West Indies cricket icon Brian Lara has stepped into the food and hospitality industry with the grand opening of his first restaurant, 277, located at the upscale Millennium Lakes Golf and Country Club in Trincity. The official launch took place on November 15, attended by a select group of guests, including family, former teammates, business partners, and supporters. Lara, alongside his business partner Shane Sagar, marked this venture as a significant milestone in his post-cricket career, describing it as a new chapter in his professional life.
The restaurant’s name, 277, pays homage to Lara’s historic innings during a 1993 Test match against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where he scored his maiden Test century. Lara reflected on this pivotal moment, stating it was the first time he truly believed in himself as a cricketer. He emphasized that the name symbolizes his journey and breakthrough, making it a fitting choice for his inaugural business venture.
277’s menu showcases a fusion of international cuisines, crafted by a diverse culinary team featuring chefs from England, Trinidad and Tobago, and India. The dishes incorporate local ingredients, blending global flavors with regional influences. A standout offering is the chadon beni chimichurri, a unique blend of Trinidad’s popular seasoning herb with the traditional Argentine-Uruguayan sauce, served with grilled meats, poultry, fish, and vegetables.
Lara likened the restaurant’s launch to a cricket campaign, expressing confidence in his team’s preparation and readiness to deliver exceptional dining experiences. He credited Sagar as the driving force behind the project, acknowledging his pivotal role in conceptualizing and executing the restaurant’s design and operations.
The event also featured former West Indies opener Desmond Haynes, who reminisced about Lara’s iconic 277 innings and expressed optimism for the restaurant’s success. Lara shared a humorous anecdote from the 1992-93 tour, recalling how he defied cricketing superstitions by ordering crispy duck the night before his historic performance.
Lara concluded his address by emphasizing his commitment to quality dining, ambiance, and entertainment at 277, inviting patrons to provide feedback as the restaurant begins its operations. He also recognized key individuals, including Faria Hassanali, Marvin Holder, and his close friends Dwight Yorke and Russell Latapy, for their unwavering support throughout this new endeavor.