Throwback Thursday to Lunch with a View of the Lagoon

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The view from the restaurant at Kanopi House, Portland

Two Saturdays ago I had lunch at Kanopi House, Portland that is nestled in 100ft banyan trees with a breathtaking view of the Blue Lagoon.

There weren’t many options on the menu, so my husband and I went with Chicken and Fish sliders with a side of freshly made potato chips.

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Chicken sliders with Potato chips ($27USD) from Kanopi House, Portland

Service was quick and the staff was courteous. The food was pricey, so thankfully it was tasty too. With that view and comfort, why complain though?

A small bar was available to get spirits from as well.

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Of course, nothing is too predictable in the relaxed parish of Portland. The menu varies from day-to-day and I was told by one of their Chefs, Cecile Watt that items on their dinner menu have an Asian twist. Perhaps we will try them for dinner when we go back to that side of our beautiful island.

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Suga a.k.a Gabby Burgess (L) and husband, Randy Burgess with Chef Cecile Watt from Kanopi House on Saturday, February 16, 2019.

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Kanopi House

Location: Blue Lagoon, San San, Port Antonio (7-10mins away from Blue Lagoon)
Ph: 876.632.3213
US:  800.790.7971
UK (London): 0203.318.1191
Canada: 416.800.9157
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.kanopihouse.com

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By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

How was Street Food Saturdays?

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It’s been a long time coming, but I finally made the trek to Street Food Saturdays. Was it worth it? Not really, but I went for the experience nonetheless.

The Menu

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Persons like myself and my husband who go with the intention to try different dishes may be disappointed. We were not given the option to mix meats even when requested and the plates were small, especially for the prices. I hardly eat Pork, but wanted to taste their Smoked Pork Belly. That taste cost me $2,000JMD. It was succulent and crackling, but a bit too salty.

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Smoked Pork Belly ($2000JMD) from Street Food Saturdays last Saturday, February 23, 2019.

The event was filled with patrons. Thankfully they had good crowd control. The wait for food wasn’t long and even though you couldn’t get all your food options at one station, they seemed to have a good system going. ‘Chefs Dwight and Celine’ were on Meats, and Chef Simone Walker-Barrett with her assistants were on Seafood, with her added special of Jerked Lamb Chops.

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The Meat Station at Street Food Saturdays

It was a hot day. They had seating under tents, but my husband and I scoped out a table down by the river that was much cooler with more scenic surroundings.

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Rosemary Pan Chicken ($1000JMD)

The Rosemary Pan Chicken was nothing to write home about, but the Tangerine and Guava sauces provided were tasty and complemented the meats well.

The greatly anticipated Lobster Pasta was not visually appealing. A small serving of lobster on some cheesy elbow macaroni was served to others, so we passed on that.

This finally brings me to the good stuff.  The Jerked Fish was seasoned to perfection and accompanied by tasty Parmesan Polenta.

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Jerked Fish with Parmesan Polenta ($2000JMD)

Chef Simone Walker-Barrett’s Special was indeed special. The Jerked Lamb Chops were savoury.

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Jerked Lamb Chops with Parmesan Polenta ($3000JMD)
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Suga a.k.a Gabby Burgess at Street Food Saturdays last Saturday, February 23, 2018.

After we finished our lunch, there was nothing that kept us interested to stay, so we made it back home in time to watch the Gibson Relays. I think the event has the potential to be better; maybe some entertainment or a farmer’s market. We enjoyed our meals, but it was an underwhelming experience based on the marketing of the event and it was not value for money. It was marketed as wood fire gourmet, but although the quality of some of the dishes was good, there was nothing signature about them, with regard to presentation or taste. After a long drive we spent $8,400JMD for street food, with walk up service, in an outdoor setting. Sorry Suga Bears, this event is not #SugaEndorsed.

Street Food Saturdays

Location: Mount James District; Golden Spring

Ph: 876-414-0016; 876-313-0735; 876-395-3614

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @streetfoodsaturdays

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Another Healthy Lunch Spot in Town!

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I had a quick, satisfying lunch at Bella’s Vegan Eats with my husband, Randy last Friday at a neat spot tucked away on Windsor Avenue off Old Hope Road.

Bella’s Vegan Eats was prompt if you would like to pick up and has comfortable seating for you to have a quick bite for lunch. Even if it’s a hot day, the trees make the area cool and the picnic table umbrellas provide sufficient shade.

The area was clean, parking was hassle-free and service came with a smile. Haleem Card, Executive Chef and Director/Co-owner of Bella’s Vegan Eats made us feel right at home. Note that Haleem was the 2015 recipient of the Observer Food Awards’ Chef on the Rise.

What’s their Menu like?!

Their menu is fully Vegan, but still pleasing to the palate if you’re not Vegan. The menu changes daily with options of Soup, Wraps, Sandwiches, Chana Masala, Pasta and more, plus freshly made juices, Smoothies and even Dessert. The people’s favourite seems to be their Umami Black Bean Burger ($1200JMD).

I had the Coconut Chana Masala. I am not a fan of Coconut milk, especially since it has a high content of Saturated fat, but they used it lightly and it did not overpower the taste at all. I had it with plantain, a tasty raw vegetable salad and Peanut rice! The Peanut rice was a pleasant surprise and definitely increased the fiber content of the meal.

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Chana Masala with Peanut rice from Bella’s Vegan Eats ($1000JMD)

Main dishes are usually $750JMD, with an additional charge of $250JMD for side options. Their Natural Fruit Juices, that are low in sugar come in two sizes, the 12oz for $400JMD and 16oz for $650JMD. I had the what’s Up Doc a.k.a Carrot Juice that was light in consistency and quite refreshing.

Remember Suga’s Nutrition Session is this Saturday! If you missed the first one, try to make time for this one. Bella’s Vegan Eats was definitely added to the ‘Places to Eat’ List. They are #SugaEndorsed.

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Bella’s Vegan Eats

Location: 6 Windsor Ave. Kingston. Ja.

Ph: 876-455-8804

*Delivery available by Quick Plate

Open Mon-Fri., 11am – 4pm

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Save the Date!

Now that last weekend is over, here is something else to look forward to!

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Appleton Estate’s Jamaica Rum Festival will be March 9 – 10, 2019 in Hope Gardens and should be showcasing our country’s excellence in Rum, Food and Music.

Save the Date that you choose to go!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

TGIF! Street Food Saturdays is Tomorrow!

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Follow the food and the flavour! Head up to Street Food Saturdays hosted by Chef Simone Walker-Barrett by Mount James District, Golden Spring, St. Andrew tomorrow any time from 12-6pm! There will be quite a variety, so there should be something to satisfy any craving you may have.

Garlic Lobster Pasta is back on the menu!

 For more Information:

Call/Whatsapp: 876-414-0016; 876-313-0735; 876-395-3614

Email: [email protected]

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Suga Lifestyle’s Nutrition Session returns next Saturday, March 2!

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By popular demand for those who missed out on the 1st staging of Suga Lifestyle’s Nutrition Seminar in January, there will be another one next Saturday, March 2nd at The Liguanea Club, New Kingston from 12:30pm – 2:30pm at a subsidised cost of $2500JMD.

The session will feature detailed Diet Tips, tutoring on how to shop in the supermarket, reading Food Labels, designing Exercise and Meal Plans, Recipes, tips on where to Eat and more!

***Space is limited***

To REGISTER:

Call: 876.422.3769

Email: [email protected]

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

If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Italian Job, the first Stop for Suga’s Weekend in Portland

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Suga’s Ratings for Italian Job

Date and time of visit: Friday, February 15, 2019 at 8:45pm

No. of diners: 2 adults

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★☆☆

Ambience: ★★★☆☆

Décor: ★★★☆☆

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★★★

Speed: ★★★★☆

Food quality: ★★★★★

Serving amount: ★★★★★

Plating: ★★★★★

Value for $: ★★★★★

Suga’s Breakdown:

Last weekend was filled with sun, sea, food and rum for Suga and husband, Randy in the scenic parish of Portland.

Our first stop last Friday night was The Italian Job owned by Chef Gianmaria Pedroli who calls himself, The Pizza Man.

It’s a quaint restaurant on the side of the road on Harbour street that seemed to attract a lot of Europeans visiting the island. The Pizza Man was hospitable and made us feel quite comfortable. He seemed to have two local Chefs working for him that night, who he checked on from time to time after he took our order.

Randy started things off with a classic Italian Minestrone soup and I had Bruschetta, where the bread was toasted just right. The tomato was fresh complemented well with herbs and a light touch of vinegar.

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Bruschetta – Toasted Bread topped with garlic, olive oil, freshly diced tomato, vinegar and herbs

Our mains arrived theatrically with steam still coming off the plates. We thoroughly enjoyed our flavourful pastas, mine a little less loaded with seafood than Randy’s. Lobster was still abundant throughout my dish and the shells served with the dishes weren’t just for presentation, but contained meat as well. The sauce was not heavy, so despite the size of the dishes, we did not feel gluttonous at the end, but fully satisfied with its lightness, freshness, flavour and authenticity.

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Linguini con Aragosta ($3000JMD incl. tx) – Pasta with Lobster, white wine, tomato, parsley and garlic
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Linguini The Italian Job ($3000JMD incl. tx) – Pasta with Lobster, Clams, Shrimps, Mussels, Calamari, freshly diced tomato

Prices were beyond reasonable and Dessert was available too.

The Italian Job is definitely #SugaEndorsed. We returned the next day to pick up our Pizza order!

Stay tuned to see other foodie stops we made for the rest of the weekend!

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Chef Gianmaria Pedroli a.k.a The Pizza Man and Randy Burgess after Randy was served his Linguini Italian Job with steam abound.

The Italian Job Pizzeria and Restaurant

Location: 29 Harbour Street. Port Antonio.

Ph: 876-573-8603

Opening Hours: 12pm – 10pm; Closed on Sundays and Mondays

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Art Wednesdays’ 1 Year Anniversary at The Reggae Mill Bar Tomorrow!

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Tomorrow is Art Wednesdays’ One Year Anniversary at The Reggae Mill Bar, Devon House, starting at 7pm.

Art Wednesdays was inspired by Swizz Beat’s No Commission movement that started in Miami during Art Basel 2015.

Fairs showcase artists without charging a participation fee and taking “No Commission” on any sales.

No Commission was inspired to create a platform that is 100 percent for the artist. At the time Swizz Beatz didn’t see anything out there like it. Swizz Beatz along with The Dean Collection team are “by the artists, for the artists, with the people.” He then found the perfect partner in Bacardi to help make No Commission Fairs a global movement and not just a domestic initiative.

Swizz Beatz’s No Commission Art Fair has gone to London as well.

Alexx Antaeus took on this initiative a year ago, known as ‘Art Wednesdays’, featuring our local artists at The Reggae Mill Bar, Devon House in Kingston, Jamaica.

Many local artists have gotten the opportunities to showcase their talents including myself with my GW Art Collection.

Tomorrow is the 1st Anniversary featuring a few of the great talented Artists we have in Jamaica. I am looking forward to seeing the Buju Banton Portrait by Christopher Daley inspired by A Long Walk To Freedom!

Come out and support our local artists tomorrow at The Reggae Mill Bar from 7 to 11pm.

By: Gabrielle Burgess (Artist)

If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Book your Tour and Save the Date!

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The faces behind this unique Tour company are the Taylor Sisters. Book with them for an unforgettable, fun and adventurous experience!

The only personal tour guide company, where service is delivered with that personal touch and smile.

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By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Show Love and Give Blood, the Gift of Life Tomorrow at National Chest Hospital

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The Rotary Club of Trafalgar New Heights and the Rotaract Club of UTECH will be hosting a Blood Drive tomorrow at the National Chest Hospital.

Give the Gift of Life and Show Love tomorrow by supporting their initiative to save lives.

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.