Food and Beverage
New ‘Flava’ Food and Entertainment Hub Brings Life to T&T’s Capital.
With just a few weeks to Carnival 2026 in Trinidad and Tobago, the excitement is steadily building. A more settled outlook on geo-politics and its potential to affect the country at this time, the population at home in Trinidad and Tobago have begun engaging in the annual ritual that is Carnival.
Last weekend, the Queen’s Park Savannah’s brand new ‘FLAVA’ spot – dubbed, a culinary experience, was open for business. Transformed to the benefit of the street vendors who are usually aligned along what’s commonly known as ‘the drag, The FLAVA Village has been outfitted with a beautified ambience, bringing a notable Caribbean flair to the Savannah aesthetic.
Ease of entry from the Eastern side of the Queen’s Park Savannah, now affords motorists the option to enter the ‘drag’ area and proceed toward the usual parking area. Entertainment and scrumptious tastes of Trinidad and Tobago await patrons within the FLAVA Village. Some 70 booths have already been allocated and according to the Minister of Culture and Arts, Michelle Benjamin, 170 booths can be accommodated within the space. The Village also boasts live entertainment. Last week Saturday, several entertainers graced the stage, among them, veteran Calypsonian Sugar Aloes, Chutney Soca artiste, G.I, Wadicks and GBM Nutron.
Clearly considerate of the concept of family entertainment, the FLAVA Village combines kid-friendly fun with appropriate entertainment for adults. Bouncy castles are an added feature to the space and there’s also craft shops included in the layout. Pleasantly surprised, one person told Ebuzztt that he had left Arima with his wife to come to Port-of-Spain for food at the Savannah and was surprised to see what the space had been transformed into. His wife said, “We’ll definitely be coming back and we’ll bring our daughter next time.”
The FLAVA village is open throughout the week from 4pm and closes at 1am. The space will remain open through April.
Ebuzz News
Tobago Gold Rum Receives Chamber of Industry and Commerce Accolade. Boss Anticipates Future Moves.
Tobago Gold Chocolate Rum Cream and founder Lars Soderstrom, were recently named “Entrepreneurs of the Year” at the prestigious Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Commerce and Industry Champions of Business Awards. The company was recognized for its innovative spirit, tremendous growth, strong commercial performance, and the noticeable mark it has made in the wine and spirits industry since its inception.
Just three years after being created in a kitchen in Arnos Vale, Tobago, Tobago Gold Chocolate Rum Cream has penetrated 18 markets across the globe, and as of October 2023, won 22 international awards.
The product was inspired by the over 500-year tradition of cocoa tea in the Caribbean. Company Founder and CEO Lars Söderström – a certified chocolate maker – put his own spin on the classic recipe and created a chocolate rum cream liqueur flavoured with high-quality cocoa, 100% Caribbean rum, and Caribbean spice flavours.
The award was presented to Mr. Söderstrom at the Chamber’s official ceremony held at the National Academy of Performing Arts in Port of Spain, Trinidad. With over 500 high-profile guests in attendance inclusive of other awardees, sponsors and major brands, Lars shared, “We are deeply honoured to receive this award. Our goal has always been to produce an unparalleled product that celebrates the flavours of the Caribbean. To be recognized as “Entrepreneurs of the Year” is extremely humbling and validates the hard work of our entire team.”
Tobago Gold Chocolate Rum Cream credits its rapid growth and success to its commitment to using only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients, its innovative flavour profiles, as well as the contribution of its highly accomplished advisory committee, partners, prolific management team of experts and the entire staff body who have lent themselves to the development, evolution and continued success of the brand.
“The future is bright for Tobago Gold Chocolate Rum Cream,” said Söderström, adding, “We look forward to introducing new flavours, expanding into additional markets, and continuing to put Tobago on the map as a source of world-class craft spirits. We hope to be an inspiration to other budding entrepreneurs and as a small start-up with global success, this win should show you that it is possible. Thank you again to the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Commerce and Industry for this incredible recognition,” he concluded.
Caribbean Buzz
Barbados All Set for 12th Food and Rum Festival, this October.
Barbados may be known as the home of billionaire celebrity and one of the world’s most adored entertainers, Rihanna, but more than that, the island is one of the most desirable Caribbean destinations for tourists. Unparalleled beauty when it comes to beaches and natural escapes, the island is also becoming even more popular for its annual Food and Rum Festival.
On Friday, September 8th, in Trinidad and Tobago, the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc, hosted its annual event launch at Estate 101 in Maraval. It was an event that brought out the media and influencers, showcasing just a little of the food and drinks that will be served up between October 19th and October 22nd, under the theme, “Feed the Future.” The event returns in this its 12th year, but added to the usual weekend-long Food and Rum festival, tourists visiting Barbados can expect a series of pop-up events leading up to the October Festival, taking place even as we speak.
The Barbados Food and Rum Festival will continue with its traditional hosting of seven signature events and the introduction of one new event, this year. From Thursday, October 19th, the festival will commence with “Oistins Under the Stars,” followed by ‘Chef Classics’ and ‘Rum Route’ on Friday. On October 21st, a Breakfast Beach party takes place. Dubbed, ‘Rise and Rum’, the event will be held on one of Barbados’ picturesque beaches. During the day, the new event, ‘Bajan Fair’ takes place along with the Junior Chef Cook Off Competition and in the evening, three of Barbados’ international chefs will host a ‘Journey of Food’ private dinner at different restaurants.
The event’s launch in T&T proved to be an intimate affair, attended by several well known socialites and influencers, among them, former Miss World Trinidad and Tobago, Giselle Laronde-West and menswear designer Ecliff Elie. Well known pannist, Joshua Regrello entertained music lovers along with musical group, Lujoe, and by the end of the evening, a trip to Barbados complete with airfare and accommodation was given away, along with several promotional hampers, from the good folks at the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.
A number of award winning chefs will be a part of 12th installment of the Barbados Food and Rum Festival. Some 22 talented chefs and mixologists will make up the contingent and four international chefs have been added to the lineup. For more details on the upcoming weekend of tantalizing entertainment and fun, visit www.foodandrum.com.
