Tobago is well known for being the Caribbean island most often fought over and has changed hands a total of 32 times, finally settling under British dominion in 1814 after just about 200 years of being a pawn in supremacy politics.
As a result of the colonization process, both France and England made Tobago into a standard Caribbean slave Trade society; the island hosting various plantations and exporting both sugar and cotton. By 1769, 2300 acres were under cultivation, most of which were located on the south western tip of the island. It was one such former plantation that Ashton Lutchman acquired, in 1998, which he then converted into the notable restaurant it is at present.
Later in 2005, he Opened Melange's sister resturant Caribbean Chulha, Located just upstairs of Melange, which also happens to be the only balti house on the island of Tobago; the cuisine being a distinct mixture of traditional East Indian and West Indian dishes served with panache.
Both restaurants have been critically acclaimed and featured in various publications as the place to dine when in Tobago, being both elegant and affordable; Mélange itself having won 1st place at the "Tobago food fest" on the 4th July, 2005.
Today, while dining at the beautiful mélange and exotic Chulha, it is somewhat difficult to believe that the property (as a part of the island) has had such a troubled and adventurous past, only the latter being expressed in its ambience and exciting cuisine.