Smack in Trinidad’s Hip Strip or as they call it, “the street that never sleeps” is K Casa De Italia Restaurant – a popular gem among tourists and locals since Summer. The Hip Strip is always vibrant with lavish clubs, hang out spots and gourmet restaurants; but K Casa has been THE go-to place for fine cuisine and a good vibe.
The masterminds behind this new ‘crave’ is a group known as the Blacklist, comprising Trinidad’s well known socialites and business moguls . The initial conceptualization of the restaurant was part of the diversification of the Blacklist, “having a restaurant under our brand was paramount in our marketing strategy” said Niall Royal, Head of Marketing for K Casa; the move was not just paramount it was simply brilliant as the group’s leading man is indeed a chef by profession and currently serves as the resident chef for the establishment.
Khalid Ali, one of the key players behind the concept of the restaurant and its Chef, studied his craft in Italy where he lived for three years before honing his culinary skills in Mexico for two years. Chef Ali is no stranger to bold flavours and fine dining influenced by French, Italian, American and Japanese cuisine; these are just a few of the exquisite tastes prepared by him daily. According to Chef Ali the crowd favourite is the tender Salmon pasta – Royal agrees and insists it is a must-have for first-time guests.
So we know they are experts in the kitchen, but what makes this ‘new kid on the block’ different from the rest? Royal states, “K Casa De Italia is more than just Italian food, we maintain a homely environment.” The menu offers a variety of familiar home style dishes like their American style breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon, etc. The building that K Casa calls home was an actual house converted into a restaurant. It was enhanced to boast a chic décor while preserving the homely vibe.
The restaurant has to its advantage not only a home away from home vibe in a sophisticated environment, additionally it has an intriguing layout that highlights its sharp look and friendly atmosphere. K Casa has two bars: one for alcohol and other drinks; the other is a diner-style food bar situated directly in front of the chef, “You can literally converse with the chef while he prepares your meal – nowhere else in Trinidad has this,” says Mr. Royal. The restaurant also operates a lounge by day and fine dining by night that gives patrons a chance to hang about and lyme in preparation for their palates’ by the Chef’s masterful dishes. Buzzz sampled three finger-licking dishes: the tender salmon pasta, the tenderloin strips pasta and the breaded chicken pasta.
Regarding the tender salmon pasta, the salmon is marinated with a divine blend of herbs and spices, and grilled to perfection. It is served with creamy papparadelle all’ Uovo pasta.The salmon is so delicate it melts in your mouth.
An excellent combination of beef and pasta with medium rare loin strips sautéed with seasonings to give a smooth yet explosive taste results in one of the frequently requested dishes – the tender loin strips pasta. The dish is wonderfully complemented by the carefully seasoned creamy papparadelle all’ Uovo pasta.
The Chef’s specialty – the breaded chicken pasta – is a very interesting dish, breaded and fried on the outside to give it a crunchy texture, but succulent and tender on the inside. The flavours and textures take your taste buds on a wild ride. But don’t just take our word for it, visit 33 Ariapita Avenue, St. James, Trinidad and enjoy fine food and good homely vibe at K Casa De Italia.