Taste T&T 2006 – A Festival of Flavours, is scheduled to take place on July 22 and 23, 2006 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain.
Ask any Trinidadian or Tobagonian, living abroad, what they miss most about ‘home’ and more than likely their answer would include some reference to food! Food is not simply a form of dietary sustenance in this twin-island Republic; rather, it holds strong emotional and cultural meaning for our people. Sorrell and Ponche De Crème signal the joy and warmth of the Christmas season; Bake and Shark, complimented by the sharp flavour of Shadon Beni Sauce and slices of fresh pineapple, take us to the sounds of lapping waves on the shoreline of Maracas Bay and the mere thought of Curried Crab and Dumplings recalls the white sands and placid water of pristine Store Bay in Tobago.
Trinidad and Tobago’s tourism industry has recognized the value and meaning of food to locals and visitors alike. Our food forms an integral part of the experience of Trinidad and Tobago. From the sophisticated white-linen establishments to the street food vendors, our food is offered in a variety of ways and influenced by the many ethnic groups that reside here. Creative combinations, unforgettable flavours and unique ingredients are just a few of the elements which make our food particularly memorable for visitors.
The first installment of Taste T&T, held in 2005, laid the groundwork for the development of the festival this year. Taste T&T 2006 is the result of a collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism and the Tourism Development Company Limited, whose objective for the event was to make it the destination’s premier culinary tourism attraction by showcasing Trinidad and Tobago’s diverse culinary offerings; highlighting the creativity of our nation’s chefs and promoting our country as the premiere culinary tourism destination in the Caribbean.
“This festival is a first for the Caribbean. No other island hosts this type of event, which affords Trinidad and Tobago the opportunity to build the brand – Taste T&T – as a signature event on the regional tourism calendar, attracting both regional and international visitors,” stated Senator the Honourable Howard Chin Lee, Minister of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, last year.
The Caribbean Village
The Festival follows on the concept of a tasting village which implies an authentic product, the food, presented within an intimate, communal and open space. Patrons will have their pick of sophisticated food fusions, created by Trinidad and Tobago’s finest chefs, as well as our commonly-found, treasured delicacies. Guava glazed Bar-B-Que King Fish with Roasted Garlic Whipped Yam, Geera Crusted Lamb Chops and Seafood and Crab Timbale with a Truffle Crème Fraiche are among the exquisite creations which will balance our time honoured traditional favourites, including corn soup, East Indian delicacies, Dim Sum and Curried Crab and Dumpling.
Sneaking A Peek
A Demonstration Kitchen, spearheaded by consultant Chef Debra Sardinha-Metivier, will also form a major part of the festival. The purpose of this kitchen is to highlight the food preparation process to a smaller audience and will feature live cooking demonstrations by a few participating chefs.
“The culinary artform has always been fascinating and the demonstration kitchen will give the public a sneak peek into the talents and creative methods of our local chefs, which will certainly enhance our appreciation of the delectable end product,” said Chef Debra Sardinha-Metivier, Consultant.
The Chefs
The 14 chefs who will be participating in Taste T&T 2006 are:
• Gérard Mouillé from A la Bastille;
• Khalid Mohammed from Battimamzelle;
• Dwayne Henderson from La Trattoria Giuliano’s;
• Joe Brown from Solimar
• Paul Mowser of Rafters
• Joseph Habr from Joseph’s Mediterranean Cuisine;
• Moses Ruben from Melange
• Francisco Paiva from The Lure;
• Bernard Long of Bernard’s Gourmet Services;
• Brent Sinanan from the Lighthouse Restaurant;
• Ramsing Gurung from Apsara Restaurant;
• Mona Hadeed of Boomerang Caterers;
• Yan Wen Yu from Swan Restaurant
• Sharaz Mohammed of Boticelli’s Restaurant
• Dune Ali from Rib House
• Wesley Boodhram from Courtyard by Marriott
Chefs will be grouped in four allowing you to purchase tickets for the quartet of your choice, at a cost of $250. per day (drinks not included), and there is no rule preventing you from coming on both days. General admission cost is $25. Persons who purchase tickets for the event will be exempted from paying the admission fee, since this cost is included in the ticket price.
More Than Just Food
This festival will not simply tantalize the palette, but also the eyes and ears of those who enter its gates. MacFarlane Design Studios will transform the Hasely Crawford Stadium into an imaginative space which will celebrate the essence of Caribbean, community living. A representation of the Bamboo Cathedral, stalls dressed with Karat rooves and bamboo tables, prominent displays of local art, theatrical props representing the countries which have influenced our cuisine, water fountains and bistro and café seating are just a few of many dynamic elements which will contribute to the festival’s ambience.
Intermittent stages and performance areas throughout the event will host performances by entertainers such as the youth choir, Jeunes Agape; drumming duo, Jah Jah and Baba Onilu; ace pannist, Noel La Pierre and many more.
“My intention is to transform this festival into a meandering journey through the culinary culture of these islands. The design for the event will integrate the various icons of our local culture while celebrating the foreign sources from which they have been derived. Although we recognize these foreign roots, a Caribbean aesthetic will be prominent throughout the event,” commented Brian MacFarlane, Designer.
Tickets
Gourmet meal tickets are available at the following locations:
TDC’s Head Office
Level 1, Maritime Centre
Barataria
Tel. (1 868) 675 7034
For more information about Taste T&T 2006 – A Festival of Flavours, kindly contact the Tourism Development Company Limited (TDC) at (1-868) 675 7034 ext. 244 or 287 or via email at info@tdc.co.tt
Media Center
