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Suga’s Healthy Dinner at Kushite’s Vegetable Cuisine!

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It has been a while now that Kushite’s Vegetable Cuisine has settled into their spacious location at Eden Gardens. From about 2 years ago, I enjoyed Lunch from them once in a while, which was delivered from their small establishment on Phoenix Avenue. I am happy I finally got to visit their location on Lady Musgrave Road with my husband a few weeks ago on Saturday, May 13th for Dinner.

As we stepped in, we were immediately impressed with the tasteful, detailed décor, no pun intended. I admired the art work and enjoyed the ambience and comfortable seating.

Our hostess, waitress and also co-principal of Kushites, Keisha McDonald, was pleasant and well informed as expected with regards to their menu.

Their Jerked Beet Pizza ($2500JmD) is a known pleaser, along with their Sicilian Pita Burger ($1800JMD) and Lentil Balls in Mexican Mole Sauce ($1900JMD).

We ordered a few minutes after 9pm and we had a visual of the Chef, Mr. Kush Tafari himself. We could see the food was prepared fresh and when it arrived in reasonable time after ordering, we could taste just that.

My husband enjoyed his tasty Callaloo and Mushroom in Tomato Cups paired with Quinoa. He had that with a refreshing glass of Lemon Grass Lemonade.

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Callaloo & Mushroom in Tomato Cups ($2500JMD incl. tx) – Mushrooms cooked in a medley of cajun spices and stuffed in Tomato cups along with fresh Callaloo, paired with Quinoa

I thoroughly enjoyed the Sicilian Pita Burger that is a favourite at Kushites. Everything combined was a burst of flavour. The cilantro cream ‘cheese’ sauce definitely gave it a delicious kick of hot and spicy and was a perfect pair for the sweet potato Piri Piri chips. The taste buds then got a little chance to cool down with the black beans and were tickled with the taste of olives.

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Sicilian Pita Burger ($1800JMD incl. tx) – ‘Meat’ made from Black Beans inside an open Pita Bread with lettuce, marinara sauce, cilantro cream ‘cheese’ and olives, served with Sweet Potato Piri Piri Chips

Both meals were healthy and filling. As a fitness enthusiast, I appreciated the creative use of the ‘Good Carbs’, such as the Sweet Potato used to make the Piri Piri chips, the Pita Bread that was either Whole Grain or Whole Wheat and the Quinoa. The Black Beans and Callaloo are also great sources of fibre. The Black Beans especially, though a protein, has slow-release carbs like other healthy beans. Then ofcourse, they were alongside veggies. What was missing for me? A little fruit. This void was fully satisfied with the Jackfruit Hemp smoothie that had even more Protein. The smoothie was well balanced, as the taste of the Jackfruit was not overpowering.

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(L) – Jackfruit Hemp Smoothie ($800 incl. tx); (R) – Lemon grass Lemonade ($450 incl. tx)

Last Thursday, Kushites won the Award for ‘Best Place for Vegetarian’ at the Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards and Suga definitely endorses them for that. Congrats to Kush Tafari, Keisha McDonald and the team!

Go and give Kushites a visit today and continue to have a healthy week!

Kushite’s Vegetable Cuisine

Location: 39 Lady Musgrave Road (Inside Eden Gardens)

Ph: 876-375-0642; 876-631-9101

Instagram: @kushitesvegetablecuisine

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this article, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

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Iced Coffee Protein Shake for the Summer!

Having one of those mornings where you just need a healthy Breakfast and Coffee on the go?

It feels like Summer is already here and I have the perfect, cool, healthy Iced Coffee Protein Shake recipe for you.

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ENJOY!

By: Gabrielle Burgess (Certified Personal Trainer & Sports Nutritionist)

If you liked this Recipe, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

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Jerk ‘Everythang’ Today at 2wo A Seafood Restaurant and Bar off Ruthven Road!

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Have you ever been to 2wo A Seafood Restaurant and Bar on Strathairn Avenue off Ruthven Road? If not, now is your chance.

TGIF! Every Last Friday starting Today, 2wo A Seafood will have Jerked meat for you to eat! There will be locally sourced Rabbit, Chicken, Fish and Pork for affordable prices with Drink Specials.

I was treated to a tasty, complimentary Fish Tea at my first visit to 2wo A Seafood last December. It was a Thursday night when they usually have Live Performances.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Japanese duo, DJs Ackee and Saltfish who have been in Jamaica since 1994. They should give Rankin Pumpkin on Magnum Kings & Queens of Dancehall a few tips.

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Gabby from Suga Lifestyle sandwiched between Japanese DJs Ackee & Saltfish, who called her their Dumpling. (Photo taken  – December 22, 2016)

Waitresses were pleasant and Drinks were very reasonable. For instance, a cue of White rum costed $800JMD, a cue of V/X, $1000JMD and a cue of Johnnie Walker Black, $1200JMD.

Although the Fish took a little while, as it is cooked to order, I recommend their Signature Jerk Fish ($1300JMD/lb), which had a tantalising flavour.

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2wo A Seafood’s Signature Jerk Fish ($1300JMD/lb)

2wo A Seafood has cosy seating and a garden atmosphere with small palms and intricate lighting by the Entertainment area. Patrons also assemble by the bar that has both high stools and comfortable barrel-chair seating.

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Give 2wo A Seafood Restaurant and Bar a visit tonight and Enjoy!

2wo A Seafood Restaurant and Bar

Location: 2A Strathairn Avenue (Off Ruthven Road)

Ph: 876-803-3290

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Promo and Review, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

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Hard Rock Cafe’s Grand Opening is this Saturday in Montego Bay!

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Don’t miss the Historic Grand Opening Party for Hard Rock Cafe in Montego Bay this Weekend!

There will be Live Performances by Ky-Mani Marley, Etana and Ikaya.

There will also be two other events on the same weekend, Let’s Funk and Revel. See information below for the entertaining weekend of 3 events and 1 venue!

Suga visited the new Hard Rock Cafe a few weekends ago and loved it! It is located beside the well known Secrets Resorts and Spa with adequate parking.

The place has been fully refurbished and has great bar and tv logistics for sports lovers and bar patrons.

For those who love to go out and have a good time, there was Live Entertainment on the Saturday night that I visited.

I didn’t get to have their food but I have heard rave reviews from Suga Bears. Their drinks however are strong! Leave it up to their bartenders and you will be buzzed all night.

I wish there was one in Kingston. Until then, looking forward to more visits to the Hard Rock Cafe!

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By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this blog, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

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There’s a New Restaurant in Town with Jamaican Cuisine

Suga Bear, Randy Burgess heard about a new Restaurant in town about 2 months ago. He decided to visit a few weeks ago for lunch on Friday, May 5th at about 2pm.

The entrance was not too visible but parking was sufficient with a spacious, open lot.

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He was pleased with the comfortable indoor and outdoor seating area. They have a neat bear set up as well.

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They specialise in Jamaican cuisine and there was a range of options on their menu. Appetizers such as Soup of the Day ($200-$600JMD), Stamp ‘n’ Go ($450JMD) and Red Herring ($550JMD) were available.

Apart from the Charcoals Jerked Chicken ($650JMD), Grilled Chicken ($800JMD), Jerk Pork ($950JMD), Wraps and Curried Goat ($850JMD), items were priced at $1000JMD or more. For instance, Oxtail & Bean for $1350JMD, Curried Shrimp ($2500JMD) and Fish cooked how you like it for $1700JMD.

Vegan Options such as a Three Bean Stew, Vegan Medley Quinoa and more were offered at costs ranging from $1000JMD to $1700JMD.

They offer an option for Dessert and side orders were the standard Festival, Roast Yam, Roast Sweet Potato, Plantain, Bammy and Ground provisions at an additional cost.

Randy ordered the Charcoals Jerked Chicken and was not very impressed. The taste of the Chicken didn’t blow him away but it was decent enough. Although it lacked spice, he could taste the charcoal-grill flavour. He wasn’t happy with the rice and peas that was on the dry side and too much was served. This is the case with many other Restaurants. The correct balance in servings needs to be considered.

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Charcoals Jerked Chicken – $650JMD

Randy appreciated their quick and efficient service but did not think their prices were equivalent to what they were offering.

Nonetheless, they have recently opened and it is a spacious, comfortable spot with Jamaican Cuisine. Feel free to check them out and offer your feedback.

Charcoals & Flame

Location: 9 West Kings House Road. Kingston, Jamaica

Ph: (876) 382-7336

Facebook: @charcoals.flame

Opening Hours: 12pm – 8pm

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Elaine Thompson Burnt up the Track and the Celtics Avoided a Sweep vs Cavs!

It was quite an entertaining weekend in Sports, featuring Athletics at the National Stadium on Saturday and the Eastern and Western Conference NBA Finals.

JAMAICA INTERNATIONAL INVITATIONAL ATHLETICS MEET

Highlights

400m Women

Veteran, Novlene Williams-Mills won in 50.54 in a packed field. Although it was a slow race, she finished ahead of USA’s Phillis Francis (2nd) and Natasha Hastings (3rd).

I said it was a slow race because Shaunae Miller of the Bahamas destroyed the field in 49.77 in Shanghai last week in a World Leading time. These ladies have work to do.

3000m Steeplechase

Jamaica’s Aisha Praught Leer won with a new Meet record time! Promising outlook for long distance from Jamaica.

100m Women

USA’s Morolake Akinosun who anchored the USA’s team at the Penn Relays, came away with the win in 11.06. She finished ahead of Trinidad & Tobago’s Michelle Lee Ahye (2nd) and USA veteran, Allyson Felix (3rd).

100m Men

Jamaica’s Yohan Blake finally had some good fortune and won in 9.93 ahead of USA’s Ronnie Baker (2nd) who finished in 9.98 and Mike Rodgers, also from the USA in 3rd.

200m Women

Jamaica’s Olympic Gold medallist, Elaine Thompson burnt up the track, sprinting ahead of her opponents on the curve and increased her speed and lead down the stretch. A spectacular run with a World Leading time of 22.09s.

Jamaica’s 400m runner, Shericka Jackson, tried her hand at the 200m and came 2nd. Is this a sign of greater things to come from Shericka?

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Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson leads the field down the stretch in the Women’s 200m

200m Men

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Canada’s Andre DeGrasse who won the Men’s 200m

Canada’s Andre DeGrasse had to run hard to win in 20.14 to beat USA’s LaShawn Merritt (2nd) and UK’s Zharnel Hughs (3rd).

Jamaica’s Nickel Ashmeade could not step up to the plate as usual and Warren Weir may need to consider an early retirement.

NBA PLAYOFFS 2017

The Cavs drstroyed the Celtics on Friday night to win by 44 points and to go up in the series, 2-0. It was an embarrassing loss for the Celtics in their own arena that many could not stay to watch, especially viewers at home in front of their televisions. Celtics’ Isaiah Thomas (IT) went to the locker room early during the game with a nagging hip injury. But if I were him I would run and hide too. They were throroughly disrespected by the Cavz. Even Cavs’ JR Smith had a petty moment, pretending to sweep a broom at one point in the game.

Before game 3, news broke that IT will be out for the rest of the Playoffs with the hip injury. So almost everyone wrote the Celtics off to lose in a sweep. But last night they came out without IT to compete and everyone contributed.

LeBron James only scored 11 points, his fewest points in his last 58 Playoff games! He was also scoreless in the last 16 minutes.

You have to question if this game was rigged by the NBA to save the Eastern Conference and the NBA. Because that loss by the Celtics on Friday was not only embarassing for them, but the league as well.

Either way, you have to say the Lepricon woke up and travelled with the Celtics to Cleveland after seeing Avery Bradley’s game-winning 3-pointer shot go in! Well done.

Watch “Avery Bradley GAME WINNER Celtics vs Cavaliers Game 3 May 21 2017 2017 NBA Playoffs” on YouTube here:

The San Antonio Spurs put up some fight on Saturday without Kawhi Leonard compared to their blow out loss in Game 2 vs the Warriors.  But they still fell short and Warriors are now up 3-0 in the series. Kawhi has been ruled out to play Game 4, so the Spurs may need something special in order not to get swept. Something special from LaMarcus Aldridge perhaps? He has been a complete disappointment.

So we wait for the inevitable Cavs-Warriors rematch in the Finals.

Stay tuned.

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this article, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

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Agro Fest 21 Happening NOW at Jamaica College!

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Remember Agro Fest is happening NOW at Jamaica College!

Bring out the kids for face painting, rides by the Kiddies Village and more. It costs just $100 per Child at the gate and $500 for Adults.

There will also be entertainment for the entire family, prizes and surprises.

The animals are waiting for the kids to come and say hello.

Flashbacks from last year!

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Planning on going to the supermarket or market? Come get your tax free produce at Agro Fest straight from the source!

Grow What We Eat… Eat What We Grow!

Come on out and support our Parish’s Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show.

If you have been following Suga’s posts on Agro Fest, the remaining Exhibitors are:

The Petal’s Edge

Tropical Foliage

Jamaica Small Ruminants Society

Food Storage and Prevention of Infestation Division

Mathematics Resources

Bludum’s Accessories

Ebony Park Academy

Fersan

Natural Wood Forms Creations

Tropical Foliage

Office of Utilities Regulation

Blood Transfusion service

National Council for Senior Citizens

Antidumping & Subsidies Commission

L. Brown

4H Clubs – Public Gardens

G-Lovers Orchard

Caribbean AgriProduct Trading Co.

If you would like to see the other Distributors, check the following links:

All Roads Lead to Agro Fest 21 this Saturday at Jamaica College!

The 21st Staging of Agro Fest will be Saturday, May 20!

Make sure you stop by the Burgess’ Booth, ‘AgroFest21’ to see and sample rare and popular fruits. There will also unforgettable images of Agro Fest over the years and more.

Suga hopes to see you soon!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this promo, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

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Cheers to Wine With Me in Negril!

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Date and Time of Visit: 29/4/17 @10:30pm

I went to Wine With Me in Negril by the Beachcomber Hotel about 3 weekends ago for some vino.

I liked to visit when it ran its course in Montego Bay, so I was happy to hear a few months ago that it reopened.

My husband and I had checked it out early on the Saturday night, but they only offered light plates of food. We decided to have dinner up the road and promised the extremely polite hostess that we would return later that night. I didn’t get her name, but she was the reason we made a special effort to return at 10:30pm before their closing hour.

Since we were coming from one of the few Restaurants you could dress up and go to in the Capital of Casual, I was quite pleased that I could go straight to Wine With Me feeling comfortable, looking Cocktail chic.

It was a cosy environment, furnished with modern décor and lighting.

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All the persons that were having drinks earlier left, so we got all the attention to ourselves from the waitress. I can see they are likely to have good service regardless of the fact though.

The Chef got wind of why we had left earlier. He made us aware that he is the same Chef from the one that was in Montego Bay and that they are looking to expand the menu to include heavier dishes similar to what they had before such as Lamb chops, Fish etc.

They had a wide selection of Wines. Of course, a limited selection if you chose to have it by the glass. A glass of Wine costed about $7/$8USD +tx. With regards to prices for the Wine and Small Bites, they are fairly comparable to other local Wine Bars but transportation and other costs are taken into consideration. In order to offer the finest selection of Wines and artisan and gourmet Cheese in the small town of Negril, they are brought in all the way from Kingston. Prices are also quoted in US dollars, as most places in Negril due to the fluctuation of the dollar.

We enjoyed our vino and cigars on the outside terrace and we look forward to returning when they have expanded their menu and to also check out their Charcuterie platters.

Wine With Me is Suga Endorsed for a classy, cosy and intimate spot for drinks and small bites on the busy Negril Strip.

Wine With Me

Location: Norman Manley Boulevard, Rutland Point. Negril, JA

Ph: 876-340-2108

Opening hours: 6pm-11pm

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this review, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.