Night at the SAVANNAH STRIP
The Savannah is located in the Centre of Port of Spain. It is a massive park with numerous activities such as Soccer, Cricket, Rugby and Running in the daytime hours mostly - but at night this place comes alive at a location just across from Memorial Square and the NAPA complex. This place is a haven for all sorts of vendors that sell anything from east indian delights such as Pholourie, Bussup Shut and Doubles (originates in trinidad), to Corn Soup, BBQ Chicken and Creole foods. But the real treat is the JUICE MAN named Washington.
The Juice vendors switch around spots sometimes and they do not always come out on all days of the week. But John's mixes were insanely tasty. The Doubles sold at the Strip will also prove to be memorable.
The Juice vendors switch around spots sometimes and they do not always come out on all days of the week. But John's mixes were insanely tasty. The Doubles sold at the Strip will also prove to be memorable.
Freeness at NAPA!!!
oK, Well this is how it went down,
While shooting this segment for the site, a girl approaches our camera man politely asking if we are doing something for a show called "prissytroopers" .... what the heck? How could she know?
Well besides saying that she is a fan of the show, she says her name is Danielle and she has a twin sister named Dawn who is rehearsing in the nextdoor complex - that so happens to be the NAPA building.
So what do you think happens next? We get a full auditorium to ourselves and we see the most spectacular rehearsal that we will never forget...
While shooting this segment for the site, a girl approaches our camera man politely asking if we are doing something for a show called "prissytroopers" .... what the heck? How could she know?
Well besides saying that she is a fan of the show, she says her name is Danielle and she has a twin sister named Dawn who is rehearsing in the nextdoor complex - that so happens to be the NAPA building.
So what do you think happens next? We get a full auditorium to ourselves and we see the most spectacular rehearsal that we will never forget...
Doubles Outside "Power Boats" in CHAGUARAMAS
DOUBLES & PIES - Evolutions and General Rules
A TYPICAL Doubles today usually consists of 2 pieces of fried dough (barra), Chip peas (Channa) and a variation of condements and pepper sauces depending on the Vender. But in recent times we have seen experiments that defy tradition such as "sweet doubles", "chicken doubles" and all fashions of hybrids that its creators can possibly fathom. Deep fried pies have already made the transition to accommodate curry channa and additional condements and these pies can be anything from cheese, potato, chicken, beef - you name it.
But the RULES across the board still remain -
Doubles or Pies are best eaten Fresh and Hot.
You cannot have someone buy you a Doubles and tell you that it is in the Fridge waiting for you. This is just absurd and if you believe that you have just devoured a Doubles that had been sitting in the Fridge for hours or overnight - no matter how you re-heat that thing ... it will never be the same as a freshly served Doubles.
You cannot eat a Doubles at your Desk at work - that defies tradition. Doubles is best consumed while standing upright and leaning over at about 30 degrees... "TRU TING"
But the RULES across the board still remain -
Doubles or Pies are best eaten Fresh and Hot.
You cannot have someone buy you a Doubles and tell you that it is in the Fridge waiting for you. This is just absurd and if you believe that you have just devoured a Doubles that had been sitting in the Fridge for hours or overnight - no matter how you re-heat that thing ... it will never be the same as a freshly served Doubles.
You cannot eat a Doubles at your Desk at work - that defies tradition. Doubles is best consumed while standing upright and leaning over at about 30 degrees... "TRU TING"
DOUBLES in INDEPENDENCE SQUARE and other Spots in PORT OF SPAIN
When reviewing something like street food one has to keep in mind that certain vendors turn up on certain days and sometimes not at the exact loactions because of friendly rivalry between each other. Independence Square is an easy sure hit when it comes to finding decent Doubles Vending - one can expect to find about three at this location during morning or evening periods. Don't always believe that the "longest line" theory is the best - it's just usually the safe bet. You ay be suprised to discover otherwise sometimes. As we update these reviews, we should be able to get you the exact names of your favorite Doubles Venders.
St JAMES
Claire Fountain see why St James is the Street that Never Sleeps.
MOM'S ROTI in St James
On the sidewalks of the streets of ST JAMES - one would note that a variety of Food Vending takes place at night. A couple middle and elderly aged ladies set up a table just across the street from the famous "Smokey and Bunty's" bar. They can be seen preparing the roti dough because Roti is done to order. High recommendations for the Shrimp Roti - although there are a number of options available to you - more common are chicken, beef and goat. Arguably the best Roti that you can buy on the island of Trinidad. But with new competition springing up all the time - one can never tell.
PATSY'S BAKE & SHARK on MARACAS Beach
Bake and Shark is a MARACAS Beach Tradition that has become a Trinidad Tradition. The Establishment that Rules this domain is RICHARD'S. They sell the most, and because they have the longest lines, no one questions it - they just join right in. But there are a few other tasty Bake and Shark makers in MARACAS Beach - PATSIE'S is one of them. The trick is sometimes in the Condements as much as it is about the freshness of the Meat and the Fried Dough. And why exactly is RICHARD'S always bringing on their A-Game? Well - because it's made right there on the spot.
Not every and anyone can make a damn good Bake and Shark - But surely RICHARD'S and PATSY'S can. There are several determining factors for great taste and consistency - but the three areas of attention are - The freshness and taste of the Bake, the Shark and the Condements. Fall short in any of these areas and the word of mouth is going to make your product pay the price - because Trinidadians just love to spread the word and they always have the "inside score". But despite these quality control parameters, these two establishments on Maracas Beach have consistently won the hearts of the Locals so much that they are now legendary.
Not every and anyone can make a damn good Bake and Shark - But surely RICHARD'S and PATSY'S can. There are several determining factors for great taste and consistency - but the three areas of attention are - The freshness and taste of the Bake, the Shark and the Condements. Fall short in any of these areas and the word of mouth is going to make your product pay the price - because Trinidadians just love to spread the word and they always have the "inside score". But despite these quality control parameters, these two establishments on Maracas Beach have consistently won the hearts of the Locals so much that they are now legendary.
HARRY'S PUNCH in St James
Talk about an urban Legend? What does he put in that thing? Too many things if you ask me, but they will all claim that its a healthy high energy drink. You be the judge of that. What we know for sure is that these tasty punches are available in ST JAMES just across the road from the RBTT bank. Flavors include Peanut, Irish Moss, Strawberry, Vanilla and more...
BOOKER'S BURGERS in St James
Like any other Street Food available in ST JAMES - there is an art to great grilling and Booker's has the magic touch. The meat cuts are lean and tasty and the condements are self serve. Chicken, Shrimp and Lamb are the most common orders at Booker's. Located just around the ST JAMES Post Office - at night it can seem a bit quiet.
QUEEN OF ARABIA in St James
GYROS have been making a massive come back in Trinidad in recent years. Long forgotten are the days of DINO D' GREEK - we are now witnessing the new era of Gyros in TRINIDAD. QUEEN OF ARABIA is open in ST JAMES and doing just fine. Served out of a Streetside window from an openly visible kitchen - everything is done to order and as Dharma duly noted - Very tasty indeed...
GYROS on ARIAPITA AVENUE
This Fast Food / Street Food Revival has become the latest "before / during / after" party "snack / food / dinner" on the streets of Ariapita Avenue - which also happens to be the Hip Strip in Trinidad during the popular nights - Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The last time this happened with Gyros in Trinidad, it was somewhere way back - with a place called "Dino D Greek" (more than 30 years ago before the Foreshore Highway was built).
Now they are back with vengance and you can be assured that you are eating the "real deal" - prepared by the Syrians themselves (No sign of Dino anywhere).
Just follow the night crowds and you are sure to find a Gyro Vender not too far from the action. This one is stationed just outside of 40/40 near to Lewis Street.
