New Earth Organic Enterprises

NEO Cafe serves up tasty meals using all organic products

"I feel a lot better, than when I came in," remarked the you youthful female client to New Earth Organic Enterprises manager, Samantha Antoine, as I entered the store.  "That cup of tea really helped..."  Not surprisingly, Samantha had known exactly what brew would work to help clear up the girl's sinus congestion, in this case it was a blend that included turmeric and ginger.  Perhaps it was the quaint, little Woodbrook house the store is located in, or the burnt orange walls as the backdrop for the burgundy-gold Christmas decor...not sure, but the interaction was so congenial as to seem like an aunt taking care of her niece.  But as I was soon to learn, that was simply Samantha's 'way' of dealing with clients as well as suppliers and employees.

New Earth Organics Enterprises Limited (NEO) has been around for about 10 years or so, having evolved from one of T&T's earliest ventures dedicated to Organics.  In fact, in its previous life it was known as Sun Eaters Organics a name synonymous with Organic cocoa production and one of the few people I know who's dedicated to the organic lifestyle and helping others on the path.  

Infuse Pure Therapy - Locally produced organic aromatherapy 

Bearded Trini - Locally made beard grooming

Remember to take your reusable bags and containers when heading to NEO to shop bulk grains such as my fave, mung beans, red lentils, brown rice and black rice which I promised myself to try next time.  You can get a wide range of local produce that are grown organically by farmers that have had a long relationship with Sun Eaters/ NEO.  Dasheen, eddoes, cassava, tomatoes, pumpkin, patchoi and callaloo, cucumbers and lettuce are just a few of the local produce available, while broccoli, carrots and apples are some of the imported produce.

Have you heard of Infuse Pure Therapy? and Bearded Trini products? NEO is the only bricks and mortar store where you can get products from these local manufacturers.  Otherwise you will have to catch them at one of the artisan markets.  

For ladies by BT (Bearded Trini) 

I expect like True Trinis many of you are still cleaning and prepping your homes, getting ready for Christmas.  

Take the toxic out of cleaning with Seventh Generation green cleaners.  Click for more on their products.

All of the above and more available at NEO (New Earth Organics).
80 Robert St Woodbrook, 622-3643

Goodbye Whole Foods Market, Hello...?

Re-branding of Whole Foods Market

I needed to get some organic eggs for that breakfast recipe I posted a few days ago so I thought I'd check Whole Foods Market at Royal Palm Plaza, Maraval.  

I got there to see a sign on the door saying 'Re-opening Soon' but the door clicked to let me in anyway.  They were in the midst of restocking and re-branding, I was told by the Manager, however they were present to deal with any emergency requests a customer might have. 

Eggs were not an emergency so we chatted instead about the re-branding.  I won't spill the beans but Whole Foods Market is scheduled to re-open its doors in 2 weeks time with a new name, new management, new decor. A wonderfully new shopping experience is coming your way, with well-stocked shelves  of your favorite organic products as well as lots of new items, carefully selected to ensure top quality and taste.  Fresh organic produce will also be available from permaculture farm Wa Samaki.

I can hardly wait...

Artisan Markets - Hand Made . Home Grown . Trini Flavored

You know Christmas is fast approaching when it's 9 am and the line to sample the local wines is longer than the one for coffee!   For Trinis this joyous season is a time to prepare traditional fare for family and friends to enjoy as they bustle through the hectic prelude to the holidays.

pastels wrapped in banana leave

Sorrel with a twist

You don't want to miss the opportunity to check out the wide range of unique products at our Artisan markets starting  with the South Market next Saturday.  You will find hand made organic beauty products, clothing as well as home made food items, sometimes made from home grown garden produce and local wines, ponche de creme and sorrel... pastels from home ground corn....hmmm.

Ponche de Creme - Trinis say it's better than eggnog

Here's the schedule for the pre-Christmas markets:

November 5th - South Market at Naparima College, San Fernando

November 19th, 11 am to 4 pm - Eastern Market - JFK Auditorium, University of the West Indies

November 27th - Up Market at Country Club, Maraval

December 3rd - South Market at Naparima College, San Fernando

December 4th - Up Market at Country Club, Maraval

December 17th - South Market at SAPA, San Fernando (and possibly Eastern Market, will keep you posted)

Let us know what treasures you come away with and your overall experience at the Artisan Market you visit... Cheers!