the menu.
A fair Indian lady - maybe the manager or owner- then also came to our table to "explain" feebly that the prices had not been changed on the menu because "the menu paper is a special one and she had ordered it from abroad and it had not arrived yet, but she would change it on Monday next." Yeah right!!! (A simple note at the front of the menu or the waiter informing us would have been just fine, Lady)She continued that the menu could be "misleading". Well my friend put her right by saying that it was NOT misleading BUT illegal and she better correct it. He also asked for a new bill and his change as he was paying only what was quoted on the menu as no-one had even thought of mentioning any price "increase" to us AT ANY POINT of the evening.
Needless to say, we got our new bill and change ( I have the old bill with me as proof). We also got the extra service charge and VAT that had been added. This was an unfortunate end to an otherwise good evening. It really spoiled it for me and I want to warn other potential APSARA diners -- BEWARE. I related my experience to some friends at a party this week and one couple told me that they also had gone to APSARA recently and were sure that they were charged for an extra item as when they counted the items, there was one extra but they did nothing about it.
This is the thing - the restaurant bargains on diners NOT checking their bill. Usually we do not even look at our bill. Just that I wanted to see the names of the meal items and did take a look this time. So the restaurant gets away with charging more than on the menu or by adding an extra item or two to your bill. And the horrible thing is that ALL THE WAITERS and workers at APSARA know what is going on - because when we asked to see the menu, three of them came to give various feeble "explanations". DINERS BEWARE.
I must also add that when the dishes of food were brought to our table, I had remarked to the waitress that the bowls were MUCH smaller that on previous visits. She agreed and tried to say that there were "one portion" and "two portion" sizes...and maybe in the past I ordered a "two portion" size. NO I NEVER ordered a two portion size in the past. The menu states NOTHING about portions and I never ever ordered double portion. So apart from being conned on the price, the portions have been halved. Are we diners stupid or what???
This is a rip-off and a deliberate con. No matter how good the food is - we should refuse to be conned. In fact, I call for good sense and let us boycott this restaurant until they start being honest- printing the correct prices on the menus and giving the correct portions.
BOYCOTT APSARA until they treat their customers honestly!!!!!! Come on people, stand up for what is right. And I do have the bill if anyone wants to see it.....
My bill was almost $800 with the con. I intend to return and check on them, and then report them to the relevant authorities if nothing has been corrected.
BUT the best action is to boycott them and let them feel it where it hurts THEM - their bottom line!
True story:
I went with my friend to Apsara restaurant, located Queen's Park East, on Saturday 5th April for dinner. The restaurant was filled with diners and we were both looking forward to a good Indian meal. Just to mention at the outset that we had both patronized this restaurant a number of times in the past.
We chose our items from the menu and ordered. The service was quite pleasant, and the food was brought to our table in good time. I must say we both thoroughly enjoyed our meal choices. My friend had soup for the appetizer - Tamatar ka Shorba (Tomato soup, and I had the Tandoori Scallops.We enjoyed.
Next for the main course, my friend had the Murgh Curry (chicken curry) and I had the Zinga Kadhal (a shrimp dish)....delicious. Then for the dessert, I tried the Kesar Pista Kulfi (almond ice cream) and my friend had the Bailey's cheesecake. (You will see lower down why I know the exact names of the dishes).
The bill came and I did not look at it, and as usual my friend paid for meals right away. The waiter brought the change which we intended to leave as a tip.
So there we sat remarking on how much we enjoyed the meal. Then I asked my friend to see the copy of the paid bill as I wanted to get the exact names of the shrimp dish and dessert I had ordered, so that I would remember for any future visits to the restaurant. My friend took a quick look at the bill before handing it to me, and then remarked that he thought his chicken dish had been quoted at $99 on the menu but the bill stated $126 ( now remember, he had already paid for the entire meal). I really did not remember the cost of my dishes by the way.
I took the bill to look at the names of the dishes I had ordered, and my friend kept mumbling that he was sure that the menu listed the chicken dish at $99. So I finally said, "let's ask the waiter for the menu and check the price to make sure". We called the waiter and asked to see the menu again. He brought it and on handing it over to my friend, he said "oh some prices have been changed".
Well we checked the menu and it listed the chicken dish at $99 as my friend had stated. We then decided to check the prices of the other dishes and compare them to our paid bill. We then discovered that my shrimp dish was listed at $140 on the menu but on the bill we were charged $165!!! The soup was listed at $45 and we were charged $50. The Naan (bread) was listed at $22 and we were charged $30.
Needless to say, we were both very angry at being ripped off. The price did not matter, as we had already paid the full amount. It was the dishonesty. To add to that, another waitress came and tried to explain that some of the dishes had increased in price. I responded that it fine to do so, BUT the diner MUST BE INFORMED and the prices should be corrected on the menu because I am sure it is illegal to charge a higher price than what is on the menu.
A fair Indian lady - maybe the manager or owner- then also came to our table to "explain" feebly that the prices had not been changed on the menu because "the menu paper is a special one and she had ordered it from abroad and it had not arrived yet, but she would change it on Monday next." Yeah right!!! (A simple note at the front of the menu or the waiter informing us would have been just fine, Lady)She continued that the menu could be "misleading". Well my friend put her right by saying that it was NOT misleading BUT illegal and she better correct it. He also asked for a new bill and his change as he was paying only what was quoted on the menu as no-one had even thought of mentioning any price "increase" to us AT ANY POINT of the evening.
Needless to say, we got our new bill and change ( I have the old bill with me as proof). We also got the extra service charge and VAT that had been added. This was an unfortunate end to an otherwise good evening. It really spoiled it for me and I want to warn other potential APSARA diners -- BEWARE. I related my experience to some friends at a party this week and one couple told me that they also had gone to APSARA recently and were sure that they were charged for an extra item as when they counted the items, there was one extra but they did nothing about it.
This is the thing - the restaurant bargains on diners NOT checking their bill. Usually we do not even look at our bill. Just that I wanted to see the names of the meal items and did take a look this time. So the restaurant gets away with charging more than on the menu or by adding an extra item or two to your bill. And the horrible thing is that ALL THE WAITERS and workers at APSARA know what is going on - because when we asked to see the menu, three of them came to give various feeble "explanations". DINERS BEWARE.
I must also add that when the dishes of food were brought to our table, I had remarked to the waitress that the bowls were MUCH smaller that on previous visits. She agreed and tried to say that there were "one portion" and "two portion" sizes...and maybe in the past I ordered a "two portion" size. NO I NEVER ordered a two portion size in the past. The menu states NOTHING about portions and I never ever ordered double portion. So apart from being conned on the price, the portions have been halved. Are we diners stupid or what???
This is a rip-off and a deliberate con. No matter how good the food is - we should refuse to be conned. In fact, I call for good sense and let us boycott this restaurant until they start being honest- printing the correct prices on the menus and giving the correct portions.
BOYCOTT APSARA until they treat their customers honestly!!!!!! Come on people, stand up for what is right. And I do have the bill if anyone wants to see it.....
My bill was almost $800 with the con. I intend to return and check on them, and then report them to the relevant authorities if nothing has been corrected.
BUT the best action is to boycott them and let them feel it where it hurts THEM - their bottom line!
Friday, March 21, 2008
Melange on Ariapita Avenue
I decided to finally go have dinner at Melange a few weeks ago, on a Saturday night. There were diners at just two other tables. The atmosphere is nice but not outstanding or very memorable in fact.
For me the menu is too extensive. I prefer if there is a good choice yes, but this was like reading a long book....too too many items on the menu. I suggest the owner/chef trims the menu down to some good specialities.
The food was good - again not outstanding - but the presentation was excellent. I tried a local Bouliabaisse for starter and it was quite tasty. I had a shrimp dish for main course and my friend tried a fish dish. To be honest, I really cannot recall the dishes now, which is not a good sign.
However the service was good and I do remember the wonderful presentation of the dishes. The prices are rather high for the quality though. Not sure if I will return because the meal itself was not memorable. And it definitely would not be in my top 10 choices of restaurants.
For me the menu is too extensive. I prefer if there is a good choice yes, but this was like reading a long book....too too many items on the menu. I suggest the owner/chef trims the menu down to some good specialities.
The food was good - again not outstanding - but the presentation was excellent. I tried a local Bouliabaisse for starter and it was quite tasty. I had a shrimp dish for main course and my friend tried a fish dish. To be honest, I really cannot recall the dishes now, which is not a good sign.
However the service was good and I do remember the wonderful presentation of the dishes. The prices are rather high for the quality though. Not sure if I will return because the meal itself was not memorable. And it definitely would not be in my top 10 choices of restaurants.
Try Cafe Noir
I went to the new restaurant on Mucurapo Road, just upstairs Papa John's - where Nemo's used to be.
Quite a nice little restaurant. Lovely ambience, especially at night. Holds just 36 diners and has a bar and sitting area where you can relax.
The food is international with a twist. Very reasonably priced too so you can enjoy a good night out at this restaurant. It is not exactly fine dining....but it is enjoyable.
I had the seafood soup in a coconut base for starter. Then I tried the Thai shrimp curry for the main course......very tasty, with jasmine wild rice. There are also a good selection of desserts - although I chose not to try any that night.
I will go back..... because of the atmosphere - very relaxing, tasty food, reasonably priced, and very pleasant service.
Worth a try!!
Quite a nice little restaurant. Lovely ambience, especially at night. Holds just 36 diners and has a bar and sitting area where you can relax.
The food is international with a twist. Very reasonably priced too so you can enjoy a good night out at this restaurant. It is not exactly fine dining....but it is enjoyable.
I had the seafood soup in a coconut base for starter. Then I tried the Thai shrimp curry for the main course......very tasty, with jasmine wild rice. There are also a good selection of desserts - although I chose not to try any that night.
I will go back..... because of the atmosphere - very relaxing, tasty food, reasonably priced, and very pleasant service.
Worth a try!!
Friday, February 15, 2008
Jenny's On the Boulevard
Jenny's on Cipriani Boulevard is a really good place to hang out on a Friday evening, for a more mature crowd. The atmosphere is comfortable, safe and happy.
The food - generally Chinese - is tasty and very reasonably priced. Some of my favourites are the - hot wings, fried calamari, egg rolls, tin sam - for appetizers. For the meal, the pepper shrimp without shells, Jenny's special fried rice, Singapore noodles,chunky vegetables and any of the chicken dishes are good. Also try the beef dishes.
Just about any alcohol drinks are available. Best waiter for me is Damian - quiet, friendly, and quick attentive service from him.
This is Jenny's downstairs in the Cellar for hanging out. Upstairs in the dining room is more suited for dinner outing with family and friends. The same menu is available there.
The food - generally Chinese - is tasty and very reasonably priced. Some of my favourites are the - hot wings, fried calamari, egg rolls, tin sam - for appetizers. For the meal, the pepper shrimp without shells, Jenny's special fried rice, Singapore noodles,chunky vegetables and any of the chicken dishes are good. Also try the beef dishes.
Just about any alcohol drinks are available. Best waiter for me is Damian - quiet, friendly, and quick attentive service from him.
This is Jenny's downstairs in the Cellar for hanging out. Upstairs in the dining room is more suited for dinner outing with family and friends. The same menu is available there.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Fatima All-Inclusive 2008
I start by saying that this is definitely the BEST All Inclusive for carinival. From their very first year that this fete was started - it has been the best in my ratings. And I must admit that I very reluctantly went the first year - if I remember correctly this is the fourth year that it was held.
I did go reluctantly the first year it was held - but it turned out to be one amazing and fantastic event. I have attended EVERY year since and it has remained at the top of my list. Good ambience, nice crowd, good food, and very reasonable ticket price. I hope all stays the same for the coming years.
However, I must be fair and state the negatives - so here goes. The food lines for the Ribs and one other that I forget are TOO LONG. Please organizers, you should note this and maybe split those food stalls into two - located at different points so that there in not just one line for the popular stuff.
Other negative - the live bands sounded horrible - leave them for the jamming fetes and for Brassorama PLEASE.
I must also mention that the Fajitas stall was the best. The food was tasty, very tasty. I even took the caterer's card so that I can hire him for any event I may have personally.
The parking is good too - as the whole football field opposite the venue is used. And you just have to cross the road to enter the party.
I give Fatima All-Inclusive an 'A' rating. Just keep it up fellas.
I did go reluctantly the first year it was held - but it turned out to be one amazing and fantastic event. I have attended EVERY year since and it has remained at the top of my list. Good ambience, nice crowd, good food, and very reasonable ticket price. I hope all stays the same for the coming years.
However, I must be fair and state the negatives - so here goes. The food lines for the Ribs and one other that I forget are TOO LONG. Please organizers, you should note this and maybe split those food stalls into two - located at different points so that there in not just one line for the popular stuff.
Other negative - the live bands sounded horrible - leave them for the jamming fetes and for Brassorama PLEASE.
I must also mention that the Fajitas stall was the best. The food was tasty, very tasty. I even took the caterer's card so that I can hire him for any event I may have personally.
The parking is good too - as the whole football field opposite the venue is used. And you just have to cross the road to enter the party.
I give Fatima All-Inclusive an 'A' rating. Just keep it up fellas.
Friends to the Max/ CAREC All-Inclusive 2008
Ok I am very very disappointed with the Friends to the Max fete for 2008. First of all, it took me TWO hours to drive to the venue at Chaguaramas - from St Ann's. I was very fed up and frustrated with the horrendous traffic.
Then when I finaly arrived and parked in Parking lot 3, we had to end up walking to the next car park to get a shuttle - because apparently no-one told the maxi drivers to go to our car park. BAD START.
But we were hungry after all this time and stress....so we decided to eat right away as we finally reached the site of the event. Well, more stress. We reached inside the event at 5:30pm - and more that four food booths were already out of food!!!! Crab backs being one. Well I was mad as heck because the event was carded for 2:00pm to 11:00pm - and food run out at some stalls before 5:30pm???? That seems like a rip off to me. Don't the organizers know the numbers - the thousands that bought tickets. And these tickets are not cheap - at $700 each.
So we ended up eating just the same old regular stuff - ribs, wantons, and some horrible tortillas as the chicken for the tortillas was finished also - so we had to take the fish which was very tasteless. The lady serving the wantons gave me three in my plate and when i asked for ONE more, she refused!!! Can you imagine that??? and that was all i was taking from her stall.
Well after that, we decided to try to enjoy the entertainment. WHY DO ORGANIZERS THINK THAT THEY HAVE TO HAVE LIVE BANDS??? Most persons I spoke to there said the live bands are too noisy and that they actually dampen the spirit of the event. The DJ music is much preferred. Organizers should re-think this one...just hire a very good DJ, AND a few artistes with the best songs to perform and that's it. Forget the loud and unmusical bands....and maybe that way the cost will be better. Don't the organizers of All-Inclusives realize that patrons prefer not to have the live bands. Leave the bands to play at the jamming events like Fire, Army, WASA etc fetes. At all-inclusives we want something different, and to get away from that jamming.
CONCLUSION - NOT going to Friends to the Max fete again - not at that venue with all the traffic. Not with the good food running out after just a couple hours!! Not with that horde of people stuffed in to one venue.
They NOT getting my money again!!! People - Fatima and Trinity are the best organized All Inclusives - reasonable price, good food, nice atmosphere, nice people, good vibes. Friends to the Max go to the bottom of my ranking.
Then when I finaly arrived and parked in Parking lot 3, we had to end up walking to the next car park to get a shuttle - because apparently no-one told the maxi drivers to go to our car park. BAD START.
But we were hungry after all this time and stress....so we decided to eat right away as we finally reached the site of the event. Well, more stress. We reached inside the event at 5:30pm - and more that four food booths were already out of food!!!! Crab backs being one. Well I was mad as heck because the event was carded for 2:00pm to 11:00pm - and food run out at some stalls before 5:30pm???? That seems like a rip off to me. Don't the organizers know the numbers - the thousands that bought tickets. And these tickets are not cheap - at $700 each.
So we ended up eating just the same old regular stuff - ribs, wantons, and some horrible tortillas as the chicken for the tortillas was finished also - so we had to take the fish which was very tasteless. The lady serving the wantons gave me three in my plate and when i asked for ONE more, she refused!!! Can you imagine that??? and that was all i was taking from her stall.
Well after that, we decided to try to enjoy the entertainment. WHY DO ORGANIZERS THINK THAT THEY HAVE TO HAVE LIVE BANDS??? Most persons I spoke to there said the live bands are too noisy and that they actually dampen the spirit of the event. The DJ music is much preferred. Organizers should re-think this one...just hire a very good DJ, AND a few artistes with the best songs to perform and that's it. Forget the loud and unmusical bands....and maybe that way the cost will be better. Don't the organizers of All-Inclusives realize that patrons prefer not to have the live bands. Leave the bands to play at the jamming events like Fire, Army, WASA etc fetes. At all-inclusives we want something different, and to get away from that jamming.
CONCLUSION - NOT going to Friends to the Max fete again - not at that venue with all the traffic. Not with the good food running out after just a couple hours!! Not with that horde of people stuffed in to one venue.
They NOT getting my money again!!! People - Fatima and Trinity are the best organized All Inclusives - reasonable price, good food, nice atmosphere, nice people, good vibes. Friends to the Max go to the bottom of my ranking.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
New Restaurant CHAUD
Hi,
I started this blog to just inform interested persons about eating places in Trinidad mostly and Tobago whenever I visit there. I know that I personally like to get an idea of what a restaurant is like and has to offer before I decide to try it. I do dine out quite often, and I am in the service profession myself so I expect a certain level of service and quality. My blog is to give my experience and views/recommendations of places I try - from expensive to the regular places.
CHAUD
I will start with the latest restaurant I tried last weekend - Friday 18 January 2008. The new restaurant CHAUD is located around the savannah at the top of Dundonald Street. I had heard that the owner is Khalid Mohammed, the former chef of Batimamzelle, so I was eager to dine there.
The building and ambience is lovely. Do ask for a table facing the savannah. There are several pieces of orignal artwork on the walls, which are all for sale and a price list is on each table along with your menu. Being an art aficinado also, I think the prices are high.
Very elegant setting and well dressed staff. The menu is ok generally...not fantastic selection as I like shrimp and there were no all shrimp dishes. My appetizer was very good- scallops with almonds, priced at TT$100. My friend's salad was ok - TT$70.
I had the main course of Pepperpot beef and my friend had the veal. The conclusion - ok, nothing exceptional. The cost - TT$350 for each main course. I had the coconut trio appetizer and that was quite good - I forget the exact price but about TT$100. TOTAL BILL with taxes came up to just under TT$1400 (two glasses of wine and soft drink).
The staff was eager and there were very little diners when we first arrived. However our waiter Mark disappeared and a younger inexperienced waiter served us - and got our meals mixed up, which ticked me off. Because if I go fine dining and am prepared to pay the high cost, then I expect service of a certain standard. I am not going back to CHAUD in a hurry. Maybe they will get better as time goes by? But not the best value, not the best tasting meals. There are much better restaurants to try like Angelo's - good food, good service and reasonably priced.
As for the valet parking - better to park on the street close to the restaurant near the guard booth. It was a horror to get our car out and we stood there in the parking lot for a good 15 minutes while the valet guys tried to get our car out of the parking puzzle. You would think that they would figure out that the ealier diners would most probably leave first and not lose their cars at the back of the heap.
Overall rating - OK.
Good points - lovely ambience.
Poor points - overpriced, service needs upgrade, menu could be better.
I started this blog to just inform interested persons about eating places in Trinidad mostly and Tobago whenever I visit there. I know that I personally like to get an idea of what a restaurant is like and has to offer before I decide to try it. I do dine out quite often, and I am in the service profession myself so I expect a certain level of service and quality. My blog is to give my experience and views/recommendations of places I try - from expensive to the regular places.
CHAUD
I will start with the latest restaurant I tried last weekend - Friday 18 January 2008. The new restaurant CHAUD is located around the savannah at the top of Dundonald Street. I had heard that the owner is Khalid Mohammed, the former chef of Batimamzelle, so I was eager to dine there.
The building and ambience is lovely. Do ask for a table facing the savannah. There are several pieces of orignal artwork on the walls, which are all for sale and a price list is on each table along with your menu. Being an art aficinado also, I think the prices are high.
Very elegant setting and well dressed staff. The menu is ok generally...not fantastic selection as I like shrimp and there were no all shrimp dishes. My appetizer was very good- scallops with almonds, priced at TT$100. My friend's salad was ok - TT$70.
I had the main course of Pepperpot beef and my friend had the veal. The conclusion - ok, nothing exceptional. The cost - TT$350 for each main course. I had the coconut trio appetizer and that was quite good - I forget the exact price but about TT$100. TOTAL BILL with taxes came up to just under TT$1400 (two glasses of wine and soft drink).
The staff was eager and there were very little diners when we first arrived. However our waiter Mark disappeared and a younger inexperienced waiter served us - and got our meals mixed up, which ticked me off. Because if I go fine dining and am prepared to pay the high cost, then I expect service of a certain standard. I am not going back to CHAUD in a hurry. Maybe they will get better as time goes by? But not the best value, not the best tasting meals. There are much better restaurants to try like Angelo's - good food, good service and reasonably priced.
As for the valet parking - better to park on the street close to the restaurant near the guard booth. It was a horror to get our car out and we stood there in the parking lot for a good 15 minutes while the valet guys tried to get our car out of the parking puzzle. You would think that they would figure out that the ealier diners would most probably leave first and not lose their cars at the back of the heap.
Overall rating - OK.
Good points - lovely ambience.
Poor points - overpriced, service needs upgrade, menu could be better.
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