How Kushite’s Closed the Summer with a Vegan Brunch!

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Gluten free Mushroom Paella

Suga’s Ratings for Kushite’s Vegetable Cuisine’s Summer Vegan Brunch ($4000JMD per person for a 5-course spread including Dessert)

Date and time of visit: Saturday, August 31, 2019 at 1pm

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!

Kushite’s Vegan Brunch was the perfect way to end my summer days. I was pleasantly surprised to see it was not a crowded atmosphere, but still had a steady flow of persons in and out of the restaurant.

Staff was courteous as usual and instead of a cliché buffet spread, we could select our entrée and 4 other courses would be served to us including dessert.

For the entrée, we could select Ackee with Jerked Breadfruit (Spicy, Gluten free), Steamed Callaloo and Waffles (Alkaline, Wheat free), Mushroom Paella (Gluten free) or Veggie Balls and Pasta (Gluten free).

Starters

We selected our entrées and within minutes, Jackfruit sliders arrived, followed by Black rice Sushi and Jerk Beet Kebabs. They arrived to our table like clockwork, had impressive presentation and were quite tasty. We especially enjoyed the Jerk Beet Kebabs that were spicy and tantalized our taste buds, preparing us for our entrées.

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Jackfruit slider
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Black rice Sushi
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Jerk Beet Kebabs

Entrées

I had the Steamed Callaloo and Waffles. The Waffles were flavourful and had the right amount of crisp. The Callaloo was delicious too.

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Steamed Callaloo and Waffles

My husband had the steamy Mushroom Paella that was divine. He had to share quite a bit with me.

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Gluten free Mushroom Paella

Dessert

The last time I had Vegan Cake that was so good, was at Stush in the Bush. Well done Kushite’s!

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Double Chocolate Fudge Cake and Coconut Ice Cream

The only complaint we had was that even though summer was ending, it is still extremely hot and only hot beverage options were offered with the brunch items. Nonetheless, we had no issues hydrating with their infused water.

Looking forward to the next one!

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

Foodies, Restaurant Week will be back for its 15th Year! Save the Date!

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Block this week out Foodies! Restaurant Week will be back for its 15th year!

Are you ready to enjoy what Restaurants have to offer islandwide at discounted rates?

Stay tuned.

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Congrats to the Champions of the Weekend!

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US Open Runner up, Serena Williams and Champion, Bianca Andreescu.

Suga hates to say it and it was hard to watch, but Serena let the thought of winning to even the 24 Grand Slam title record get in her head again. It was all about Serena’s start and you could tell from her being broken in the first game on serve, then losing the first set, 3-6, that she was likely to lose, yet another Championship after returning from having her baby.

I’m not knocking young 19-year old Bianca Andreescu’s game, but Serena was tight and was not even able to get a 1st serve in. When did Serena loosen up somewhat? Being down 1-5 in the 2nd set and facing Championship point! Serena fought back to 5-all in the 2nd, then the Canadian, Andreescu finally held her serve to go up 6-5 putting the pressure back on Serena to force a tie break for a 3rd set. Serena tightened up again with a double fault or 2, I can’t remember with the roaring crowd who came to witness the history of Serena winning a 24th major. Andreescu was back at Championship point, capitalised on making a good return from a slow 2nd serve and became the first Canadian to win a Grand Slam Title. She is also the first teenager to win one since Sharapova in 2006 and the first woman to win a Grand Slam title on her 1st Final debut. Bianca was absolutely fearless and looks like a young Serena in the making. She is an all-rounder, being a hard-hitter, great on returns and has a powerful serve. Congrats to Bianca Andreescu!

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Many have given up on Serena and after yesterday’s 4th straight Grand Slam final loss, I almost did too. But she shouldn’t give up yet and I don’t think she will. She missed a great opportunity with all the big names such as Halep, Kerber, Osaka etc. being out and she could have used experience to win, but it just was not time. It is the best we have seen her move since returning from having a child, but her preparation time was still cut short with injuries previous to this US Open. If she can keep herself injury free and bring back what sportswriter Lindsay Gibbs dubbed, ‘Catsuit tennis’, and maybe even keep the Duchess of Sussex out her player’s box, maybe she can get to 24.

For Serena Williams, the best is still unwritten. But on a brighter note, Women’s tennis is alive again! This has been the most exciting, competitive tennis I have seen from the women in a long time and it was great to watch. I am excited about Andreescu. I love her fearless style of play, loose yet controlled and her personality. She came from 105 in the world to no. 15 in just 1 year. She did not qualify for last year’s US Open and is now the US Open Champion. Congratulations again Bianca! She won 6-3, 7-5.

We look forward to seeing her fashionista Mom and dog, Coco in the stands again soon too!

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Bianca Andreescu’s parents in her Player’s box for the Ladies US Open final.

THE MEN’S FINAL

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US Open Runner up, Daniil Medvedev and 4-time Champion, Rafael Nadal.

I do not have as much to say about the men, the quieter side this time around. But do we finally see a threat to the big 3 with the Russian, Daniil Medvedev? I hope so!

Medvedev won back the respect of the US Open crowd after an angry moment with a ball boy and a few words thrown at a booing crowd in the round of 16.  He did it with his ability to give the crowd what they wanted – more tennis! He went from looking like he was going to lose in straight sets, to challenging Rafael Nadal to 5-sets in the US Open Final. He somehow had a moment with his shoe at 2-2 in the 5th set, his game was thrown off a bit and it went downhill from there for him to be down 2-4 after Nadal looked like he was going to give him that game at 2-2 to save energy for his service game because he was losing the majority of long rallies.

Nadal’s first service percentage was low in this final too, but he did not let it affect his game. It was more so, lack of energy and well, age that started to show. But as a true Champion and the warrior that Nadal is, even though Medvedev fought back to 4-4, he played well and was able to come knocking on Federer’s door to win his 19th Grand Slam title and 4th US Open title, 7-5, 6-3, 5-7, 4-6, 6-4. He capitalised on his opportunity with Federer out early and world no. 1 Djokovic retiring with a shoulder injury in the round of 16. Well done, well fought and Congrats Rafa! When he won, a screen showed all the moments from his Grand Slam title wins and Nadal was emotional, just like in a telenovela. Medvedev joked that it was a good thing Nadal won, because if he did, they would have nothing to show. Medvedev definitely won a lot of fans at the US open and I am one of them.

Now, let the argument of who is the G.O.A.T begin!

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Spectacular Open. See you next year!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

TGIF to Absolutely Scrumptious Donuts from Tea Thyme!

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Filled Doughnuts from Tea Thyme ($450JMD each)

TGIF to Tea Thyme’s scrumptious Donuts! Some of you may recognize them from Kingston Night Market, but these sugary treats are now available at The Butcher Block in Manor Park on Saturdays.

Suga loves sugar-filled donuts 😉. I had pre-ordered the Salted Caramel – and Vanilla Cream – filled Donuts after my failed opportunity to purchase the Saturday before. As usual, it did NOT disappoint. I enjoyed the taste, but most of all, the texture. Soft on the outside and fluffy and airy on the inside. Perfection.

The White Chocolate and rose glaze with crushed pistachio is another fave.

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Tea Thyme’s White Chocolate and rose glaze with crushed pistachio Doughnut (Glazed doughnuts – $400JMD)

‘DONUT’ hesitate to go late or pre-order. You have to stay tuned to Tea Thyme’s and The Butcher Block’s Instagram pages (@hey_its_teathyme / @thebutcherblockja) or communicate with them. They usually arrive at 10:30am/11:00am. They go so fast, The Butcher Block has been increasing their order each week!

Here is the MENU for tomorrow!

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Good Luck!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Cheese, Pepper Jellies and Chocolate Artisans to be Featured at GW Art’s Collection!

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Come View, Sip, Taste and Shop GW Art’s Collection at The Jamaica Pegasus on Saturday, September 28th!

The event will feature Cheeses from Outland Hurders Creamery & Farmstead, Chorlavi’s Pepper Jellies and Jams and Artisan Chocolates to complement the evening too!

Chorlavi’s uses less sugar and more fruit to create a tasty variety of Pepper Jellies and Jams.

You will hear more about the Chocolates soon!

But here is a sneak peek of what to expect from Outland Hurders!

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Their *Jamaican Jack* is freckled with roasted pimentos and scotch bonnet peppers and is rubbed with an in-house jerk rub during the aging process.

It’s a bit spicy at first, but mellows out on the palate afterwards. It is reminiscent of jerk chicken with its slightly smoky flavour. The flavour profile is between mild and sharp, depending on age.

*Pairings*

Spirits: Appleton Rum or Tequila.

Wines: Medium bodied Reds or Ports or anything Bubbly.

Non-alcoholic: Sweet, tropical Fruit Juices, such as mango or citrus based Juices.

Food: Cured meats, Mango Chutney, Berry Jams, Smoked Meats or Paprika dusted Popcorn.

SAVE THE DATE! #SEPTEMBER28

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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.

Suga Taster, Stephen amongst Elite Company at the JHTA Celebration of Fine Jamaican Cuisines in MoBay!

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Escoveitched Smoked Marlin from Holiday Inn Resort
Last week Saturday, August 24th, Suga Taster, Stephen Greig had the pleasure of attending The Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) Montego Bay Chapter’s Celebration of Fine Jamaican Cuisines on the lawns of the Rose Hall Great House.
The food and wine pairing event is considered as one of the top culinary social events in Montego Bay and was well supported as expected. The event is also for a worthy cause, as proceeds go toward various Charities in Montego Bay, such as the SOS Children’s Village, Montego Bay Learning Centre and the Save the Child Programme.
The Great House was colourfully lit to enhance the ambience of this elite foodie affair and patrons could get a guided Night tour of the Great House. It is rumoured you have a greater chance of seeing the witch at night!
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Rose Hall Great House lit up for the night tour.
The real attraction however, was the food and wine and there was an abundance of creative and delicious dishes on offer courtesy of booths from Holiday Inn Resort, Round Hill Hotel and Villas, Half Moon, RIU, Secrets, Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa, VIP Attractions, Goddard Catering Group, The Tryall Club and Deja Resorts amongst others.
Highlights
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Escoveitched Smoked Marlin from Holiday Inn Resort.
Jerked Lobster on cucumber and the Escoveitched Smoked Marlin from Holiday Inn Resort courtesy of Chef Omar Gordon.
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Jerked Lobster on cucumber from Holiday Inn Resort.
Round Hill Hotel and Villas had Vegetarian Flatbread on the grill, Vegetarian Chilli and Beans as well as Breadfruit Taco shells with choices of Chicken or Pulled pork. A variety of toppings included sour cream, cilantro, bacon bits, cheese and  salsa.
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Vegetarian Flatbread on the grill from Round Hill Hotel & Villas
Half Moon featured Roast Suckling Pig!
The Tryall Club had an interesting array of Appetizers including a Pineapple Cold Soup, which Stephen wasn’t really a fan of, but he enjoyed the Vegetable Caponata Tartlets, the Curried Vegetables with Roti and the Hummus with Cocoa bread.
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Vegetable Caponata Tartlets from The Tryall Club.
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Hummus with Cocoa bread from The Tryall Club.
RIU had Oxtail Patties!
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Oxtail patties from RIU.
Also on show were decadent Desserts from the Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa and RIU Hotels.
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Aren’t you ready to visit one of those Hotels now?!
Get to know a little bit more about the Suga Taster, Stephen Greig who was responsible.
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[Photos and Review contributed by Suga Taster, Stephen Greig]

Suga Taster, Stephen Greig is an Attorney-at-Law whose favourite dish is Singapore Shrimp. His preference is Seafood, so enjoys casually eating at Sharkies out of town. But his favourite place to eat out of town for an occasion is Stush in the Bush, and if in Kingston, Steak House on the Verandah at Devon House. The country he has travelled to with the best Food is Thailand and he is always open to new food experiences.

Edited By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)

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

Another Wooden Sign by GW Art!

'Family' Wooden hanging sign
GW Art’s NEW Wooden ‘Family’ sign

GW Art’s Exhibition will be on Saturday, September 28th, from 5 pm – 10 pm at The Jamaica Pegasus! Stay tuned for more details and to see which invited artisans will be there!  

The Summer Collection continues into Autumn, with more NEW pieces in the works!

Get GW Art in your space today or gift someone and help to Support Local!

#BuyJamaicanBuildJamaica #GWArtIsForEveryone

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Website (Gallery):
http://www.sugalifestyle.com

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.

Prayers for Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian

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Hurricane Dorian battered the Bahamas yesterday with its Category 5 strength.

The slow moving hurricane, travelling at 1mph, sat over Grand Bahama this morning at about 3am creating havoc.

Reports have been made that Hurricane Dorian took the life of an 8-year old boy after hitting Great Abaco island after it made landfall.

We pray for our Caribbean neighbours, the Bahamas at this time, hoping that other persons remain safe despite the widespread damage caused by Hurricane Dorian.

Residents in Florida and the Carolinas, by the Southern East coast of the USA have been warned to prepare for hurricane-force winds.

#PrayersforEveryone

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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