TGIF! Iced Matcha Now Available at Cafe Dolce!

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TGIF! Get your light, creamy and refreshing cold brew Green Tea Latte at any Cafe Dolce today! Don’t you just love Matcha?! Now Iced Matcha is available at one of your healthiest Cafe stops in Kingston.

Have a great weekend!

Cafe Dolce

Locations: 114 Constant Spring Road (Inside of Tile City). Kingston 10. (Ph: 876-649-9971)

Kingston Industrial Garage (KIG) at 381 Spanish Town Road. (Ph: 876-648-7457)

Instagram: @cafedolceja

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, Taraja Enjoys Japanese Cuisine in Texas!

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Spicy Edamame
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Tacu Yaki

Suga Taster, Taraja Jackson enjoyed Japanese Cuisine in Austin, Texas a few days ago. She had a memorable experience at Lucky Robot Japanese Kitchen.

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Cheers to that and Happy Thursday!

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Lucky Robot Japanese Kitchen

Location: 1303 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704, United States

Ph: 512-444-8081

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

5 Healthiest Cheeses to Eat!

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Photo source: Vegetarian Times

Cheese should be included in any balanced diet. More specifically, 2-3 servings of dairy should be consumed each day, as cheese is a good source of calcium, protein and other nutrients. Calcium also helps to break down body fat. A single serving of cheese is 1 ounce, which is equivalent to about one thin slice or two small cubes, roughly the size of a pair of dice.

Of course there are so many different kinds of cheeses based on various farm animals, aging and processing methods used. So most cheeses are high in calories, fat and sodium, but you can still find healthy cheeses to aid in weight loss, prevent heart disease and osteoporosis (deterioration of the bone).

Healthiest Types of Cheeses

1. Mozzarella

Mozzarella is typically lower in sodium and calories when compared to other cheeses.

Originally from Italy, it is made from the Italian Buffalo or Cow’s milk and is known to have probiotics that strengthen your immune system.

There are different types of Mozzarella on the market, such as full fat, low-moisture, part-skim etc. However, if your goal is to lose weight, I do not recommend that you have Mozzarella cheese as it may still have a bit too much saturated fat. However, if maintaining your weight and you find that you have space for a few fat calories, a part-skim Mozzarella can be consumed. In Jamaica, you can find shredded low-moisture, part-skim Mozzarella with 15% saturated fat in Supermarkets such as John R Wong, Sovereign and Loshusan.

I would love to see the fat-free shredded Mozzarella in the supermarkets though!

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2. Feta

Feta cheese, soft like Mozzarella, originated from Greece. Hence why you probably first saw it in a Greek salad. It can be added to eggs, pizzas and mixed into a dip to eat with fresh vegetables too.

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Photo Source: Loving it Vegan

It is definitely lower in calories compared to other cheeses, but tends to be higher in sodium because of how it is usually packaged to preserve freshness.

Feta is also known to have Conjugate Linoleic Acid (CLA), a fatty acid that has been linked to reducing body fat and improving body composition.

If trying to lose weight, I suggest a reduced fat Feta. Unfortunately, at the moment, you cannot source reduced fat Feta in Jamaica ot a Feta that has less than 20% or 25% Saturated fat, which is way too much. If maintaining your weight, Ruby Goat Dairy located in Trelawny, visits the Ujima Natural Farmer’s Market in Liguanea, Kingston (22 Barbican Road; 9am-3pm) each Saturday and sells low lactose cheeses. You will not see a nutrition label, but it should still be less fatty than the Feta sold in our supermarkets.

Good news though! You know Suga’s got you. One of our favourite farm to table vegetarian and vegan providers are working on the formula to offer Vegan Feta soon! Can’t wait because Feta is the type of cheese you need with a sharp, pungent taste, where you only need a small amount to be satisfied.

3. Goat Cheese

Goat Cheese a.k.a Chèvre, another soft cheese, is tangy and of course, made from goat’s milk.

As mentioned earlier, Goat Cheese is lower in lactose. So it is usually easier to digest compared to cheeses made from cow’s milk. Great for persons who are lactose intolerant.

Goat Cheese contains less acidic proteins, which also aid in the digestive process  and since it is absorbed quickly into the body, it is less likely to be stored as fat.

4. Ricotta

Ricotta, another Italian cheese, creamy in texture, is made from the watery parts of cow, goat, sheep, or Italian water buffalo milk that are left over from making other cheeses.

Ricotta cheese, also available from Ruby Goat Dairy in Jamaica, is usually a great addition to pastas, lasagna, salads, scrambled eggs, creamy dips or can be served with fruit.

Low-fat Ricotta can be sourced in our local supermarkets as well.

Ricotta is a cheese with a high source of protein, mostly whey, which may promote muscle growth and lower blood pressure.

5. Parmesan

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Photo Source: Today Show

Last but not least, Parmesan! One of my faves. Parmesan, unlike the others, is a hard, aged cheese. It’s made from raw, unpasteurized cow’s milk that’s aged for about 12 months to kill harmful bacteria and produce a unique flavour.

Parmesan is rich in Calcium and low in lactose, so it should promote healthy bones.

It is best to have fat-free, or low-fat grated Parmesan and feel free to add it to your veggie or fruit salads, pastas, pizzas and even your burgers.

Have you tried Stush in the Bush’s Vegan Parmesan? If you haven’t, what are you waiting for?!

Fat-free Cheeses are on the market, but tend to be sliced, processed cheeses. It is best to stay away from processed foods. Cheese can be a great nutritious addition to a healthy, balanced diet, but it is important to keep an eye on your intake, as some cheeses can be high in sodium and/or fat. Everything in moderation right! Just remember, Cheddar is the devil 😈

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

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

Suga’s Highlights from International Women’s Day at CWC’s Wine Pairing Soirée

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Sunday’s cool, breezy afternoon was perfect for savoury bites and bubbly to celebrate International Women’s Day and contribute to the Canadian Women’s Club of Jamaica’s outreach projects.

Harbour Wines and Spirits and Select Brands provided ideal pairings for offerings from EITS Café, Tea Tree Creperie, Raffaele’s Gourmet Pizzeria, Fromage, Chez Maria, Uncorked, Cannonball Café and Chocolate Dreams.

Everything was delightful but of course there were a few standouts. 

EITS Café

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Robyn Fox of EITS Café and her team for the day, along with a representative from Select Brands.

It’s always a pleasure to be around Robyn Fox and her hospitable team from EITS Café. Their Black Olive Bammy Bruschetta with Feta Cheese, Red Onion and Caramelized Onions was quite appetizing while paired with one of my fave’s, the Kung Fu Girl Riesling provided by Select Brands. Its apricot, white peach, honeysuckle aromas balanced out the sharpness of the Feta.

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Black Olive Bammy Bruschetta with Feta Cheese, Red Onion and Caramelized Onions from EITS Café.

Fromage

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Fromage’s Oxtail Arancini Balls.

Fromage’s Oxtail Arancini Balls were divine with Harbour Wines’ Ménage à Trois Bourbon Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon. That wine was unforgettable from the Table Talk Observer Food Awards last year.

Then their Chèvre Canapés with fig glazed walnuts paired with Rosé was such a treat. The light, fluffy texture with the touch of sweet was perfection.

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Fromage’s Chèvre Canapés with fig glazed walnuts.

Kudos to Lisa Chin and her team. #SugaSnaps

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Fromage’s Lisa Chin with her delish Chèvre Canapés at CWC’S Wine Pairing Soirée last Sunday.

Chez Maria

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Chez Maria’s Vegetarian Pumpkin Kibbeh Cups.

Chez Maria’s Vegetarian Pumpkin Kibbeh Cups with hummus on top was both healthy and scrumptious. The winner for seconds if watching your calories. They were paired with Select Brands’ Primal Roots California Red.

Guess who’s going into Catering? – Cannonball Café

Cannonball’s Antipasto Skewer with Lomo, Olive, Tomato, Mozzarella and Mushroom Tortelini was a myriad of flavours that balanced each other well and even further with Harbour Wines’ Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon.

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Suga’s husband, Randy Burgess about to enjoy the Lomo & Mozzarrella Skewer along with the Sliced New York Strip Steak with Caramel Onions and Tomato Jam.

Chocolate Dreams

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Pistacio Chocolate Bites from Chocolate Dreams.

You have to top off the evening with some sweet! I didn’t mind the spicy either. Chocolate Dreams outdid themselves with their Scotch Bonnet Caramel Fudge and Pistacio Chocolate Bites. Their entire spread was worth the calories. If you like sweet wines, the Roscato Sweet Red courtesy of Harbour Wines was a great choice.

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Sweet Red Wine Pairings courtesy of Harbour Wines with Chocolate Dreams’ Scotch Bonnet Caramel Fudge

Great evening filled with Vino, Savoury bites and Beautiful Women. Value for money with Proceeds to a great cause. Well done Canadian Women’s Club of Jamaica. #SugaEndorsed

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Suga Tasters and cousins, Gabrielle Burgess and Kimberly Nesbeth enjoyed celebrating International Women’s Day together and all things good that paired with wine last Sunday, March 8, 2020 at The Matalon House in Long Lane, St. Andrew.

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Registration Extended for Kingston City Marathon!

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Less than 1 week to go!

REGISTRATION HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO TOMORROW for Kingston City Marathon!

Don’t miss your chance to Run the City and Contribute to various Charities at the same time.

Head on over to http://www.kingstoncityrun.com and REGISTER NOW!

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 to Kerry Croft Bringing Black Owned Businesses to Your Living Rooms!

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Kerry Croft, Owner of the Vitamin M Box

Any woman who wears a Gold Wedding dress must be quite a goal reacher and a stunner.

Kerry Croft is her name. Kerry is the Owner of Vitamin M Box, which helps customers find minority produced products that they love while promoting and supporting minority entrepreneurship.

Also, every three months, the Vitamin M Box donates 10% of its proceeds to a Charity of choice that helps in building the Black Community.

Kerry has been selected to bring minority produced products beyond your doorstep and into your living rooms via a talk show, the Vitamin M Suite. The show will launch this Spring on Apple TV, Roku and Amazon Fire Stick!

Expect to see Black Entrepreneurs sit and discuss their ideas and businesses as they inspire and uplift others.

Did I mention Kerry is Jamaican and Suga’s cousin?! #ProudJamaican #ProudCuzzo #BlackExcellence

Check out and Follow Vitamin M Box today and feel free to subscribe!

Visit Website:

http://www.thevitaminmbox.com/subscribe-2/

Instagram: @thevitaminmbox

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Do you have your Tickets for this Wine Pairing Soiree yet?!

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If you can still get tickets, go get them at the restaurants mentioned on the flyer. 17 mile post/EITS Cafe will also deliver to you.

So many great restaurants/cafes in one place to pair the wines, cheeses and chocolates we love all for a good cause, driven by the Canadian Women’s Club of Jamaica.

Celebrate International Women’s Day, contribute to Charity and enjoy what is lined up to be a memorable culinary experience. It’s a triple win, but earn your carbs 🙂

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Find Joy in the Journey

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Painting by GW Art

Find Joy in the Journey, because at the end of the day, the Journey is the Reward. Happy Tuesday!

GW Art

Email: [email protected]

Ph: 876-422-3769

Website (Gallery): 

http://www.sugalifestyle.com 

Instagram: @gwartbygabby

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Have you Registered for the Kingston City Run as yet?!

Just about 2 weeks to go!

Registration closes this Friday, March 6th for the Kingston City Run.

Don’t miss your chance to Run the City and Contribute to various Charities at the same time.

Head on over to www.kingstoncityrun.com and REGISTER NOW!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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