Dinner and Jazz at Mike’s Supper Club at The Trident Hotel, Portland

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Suga’s Ratings for Mike’s Supper Club

Date and time of visit: Saturday, February 16, 2019 at 9:15pm

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:

Mike’s Supper Club at The Trident Hotel had spectacular service and ambience enhanced by rhythmic live jazz, where the band used Trident’s one of a kind Ferrari red 1917 Steinway baby grand piano. Some of the best voices in world, jazz and bop music have left their nightly signature on it.

Beverages were grand, but I can’t say the same about their dishes.

We started things off with Pumpkin Soup and a Goat Cheese Salad. The Pumpkin Soup was probably the largest dish of the night.

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Pumpkin Soup with coconut, lemongrass and spiced chicken (US$12 +G.C.T +Serv. charge)
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Fresh Greens and Goat Cheese Salad  – Fried Cheese, Pickled Onion, Red Grapes, charred Pepper and Red Radish (US$15 +G.C.T +Serv. charge)

The Goat Cheese Salad was quite tasty and flavourful, but our entrees followed and disappointed in that aspect and more. We had the Rack of Lamb and Surf n Turf. Both dishes were extremely small servings. In addition to an already exorbitant cost of US$50 for the Surf and Turf, sides of Vegetables and Starches were additional for US$3 and $US6 respectively before tax and service charge.

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Rack of Lamb – Pistachio crust, Wine Tamarind Jus, roasted Vegetable and Butternut Puree (US$32 +G.C.T +Serv. charge)
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Surf n Turf – Angus Beef Fillet, seared Shrimps, roasted Seaweed and smoked Pepper Coulis (US$50 +G.CT +Serv. charge)

To add to the disappointment of small servings, even though our meats were medium rare as requested, the Lamb and Beef lacked proper seasoning and flavour.

The food may not have been value for money, but it was certainly a pleasurable experience.

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Mike’s Supper Club at The Trident Hotel

Location: Port Antonio

Ph: 876-633-7100; 1(800) 300-6220

Website (Menu available): www.thetridenthotel.com

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By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Registration for Kingston City Marathon Extended to Tomorrow!

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There is still time to Resister for the Kingston City Marathon! You have until tomorrow to register on the website, www.kingstoncityrun.com or the JHTA Office at 2 Ardenne Road. 

You can register for the full marathon (26.2 miles), half marathon (13.1 miles), 5k or 10k.

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Race day is Sunday, March 17, 2019 on a certified course with chip timing.

Kingston City Run is now IAAF/AIMS (International Association of Athletics Federations/Association of International Marathons and Distance Races) Certified. So you can run and use your official time to qualify for other international marathons.

Start times: Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K start at 4:30 a.m., while the 5K Run/Walk starts at 7:00 a.m.

Other activities:

Other activities associated with the event will be the Welcome Party on Friday, March 15th, the Lifestyle Expo and Pre-Race a.k.a Carb loading Party at The Jamaica Pegasus on Saturday, March 16th. There will be an Awards Ceremony and Finish Line ‘Reggae’ Party after the run on Sunday too.

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The Kingston City Marathon will be raising funds for various Charities as well. Help them hit their 2019 target of JMD$5 million to support Alpha Boys Institute, The Open Arms Development Centre, Marie Atkins Night Shelter, Food for the Poor, Dare to Care and Do your Share and Missionaries of the Poor.

Run the City and Feel di Vibes this Sunday!

For more information:

Visit: www.kingstoncityrun.com

OR

JHTA Office at 2 Ardenne Road. Kgn. Ja.

Ph: 876-926-3635

Email: [email protected]

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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How was Jamaica’s 1st Rum Festival and have you Recovered?!

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Suga thinks that the Jamaica Rum Festival was a success!

I went on the Saturday at about 3:30pm when the sun was out in full force. Imagine I was planning on going earlier. I was disappointed that the seminar times were posted online so close to the day, so failed to plan for them and missed out on available spots. I am sure it would have enhanced my experience even more, but perhaps something can be done next year that may not involve tastings and patrons can be involved.

I was early enough to get my Festival cup though! This was definitely a perk appreciated by patrons. You got back your entry money with that already.

The entrance décor was as real as it could get, taking you on a walk through the cane fields and the history of Jamaican rums via photos and artefacts. Neat cuts of Sugar cane were given away in small paper bags too.

I wish the mist being provided for the Sugar cane was provided for patrons at certain points throughout the festival too, or fans. The heat was hard to bear. Thankfully after a walk around the venue, picking up rum samples from the different sponsors and seeing what was on offer, Kande’s Delights had their delicious ice cream to cool you down. They gave you combo options to get a moist, salivating cupcake from Alex’s Creations too! Those cupcakes are one of a kind.

I am all for Brand Jamaica, but I think if local artisans are to be involved in the festival, they should have products more aligned with the theme of the festival. Perhaps like Street Food Saturdays who had Pepper sauces. Items that persons like to pair with rum or persons who take a liking to rum are likely to purchase.

The CB Food Village was a disappointment. Firstly, there was no card machine by the general line to get tickets. That should have been standard. I believe Rainforest Seafoods was probably the only option on the inside that you could buy from and use a card.

I understand that after drinking all that rum, the food did not have to be gourmet and got the idea behind mostly fried foods etc. to soak up the rum, but I still felt like options were limited and the quality of food put out was not that enticing. For instance, the quality of Pan Chicken in Manor Park is far better than that offered by the Pan Chicken winner that was present. I believe I made a good decision to get the Pork Fries from Tooksie Kay Catering. I got the Fried Chicken tacos from Chilitos too, but I believe Tooksie Kay was probably the best, if not, one of the best options there.

With all of that aside, how was the Rum and Entertainment?! After all, that is what we were there for. Monymusk was the only disappointment. Why was Monymusk giving people straight shots of whites?! Good Lord. Then they wanted you to pay for slushes with no rum in them. Wheel and come again.

Kudus to the other sponsors, Appleton Estate, Wray & Nephew, Charley’s J.B. Overproof Rum and Hampten Estate for coming up with creative 3oz sampler cocktails and mixes that were free. I enjoyed them. Big up Charley’s J.B. Overproof Rum from Trelawny who came with their Sprat and Bammy to soak up that strong cullo cullo a.k.a John Crow Batty!

Bottles and cues were for sale from the different sponsors as well.

The vibe did nice! Uncle Wray was there to mingle with patrons and so was Aunty Joy, Master Blender from Appleton Estate.

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Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga with Joy Spence, Master Blender of Appleton Estate.

Wray and Nephew did an excellent job with on the spot entertainment, such as mixology competitions. Hosts Sakina Deer and Dufton Shepherd really had the crowd engaged encouraging spontaneous outbursts of laughter.

I thoroughly enjoyed all the performances that I caught. Wayne Marshall, Dance Xpressionz and Aidonia certainly took us through their expansive catalogue of music and dance throughout the years.

Hope Pastures needs to take better care of those dusty grounds and I wish I got prior notice to consider carrying a chair, because once you are there you are likely to stay till the very end! Kudos to the organizers for creating such a memorable, local experience. Looking forward to the next one! #SugaEndorsed

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Suga with husband, Randy Burgess at the Jamaica Rum Festival last Saturday, March 9, 2019 (Photo: Kirk Wignall)

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TGIF! Jamaica Rum Festival Starts Tomorrow!

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Are you ready?! The greatly anticipated Jamaica Rum Festival begins tomorrow! A festival that should walk us through the history of Jamaican rums via photos, artefacts and a sensory experience.

Sip Sip Sip! Expect to receive Drink Chits upon entry for your complimentary cocktail and samples from each of the sponsors booths.

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Seminars and Workshops hosted by Appleton Estate’s Master Blender, Joy Spence and more start from 12:45pm, where you sign in upon entry once spaces are still available.

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The festival should also be showcasing live music, arts and crafts and other Jamaican made products presented by local artisans, powered by the Tourism Enhancement Fund and of course, food.

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Participating Local Artisans

Patrons will experience the Jamaica Rum Festival Food Court offered by sponsor, CB Foods!

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What have you been waiting for? Get your tickets today!

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For more information:

Website: www.jarumfestival.com/

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Drunken Lion Fish for Ash Wednesday?

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Suga’s Ratings for Cliff Hanger Restaurant and Lounge

Date and time of visit: Sunday, February 17, 2019 at 12:00pm

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:

From the hillside to the sea, diners can experience the best of both worlds, while seated at Cliff Hanger’s rustic and comfortable Restaurant and Lounge.

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My husband and I received hospitable service and our food arrived in a timely manner. Afterall, we ordered the Drunken Lion Fish and would not want that process to be rushed. What made it drunken? The sauce consisted of Red Stripe Beer, White Rum and Red Wine.

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Drunken Lion Fish ($27USD + G.C.T + 15% Serv. Charge)

All three spirits were evident in the Drunken Lion Fish sauce and the dish was quite tasty. I am afraid it was not value for money though. For the Lion Fish dish ($27USD) and a Cocktail ($7.50USD), the damage ended up being a little over $6000JMD per person, i.e. $12,157.82 for the both of us after G.C.T and Service charge were added, which is far too expensive. Suga suggests they provide a local rate for their menu.

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Cliff Hanger Restaurant and Lounge

Location: Ross Craig, Long Bay P.O. Portland, JA

Ph: 876-860-1395

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.seacliff-jamaica.com/

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Enjoy Miss May’s Fish Fry for Charity this Friday!

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Non-Profit Organization, Rotary Club of St. Andrew North will be hosting a Fish Fry Fundraiser this Friday, where you can support their future Community projects with your support.

Tickets cost $1700JMD per person for lunch cooked by the popular Miss May and her staff.

Please support the Rotary Club of St. Andrew North’s initiative.

#BetheInspiration

For tickets:

Call Nakia Rowe: 876.317.7337

For Pick Up:

12-2pm at 17 Retirement Road, Kingston.

For Delivery:

***Must be 5 or more orders to same location***

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Do you think you have Endometriosis?

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Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus, called the endometrium, migrates and grows outside of the uterus.

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Cause

There is no known cause of Endometriosis, but it is highly likely that certain genes predispose women to develop the disease.

Symptoms of Endometriosis

Women may experience various pains, especially during menstruation, where it may be severe, but there are a variety of methods and treatments that can help to reduce the pain.

Excessive bleeding and infertility are other known symptoms.

How is Endometriosis Diagnosed?

The test to definitively diagnose Endometriosis is Laparoscopy. Laparoscopy is an operation performed in the abdomen or pelvis through small incisions with the aid of a camera. The laparoscope aids diagnosis or therapeutic interventions.

Diagnosis can also be made based on one’s clinical history.

Consult your Gynaecologist if you think you may have Endometriosis.

***Source of Information***

Contemporary Medical Affiliates (CMA) Jamaica

Medical Center

Location: 1C Braemar Ave., Kgn. 5. Ja.

Ph: 876-616-8132-3

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @cmajamaica

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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TGIF! The Blue Mountain Coffee Festival Starts Today!

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The 2nd annual Blue Mountain Coffee Festival starts today! Blue Mountain Coffee has the reputation of being one of the most expensive and sought-after coffees in the world over the past few decades.

This event hopes to attract tourists and international coffee buyers, as well as create awareness of the rapidly growing coffee culture amongst us as local consumers.

Friday, March 1st – Trade Day

The Festival kicks off today with a networking and learning experience for farmers allowing them to showcase their coffee and coffee byproducts.

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Saturday, March 2nd – Festival Marketplace

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Last year’s view from Newcastle at the 1st staging of the Marketplace at the Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival

After you finish with Suga Lifestyle’s Nutrition session tomorrow, the Festival Marketplace in Newcastle will be buzzing with activity. You can then browse and purchase coffee to put in your protein shakes each morning!

There will be coffee galore, coffee byproducts and live demos if you are a barista at home, as well as live musical entertainment and crafts on showcase from local artisans. You would also learn about coffee related tours.

Festival Marketplace Ticket costs: $1500 (Adults); $500 (Children 2-12 years and students with ID)

***Complimentary round trip Shuttle Services will be provided from UTECH Library Car Park to Newcastle starting at 9am***

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If you would like to make a weekend of it, there are activities on Sunday too!

Sunday, March 3 – The Culinary Trail (Reservation Only)

There will be a Coffee-themed Brunch at Strawberry Hill and other eateries along the Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Trail should have a signature Blue Mountain Coffee infused dish on their menu that day.

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Enjoy!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

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

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