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.
4 comments:
I had a fantastic time at chaud. I have been there 4 times now and tasted a wide range of the menu. After speaking to the MD i was told of the soft opening to get things right...and did they get it right!
There is no option but Chaud for me. I agree you can get cheaper meals around town, but you get what you pay for. Angelos low quality meat and pasta leaves a lot to be desired. If you want good Italian go to Tobago's Tataruga.
I am a World eater, from Hong Kong to Trinidad, i have tasted Iron Chefs. Kalid Mohammed is one of the BEST if not THE BEST I have tasted in the World.
ok then i will try the restaurant once more as I am an origal fan of Khalid Mohammed.
I have been few times to Tartuga in Tobago and it is good!!!
But still think Angelo's is very good, even went again last night. And I have eaten in several countries also. My friends with me were from England, USA and Europe and they were pleased with Angelo's also.
Will try Chaud again though.
Lovely ambience, food quality very good, service staff well trained.
Overall rating 4****
Have any of you tried Joseph's in Maraval? If you love Arabic food, its a MUST to try there out. Great food and the chef knows alot about his wine! They have outdoor seating as well as air-condition for those who like fresh air also. I've been there quite a few times and never really disappointed. Service can be a bit frustrating at times, but nothing to complain about.
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