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Produced by TDC, Taste T&T 2008 is an exciting culinary concept showcasing the best of Trinidad and Tobago's food while at the same time highlighting the creative talents of the country's top and up-and-coming chefs. It's was a two day event held at the Jean Pierre Complex on Saturday May 24th and Sunday May 25th. Unfortunately, we weren't unable to cover Saturday's event. But some patrons did tell us that Sunday is always the better day, so we hoping we didn't miss much.

The objective of this year's event was to increase awareness and participation in local culinary tourism activities. And for weeks in advance, patrons had the choice to purchase Gourmet Tickets for $300TT for a group of their choice with food that they would enjoy.

On site of the well prepared gourmet, the line to get in was around the corner of St. John's Ambulance Brigade. But the crowd was patient and organized to get into the venue, as they were told to form lines. Shocking, security was not needed! They had separate lines for gourmet ticket holders, media/press and regular patrons. On entry, you could tell the theme of the event was white, with real life human statues dressed in white and sliver. They looked quite impressive and managed not to budge, which amazed many folks. Walking in further, we encountered men playing Tassa drums. The pulsating beat had the kids at the event excited as they danced to the beat.

Next up on our journey inward came a remarkable bridge with fountains which contained white birds constructed to its right and left. This created the effect as though one was in a Nature Resort. At the end of the bridge was a vintage house structure used to display all Gourmet Chefs, and the restaurants which they were from. The overall ambiance was beautiful. These chefs were showcased in a delightful, scenic atmosphere. Some of them were Joseph Hanu-Benihanna, Shara Mohammed-Morhaba and Johnny Chow-Aloha's Caterers.

Entertainment wise, patrons had a choice of being treated to variety of local entertainment with the two stages placed at the complex. And it was a pleasant mixture of culture for the entertainment - Tassa drummers, Carnival costumes, Belly dancers, Limbo dancers and local entertainers.

The highlight of the event (in my humble opinion) was the Demonstration Kitchen. I was astonished by the mere fact that someone would actually think of creating an actual kitchen at the Jean Pierre Complex. And indeed, they pulled it off ... and pulled it off well !! It was just like those TV cooking shows with the live audience and all. I even got to sample some of the food. It wasn't much to full the stomach, but hey, I was grateful.

There was even a section with displaying some long time antique cars. Patrons weren't allowed to touch them, but I managed to get a little photo opt next to the white and the black one. The street signs were a nice touch too - there was one for every section of the gourmet food.

Proud to see both young and old at the event, I'm looking forward to Taste T&T 2009!! And yes, I promise we will be there for both days.

Kadesha reporting for the Juice