Location – Port-of-Spain, Trinidad

Cuisine – Portuguese / Mediterranean

Would I Return – ✔   YES
Would I Recommend  – ✔   YES

Cazabon Wine Bar is a cozy little joint offering up bits, bites and lots of sips.

But before I dish on my experience we’ve gotta address the barrel in the room….wine barrel that is!

Yep! They’ve really got a wine barrel in their cellar, it’s a nice touch and adds to the decor. And it’s not just there to look pretty, it’s functional too -on top sits a fine leg of cured ham (which I had the pleasure of sampling…I also got to try my hand at slicing).

So let’s talk a bit about wine, Cazabon is a wine bar after all.

What I like about this this place is that they’ve made the wine experience an inclusive one – both experienced connoisseurs as well as the casual sipper can have an enjoyable evening. With their fantastic selection of wines – reds, whites, sparkling and port, you can definitely enjoy/order wine your way.

Now who wouldn’t like that concept?

At Cazabon, wine discovery is a simple and no fuss affair and that’s a particularly appealing approach. It’s the type of approach that makes curious drinkers and the not so versed in the vines comfortable to explore.

They accomplish this by having 2 wine ordering options – order a bottle from the cellar, or sample a few options from the wine dispensing machine.

Isn’t it nice to have a choice? A choice is a good thing.

Special Feature
Wine on Tap – Self Serve

Now listen up…all you wine tasters out there! This place has a pretty unique feature. They’ve got their own self serve “Wine by the Glass” machine. It dispenses your preferred selection in 3 different quantities.

How to order from a Wine Dispensing Machine :

You purchase a reusable card (that you can top up at any time), insert it into the machine, pick your vino, press a button and voila! Very user friendly.

There’s a wide range of wines by the glass, all temperature controlled with unique technology that keeps the wines fresh…pour after pour.

The Benefits of “Wine by the Glass”

No commitment issues here! The patron does not have to commit to a whole bottle – it’s the perfect opportunity to pair different wines with your bits and bites.

Another obvious benefit – Wine Entertainment.

You can make an evening of sipping swirling and sampling different selections (there’s a taster’s portion button that you can select to suit this purpose).

The European wine machine is the first of it’s kind in Trinidad, and is an attraction in itself. It’s evident from their efforts, and their attention to detail that the Cazabon folks really want their customers to get a proper “Wine Bar” experience. “Wine Bar” being part of their name, it’s their identity.

Now, If I may…I’d like to suggest a few options for Cazabon’s unoffical motto:

• ….Go Wine or Go Home
• …Wine Not?
• …I’m gonna pour him a vino he can’t refuse!
• …Keep your friends close, but your bottle of wine closer

Okay okay, I’ll stop the wine-er-isms.

But, I think It’s safe to say Cazabon has committed themselves to offering a wine experience that’s unique to the island. And that’s a good thing in my glass….I mean book.

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Cocktails and other things

Now if wine isn’t your kinda thing they do serve up other libations.

Expertly mixed cocktails using fresh ingredients and fanciful techniques which make for beautifully presented drinks.

Their bar boasts a fine selection of international rums and whiskeys too! There’s something for everybody.

Now on to the Food:

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You’ll find simple, beautifully presented and delicious food options.
Soups, Salads, Snacks, Charcuterie Platters to share and some excellent Seafood options is what you’ll find. And as for meats they got a variety – Kebabs, Steak, Pork, Lamb and Chicken.

Some Notables:

Here’s some of the options that I’ve tried:

• Rissóis de Camarão – Crisp little shrimp pies that are creamy and flavourful on the inside. I was quite pleased to see these on the menu. If you follow me on Instagram you might have seen these little bites quite a few times (these are one of my favourite snacks that I often order at my local Portuguese Bakery in Toronto).

• Pastéis de Bacalhau – Salted Cod Croquettes that are crunchy on the outside and light as a cloud on the inside. Depending on where you live this bite can go by different names Pastéis/Bolinhos de bacalhau. If you’re from the Caribbean, it’s slightly similar to Salt Fish Accra/Salt Fish Fritters with the exception of the base filling. Mashed potatoes are used in the filling not flour which results in a moist and creamy texture.

• Traditional Mediterranean Charcuterie Mix Platter – The perfect snacking platter for wine. A bit of this and that – cured meats, nuts, cheese and crackers.

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• Bacalhau à Brás – Traditional Portuguese dish made from shredded salted codfish, onions, shoestring fries and eggs. Topped with parsley and served with a few fruity black olives (another Portuguese touch – every Portuguese restaurant I’ve ever been too always present their meal with olives). Very simple yet quite satisfying.

• Arroz de Marisco – A delicious combo of clams, shrimp, mussels, octopus and squid. Cooked in a simple savoury stock and served hot.

Tips:

✔ Try out some of the Traditional Portuguese dishes listed above that are unique to this restaurant.
✔ If you have room for dessert try the Pastel de Nata (Custard Tart) and the “Cloud 9” or Natas do Céu (Whipped cream, Custard and Biscuit trifle-like dessert). Both are very traditional Portuguese confections.

Notes

✔ Outdoor Patio
✔ Bar Area and Restaurant Seating
✔ Friendly Professional Service Staff

Verdict

Obrigado to this joint for serving up an experience that’s Muito Bom!

Location – Port-of-Spain, Trinidad

* Combined Review 2018/2019