Welcome to the first edition of Tasting TnT, where we’ll be going across the country taking a look at Trinidad and Tobago’s finest eating places. If you want to find out where to go for a good meal or that hot date (or where not to go for that matter) or where to host that dinner or lunch function, this is definitely the column for you!

Apsara, located at 13 Queens Park East,

Port-of-Spain.

Like it or not, even though TnT has joined the fitness craze revolution, we still love our tummies.  Eating is a trend that will never go out of style. 

We are a melting pot of different cultures, and each one has allowed our palates to be spoiled. Indeed, what makes our food so unique and highly desirable is the blending of all things good.

My goal is to entice you to experience the places where we go to enjoy such culinary delights, where we can be wined and dined to our hearts’ delight. I will show you where you can enjoy la crème de la crème (and unfortunately the not so crème) of local cuisine.

Join me on a journey that will allow you to experience the art of culinary delights across TnT that will hopefully leave your taste buds craving for more.

For our first review, we visit Apsara, located at 13 Queens Park East, Port-of-Spain.

Here they serve authentic North Indian food, using a unique method of serving their food in warmers fired by hot coals.  This ensures that the food remains warm during your meal, while preserving the flavour. 

As you go around the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain, it is easy to miss the turn to get to the restaurant, since you only see the sign as you go past. 

I paid a recent visit with two friends. We took the back entrance in and initially became a bit concerned since it looked run down and the area appeared quite desolate.  A wave of scepticism came over us.  Fortunately, the security guard saw our hesitation and told us to go ahead.  It was quite a relief when we saw the entrance to Apsara, and we felt as if we had come across a rainbow at the end of a torrential downpour. 

We were greeted at the door as if they had known us for years and taken into a large tastefully decorated room with a comfort level which led itself to an amazing atmosphere.  The host seated us and immediately placed crisp cloth napkins on our laps. How delightful.

The waiters and waitresses were all dressed in Indian wear and the walls were appropriately designed, all adding to a pleasing ambience

The restaurant was not exactly crowded for a Friday night. We observed a small gathering of people seated around the room, the table beside us looked like the remnants of a business dinner turned social affair and, wait for this…there was actually someone else eating solo, a concept that seems to elude many people.

Surprisingly, even though we were having a “fine dining” experience, the dress mode was very casual.  A couple was seated across from us and the guy was actually in shorts and slippers.

Impressively, when it was time to order, the waiter did not write down any orders, but got them all right.  His suggestions were also most appropriate.  One would think, hmm- authentic Indian food, definitely an acquired palette; the red and green curry and seasonings: quite pungent and different from what we are accustomed to.  The aroma of the dishes preceded the spectacular site that was placed on the table and even that was outdone by the mouth-watering deliciousness that totally ended any form of conversation whatsoever, thus destroying any preconceived notions that we may have had about “Indian” Indian Food.

The food was ordered from the A La Carte Menu. We had two types of Naan (what we would traditionally call roti), one with butter and the other sweet as if it were a dessert, both what we would term “moreish”. 

Lamb, chicken and shrimp were the entrees of choice, served with jasmin rice.  They came in little bowls placed over the coals to be kept warm during the meal.  The portions were small, making us wonder a bit whether we should have ordered more, but so filling that we actually had left overs.

The shrimp was tender and succulent, the lamb robust and seasoned to perfection and the chicken, even though spicy, was quite savoury. 

It is difficult to describe all the great flavours of everything we had, so I have included a couple of photos above. You really have to experience this international delight for yourself. 

One would say that the food is pretty reasonably priced, despite the portions being relatively small. The average cost ranges from TT$75.00 to TT$150.00 and then you have a service charge and tax to contend with.  However the food is filling and really worth it.  We definitely left satisfied.

The staff were attentive but not intrusive.  At one point a napkin fell and before we could even alert the waitress, a new napkin miraculously appeared in its place, immediately impressing us beyond measure.

Overall, Tasting TnT can definitely recommend Apsara for a delectable dining experience.

Rating: Four stars

Ratings explained

My rating reflects my reaction to the menu, atmosphere, service and value.  It is also contingent on what the restaurant is trying to accomplish.

I have decided upon a star system to define your experience and tease your taste buds.  It does not serve as a hierarchy of elegance.

Poor.  Below-average. (No stars)

Good.  A place not worth rushing back to. (One star)

Very Good.  Sets the local standard. (Two stars)

Excellent.  Take a detour. (Three stars)

Extraordinary.  Worth a special journey. (Four stars)

Exceptional.  A one of a kind experience. (Five stars)

All restaurants will also receive a "fork and spoon" designation, as a subjective reflection of the overall comfort and quality of the restaurant.  Rankings range from one to five: One fork and spoon represents a "comfortable restaurant" and five signifies a "luxurious restaurant".