La Cantina Experience

After being convinced by my sister, I decided to take a trip to La Cantina Pizzeria (located in Crown Point, Tobago). I had really set the bar low because she brought slices of their pizza home, and trust me it was not an enjoyable experience eating  microwave warmed up pizza. I had been warped by the americanized concept of pizza: thick dough, lots of tomato sauce, cheese and random toppings; so seeing this flat almost "sada" roti type dough with toppings and not much sauce had me turned off. However I must sister's "gnat-like" nagging worked and La Cantina was not at all displeasing. Displeasing isn't even the word, it was AMAZING!!!

The service was prompt, courteous!! And so accommodating!! I went with an entourage (my family, I wasn't going to spend a lot of my money and experiment alone). I was impressed by the indoor decor: the dining room in that they have for  "large" groups reminded me a bit of scenes from "The Godfather". Anyway being an *ahem* occasional lover *cough cough* of various beverages containing alcohol I was very much enthused by the array set before me, however in the presence of my mother I ordered a simple glass of Fruit Punch(she doesn't like her daughters drinking). I sampled some from other people on the table and I will give the bartender his props, the man can mix his drinks perfectly!! Clearly he wasn't a random hire and didn't just throw things together, he knows how to blend his concoctions in proper proportions, he knows the science of his brews!!! 

I expected a long wait for my sada pizza experience and yet again the staff at La Cantina decided to pleasantly surprise me, with our 3 orders  of different pizzas in 15 minutes all done in the Forno A Legna or as we say: dirt oven. The pizza isn't presliced so it's a hot cheesy situation to get your slices but it's worth it. Be it vegetarian or others (we ordered from each "genre" except seafood*) I will give the Chef 2 thumbs up! Since there was nothing left to take away after we were done. 

The only complaint I would have about La Cantina is the space, it's a bit too cosy for claustrophobic individuals such as myself, but with the right crowd, a few drinks and great food you'd absolutely have a great time!!

Jemma's Tree-House Restaurant

The weekend before my birthday I got a phone call from my close friend Jojo, asking me out to lunch. I was surprised because not only had I not seen him in a while but he was in my "bad books" for a few months before, meaning I ignored him for a few months. So I accepted the invitation, I mean, come on it's free food.

After the long twist and turns, motion-sickness-filled drive in the rain, we finally reached our destination. And there "she" was on the road side in her yellow glory. When we went in there wasn't anyone to greet it us, seemed to be a slow day. Anyway a waitress came...eventually and seated us.

We all ordered different entree's but you get so many choices for your sides we just ordered all.  Her opening salad was amazing even if it was just a regular garden salad but her dressing made my taste-buds sing the  cliched Hallelujah chorus.  Her breadfruit pie was lightly seasoned, cheesy,and absolutely worth breaking any diet rule!!! Just smelling the cheese I gained 1 pound, but the dish was worth it: a perfect blend of carbs  Not to mention the shrimp in garlic sauce and callaloo.  I must admit the food had improved significantly from my previous visits, where some of the same dishes were unappetizing and seemingly just thrown together with no passion or concern for the people, eating it. Thus leading me to the conclusion that the food's edibility can be unpredictable.

The ambiance can make up for slow service and the "sometimish" good food. The restaurant is nestled in the scenic village of Speyside on the eastern end of Tobago.  Built on an Almond tree overlooking the sea. You will enjoy the view, fresh air, small local birds landing right at you table to share a meal and of course a healthy array of non-alcoholic beverages. It is more or less a sobering place to spend quality time with  loved ones,  relax and  take in one of nature's best. I just hope that friends who are planning to make amends get there on a good day :).