Bacco Pizzeria

Bacco’s is one of the first authentic Italian pizzerias located in San Fernando. Expect pizza straight out of a wood-fired oven. You’re safe if you head here hungry because food is out within minutes. What are you feeling for: A salmon pizza, shrimp and pineapple or maybe something a little more traditional like pepperoni or ham and pine? You can get that too. (Gosh I’m thinking about it right now).

The menu includes more than thin delicious pizzas; you can also choose from a variety of great pasta dishes, salads, calzones and desserts. The service is dynamic and staff are friendly. Delicious juices made from fresh fruits and wine are also available. I mean what’s an Italian pizzeria without wine right!!!  

The venue is small but quite cozy and comfortable. Parking is limited in front and downstairs the venue, yes challenging.

They’re located at 183 S.S. Erin Road, Duncan Village, San Fernando and lunch is available from 12pm to 2:30pm, Monday-Saturday (closed on Wednesdays); Dinner: 6pm-10pm, Monday-Sunday (closed on Wednesdays).

Cheers!  

Pitch Lake

Ah yes, The Pitch Lake. It will be simply wrong of me to speak of the southland and not touch on the marvellous natural phenomenon that is the Pitch Lake. This tourist attraction is one of the largest natural deposits of asphalt in the world.

Yes, I said the world!

I’m certain that many of you are already thinking, what can be so interesting about pitch? But, its only when you actually visit you’re able to share in the fascination and rich history that exists here.  This lake was called Piche by the Amerindians which means Pitch and the Spaniards called it Tierra de Brea which means, “Land of Pitch”.  It has fascinated researchers and scientists alike, covers about 40 hectares and is about 75 m deep.

The warm pools which appear during the rainy season are known as the “fountain of youth” and contain high levels of sulphur, which villagers claim is good for curing anything from skin conditions to joint pain.

You won’t believe it but you can experience a true adventure here, from sulphur pool bathing, lush vegetation, bird watching and deep rooted history. It is advised that you take one of the official tour guides along with you when you visit as parts of the Pitch Lake may be dangerous to walk on. Local villagers usually “volunteer” to take you through the lake but understand that this is at your own risk. 

Make the trip down La Brea, it’s worth it.  

Palmiste Recreational Park

This very picturesque park is situated on the outskirt of the Palmiste Community.  Palmiste Park is large, well maintained and quite clean. Surrounded by lots of trees, greenery and a lake, this is a popular location for taking all types of pictures. On any given weekend you can see children running through the fields, families hosting mini gatherings or even camping.  

A relaxing afternoon jog or run on the track around this exquisite park is a usual for many. This is reminiscent of being around the Savannah as you can expect to see food vendors all in a row. Here, you can get fresh fruits, have the coconut vendor cut you a fresh one, the gyro man hit you up with a chicken or lamb or even hot doubles from the doubles man/woman. A grocery can be found on the opposite side of the road in case you need to pick up a few snacks or drinks.    

Park around the venue and go sit and enjoy a nice day.

Did you know soca superstar Machel Montano’s Jumbie video was shot here? 

Rig Restaurant and Lounge

The Rig Restaurant and Lounge is located on the South Trunk Road La Romaine. If you checked out Liv Night Club based on one of my earlier posts (*wink wink*) you would have noticed it’s on the same compound.

The lime isn’t just on a Friday and Saturday night here. It starts off with Karaoke on a Tuesday night followed by Wednesday and Thursday After Work Lime with drinks specials. This is also not your average Friday after work vibes as they provide live entertainment. You can choose to dine, drink or dance at this venue. Even consider renting for a nice little family gathering, work lime or birthday shindig.

Try their cutters or get yourself a full plate of food and throw it down with a drink from their extensive drinks menu. Good service and great spot to socialise and clear the mind.

There is no need to worry as parking is not an issue.   

L'attitude Restaurant

I imagine you saw the name and immediately started to think about coordinates. Fear not we didn’t just switch to geography. The L'attitude I’m referring to is the dining restaurant located on Quenca Street, San Fernando. This place is quite unassuming from the outside and gets slightly better once you get to the inside but let’s just say they could do with a face-lift.

What they lack in ambience they make up for in food as their dishes are quite tasty. This family owned restaurant offers indoor as well as outdoor dining and you will find both local and international dishes on the menu. You can look forward to great service and average prices. 

If you’re looking for a quiet lunch or dinner with your significant other or the family you can give this place a chance.

(To make it a little easier for you they’re opposite Southern Medical)

Vessigny Beach

You can’t talk south beaches and not mention Vessigny. This is one of the more popular beaches in the southland and is pretty well maintained. Here, you will find a car park, picnic tables, snack bar, changing rooms with showers and toilets (opened on weekends and school vacation time).

Large groups flock to this facility for excursions and beach parties. Vessigny Beach has very calm seas and low waves which makes bathing quite fun. The water isn’t the clearest but it’s still a great spot to relax or have a grand time depending on the day you visit.

If you decide to visit the Pitch Lake, throw in your bathing gear and take the short drive after to this beach. 

Columbus Bay

I’m sure many will agree that nothing calms you like a relaxing day at the beach. Lucky for you there are several beaches located along the Southern peninsula. One such beach is Columbus Bay which is said to be the landing spot of Christopher Columbus in 1498.  Be prepared for a 2 hour drive from San Fernando to get to this beach.  In other words pack plenty to eat and drink and be sure to have good company.

Located in a fishing village, there is a car park and snack vendors on weekends (you know we make food spots anywhere). This lovely bay has a wide shore line and is usually calm which makes it great for bathing.  No lifeguards are available so as always operate with caution.

It has quite the view in good weather and on a clear day you may be fortunate enough to see the Venezuelan coast from here.

Original BBQ

If you’re looking for some of the best barbeque in south then make the drive to Original BBQ. This establishment is known for its good food, great service and efficiency so don’t get scared when you see a line here. They offer a range of menu items besides the regular fries and chicken such as steak, shrimp, lamb, fish, fried rice, macaroni pie and grilled potatoes (the bbq sauce is incredible).  They are strict Muslims so no alcohol is allowed on the compound and everything is halal.

If you must have dessert after your meal you can enjoy cakes and other dessert items here as well.

Original BBQ had humble beginnings in Bel Air, La Romaine before opening up this large facility years ago. They’re opened till around 11:00 p.m. from Wednesday- Sunday (yes Sunday for those of you who just don’t feel the cooking vibesJ ). Seating is available and there’s no worries for parking as they occupy over 3 acres of land.

Take the drive, you won’t regret making this visit.  

         

Debe Doubles Strip

There is no doubt that we Trinis love our doubles. We will eat doubles just about any time: breakfast, lunch, dinner and anywhere in between. I mean, we also enjoy a good saheena, pholourie and aloo pie. If your mind started to stray and your mouth watered with the thought of it then you should take a trip to the Debe doubles strip.

From Hassanali’s “D Green Shed”, Singh’s Doubles, Krishna’s Food Centre you are sure to have a variety of stalls to choose from. You can get in the action from as early at 6:30 a.m. till 9:00 p.m. Sunday to Sunday. This area is very popular and packed on a weekend. There is a lot of history here as many of the sheds started over 40 years ago.

Look forward to more than doubles as you can also get all your favourite indian delicacies like baiganee, kachori, kurma, and my personal favourites goolab jamoon and barfi (yummm!).

This strip is located in the heart of Debe, S.S Erin Road and thanks to the highway it’s easy in and easy out. Parking is available in front the sheds or roadside and is a bit of a challenge on weekends due to the large crowds.

 

Happy Hill- "Pink Bar"

Vibes and Cold Drinks!

Ok so let’s be real. Not all of us enjoy partying. Some of us prefer a cool place to just chill out, be real casual and enjoy some sips, that’s where Happy Hill Bar comes in.

Happy Hill or Pink Bar as it’s commonly called is a well-known spot located in Vistabella, San Fernando. This is your everyday bar vibes with cold drinks and good prices (you know we love good prices)  Oh! Their wings are delicious and a top seller.

Expect a big crowd here on a Friday and Saturday night. The area is small but it doesn’t stop the vibes as its common for persons to lime in the roadway around the venue till the wee hours of the morning.