19 Years Of Trinidad Food Blogging: A Birthday Reflection
I still remember the moment I pressed “publish” on TriniGourmet’s very first blog post. Nineteen years ago, I took a leap of faith and launched what would eventually become one of the longest-running and most recognised Trinidad food blogs online. I had no formal culinary training, no media strategy, no glossy equipment—just a deep love for my culture, a passion for storytelling, and a craving to share the vibrant, authentic flavours of Trinidad & Tobago with the world.
Today, on my birthday, I celebrate not just another year of life—but nearly two decades of service, creativity, and resilience. As this post goes live, I’m enjoying an early breakfast with one of my dearest friends, and my heart is full. There are more get-togethers planned throughout the weekend, and I’m soaking up every moment with immense gratitude. After everything I’ve walked through—the personal losses, the health scares, the burnout—it’s a joy to say: I’m still here, and so is this blog.
To all of you who’ve cooked along with me, shared my recipes, commented on my posts, or simply lingered on my site out of curiosity—thank you. Thank you for showing up. Thank you for valuing Caribbean culture, for believing in the power of heritage, and for making my little virtual patch of land a meaningful part of your journey.
I know what it means to rebuild yourself from the ground up, to recommit when the fire seems to have gone out, to keep showing up even when it hurts. And I know now, with absolute certainty, that this work matters. My Trinidad food blog is more than just a recipe archive. It’s a living, breathing celebration of identity, memory, resistance, and joy.
In this post, I’ll share the behind-the-scenes of how this blog came to life, what I’ve learned along the way, my proudest media moments, and my bold vision for the future. If you’re a food lover, creative soul, or curious cultural explorer—this one’s for you.
Let’s dive into the journey that’s shaped me—and perhaps, inspired you too.
The Beginning of TriniGourmet: From Passion to Plate
When I first started this journey almost two decades ago, it wasn’t about running a business or being a food influencer—it was simply about sharing the flavours and stories of my home in Trinidad. I wanted to create a Trinidad food blog that celebrated everything I love about my island: the diverse culinary heritage, the vibrant spices, and the deep-rooted traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Back then, I had no idea how powerful this little online space would become. I just wanted to preserve the tastes and smells of my childhood and share them with anyone who was interested in exploring the authentic flavours of Trinidad. Little did I know, this small idea would grow into a platform that would reach people worldwide.
Overcoming the Challenges: Why I Keep Showing Up
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Over the years, I’ve faced more than my fair share of obstacles—personal hardships, health issues, hackings, and even the constant struggle of staying relevant in the fast-changing world of food blogging. But the one thing that kept me going was the same thing that started it all: my love for Trinidadian food and my desire to share it with others.
After the lockdowns of 2020, I re-evaluated my life. I had to find a new way of approaching my work, my health, and my self-worth. At several points I came extremely close to taking everything down and just going off into the digital night. That’s when I realised how important it was to keep serving the Trinidad food blog community with new insights, recipes, and cultural stories. While my journey has had its ups and downs, I’ve finally (this year) found a balance that allows me to feel as though I can thrive again.
Media Moments & Triumphs: How Far We’ve Come
Over the years, I’ve had the honour of being featured in some fantastic media outlets. My Trinidad food blog has been highlighted in outlets like the New York Times, the Travel Channel, and numerous food blogs around the world. These moments have been both humbling and exciting, validating the hard work I’ve put in over the years.
Some of my favourite media moments include interviews about Trinidadian cuisine and cultural heritage, where I’ve had the chance to share the richness of our food traditions with global audiences. I’m incredibly grateful for the recognition and the conversations that my blog has sparked, both locally and internationally.
The Evolution of TriniGourmet: What I’ve Learned
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over these 19 years, it’s that growth isn’t linear. There have been times when I’ve questioned whether I was on the right path or whether I could continue juggling life’s challenges alongside my passion for food. But the joy I feel when I share a perfect Trini recipe with you—one that brings back memories of home or teaches you something new—is enough to keep me going.
I’ve seen how Trinidad food blogs have evolved over the years, especially with the rise of social media. It’s no longer just about sharing a recipe; it’s about creating a space where people can come to explore food, culture, and life itself. I’ve realised that food blogging is as much about building a community as it is about sharing recipes.
My Vision for the Future: Goals for the Next Year
As we look ahead to the next year, I have so many exciting goals and dreams for TriniGourmet. I’m committed to making this space even more valuable for you by:
- Creating more video content: Expect more cooking tutorials and cultural explorations.
- Expanding my e-book offerings: I’ve already started with the re-launch of my free “7 Sweet Trini Treats” e-book, which I can’t wait for you to download if you haven’t yet!
- Launching exclusive cooking guides and workshops: If you’ve been looking for more structured cooking lessons and recipes, these will be just for you.
How You Can Get Involved: Your Next Steps
I’m so grateful for your continued support, and I want to encourage you to take the next step in your culinary journey with me. Here’s how you can continue to stay connected and inspired by the Trinidad food blog:
- Download my free e-book, “7 Sweet Trini Treats”: This is a perfect resource if you’re new to Trinidadian cuisine or want to explore new dessert ideas.
- Join the conversation on Discord: Share your experiences with the recipes you try, or let me know what you want to see more of. I love hearing from you!
- Sign up for the newsletter: Get exclusive recipes, food stories, discounts and updates delivered straight to your inbox.
Final Thoughts: A Toast to the Journey Ahead
So, here’s to 19 years of food, culture, and creativity. I’m truly honoured to be able to share my love for Trinidadian cuisine with all of you. I’ve had the privilege of learning from many of you, and I look forward to another year of growth, learning, and, of course, great food!
Thank you for supporting TriniGourmet through the ups and downs, for sticking around to see my little virtual patch of land bloom, and for being a part of this incredible community. Let’s keep the conversations going and the flavours flowing!
Conclusion: A Birthday, A Blessing, and a Bold New Beginning
Nineteen years of sharing recipes, stories, and slices of Trinbagonian culture—it still takes my breath away to write that. From the early days of testing recipes, to media features, global shoutouts, and heartfelt messages from you, my readers—this journey has been anything but ordinary. It’s been rich with learning curves, steeped in self-discovery, and always seasoned with love.
Through every challenge and triumph, this Trinidad food blog has remained an emotional home. A space where tradition meets innovation, where culture is celebrated, and where we all get to experiment, make mistakes, and fall in love with the art of cooking again and again.
This birthday post isn’t just about me—it’s about us. About the way food connects, educates, heals, and empowers. About how something as simple as a piece of cassava pone or a bubbling pot of pelau can bring back memories, create new ones, and affirm who we are.
Looking ahead, I’m more committed than ever to preserving, elevating, and evolving Caribbean cuisine through this blog. My goal? To help you cook with confidence, curiosity, and joy—no matter where you’re starting from.
Thank you for being here. Thank you for celebrating this milestone with me. Here’s to another year of creativity, culture, and culinary magic!
Want to Bring a Taste of Trinidad into Your Kitchen Today?
Download my FREE eBook “7 Sweet Trini Treats”—a handpicked collection of dessert recipes that are bursting with nostalgia, flavour, and Caribbean warmth. From coconut drops to sugar buns, these recipes are easy to follow and guaranteed to impress.
Grab your copy now and start cooking up your own delicious memories!