All to often a restaurant opens with high expectations and boasts to set the new standard in their league, only to flop flat on it's face leaving disappointed customers and a soiled reputation. Aioli is not one of these. With boasts far to modest for what it produces, this restaurant has exceeded the expectations of what we could ever expect to find in Trinidad, based on the usual trends. That being said, Aioli is far from usual, it is an experience in and of itself.
 |
Chef Johnny Aboud and the
many Wines available at Aioli |
ATMOSPHERE: Packed away in a corner of a shopping plaza, between a Haagen Dazs and a Marios is a doorway that would only subtly catch the eye of a passerby, hiding a different world behind it. As you enter the atmosphere is set with a soothingly lit stairway up to a pleasant and prompt hostess. Seating is comfortable, table room and presentation is perfect, and the backdrop of music is both appropriate and enjoyable (at just the right volume too). Once dim lighting completes the stage being yet set, the best is yet to come.
SERVICE: Perfect. Each employee seemed to know exactly what to do, how to do it, and how to have the customers almost oblivious to their existence. To explain further, the servers moved seamlessly. Not rush or intrusive, but timely and efficient. The Floor Manager took a personal interest in the operations, and had the demeanor of a happy captain, running a tight and reputable ship. In a country plagued by poor customer service, Aioli proves to be a sanctuary for those who value the worth of and understand what service really is.
 |
Seafood Minestrone, mussels & clams
served in a mélange of zesty vegetable |
FOOD: The food is not only amazing, but immaculately presented. The menu is not as long as most other restaurants (3 pages including desserts), but this seems to stand as a testament to variety here not being merely for variety's sake. Each dish is carefully constructed and offers a different taste entirely. Only one or two options per meat group at most, but all unique and well thought out. The Appetizers and Salads carry some standard names, but prepared and served in a way that sets a new standard. A good example would be the Shrimp Cocktail, which is served with a mango salsa, finely diced and making any other Shrimp Cocktail ashamed to even be on a menu. The Entrees taste, in a single word, Spectacular. Each bite is a treat that your taste buds wont soon forget, and the detail from texture of the meat to attention paid to presentation gives the impression that the Chef's single purpose for living was to make that Entree for you. Thinking of going out for Ice Cream after? The dessert selection is both well varied, and comfortable. Creme Brulee, Tiramisu , and Homemade Ice Cream are among the sweet selections that you can treat yourself too afterwards. From top to bottom, the Food is an experience in itself.
Aioli is not a place that everyone would appreciate, it's not a stuff your face American Style restaurant or even in a similar manner how some Mediterranean restaurants are here. It optimizes the words "Class" and the term "Fine Dining" in a way that most of this country is yet to see. It is almost as if Aioli preceded these words and they were a product of some scholar attempting to describe what he felt after his experience there. In conculsion, you will never feel as if you are just 'eating' at Aioli, you will know that you are truly 'Dining.'
Additional Details/considerations:
Approx. Price Range for 3-4 Course meal: $350-$460 per head (no Alcohol)
Halal: No (limited but excellent fish choices, Sea Bass and Salmon Entrees and Shrimp/Seafood Appetizer)
Reservations: Yes
Suitability: Family, Couples
Style: Formal
Suggested meal: Shrimp Cocktail, Sea Bass Entree, Vanilla-Cinnamon Ice Cream
Contact info: (on card above).
