A segment of Viaaa’s cafeteria-style line<strong> (GARFIELD ROBINSON)</strong>
Food, Food Awards Trinidad, Lifestyle, Local Food, Local Lifestyle, Style, Style Observer, Thursday Food, Tuesday Style
January 24, 2017
On the go at Viaaa
Hours ahead of the Trinidad & Tobago Table Talk Food Awards at Estate 101 in Maraval, two Tuesdays ago — en route North — just outside of San Fernando, we stop at Tarouba Plaza in Marabella to get a slice of the bustling lunch-time crowd at Viaaa Restaurant & Bakery. The predominantly lunch-counter and baked-goods establishment retails meals from an active service line as well as assorted treats for the sweet tooth and the more savoury palate. Thursday Life joins the queue as we gauge the temperature of this Tarouba Road hot-spot.
PHOTOS: GARFIELD ROBINSON

Viaaa’s lunch counter attracted wave after wave of Tuesday afternoon customers on quick meal runs.<strong> (GARFIELD ROBINSON)</strong>

Pastries are a major component of Viaaa’s baked-goods offerings.<strong> (GARFIELD ROBINSON)</strong>

Pastries are a major component of Viaaa’s baked-goods offerings.<strong> (GARFIELD ROBINSON)</strong>

Viaaa Operations Manager Devora Caldera<strong> (GARFIELD ROBINSON)</strong>

Viaaa’s most popular desserts (from left) cherry cheesecake, symphony cake, creme brulee, tres leche, and fruit sensation.<strong> (GARFIELD ROBINSON)</strong>

Viaaa’s dining area buzzed with lunch-time diners.<strong> (GARFIELD ROBINSON)</strong>

Cornmeal coo-coo<strong> (GARFIELD ROBINSON)</strong>

The other callaloo<strong> (GARFIELD ROBINSON)</strong>

Chicken pelau<strong> (GARFIELD ROBINSON)</strong>

Curried duck<strong> (GARFIELD ROBINSON)</strong>

Chili garlic chicken — a customer must-have at Viaaa’s<strong> (GARFIELD ROBINSON)</strong>

Orange tofu<strong> (GARFIELD ROBINSON)</strong>

A significant fraction of Viaaa’s real estate is dedicated to baked goods.<strong> (GARFIELD ROBINSON)</strong>

The jalapeno baquette (at left) and cobblestone loaf are the eatery’s in-demand breads.<strong> (GARFIELD ROBINSON)</strong>

The jalapeno baquette (at left) and cobblestone loaf are the eatery’s in-demand breads.<strong> (GARFIELD ROBINSON)</strong>

The Viaaa Restaurant & Bakery storefront, downstairs Tarouba Plaza in Marabella<strong> (GARFIELD ROBINSON) </strong>