Trini Pastelle is the brain child of Michelle Nurse- St Luce, she is the daughter of a master Pastelle maker from the island of Trinidad who migrated to Brooklyn New York 16 years ago. On a chance visit to Smorgasbord in 2012 with her 4 month old Son Sebastian, she became inspired by the new Brooklyn food scene and wanted to be a part of it. Thus the idea for Trini Pastelles was born…
She worked with her mom to perfect their recipe and started making small batches in her home kitchen for friends and family. In short order, it seems, the interest for her Pastelles grew, her Trinidadian, and curious Latin American friends, spread the word about her great tasting Pastelles and the fact that she used quality meats, fresh greens and fresh corn flour.
As such, in February of 2016, Michelle decided to formalize and trademark her brand Trini Pastelles. She moved into a Commercial Kitchen space and is now poised to introduce and share her passion for Trinidadian style Pastelles with the wider US.
This is NOT A TAMALE or EMPANANDA!
Pastelles while similar looking to the tamale, and sharing a similar root origin are NOT A TAMALE. The cooking procedure, flavor, texture and ingredients are deliciously unique to the islands of Trinidad and Tobago.
Our Pastelles are extremely DELICIOUS! Our Pastelles are made from seasoned ground meats, wrapped in a corn flour fold and steamed in banana leaves. The difference between the two is definitely in the details that lends itself to their composition, balances of flavors and textures.
The Trinidadian style Pastelles were thought to come from the original Spanish settlers to Trinidad and Tobago in the 15th and 18th centuries. Some argue, it was brought even earlier by the Amerindians that first discovered and inhabited the Caribbean island.
Pastelles are rooted in the culture of Trinidad and Tobago, they serve as the signal that the holidays are upon us. They are a true and unique reflection of our cosmopolitan heritage. It is as popular in Trinidad and Tobago as the Doubles, Roti and Pelau.
Our Pastelles are hand crafted and made in small batches over a 2 day work system. In this way we are able to ensure that each Pastelle is authentically made, moist and extremely flavorful. Our ingredients are fresh and handpicked, our meats come straight from small farms and we use organic ingredients where ever possible.
The Healthiest Choice! When you choose to eat meat, eggs, and dairy products from animals raised on pasture, you are improving the welfare of the animals, helping to put an end to environmental degradation, helping small-scale ranchers and farmers make a living from the land, helping to sustain rural communities, and giving your family the healthiest possible food. It’s a win-win-win-win situation.
This Fall/Winter come check us out at Sycamore Bar and Flower Shop in Ditmas Park, Brooklyn - Every Saturday!
http://www.sycamorebrooklyn.com
All meats are fresh ground and sourced straight from the farm. Meats are seasoned with fresh greens, raisins, onions, capers, and olives, wrapped in a corn flour fold and the banana leaves and flash frozen to keep fresh. Our Menu (.pdf)
Shipped Frozen overnight to your door. Pastelle orders are only available in Metro NYC and Nassau County. We make our delicious pastelles fresh and they are then flash frozen for shipping. Doing this adds weight which is expensive to ship. We are currently unable to ship our pastelles out of state economically, but we will work with you.
The Caribbean’s version to Salsa! Hand cut fresh pineapple and mangoes, fresh green herbs, scotch bonnet pepper, fresh lime juice.
Created to go along with our Pastelles we have found that this sauce goes well with anything. Dubbed “Lash Sauce” by a few of our Trini fans we invite you to try this sauce on anything you can imagine.
Have a question? Send us a message!
We know how hard you work. Let us do the cooking for you. No matter how big or small we can cater your next event.
Custom menus tailored to your budget and event.
Catering available in NYC and Nassau County. Feel free to submit inquiries below.