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Suga enjoys Seafood at Anglers, Ocho Rios

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Last Saturday Suga took a road trip to Ocho Rios and ensured that she made a stop at Anglers for lunch at 2:30pm.

Parking was adequate and there was another couple that arrived at the same time.  We were the only diners there.

We were greeted pleasantly by our waitress and seated in a comfortable tropical, bar-like atmosphere, i.e. wooden barrels used for seats, a pool table etc. Even though it seemed quiet at the time, the pool table and performance stage indicated that the place may be full of activity in the evenings and at nights. I was told of beautiful lighting at nights, which I can just imagine from evidence of wiring and light sockets partially hidden in the thatched roof.

As I moved on to scan the menu, I noticed reasonable prices and Fish cooked any way you like it and availability in different sizes. The usual side orders of bammy, festival etc. were offered at mostly $200JMD each. There was also Sea Cat, Conch, Lobster and Shrimp kebabs and more. Outside of seafood, Jerked Chicken was also on the menu.

The Appetizers included Soup, Conch Fritters, Cracked Conch and more. We ordered at 2:40pm and our Cracked Conch ($850JMD) arrived in 15 minutes. By itself it was not so impressive but when dipped in their Citrus sauce it was awesome!

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Even though I ordered a 3/4lb Steamed Parrot. Our waitress told us they only had Red Snapper at that size. I went ahead with my order nonetheless. I was also happy that the 3/4lb option was offered because the 1lb option is on the heavy side portion-wise.

While enjoying our Cracked Conch and Red Stripe, our waitress checked on us and updated us on the time remaining for our main dishes to arrive, which was in 10 minutes.

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Steamed Sea Cat with steamed bammy

My other half’s Steamed Sea Cat ($900JMD) and my Steamed Fish ($850 for 3/4lb) arrived in the time expected. They were both delicious.

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Steamed Fish with steamed bammy

Suga endorses Anglers as a comfortable spot to enjoy some Seafood out of town!

Anglers Seafood Restaurant and Sports Bar
Location: Windsor Road. St. Ann’s Bay. St. Ann
Ph: 876-794-8449

Facebook: Anglers Jamaica

Instagram: @anglersjamaica

*FREE WIFI (that works!)*

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Gabby’s journey to Marguerites during RW was phenomenal!

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Gabrielle Williams (L) from Suga Lifestyle with fiancé Randolph Burgess (R)

After a 3-hour drive from Kingston on Sunday, November 15th, I arrived at Marguerites Seafood by the Sea, Montego Bay on time for my reservation at 8pm. Of course, I arrived not only hungry but with high expectations. Let me tell you from now that these high expectations were met!

My other half and I ordered by 8:05pm. The staff from the entrance to being seated were all very pleasant and professional. The ambience was lovely overlooking the sea where I sat on the balcony and the decor modern and decent. Sitting by the garden would have been nice as well.

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Shelly Ann was our Maître d’ for the night. She worked hard to ensure everything was alright and checked in with our table now and then, but not to the point of being overwhelming. I noticed that the General Manager visited the table next to us as well, welcoming them and ensuring everything was satisfactory. I find that proper supervision and interaction with guests are very necessary when a restaurant wishes to provide and sustain a high level of service.

Appetizers were out within 10 minutes and the other dishes followed like clockwork. Our glasses were refilled with water when needed and our waiter, Ricardo offered us the Robert Mondavi wines that were on special for RW. We had the Zinfandel and Sauvignon blanc.

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All of the dishes were delicious. Presentation was salivating and serving sizes were appropriate. For instance, I was a bit worried about where I was going to fit dessert, but thankfully I was not tempted too much and the Bread pudding and Cheesecake were small and compact, just the right size to fit in the space available in my tummy without feeling uncomfortable.

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The Appetizers were excellent. The Jerked Chicken Breast was well seasoned and minced up for the Beggars Purse and the Shrimp Trucillio had a lovely flavour. A delicious Caribbean Spiny Lobster Salad followed as a bonus with fresh veggies and a tasty vinaigrette. Then all of a sudden, our attention was called by one of the waiters to see a Stingray in the ocean. Hardly a dull moment at Marguerites!

When the Entrées arrived, I was even more impressed and instantly ready to ‘Dig In’! My gosh, the Lobster Flambè with black truffle risotto looked divine! Then as I was looking at the dish all mesmerized, Cecil the Executive Chef visited the table, greeted us pleasantly and told me that he was adding his sauce consisting of Rum beurre blanc and more, as well as edible sprouts. I could hardly find the words to describe the lobster. Juicy lobster accompanied by an absolutely delicious sauce and risotto. My other half had the Flambé Steak complemented by oxtail ragout. Perfection. Cooked exact to order, medium rare.

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It was hard to leave. An extremely refreshing experience to have all-round excellent service and food. Epicurean to the core. It was definitely worth the drive and I cannot wait to return.

Marguerites Seafood by the Sea

Location: Gloucester Ave. (The Hip Strip), Montego Bay

Ph: 876-952-4777

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Warriors look to win 16th straight game tonight vs. Lakers to make NBA History for Best Season Start

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On Sunday night, the Warriors tied the NBA record for most straight games won to open the NBA season at 15-0 vs. the Denver Nuggets.

Golden State has bolted out of the gate this season and the Lakers should pose no threat to them tonight, playing at home at the ORACLE Arena in Oakland California at 10:30pm.

Reigning MVP Stephen Curry improves every season and he has certainly been entertaining the crowd. But most importantly, he is a team player and Curry along with Thompson, Barnes, and Green have been scoring an even spread to dominate other teams so far this season.

Curry has also been named Western Conference Player of the Week, which is his 4th Career Weekly Award. It was for the games played, Monday, November 16th to Sunday, November 22nd. He joins Chris Mullin and Baron Davis with 4 and looks to even up with Tim Hardaway with 5. Note that the Warriors’ Klay Thompson is on 3.

LeBron who? Oh yes, he is still playing. Cleveland’s LeBron James was named Player of the Week for the Eastern Conference.

But look out for the Warriors tonight as they play to win and have the Best Start in NBA History!

 

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How was Restaurant Week Jamaica?!

Restaurants in the 3 cities were certainly buzzing with diners throughout Restaurant Week (RW) that was held November 13 – 21. Persons were excited to ‘Dig in’, the slogan used for this year’s RW.

Suga was happy to report that all, if not, most of her recommendations were excellent choices based on feedback from Suga bears a.k.a. Suga Lifestyle readers and friends.

Just to highlight a few,

One Love Cafe at Bob Marley’s Museum and Susie’s Bakery & Coffee Bar really satisfied diners for the Nyam and Scram category.

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Lillian’s Restaurant                       Image: RWJ 2015 Index on go-jamaica.com

For the Tasty Category, the UTECH students from Lillian’s Restaurant who seemed to put a lot of effort into their menu, offering unique dishes at a low cost showed that there is a bright future ahead for Jamaica in the Culinary industry.

Lillian’s was delightful. They had a pleasant and attentive waitress, yet not overbearing, as well as helpful staff. Decor was simple yet appropriate and clean, with soft classical music. The Jerked Chicken Chowder and Salt Fish Tostones they served as Appetizers had lovely flavours and the Salad was fresh with a decent serving. Their Main course was enjoyed by all at the table. Generous servings as well. Their Peppercorn Crusted Beef was cooked exactly as ordered, the Cinnamon Braised Pineapple Pork was succulent and not overdone, the Seared Trout and Creamy Chicken Sauté dishes were tasty. Desserts were also very good. Their Rum and Raisin cake, Passion Trifle and Chocolate and Banana Bread Pudding were yummy. Well done Lillian’s!

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Sea Deck           Photo credit: Emile Pitt

Sea Deck had nice, big, tasty servings as usual with decent service.

C & C South Beach Restaurant in the Savoury category got two thumbs up. Their service, food and atmosphere were impressive. Kudos to them for a 10 minute waiting time during RW!

Christopher’s at Hermosa Cove, Ocho Rios was a winner for the Delectable category. No surprise there. Props to Executive Chef Conroy Arnold for sustaining a high standard of food quality and service. The ambience there is just an added plus.

Then of course, with a full review coming soon, Marguerites Seafood by the Sea in Montego Bay took the Epicurean category hands down. Excellent ambience, service and food topped off by a premium selection of wines.

Well done Restaurants, looking forward to next year!

 

 

SHOTGUN 78

We say Goodbye to a Legend of Jamaica and West Indies Cricket, Basil ‘Shotgun’ Williams today

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Basil Williams, a principal scorer with 87, cutting Sheikh in the 1st innings at Poona

My father, Alvadow Basil Williams, more familiarly known as Basil ‘Shotgun’ Williams was born on November 21, 1949 of Caymanas, St. Catherine. He was the 2nd oldest of 9.

Basil attended St. Catherine High School and was quite a proud person from a young age. So he started to look into his future from very early in order to seek better opportunities for himself, especially because he had to stop high school in 4th form.

He played cricket for Jamaica Youths and Senior Cup Cricket for St. Catherine Cricket Club as a Middle-order Right-hand Batsman. He then became a member of Jamaica’s Under-19 Cricket team and quickly moved on to the Jamaica Cricket team in 1970. His debut performance in the middle order was disappointing, but he never gave up on his dream. He ensured he was on point for his 2nd chance in 1977 in a more adaptable spot to him, as an opener.

Basil continued to play well, taking a good look at the situation then pulling the trigger, using his wrist to generate powerful shots that would echo around the park, hence the name SHOTGUN. He later earned his spot to play with the West Indies in 1978 with a solid regional first class season. At this time, all International cricket was affected by the Packer intervention, meaning the defection of many leading players to Kerry Packers’ World Series Cricket. The Shell Shield was affected as well. So players like my father, Richard Austin, Desmond Haynes, Gordon Greenidge and Sylvester Clarke capitalised on the opportunity to make their marks in International Cricket by excelling in the Shell Shield matches. I can say proudly that my father, Shotgun was the biggest scorer, firing 399 runs at an average of 79.8!

Now with the West Indies, how did his debut go this time? With an aggressive and attacking approach, he is in the history books as one of the elite few players to score a century on his debut versus Australia. He ended that series with 257 runs!

I keep hearing and seeing that he played against a depleted Australian side in Guyana for that debut, probably giving reason to such an impressive performance. But his talent, brilliant batting style and subsequent performances, prove such assumptions invalid. He was consistent and rarely misfired. Furthermore, he scored 111 versus the best of India in 1979 at Eden Gardens, Calcutta, matching skills with some of the very best in the game.

Basil played 7 tests for the West Indies between 1978 and 1979, that included two entertaining centuries. He had an impressive test average of 39.08 and an average of 36.02 in the regional first class game. They said he was then discarded. Though it was the reality I am sure he would prefer the choice of a better word. In those times, the competition was stiff, with a better, more talented pool of players. So whether the outcome of the new selection was good or bad, talented players like my father were left behind, but he made such an impact during his short tenure, I am sure many wondered, WHAT IF. What if he continued to play with the West Indies.

Either way, his passion for the sport continued with his career in local cricket, including his Captaincy of the Jamaica Cricket team.

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HOME AND HAPPY: Jamaica’s victorious cricket team returned home on March 12, 1984 after their thrilling win over the Leeward Island in the Geddes Grant/ Harrison Line Limited over competition in Antigua last Saturday.Photo shows captain Basil Williams with the prized trophy (centre) and manager Bill Bennett (second left).

I was happy to hear the West Indies Cricket Board President, Whycliffe ‘Dave’ Cameron express in his Press release after Dad passed, that ‘Basil was a tough, but fair captain and a no-nonsense guy’. That is indeed very true. Daddy would always say persons loved to call him ‘BOASY’. To him, he had reason to be. You could be the best player on the squad, but if you failed to have a certain level of discipline that he knew might affect the quality of your game and if he had the power to, sometimes he did, he would let you know that you would not be playing in the upcoming match. He knew his consistency and success not only came with natural talent but discipline, practice and hard work and he wanted to see players under his tutelage acquire similar results doing just that. He was a winner and taught me and my two brothers to be winners as well, with the same fiery, competitive spirit. He was a role model and teacher to many and genuinely wanted to see persons be the best they could be.

Shotgun retired from the Jamaica team in 1986 on a high note and remained involved in the sport as a Selector, Board member, Team manager and of course had a few knocks in Club Cricket before he migrated to the US.

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SENIOR CUP PRESENTATION: Kensington’s captain Basil Williams (left) receiving the Senior Cup from Vayden McMorris, Chairman of the Victoria Mutual Building Society. Williams, a former West Indies opening batsman, led Kensington to victory in this year’s Sealy Senior Cup and J.K. Holt competitions.

The Jamaica Cricket Association and Kensington Cricket Club of which he played such a big part of, will miss him. I know some persons may miss that random phone call with him cursing about a disappointing West Indies innings or giving his opinions on what persons in various positions of power should be doing. He would have made an entertaining, humorous, yet controversial commentator.

He always went out to bat with NO FEAR, whether it was a fast or spin bowler. One of the times he was ill this year, he said to me, ‘Don’t worry Gabby, whenever the pitch gets slippery, I always have to go out and bat’. He walked out to the ambulance October 25, 2015, the day he died of a cardiac arrest on the way to the hospital.

Rest in Peace CAP!

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By: Gabrielle Williams

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Mmmmm Savoury! Where to go for RW?!

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The Savoury Category costs $2800JMD (Includes choice of Appetizer, Main course and Dessert. Beverages, G.C.T and Gratuity additional). 

*Reservations recommended

Caffé Da Vince, which was a success for last year’s RW even with a full house, had delicious food and good service. This year they will have a Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella and tomato in a balance reduction. Oxtail Ravioli, Beef and Pork Tenderloin are on the main, then White chocolate strawberry cheese cake to finish. Imagine, there are lots more dishes on that menu too!

Fromage, always a fave of mine, will be offering Korean BBq Pulled Pork with Asian slaw and fries that should be delightful, as well as their other menu items.

C & C South Beach have really revamped themself this year. They have great choices from Appetizers to Desserts. See their recent review and RW recommendations by clicking on the link below:

C&C South Beach, one of many in the Savoury Category for RWJ!

Beirut Mediterranean Cuisine don’t look too bad this year. Their Chickpea purée with sesame paste lemon juice and olive oil, served with fresh pita bread and their Beirut Mixed Grill with 3 skewers of Beef, Chicken and minced Lamb looks decent.

Gimbilyn Restaurant at Alhambra Inn seems to always be off the radar, but has proven to be a lovely experience, especially last year. Their Fish pocket appetizer looks interesting and they have a wide range of main dishes including Chicken, Pork, Mahi Mahi, Beef and a Vegan option. Their dessert options look fantastic as well, including Plain and Chocolate Cake Rum Lollipops, Cheesecake and a Warm Coffee Bread Pudding that is known to be good.

M-10 should have dishes with a burst of Jamaican flavour. Ackee or Callaloo Quiche to start and Smoked Pork chops or their Fish fillet in coconut sauce to follow? Yum!

What’s sizzling on the North Coast?

Evita’s in Ocho Rios was a winner last year. This year they look like they will please diners with their Jamaican Viagra Conch Fritters. Yes I did say Viagra. Looks like the magic will be in the Chef’s special ‘Jerk’ sauce that it is served with.

Mystic India in Montego Bay seems to be the choice for Indian cuisine this year. They always have sizzling options on a regular basis and their menu will include just that, for instance, Chilli Shrimp, Mutton Sheekh Kebab and Tandoori Chicken. That is just an appetizer!

MoBay is also home to the well known, Pelican Grill and Seahorse Grill. Pelican Grill has good service, tasty food and is always a pleasure to visit. Their Surf and Turf as well as their Grilled Fillet of Steak and Lobster look like excellent options. Seahorse Grill will have Smoked Blue Marlin on toast with herbed cream cheese, Hummus Dip with roasted peppers, kalamata olives and pita points as two of the choices for appetizers. Their Shrimp Saint James with savoury shrimp, simmered in a New Orleans style Creole sauce, with red onion, tomato, red and green peppers, okra and jerk sausage looks like all kinds of goodness. Then there is much more!

Remember you can give your feedback here or go to the Restaurant Week Jamaica 2015 index page, choose the Restaurants and rate them.

Dig In!

Contact information and locations for Restaurants mentioned:

Caffé Da Vinci
Location: Market Place. 67 Constant Spring Rd.
Ph: 876-906-9051

Fromage Gourmet Market
Address: 8 Hillcrest Ave., Kingston 6
Ph#: 876-622-9856

C & C South Beach Restaurant, Sports Bar and Event Venue
Location: 2 Brompton Road. Kingston 5
Ph: 876-630-4571 or 876-630-4163

Beirut Mediterranean Cuisine
Location: Market Place. 67 Constant Spring Road.
Ph: 876-395-7577

Gimbilyn Restaurant at Alhambra Inn
1 Tucker Avenue Kingston, Jamaica
Ph: 876-978-9072

M-10 Bar & Grill
6 Vineyard Road, Kingston 3, Vineyard Town, Kingston.
Ph: 876-930-2112 or 876-815-5644

Evita’s Italian Restaurant
Location: Eden Bower Road (Just up the hill opposite Taj Mahal Shopping Center). Ocho Rios
Ph.: 876-974-233

Mystic India
Location: Whitter Village, Ironshore Montego Bay
Ph: 876-953-9460 / 876-953-0659

Pelican Grill
Location: Gloucester Avenue Strip Montego Bay
Ph: 876-952-3171

Seahorse Grill
Location: MoBay Yacht Club. Freeport. Sunset Drive, Montego Bay
Ph: 876-684-9133

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So much to choose from, where to choose for Tasty at RW!

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The Tasty Category for $1850JMD (Includes choice of Appetizer, Main course and Dessert. Beverages, G.C.T and Gratuity additional) during Restaurant Week has so many choices to choose from, but where should you really choose for the best deal?
Consider the menu quality and uniqueness, reputation of service and an ambience would be a plus.

Did you see my review from my Pre-Restaurant week tasting at Lucky Strike Lounge? It’s a winner.

Click on link below for a quick and spicy review.

Lucky Strike Lounge for the Tasty Category for RWJ!

East Japanese looks like the place of choice for Asian cuisine, offering value for money.

Portmore massive, the Milk Shake from Buzzers looks divine!

The UTECH students from Lillian’s Restaurant seemed to put a lot of effort into their menu as usual, offering unique dishes at a low cost. Their Seared Trout and Vegetable Lasagne including Eggplant and more look like they won’t disappoint.

Pizza Hut (Kgn and MoBay) is always loaded with goodness on their menu for RW with various Pastas and more. The spot should be great for a family outing and their Over-the-Top Cheesecake looks delish.

Sea Deck is always a pleasure. Even though their Crab back usually takes long, it is worth the wait. Other than that, you should be able to look forward to quick service, delicious, large servings and a lovely ambience for more than a reasonable price.

What else is going on outside of Kingston?

The Cardiff Hotel and Spa in Runaway Bay impressed me from the RW Launch, offering some of the items from their menu. Their Jerked Chicken Fettuccine had a good flavour with a touch of spicy and their Sweet Potato Pudding had an authentic Jamaican taste. Their Oxtail Mac and Cheese sounds salivating!

I have not dined at Chill Out Hut Beach Bar and Grill in Long Bay, St. James yet, but I would definitely give them a try. Their 1lb Whole Steamed Fish looks juicy!

Remember you can give your feedback here or go to the Restaurant Week Jamaica 2015 index page, choose the Restaurants and rate them.

Dig In!

Contact information and locations for Restaurants mentioned:

Lucky Strike Lounge
Location: 195 C Constant Spring Road (Manor Centre), Kingston 8
Ph: 876-631-9980, 876-631-9797

East Japanese
Location: Market Place at 67 Constant Spring Rd. Kingston, Jamaica
Ph: 960-3962 or 960-3594

Endzzone at Buzzers
Location: 63A Congrieve Park, Naggo Head, Portmore, Kingston
Ph: 876-939-2553

Lillian’s Restaurant
Location: University of Technology, Jamaica, 237 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6
Ph: 876-970-2224

Pizza Hut Dine-In (Kgn and MoBay)
Locations: 57 Knutsford Blvd. New Kingston. Kgn. 5/ Lot 9 Howard Cooke Boulevard. Montego Bay
Ph: 876-920-8656/ 876-920-8657, 876-971-5380

Sea Deck
Location: Orchid Village Plaza, 20 Barbarian Road. Kgn. 6
Ph: 876-702-4032

Cardiff Hotel & Spa
Location: 8 Rickets Avenue, Cardiff Hall, Runaway Bay
Ph: 876-973-6868 or 876-973-6671

Chill Out Hut Beach Bar & Grill
Location: Long Bay, Greenwood, St. James, Montego Bay
Ph: 876-953-1666, 876-363-5485