Valentine’s Day is for couples. And many people say “I Love You” to their loved ones with flowers, chocolates, teddy bears, thoughtful gifts… and dinner. Ah yes, dinner. We usually dial up the style to “high”, and the dining options to “costly.”
Cost and value, however, are not the same thing. Here are five Valentine Day options that won’t cost you the earth, but are high on style.
Trader Jack’s Island Grill
Trader Jack’s nails the whole Trini/International fusion thing. Their delicious and beautifully varied creations are given extra spark by vibrant spices and ingenious flavour combinations. TJ’s also put the emphasis on fresh-from-the-market supplies, making their creations both delicious and healthy.
Amid a sea of sameness at Movie Towne in Port of Spain, Trader Jack’s manages to stand out. It is one of the unique eating places, boasting a 28-foot tall banyan tree, in their words “designed to create the feeling of an oasis within the pulsating urban nightlife.” It works for us. Big time.
For reservations, call 625 5225 or check out their Valentine’s Day menu here.
J Malone’s Irish Pub and Restaurant
Irish bars and pubs recreate a friendly atmosphere everywhere in the world that you can find them, and J Malone’s at Trincity Mall is no exception. But with the friendly and relaxed vibe comes a very pleasant dining experience, with a fine restaurant vibe, offset by a great menu. The fare is reassuringly international/traditional, but the taste is exceptional.
As they tell us themselves, “At J. Malone’s, we work hard to create meals that leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. Our team is dedicated to serving dishes we all feel proud of, from pastas to soups to seafood. Our ingredients are sourced with care, from trusted suppliers. Our chefs are trained and passionate about their culinary creations.”
Call 640 5080 to reserve your spots or check out their Valentine’s Day menu here.
Unwined
The clue is in the name, and what a clever one! Unwined is an elegantly-styled Bar and Bistro/Work and Event Space, located at 196 Eastern Main Road is. A great Valentine meal is made more special by a great glass of wine, and if you chose Unwined, you are guaranteed just that. It’s a great place to just be IN, for a start. Customers rave about the décor, which obviously adds to the occasion. You couldn’t ask for a better Valentine vibe.
They also rave about the food, which takes you east for Korean BBQ wings, west for Sesame Fries (no fries like you’ve tasted before), or east AND west with Wasabi Mayonnaise. These delicious gourmet options are provided at Curbside Gourmet, catered to by House of El Chef Cael Seebaran.
As they say themselves, Valentine’s Day love isn’t just about couples’ love. It’s “the one day every year that we show love to our family, friends, colleagues, neighbours. We hope to help you celebrate some love…this week and all year! Come Unwined!”
Call 610-9463 to make your reservation or check out their page here.
La Cantina
Tucked away on Victoria Street in Port of Spain, on one of the picturesque streets radiating from the Savannah like spokes on a bicycle, La Cantina stands out by its beautiful historic architecture. Inside is a beautiful, wooden floor, a cozy atmosphere, and an open kitchen where you can see the chefs preparing their oven-baked pizzas. Or you can opt for alfresco dining, at the cozy tables on the outside.
And they’re they most authentically Italian pizzas you can get in our twin-island republic. Thin, delicious, and brimming with flavour. If you want the real thing, it’s La Cantina. If you’re still to decide where you should dine for Valentine’s Day, visit them at #lacantinapizzeria and enjoy a romantic night out and a dinner menu #perfectfortwo.
Call 62-PIZZA to make your reservations or check out their Valentine’s Day menu here.
Makara Restaurant, Tobago
In Tobago? Head to Makara Restaurant for your Valentine fix. This upscale, gorgeous joint has a sea view. Make sure you arrive or reserve early to get one of the prime tables, although there’s a view wherever you sit. You and your loved one will be treated to one of T&T’s most beautiful natural sights, Buccoo Bay, home of the famous Buccoo Reef. Leading the dining experience is their world class chef.
As Makara says “Influenced by his worldly exposure to restaurants in Europe, Asia, and North American Chef Curtis Duke offers a fresh and edgy take on modern, local and Caribbean cuisine.” The fare is varied, but the seafood simply stuns. It’s some of the best in T&T.
Make your reservation at 340-9547 and check them out on Facebook for a look at their Valentine’s menu.
