Arabian Tobagonian Delight

This past weekend was all about relaxing in Tobago. There was no set itinerary. This was on purpose. I'm usually the type who plans to death and is always on the go, but I was pretty burnt out. So, the plan was no plan. The only thing necessary to make it a great time was the fantastic company that accompanied me to Tobago. Add some sun, sea, sand and good food to the mix, and I was in heaven. On Sunday we did a road trip almost fully circumnavigating the island. We went from Black Rock to Bloody Bay and back again. That road trip was nothing short of adventurous. Hell..when your gas light goes on as you pull into the closed Charlotteville gas station, with the only other gas station a couple towns back in Roxborough, how could it not be!? To be honest, while at the moment I was panicking slightly, it was much less than I would have been in the past, so to me, it's plenty progress. It also adds so much to the memory of the day when adventures like that happen, so thank you for that Universe (while ensuring we did not actually shut down for gas). 

I think I may just like it because it has a genie on the sign...how can you go wrong with a genie!?

Anyways, after a full day of being on the road, and on the beach, while we had snacks, we waited to have lunch on our trek back. However, I'm guessing because it was a Sunday, most of the food places we passed along the way were closed by that time. So we headed back to Crown Point, because when in doubt... We turned into the road that take you to Store Bay (Milford Road I think), where there's a lineup of food places. We decided to try this Arabian place we saw opposite Cafe Coco, and downstairs the Trinbago Curry House. Why? I have no clue. I'm terrible at knowing what I want to eat on a regular basis (except for cake which is always a yes!), and when I'm hungry I'm just useless. So this was probably the place I grunted most positively towards when we were deciding. Walking in, it was empty of patrons, but it was an odd time...5pm, so probably in between the crowds. There were two persons at the counter waiting to serve us and the menu looked appealing. It was what I'm used to from local Arabic places...vegetable rice, arabic rice, garlic chicken, lamb, garlic potatoes, kibi, etc. We ordered vegetable rice, garlic chicken, and wedges, garlic potatoes, and lamb, but nearly left when we were told it would be a fifteen minute wait because he wanted to make it fresh. Now fifteen minutes when you're hungry seems very daunting. But...it had comfortable seating, and it would have taken too much effort to find somewhere else, so we ordered our food, and some drinks and stayed. Besides, when you think about it, it's really better than having pre-prepared food just lying around at 5pm. My tummy just turned a little at the thought.

Staying was a fantastic decision! When the food arrived, we were pleasantly surprised. We really had no expectations. We expected the food to arrive in the usual takeaway containers, and be average (hopefully) in flavour. Instead we were served on real plates, with real cutlery, with our own set of condiments. The food looked fabulous. The taste did not disappoint either. All of it was yum! I was especially impressed with my vegetable rice because it had what I think was Vermicelli (used to make sawine), and I've never seen it used in this way before. It definitely complemented the other vegetables and flavours. Also, my garlic chicken was moist, which was a big plus, because sadly, I've found that the last couple times I bought garlic chicken from Arabian places, it was just sooo dry. Also, it was very reasonably priced. I think we spent about TT$125 for both meals, plus drinks. We were so impressed that I figured this needed to be a place I shared with you guys, so you can experience it for yourself.

Vegetable rice, and garlic chicken

Garlic potatoes, wedges, and lamb

Mr. Nassar himself...

We had a chat with the gentleman who was running the restaurant. He said it's owned by his nephews, but he's the manager and chef. His name is Mr. Nassar. Gosh I hope I spelt that correctly, because he said this would be easier than spelling his first name. This branch he noted is open from 12 noon to 12 midnight, and it's only been open for three months. There's another branch of this same restaurant, Arabian Delight in the Lowlands Mall in Tobago. He was obviously not a local, and had a strong Middle Eastern accent, so of course I had to ask where he was from, and why Tobago? I swear when he said Syria my heart dropped. I just wasn't expecting it. He noted that because he has nephews in Tobago, it was a good opportunity given the situation in Syria. So he plans to spend six months here, and try to get his family to come across with him. However, if he can't, he will return to Syria permanently because he obviously misses his family, and they're most important. He was just very pleasant, and there was nothing lacking in his customer service, or food, and for these reasons I will definitely be returning there the next time I go to Tobago. I recommend it, and if you do go, let me know what you think.

Hug your family a little tighter today, and as frustrated as we are on a daily basis with what's happening in our sweet TnT, and the world, say a prayer and remember to be grateful for all your blessings.

Light and Love Always!

Arabian Delights is #fairytalekindagirl approved! :)

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Look out for the signs..The Trinbago Curry House Sign is hard to miss, and once you see it, you've arrived! Indoor and outdoor seating available!