For some time now, my cousin in Montego Bay told my husband about a young lady that makes extremely delicious Pastries and handcrafted Breads.
The young lady she spoke of is Christina Simonitsch. With this kind of recommendation, we both followed her on Instagram immediately. Her Instagram page, @simosbreadandcatering is quite mouth-watering. You can see the joy and passion she has for cooking and baking, leaving you with no choice but to want to be a part of it.
The name, Simonitsch is quite known not only in Montego Bay, but islandwide and worldwide. Christina is what we Jamaican folks would like to call ‘good stock’. Her father is Heinz Simonitsch, the Austrian hotelier that arrived on the island to run Half Moon in 1963. Under his stewardship, Halfmoon became one of the most successful privately-owned beach resorts in the world. He retired in 2002 and has been recognized by being awarded with the Honorary Order of Distinction for his lifetime contribution to Tourism in Jamaica and the Caribbean.
With his retirement, I am happy to see his name live on in the Culinary industry of Jamaica via his eldest daughter Christina. Christina grew up in the kitchen and it seems as if the passion for what she does is in her DNA. She knew what her career would be from very early and also learnt from her Aunt and Grandmother in Austria.
After catering for mostly friends and family at small gatherings, the choice was easy for her to stay and work in Jamaica instead of returning to Europe. Word spread so fast, her hands were full.
Christina not only does specialty Breads and Pastries, but has Gourmet selections and her private label Condiment line of Pepper sauces, Sea salt, Pepper Jelly, Basil Pesto, Marinades and more. She is based in Montego Bay, so occasionally, she announces when she will be coming into Kingston and posts her list with prices. She usually comes in on a Thursday, where pick ups can be made at Shams Bakery in The Marketplace between 11am-2pm.
I ordered her Basil Pesto the 2nd to last time she came into Kingston because I was too late to order the Cinnamon Buns I have been dying to taste.
I made a fabulous Pesto Pasta with Chicken and Shrimp. That Basil Pesto is definitely #sugaendorsed.
She came back to Kingston last week Thursday. I made sure my order of Cinnamon Buns and a Cronut was in early this time, especially since there was an occasion to celebrate. My father-in-law got treated with Cinnamon Buns for his birthday and we all enjoyed it. I love that the icing comes separately in a bag if you are watching your calories.
Suga’s order of Simo’s Bread and Catering’s Cinnamon Buns in a 9″ tin with Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting (L) -($1700JMD); Cronut (R) – $950JMD
After trying Simo’s Bread & Catering’s pastries, watching calories goes out the window. That Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting I thought I was just going to have a smear of, was a delightful topping for the scrumptious Cinnamon Buns.
Simo’s Bread & Catering Cronut – $950JMD
I sat down in my living room about to have my Cronut thinking to myself, why did I just spend almost a $1000JMD on a cross between a Croissant and a Doughnut? Say no more. I took one bite and it was heavenly. The perfect mix of moist and crispy with a touch of flavoured cream on the inside and a hint of icing on top. A bite turned into quicker bites, then a swallow and I had to stop myself. I knew I needed to savour it. So I decided to distract myself by messaging my husband who missed the opportunity of being home for this pleasurable experience. I told him there is no way I could save a piece for him. Then just like that it was finished. Instead of feeling guilty for indulging in this pastry, I just sat there with a smile on my face like a real pleased puss. It was totally worth it. Well, maybe $500 plus the delivery to Kingston. Regardless, I would order that Cronut again in a heartbeat.
When is Simo’s Bread and Catering’s next trip to Kingston? Â I have good news. I am not sure when you can make Orders for Pick ups but Christina will be Co-hosting a gathering soon on May 19 at Kayter Restaurant on Ballater Avenue. It should be a gastronomic experience. Make your Reservations!
A Collection of the Activities that took place from the Visit to West Haven’s Children’s Home on April 1, 2017. Photo: Rouchelle Harvey
It is Maternal and Child Care Month for the Non-Profit Organization, Rotary. Rotary has a youth arm, Rotaract, which has many Clubs around the world.
Two Saturdays ago, the Jamaica Southwest Rotaract Club Members visited the West Haven Children’s Home for the Disabled to commemorate this month’s Rotary theme. The Home is located in Copse Lethe, Hanover, Jamaica.
Rotaract Members & Volunteers prepare Donation Items for the West Haven Children’s Home. Photo: Rouchelle Harvey
They donated toiletries and other items, interacted and assisted with feeding the 98 children at the facility.
Assistant District Rotaract Representative, Rouchelle Harvey aids with feeding kids at West Haven Children’s Home. Photo: Rouchelle Harvey
The Rotaract Club Members also had the pleasure of working with a Missionary group from Oak Point in Michigan who took along 50 volunteers to work at the facility.
They enjoyed giving back and sharing with the kids.
A Volunteer interacting with kids at West Haven Children’s Home. Photo: Rouchelle Harvey
Keep up the good work Rotaractors and Missionaries!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Photo of OKC’s Russell Westbrook: ESPN ScoreCentre
Oscar Robertson held the record for the most triple-doubles in an NBA season. He scored 41 triple-doubles in the 1961-1962 season with the Cincinnati Royals. The 12-time All Star was also a key player for the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1970-1971 season, helping them to win their only NBA title.
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook set the record last night with his 42nd triple-double, passing Oscar Robertson.
He did it in fine style with 50 points, grabbing 16 rebounds and dishing out 10 assists in a 106-105 win over the Denver Nuggets.
Congrats Russ!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Most establishments make their Frappuccinos with Whole Milk or Condensed Milk that have a lot of Saturated fat, unhealthy Chocolate syrup/Caramel, granulated Sugar and top it off with Whipped cream!
Ask them to substitute the whole/condensed milk for you with Skimmed Milk and leave out the Chocolate syrup/Caramel and Whipped cream.
If not, blend your own Frappuccino! It’s easy. Check out Gabby’s recipe below:
Recipe by Gabrielle Burgess from www.sugalifestyle.com
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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I stumbled upon Jen’s Kitchen on Instagram a few months ago when I saw a Curry Goat and roti dish. I have been following @jenskitchenja ever since and I admire that their Instagram page is kept active.
Jen’s Kitchen is located at the intersection of Constant Spring and Manning’s Hill Road.
My husband and a friend went there on separate occasions. They had the Curry Goat with roti and Chicken. Their feedback was that the food was decent but mediocre in quality, small in serving size and definitely not worth the price.
Jen’s Kitchen’s pictures on Instagram were still quite inviting to me, so I finally went there at about 7pm on my way home last night. The lack of sufficient parking space was a problem. I was going to just have everything as take-out because I knew I would have to move my car soon.
The Restaurant is a simple set up with a Bar on the side. Nothing extravagant. Your view is basically the Road and The Total Gas Station across from it.
At the looks of it, their Bar had a set of loyal patrons and they had two gentlemen dining that seemed to be visiting Jamaica based on their American accents. They probably wanted some home cooked Jamaican food too.
I perused the expensive Menu and had an interest in the Fish, Stew Peas, Saltfish and Plantain.
I was told a couple orders were in so my order would take 20 minutes or longer. The Stew Peas had finished so I asked about the Fish. Based on the lady’s expression when I asked about the waiting time for the Steamed Fish, I figured that it may take probably half an hour to 45 minutes. Fish is Done to Order how you like it. However, I think $2000JMD was too much for a Steamed Fish and I did not have the time to wait too long. I tried the Fish Fillet for $700JMD instead and still went ahead with the Pick-up Saltfish and Plantain.
As expected, I was called to move my car. I decided to stay and eat afterwards since I got a more comfortable spot, though still blocking in a few persons.
I met Ms. Jen who definitely showed she was in charge. She was professional and accommodating. The lady who took my order and served me was personable as well. I felt comfortable and could see why the patrons at the Bar looked like they were at their home away from home.
The Fish Fillet ($700JMD) was fried in a batter, but I tasted too much flour. I let them put that in a box to go.
The Pick up Saltfish and Plantain ($800JMD) was tasty but I have had better for much less. For instance at JoJo’s Jerk Pit and More, where they spice it up with more pepper and have less tomatoes. The Pressed Plantain was an appetizing side. I appreciated that it was not greasy at all.
Other items on their Menu are part of Standard Jamaican cuisine and more. Costs that include G.C.T range from $550JMD to $2000JMD. To give you an idea, they include Stew Beef ($750JMD), Curry Goat ($900JMD), Tripe & Bean ($750JMD), Oxtail ($1400JMD), Curry Chicken (Small- $600JMD; Large- $800JMD), 1/4lb Jerk Pork ($550JMD), Curry Conch ($1800JMD), Curry Shrimp ($1800JMD), Crab Back ($1500JMD) etc.
They have Side Orders of Roti, Sweet Potato Fries, Cream Potato, Wedges and more for additional costs.
I would return, but I agree with my husband and friend. For the serving size, quality of food and general comparison to many other establishments, the food is decent but overpriced.
Jen’s Kitchen
Location: 1A Mannings Hill Road. Kingston 8. Jamaica
Come see St. Lucian Soca Sensation and 2017 “Freaky Girls” hit maker, Ricky T, on Sunday April 9th at the Palms on the rooftop of Giscombe Gym and Wellness Centre.Â
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Help them raise funds for the BASE Foundation and Jamaica Down’s Syndrome Foundation for only $1500JMD pre-sold per ticket.Â
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You can go to www.caribtix.com/winedown or any of their ambassadors shown below to buy tickets now!
Wine Down for Charity!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Edwin Allen as predicted got the 4-peat for the Girls. The fight was on for 2nd place between Jago, Holmwood and Hydel. Hydel took 2nd and the other standings are below.
Suga would like to big up her alma mater, Immaculate for finishing in the top 10. Well done ladies!
Boys
The prediction for the Boys did not have the same outcome as the Girls. KC thought they had Champs in the bag and did a lot of talking. I don’t know where their maths went wrong but they clearly did not account for injuries and other mishaps. Even KC’s ‘import’ from Uganda lost the 1500m to Calabar. However, he still managed to win the 5000m giving them a 4-point lead before the last race of the meet. But it was not enough. They did not have a strong enough 4×400m relay team, especially without Jhevaughn Matherson who aggravated his injury after the 100m semis. If they finished 3rd or higher in the 4×400m relay, they could have won Champs. How? It would have been a tie with Calabar and they had the deeper team with more Gold medals. That was not accomplished though and Calabar’s Christopher Taylor anchored Calabar to victory, 6-love.
Suga’s Championship Girl is Gabrielle McDonald from Edwin Allen!
The quality and speed of the hurdling impressed me most of all this year. Tiny but mighty, Gabrielle smashed the Class 1 100m hurdles record, finishing in 13.12s and won the 400m hurdles open as well. She won in 56.53s ahead of the favourite from Holmwood, Nicolee Foster. Keep in mind that our Danielle Williams ran a PB of 12.57s to win the 100m hurdles at the 2015 World Champs. These young athletes have been running spectacular times. Keep it going Gabrielle!
Gabrielle McDonald of Edwin Allen hurdling her way to victory. Photo: The Jamaica Gleaner
Suga’s Championship Boy is Christopher Taylor from Calabar!
Entering his first year in the Class 1 Boys, he won the 400m, the 200m and anchored his team to victory in the 4×400m relay. Bright future ahead from this humble, young man.
Christopher Taylor from Calabar after he took Calabar home to their 6th straight Champs victory
Congrats Edwin Allen and Calabar! Well done. Kudos to all the other schools as well that competed and help to put on an amazing show. There were surprises, injuries, false starts, tears, laughter, joy and numerous records broken.
See you all next year!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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