Trinidad's Top 5- Places to have Brunch

1. Chaud Café & Wine Bar- Port of Spain

Brunch here makes Saturday's 100 times better.

Opening Hours:

Mondays – Thursdays:  11am- 11pm

Fridays- Saturday- 11am-

However, brunch is only on Saturdays (10am-4pm)

Contact Number: +1-868-628-9845

$$$

Click here for Chaud Café Facebook Page

Click here for their website and Brunch menu

(Please note that their menu changes weekly – No appointment needed)

Source: Chaud Cafe Facebook Page

2. Pêche Pâtisserie- Chaguanas

Absolutely love here for their desserts and brunch...Well, they don’t have “brunch” but breakfast is served from 8:30am-11:30am (Tuesday- Sunday) and that’s good enough for me. It’s greatness.

Contact Number: +1-868-223-2433

(No appointment needed)

$$$

Click here for Pêche Patisserie Facebook Page

Source:Pêche Pâtisserie Facebook Page

3. The Canvas – Port of Spain

Here you can have brunch all day, every day! Well, at least from:

Monday- Tuesday – 7am- 6pm

Wednesday- Friday – 7am- 9pm

Saturday- 7am-3pm

Sunday- 7am- 2pm

Contact Number: +1-868-223-7251

(No appointment needed)

$$$

Click here for The Canvas Facebook Page

4. Dianne's Tea Shop- Maraval, Long Circular Road

Enjoy a Classy brunch with High Tea!

Mon: Fri- 7am- 5pm

Sat: 8am-5pm

Sun: 9am-2pm

(No appointment is needed)

Contact Number: +1-868-223-3832

Click here for Dianne’s Tea Shop Facebook Page

5.   KRAVE- Marabella

Sunday brunch dream. Krave dedicates their Sunday for brunch only! (Say whattt – Yes.)

Opening Hours:

Tue- Lunch 11 pm to 3 pm;       Dinner 6pm to 10:15pm

Wed- Lunch 11 am to 3 pm;       Dinner 5 pm to 10:15 pm

Thu- Lunch 11 am to 3 pm;       Dinner 5 pm to 10:15 pm

Fri-  Lunch 11 am to 3 pm;       Dinner 5 pm to 10:15 pm

Sat-  Dinner Only 5 pm to 10:15 pm

Sun- Brunch Only 10.30 am to 3 pm
Contact Number: +1-868-658-5728 
(No appointment required for Brunch) 

Click here for Krave Facebook Page

Click here for Krave website

Source: KRAVE Facebook Page

Honourable Mentions: 
Radisson Hotel Trinidad – 360 degrees’ restaurant

Click here for Radisson Facebook Page

Everyone loves Brunch <3

Trinidad's Top 5- Carnival Bands

This rating was based on the MOST vibes, best carnival experiences and the most gorgeous costumes. 

Please note:

• Costume changes annually
• There are several sections to a band (Each section- different costume)
• To enter into a band, you will have to get in contact with a committee member.

1. TRIBE - All Inclusive

“TRIBE prides itself on providing the Ultimate Carnival Experience in Trinidad and Tobago Carnival – one of the largest and most popular Carnivals in the world.”

Theme this year - ZERO ° - THE LIFE BELOW

Click here to see all TRIBE Costumes

Click here for TRIBE Contact Information

Click here for TRIBE Facebook Page

Source: TRIBE website

2.BLISS

“Often referred to as the ‘Champagne Band’, BLISS is essentially TRIBE in a small, ultra-premium package.”

Theme this year - AL-SAHRA – THE GREAT DESERT

Click here to see all Bliss Costumes al.com/costumes/

Click here for Bliss Contact Information

Click here for Bliss Facebook Page

Source: Bliss Facebook Page

  

3. FANTASY

“Fantasy Carnival represents an amalgamation of top entertainment industry specialists who joined forces in 2011 to create the most amazing and memorable Carnival experiences in the world.”

Theme this year - Arabian tales of One Thousand and One Nights (1001 Fantasies)

Click here to see all Fantasy Costumes

Click here for Fantasy Contact Information

Click here for Fantasy Facebook Page

Source: Fantasy Facebook Page

4. YUMA

“With over 30 combined years of Design experience, Logistics, Customer Experience, Brand management, Carnival business and more, Team YUMA is excited to give our masqueraders yet another year of a superb All-inclusive carnival experience.”

Theme this year- The Origins – From Whence We Came

Click here to see all YUMA Costumes

Click here for YUMA Contact Information

Click here for YUMA Registration Information

Click here for YUMA Facebook Page

Source: Yuma Facebook Page

5.  HARTS

“The Band has continued to design and produce costumes at the highest standard and quality which has led them to become one of the largest, safest and most popular bands in the Caribbean.”

Theme this year- Ultraviolet Jungle

Click here to see all HARTS Costumes

Click here for HARTS Contact Information

Click here for HARTS Facebook Page

Source: HARTS website

Trinidad's Top 5 - Trade Schools

1.  MIC Institute of Technology (MIC)

Contact Number: +1-868-663-4642

Click here for MIC Facebook Page

Click here for MIC website

See flyer for all their centres and offerings

Source: MIC Facebook Page

 2. The National Energy Skills Centre (NESC)

Contact Number: +1-868-636-8315

Click here for NESC Facebook Page

See flyer for all their centres and offerings

Source: NESC Facebook Page

3. Automatic Technology College (ATC)

Click here for ATC Facebook Page

Click here for ATC website and full listing of their programmes

See flyer for all their centres and offerings

4.Youth Training and Employment Partnership Programme (YTEPP)

Contact Number: +1-868-672-5411 / +1-868-672-9837

Click here for YTEPP Facebook Page

Click here for YTEPP website and full course listing

See flyer for all their centres and offerings

Source: YTEPP Facebook Page

5. Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)

Contact Number: +1-868-625-4CCC (4222)

Click here for CCC website and a list of all their course

Honourable Mentions:

Kenson School of Production Technology

Click here for Kenson Facebook Page

Trinidad's Top 5- High Tea Places

1. Dianne’s Tea Shop – Maraval, Long Circular Road

Usually, High Tea/ Afternoon Tea is served around 4 pm but at Dianne’s you can drink tea whole day, every day! Well, at least from:

Mon: Fri- 7am- 5pm

Sat: 8am-5pm

Sun: 9am-2pm

(No appointment is needed)

Contact Number: +1-868-223-3832

Click here for Dianne’s Facebook Page

2. House of Jaipur- Port of Spain

The items on their menu are delicious! It’s a real, great, authentic Indian spread. However, there's literally only 2 Tea rooms.

Their opening hours are as follows:

Mondays- Saturday: 10:00am-6:00pm (They take the first reservation from 10:30am and last at 3:45pm)

However, in December they open on Sundays (11:00am-500 pm)

Contact Number: +1-868-624-7465

Click here for House of Jaipur Facebook Page 

Click here for their website and list of tea

Source: House of Jaipur Facebook Page

  

3. Jaffa at the Oval – Port of Spain

So Jaffa is pretty famous for their tea. However, High Tea is only served on Wednesdays(WHY GOD, WHY?) from 4pm-6pm (Reservations are open from this time as well) - $160 per person (VAT exclusive)

Contact Number: +1-868-622-6825 / +1-868-628-6200 / +1868-777-7673 (Yeah their Facebook has 2 more contact numbers – you will get through for sure)

Click here for Jaffa Facebook Page

Source: Jaffa Facebook Page

4. Hilton- Port of Spain

Unfortunately, Hilton only serves HighTeaa on: 

Thursdays: 4pm-6pm

$205 per person (Vat inclusive)

They accept walk-ins but if it’s going to be a large party- Make a reservation.

(Please note: No tea is served if a public holiday falls on a Thursday)

Contact Number: +1-868-624-3211

Click here for Hilton Trinidad Facebook Page

Source: Hilton Facebook Page

5. ZaZou Bistro Moderne- Located inside Trinidad Country Club

ZaZou serves tea once a month but it’s worth it.  This month was on Saturday 23^rd July, 2016.  You will have to keep checking their Facebook page or call to find out when is their next date.

Contact Number: +1-868-750-2083

Click here for ZaZou Bistro Moderne Facebook Page

Source: ZaZou Bistro Facebook Page

Trinidad's Top 5- Local Rums

All these local rums are produced by Angostura.  Angostura has been named “The world’s most awarded rum range” by the Rum Masters and won other medals internationally as well.

Even though it’s locally made, Angostura has penetrated 164 markets globally.  This being said, who’s better to market Angostura rum than themselves?  When I read their rum descriptions all I could have thought was “That’s so true” therefore, all the descriptions for this post were taken from their website. However, the Top 5 is still based on my research and preference.

(Please note, the legal age to drink is 18 years and legal gambling age is 21 years.)

Once you’re 18 years and over, there are the Top 5 (Local) rums you will fall in love with.

1.  1919-  Available Internationally as well

“Angostura® 1919 is a specially blended multiple award winning rum, which celebrates a very particular date in the development of the rum industry in Trinidad & Tobago, as well as the Caribbean. After a fire in 1932, which destroyed the Government Rum Bond, the master blender of Fernandes Distillers, J.B. Fernandes, bought the charred casks, only to discover they had been filled in the year 1919. The prized rum was skillfully blended and called "1919 Aged Rum."

(Taken from - http://angosturarum.com/Brands/Angostura_1919)

Source:Angostura Limited website

2. Single Barrel Reserve – Only Available Locally

“The romance begins from the very first sip. Treasure the rare inviting richness found in the light wooden notes with a hint of vanilla. This rum is aged in individually selected #1 select Oak Bourbon barrels to guarantee a superb mellow taste with notes of dried tropical fruits. Exhilarating on the palate.

·         A blend of medium and heavy rums distilled in Angostura's state-of-the-art continuous five-column still to give its rich and deep bronze hue.

·         The blend is hand-drawn and aged in a single select Bourbon Oak cask for a minimum of 5 years

·         Authentic, pure Trinidadian rum with distinctive packaging

·         Limited edition (only a certain number of batches possible per year)

·         Rich full-bodied flavour and smoother than any scotch in its price range”

(Taken from - http://angosturarum.com/Brands/Angostura_SingleBarrel)

Source:Angostura Limited website

3. White Oak – Only Available Locally

“Currently the leading standard rum brand in Trinidad and St. Vincent, White Oak remains one of the flagship products of Angostura's impressive rum portfolio.

·         No.1 selling rum in Trinidad & Tobago

·         No.1 selling rum in standard rum category in St. Vincent

·         Well reputed for its smoothness and mixability

·         Authentic pure Trinidadian rum with distinctive packaging”

White Oak we drinking woooo!

(Taken from - http://angosturarum.com/Brands/WhiteOak)

Source:Angostura Limited website

4. No.1 – Limited & Available Internationally

Segment: Premium

No. 1 is a celebration of the House of Angostura’s rich heritage and artistry in blending some of the world’s finest rums. With only 9,600 bottles available worldwide, No. 1 is the first premium rum to be unveiled in The Cask Collection, a new limited-edition range dedicated to rum aged in special casks.

Angostura No.1 is a testament to Don Carlos Siegert, son of the brand’s founder, who dreamt of making the “smoothest blend in the new world.

(Taken from - http://www.angostura.com/Brands/LimitedEditions/no1)

Source:Angostura Limited website

5. 1824 - Available Internationally

“Angostura® 1824 is a blend of the finest mature rums, hand-picked by the Master Blender from selected casks.

These rums are aged in charred American oak bourbon barrels for a minimum of twelve years and then skillfully hand blended and re-casked. Upon the rum’s optimum maturity, it is hand-drawn, filtered and bottled. It is then offered in very limited supply for your enjoyment.

Sip and enjoy this extraordinary and sensually crafted blend neat, on the rocks or with your favorite cigar.”

(Taken from - http://angosturarum.com/Brands/Angostura_1824)

Source:Angostura Limited website

Honourable Mention:

Fernandes Black Label -  Only Available Locally

Click here for more information on Fernandes Black Label

Trinidad's Top 5- Things you MUST do in Trinidad

1. Play Carnival

To become a true Trini, participating in carnival celebration either as a masquerader or enjoy the early morning J’ouvert vibes is a must.

Update! - I posted a blog on Top bands to play in Click here to see top Carnival bands

Source: TRIBE website

2. Eat Doubles (Standing by the Road)

You cannot be a Trinidadian and not taste doubles If you have not tried it then go and get one now. I guarantee you, that will be one of the best delicacies that you will ever taste.

Click here to see Top 5 Doubles Places in Trinidad

Source: Trinidad Carnivals website

3. Go Beach

If you are going to Maracas you must have a bake and shark (Richard’s preferably). . There is no but about this you have to taste it.

Click here to see Top 5 Beaches and Bays in Trindad

Source: Island Hikers

4. Panorama

Panorama is the biggest annual music competition of steel bands from Trinidad and Tobago. All Trinis are excited around carnival time to witness and be part of the festival. Go and experience our own national instrument into action.

Click here for Panorama website

Source: T&T Guardian Newspaper (Online)

5. Go Down the Islands

You want to get away from it all, then the perfect place is down the islands where one can take a boat and relax by the beach and enjoy the breathtaking ambience.

Click here for tours

Go Gasparee

Gasparee Island. Source: Down the island tour Facebook Page

Trinidad's Top 5 - Historical Sites

1. Fort George – Port of Spain

Built in 1804 during the term of British Governor, Sir Thomas Hislop.

Basically, it was built just in case Port of Spain got an invasion by receiving light and flag signals. Since today’s world is all about technology, the wireless system took over and now it is a historical site. Nevertheless, it is still one of the best views to capture the capital city.

Opening hours – 9am- 6pm

Click here for tour details

Source: Mapio.net

2. Galera Point Lighthouse (Toco Lighthouse)

Well, Toco is where the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet. Galera Point (Previously Punta Galera) was built in 1897.  Here you can actually see Tobago on some days.

The lighthouse is open and with the permission of the keeper, you can ascend the steps where there are picnic tables, benches and shady trees.

Opening hours- Whenever you want.

Contact Information – +1-868 623-2441/4 ext 371, +1-868-624-9839 or +1-868-462-5503

Click here for tour details

Source: Lightphotos.net

3. National Museum and Art Gallery – Port of Spain

Established in 1892, with a collection of over 10,000 items, this museum is a must see.

Their mission:  to foster public awareness, understanding and enjoyment of Trinidad and Tobago’s Human and Natural Heritage through the collection, preservation, research, presentation and interpretation of significant and representative collections of that heritage.

Opening hours- Tuesday- Saturday - 10am-6pm

 (Sundays and Public Holidays- Closed)

Contact Information - +1-868-623-5941 / +1-868-623-0339

Click here for their website

Source: Onmanorama website

4. Chaguaramas Military History and Aviation Museum

If you want to see Military History, then go here. Opened in 1992. It consists of indoor displays which are built on the theme, "Five Hundred Years of Military History". The outdoor displays are the preserved Coast Guard 103 foot FPB TTS Buccoo Reef along with aircraft, vehicles and other artefacts.

You can view vintage vehicles, military artefacts, uniforms, ammunition and radio equipment used by soldiers in World Wars I and II. Museum building has Amerindian artefacts, ancient weapons, model ships, military uniforms and photographs.

Opening hours: - Everyday 9 am to 5 pm

Contact Information: 1 868 634 4391

Click here for their Facebook Page

Last BWIA plane standing.  Source:Chaguaramas Military Museum Facebook Page

5. Temple in the Sea

One of the unique and fascinating attraction is the Temple in the sea which was constructed in 1947 by an Indian labourer, Sewdass Sadhu which has a long history. The Waterloo Temple, a sacred shrine has marble and stone gods. It is the one and only Temple in sea in the Caribbean.

Opening hours: 8am-3pm Tue, Thu & Sat, 9-11am Sun

Location: Carapichaima, Trinidad

Source: Panoramio

Honourable Mention –

Mount Saint Benedict

It was founded in October 1912 by an order of monks from Brazil, after the Order of St Benedict of Italy.  Everyone from all faiths goes to Mt St Benedict to pray, relax and enjoy the scenery. You can also purchase religious items and be blessed. There are a few monks who reside at this place.

Opening Hours: Open seven days a week.