20170614_010732-1.jpg

Kingston Yoga Fest is this Saturday, June 24 at the Spanish Court Hotel!

20170614_010732-1.jpg

KINGSTON YOGA FEST is this Saturday, June 24 at the Spanish Court Hotel.

YOGA classes will be ALL DAY, starting from 6am and Showtime starts at 7pm with an amazing line-up of Reggae Artists.

Check out the website, www.kingstonyogafest.com for information on Tickets, the Schedule, Performers and more.

All Day Passes to include both the Yoga Classes and Music/Spoken Word Concert are available and Students get a special rate.

Contact Information:

Ph: 876-773-1577 (JAM); 310-497-7270 (USA)

Email: [email protected]

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

PhotoGrid_1497547043328

Seaside Dining at Las Vegas Cafe in St. Elizabeth!

PhotoGrid_1497547043328

Sunday before last, Suga Bear, Randy Burgess stopped by Las Vegas Cafe in St. Elizabeth for Lunch at 2:30pm.

Parking was sufficient and décor was rustic with a touch of old tavern accentuated by the view of the seaside.

PhotoGrid_1497547577542

There were a few other guests, both locals and tourists.

The staff were not necessarily courteous but they weren’t rude or inattentive either. So they could improve on their Southern hospitality.

Las Vegas Cafe specialises in Seafood. If you order Fish, you are given the option to choose your fish.

Randy ordered Coconut Garlic Shrimp with Steam Bammy ($1800JMD tx incl.) and his friend ordered Coconut Garlic Conch with Steam Bammy ($1800JMD tx incl.).

Even though their dishes were done to order, it did not take an extremely long time to arrive. The Suga Bears enjoyed their Lunch. The Shrimps were noticeably fresh as one would expect from St. Elizabeth and well seasoned. The Bammy was well steamed with a texture that was just right and the sauce had a good balance of Coconut and Garlic, with neither overpowering the taste of the Seafood.

PhotoGrid_1497546963114.png

Value for Money? Suga Bear, Randy rated Las Vegas Cafe a 3/5.

If traveling through the South Coast, I think it is safe to take a detour or stop by Las Vegas Cafe for a tasty and filling serving of Seafood.

Las Vegas Cafe 

Location: 70 Crane Road (Close to Salt Spring), St. Elizabeth. Jamaica

Ph: 876-965-9648

Opening Hours: 11am-11pm

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

 

 

FB_IMG_1497383413972.jpg

Discounts for All June Bugs at Chocolate Dreams!

FB_IMG_1497383413972.jpg

Chocolate Dreams is treating every June baby!

Join Gabby from Suga Lifestyle and stop by their Devon House or Loshusan locations for yummy treats to celebrate your special day!

***Provide your ID to prove you are a Junite and get 15% off!

***Call 876-906-1173 for Special Orders

Have a Fabulous Birthday Month! Junites rule!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

 

Screenshot_2017-06-12-08-22-12-1.png

Try this Healthy and Tasty Quinoa Salad!

Screenshot_2017-06-12-08-22-12-1.png
Photo & Recipe Source: @BigScoopFood on Instagram

Quinoa is a great source of Protein and is also a Healthy Carbohydrate. So it contains an adequate amount of fibre to help keep you fuller for longer.

For a fun, healthy Quinoa Salad, try the following:

● Quinoa as your base

● Cherry Tomatoes

● Black Olives

● Black Beans

● Kidney Beans

● Cauliflower

● Coriander

*** You can add a light, olive oil-based vinaigrette and squeeze a touch of lemon or lime juice for a touch more flavour and freshness

Recipe Source: –

Instagram: @BigScoopFood

Food & Beverage Company

Food, Nutrition & Health; Nutrition Media; Everyday Tips

Email: [email protected]

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

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

 

 

PhotoGrid_1495655942540

A Restaurant you can Dress Up and Go To in the Capital of Casual, Negril!

PhotoGrid_1495655942540

On the last Saturday night of April, Bongos Restaurant saved the day for me and my husband’s Anniversary Dinner after a mix up with Reservations at another Restaurant in Negril.

Bongos is located at the modernly refurbished, Sandy Haven Resort on the popular Negril Strip.

We were relieved to still have somewhere elegant to dine. There was a choice between indoor dining and outdoor dining on the terrace. We decided to stay indoors, where the lights were turned down low, but a bit too low. The ambience was not affected too much though. Seating was comfortable and the décor was unique. There was a Bar and Lounge area indoors as well.

The members of staff were courteous and knowledgeable of the items on the menu.

The menu had a wide range of items that represented a fusion of European, Asian, African and of course, Caribbean cuisines. Prices listed in US were subject to 10% tax and 10% gratuity.

Appetizers, Soups and Salads ranged from $7-$10US.

I had the tasty Jerk Shrimp Brochette ($8.50US) and my husband had the Crab and Corn Chowder ($8US), which had a rich flavour. My Brochette could have done without the lettuce on top though.

PhotoGrid_1495657908410
A) Crab and Corn Chowder РCrab meat saut̩ed with fresh corn and onion in a garlic cream sauce drizzled with a spicy chili oil; B) Jerk Shrimp Brochette ($8.50US) РShrimp tossed with fresh tomato and onion on top of a garlic bread drizzled with mango balsamic syrup

For Entrées, there were Vegetarian and Vegan options such as Vegetarian Paella, Mixed Bean Stew, Vegetable Linguini and more ranging from $12-$30US.

Other options included Fish any way you like it ranging from $17-$23US depending on size, Curried Coconut Lemon Shrimp ($18US), Asian Stir Fry Beef Sirloin ($17US), Jerk Chicken Pasta ($16.50US), Cuban Pork & Bean ($20USD), Bongo’s Seafood Paella ($19US single/$35US double) and more.

It wasn’t Lobster season but I had a craving for any type of Surf and Turf, which wasn’t on their menu. The waiter and the Chef collaborated to make me happy and offered me the Filet Mignon with large Shrimp Skewers.

My husband ordered the Filet Mignon on its own.

Although the wait was extremely long, we had a year of marriage to reminisce on as well as exciting thoughts for our future and the wait was worthwhile when the food arrived.

PhotoGrid_1495658016864-1.png
A) Surf & Turf РGrilled Beef Tenderloin with Shrimp Skewers; B) Herb Crusted Filet Mignon ($30US) РGrilled Beef Tenderloin served with saut̩ed vegetables, cajun potato wedges drizzled with mango mushroom demi-glaze.

Our cuts of Beef came medium rare, as requested. So we were pleased with the tenderness and succulent juices and flavours emerging from the Beef.

We were too full for Dessert but we enjoyed a few drinks from the Bar. I have had better Mojitos but the blended drinks were on point.

I recommend Bongos Restaurant for a decent place to dine in Negril if you are not famished or in a rush. The wait may be long but you have the leisure of having a good chit chat over a few drinks in a lovely ambience until delectable food arrives.

Bongos Restaurant @ Sandy Haven Resort

Location: Norman Manley Boulevard. Negril, Jamaica

Ph: 886-957-3200

Opening Hr: 6pm

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Screenshot_2017-06-12-23-53-47-1.png

The Golden State Warriors are the 2017 NBA Champions!!!

Screenshot_2017-06-12-23-53-47-1.png

CONGRATULATIONS to the GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS for winning the 2017 NBA Finals. They beat the Cavaliers 129-120 to seal the NBA Finals series 4-1, which was Suga’s original prediction before a sweep looked possible and the Refs intervened Game 4.

It is the first NBA Finals where 4 players averaged 25+ points, which was achieved by Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and LeBron James.

LeBron James was sensational, putting up 41 points and JR Smith was spectacular with 25 points including 7-8 from the 3-point line. His only miss from the 3-point line was late in the 4th when the Cavs started to crumble seeing the Championship slip away from them. He regrouped and put in another 3-point sinker that was just too late.

Kyrie Irving played well, scoring 26 points. But he was benched on and off as he suffered aches and pains that naturally come at this time of the post-season. He will have the entire summer to rest now.

Tristan Thompson finally stepped up and scored 15 points. He seemed to have switched places with Kevin Love. Love was scoreless for most of the game because he was benched after the first few minutes of the game when he committed 2 early fouls. He eventually ended up with just 6 points.

The Cavs just weren’t good enough.

Apart from an 18-point lead by the Warriors at one point, the game was quite close for the most part and extremely physical to say the least.

The turning point was Andre Iguodala’s (Iggy’s) dunk to change the momentum of the game and to wake up the Warriors who were playing well but not looking like they wanted to seize Game 5 and the Championship.

At that point, Davis West shook things up further after he went for a rebound and Kyrie Irving tried to wrestle the ball away from him. West got fired up and so did Tristan Thompson who also went for the rebound but lost out on it. He came and pushed West and so did JR Smith who ran in on the action from a mile away. West, Tristan Thompson and JR Smith were all given technical fouls.

LeBron James then gave an earful to a laughing Kevin Durant (KD) and Draymond Green and backed up all his talking by sinking a 3. Coach Steve Kerr smartly and immediately called a time out. Then the Warriors prevented an angry comeback from LeBron James.

Screenshot_2017-06-12-22-58-18-1.png
The Warriors fully amped and on their way to victory after Curry scores a 2-point shot and gets fouled

Stephen Curry was explosive in the first half, but not so much in the second half. His 3-point mojo was missing. He assisted some crucial plays to the basket in the 2nd half though. He scored a total of 34 points.

Klay Thompson scored 11 points. It seems like a small amount, but he contributed throughout the game offensively and defensively and hit those 3s when they were needed or mattered the most.

It was KD and Iggy that really carried the team down the stretch. KD scored 39 points, the most he scored in the Finals, scoring over 30 each game. Iggy came up big from the bench with 20 points, highlighted by dunks and a few 3s.

KD did everything you can think of to secure his 1st NBA Championship ring, from assists to rebounds, dunks, layups, drives through the lane, jumpers and those 3s that broke the Cavs’ heart. K-Dagger.

Last night he was the real MVP.

Wanda, kudos to you too.

Screenshot_2017-06-12-23-21-53-1.png
Kevin Durant and his mother, Wanda celebrate the Championship win

Congrats to KD for winning Finals MVP.

20170612_230214-1.jpg
KD accepts Finals MVP Trophy from Bill Russell

LeBron’s fans will ask, ‘What more could he have done?’ LeBron stated, I left everything on the floor for all 5 games.’ I could almost agree. He played great baskbetball, but not when it counted. Game 4 to save face from a potential sweep and Game 5 at the Warrior’s homecourt is just too late to show up when necessary. Let’s not even talk about the Game 1 and 2 blowouts. But Game 3?! The game back on Cleveland’s homecourt? LeBron just wasn’t clutch. Here is a reminder of how LeBron could have been better and turned this Final around – LeBron missed a driving lay-up in the late 4th and had his 3-point shot attempt blocked by Andre Iguodala with 12s left. He made the offensive rebound then stepped out of bounds resulting in a turnover with 10s left. That’s just an example of a potential 5 points gone out the window. The end result of Game 3 was Warriors 118 – Cavs 113. To be the GOAT, you have to be clutch and that title still belongs to Michael Jordan with 6 rings.

“The premise that the Warriors’ victory was inevitable due to their stacking the deck ignores an indisputable fact: Only one of these teams features four top-five picks in the starting lineup — including a pair of No. 1 overall selections — and it isn’t the Warriors”. – Kevin Arnovitz (ESPN Staff Writer)

At the end of the day, the Warriors were hungrier and played much closer to their full potential compared to the Cavaliers.

Well done and well deserved Championship win for Coaches Steve Kerr, Mike Brown and the Warriors team.

Congrats to the internet too, that keeps winning.

PhotoGrid_1497335465917.png

Until next year!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

 

 

Screenshot_2017-06-11-11-05-36-1.png

Usain Bolt’s Final Race on Jamaican Soil!

Screenshot_2017-06-11-11-05-36-1.png

If you somehow missed it, the legendary Usain Bolt ran his final race on Jamaican soil last Saturday, June 10 in 10.03s. Ironically, this was the time Usain ran to convince Coach Mills that he could compete in the 100m event.

The crowd at the National Stadium was filled to capacity with 35,000 people!

His Final International race will be at the World Championships in London later this year.

Thanks for everything you have done for Jamaica and Athletics Usain Bolt! Unforgettable. You will be missed.

Watch “Usain Bolt – One last race in Kingston Jamaica June 10, 2017.” on YouTube here:

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

 

 

PhotoGrid_1497244595827.png

Rafael Nadal wins his 10th French Open and Game 5 of the NBA Finals is tonight!

FRENCH OPEN MEN’S FINAL

PhotoGrid_1497244595827.png

Rafael Nadal defeated Stan Wawrinka yesterday to win the French Open for his record 10th time, 6-2, 6-3, 6-1!

The scoreline was no indication of the quality of the match played. Wawrinka was good but the King of the Clay was spectacular. His coverage of the court was remarkable. Congrats Rafa!

NBA FINALS – GAME 5

The current scoreline of the series after Friday’s game is Warriors – 3, Refs – 1, Cavs – 0.

Lebron James and Kyrie Irving played great basketball on Friday night to end the game with a high scoring NBA Finals record of 137-116, but it was overshadowed by blatant unfair calls from the Refs. The Refs even blundered seriously by ejecting Draymond Green from the game because they had him down for a technical instead of Coach Kerr, who was originally given the technical. So when Draymond actually got his technical later in the game, they attempted to eject him. They had to revisit the call and their records, then realised they made an error.

At that point, Draymond realised it didn’t make sense he even tried to play with how ridiculous the calls were on the court.

Could this be why the Refs allowed the Cavs no chance of getting swept?

FB_IMG_1497242870426.jpg

Game 5 will be played tonight at 8pm.

Maybe the brooms persons got can be used to sweep confetti. That is if and only if Steph Curry decides to show up because he legit choked on Friday night. Only KD showed up for the Warriors.

Will Curry and Klay relive the 3-1 nightmare of last year or will the road finally end for the Cavs tonight?

Stay tuned.

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

 

Screenshot_2017-06-10-12-14-26-1.png

Unlikely Results at the French Open and Usain Bolt’s Final Race!

FRENCH OPEN Women’s Singles Final

Screenshot_2017-06-10-12-14-26-1.png
Jelena Ostapenko wins the Women’s Singles French Open 2017 – Photo: ESPN

Favourite and no. 4 seed Simona Halep was upset by the unseeded Jelena Ostapenko. She beat Halep 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 and got a great Birthday present!

Ostapenko had beaten Timea Bacsinszky in the Semis, who had eliminated Venus Williams.

FRENCH OPEN Men’s Singles Semis

Screenshot_2017-06-10-12-14-00-1.png
Photo: ESPN

Stan Wawrinka came back from 2 sets down to beat the no. 1 Andy Murray, 6-7 (6), 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (3), 6-1. He will meet ‘the King of Klay’, Rafael Nadal in the Final who defeated Dominic Thiem in straight sets.

USAIN BOLT’S FINAL RACE

Screenshot_2017-06-10-16-50-03-1.png
Photo: AMP Thrillist

Until the Men’s French Open Final, ensure that you watch the legend of Athletics, Usain Bolt run for the last time of his career on home soil at the Racers Grand Prix at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica at 10:10pm!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

 

Screenshot_2017-06-02-13-03-23-1.png

Authentic and Healthy Thai Cuisine in the 2nd City, Montego Bay!

Suga finally got to visit Mystic Thai in Montego Bay with her cousin a little over a month ago. The Restaurant has gotten rave reviews since it opened its doors about summer last year.

It was a rainy Saturday night on May 6th at about 9pm. My cousin, Tina Davis, who is no stranger to their Lunch Specials walked into familiar territory, while I was instantly impressed by the modern décor consisting of elegant Thai silk lanterns and comfortable seating. The heavy rains probably kept away most diners but a few were still there and I appreciated the spacious environment and ambience.

Screenshot_2017-06-02-13-03-23-1.png
Photo credit: Christina Simonitsch

Our host and waitress were extremely polite and we were also greeted by the owner, Mrs. Kareena Mahbubani. She offered suggestions according to the pairings of the Curry with various meats and told us that their Green Thai Curry is a favourite amongst her diners. So of course I decided to have it.

20170506_212948-1.jpg
Shrimp and Scallion Dumplings ($10USD)

We started off with Shrimp and Scallion Dumplings ($10USD) and Mushroom Basil Dumplings ($8USD). They take a little while because they are steamed and they came out steaming indeed. They were delicious with the accompanying sauces to add flavour of your liking, whether spicy, salty or sweet.

We then had Crispy Fried Okra infused with Lemongrass, which was surprisingly and absolutely delightful.

20170506_211808-1-1.jpg
Crispy Fried Okra infused with Lemongrass

We moved on to our Mains of Chicken in Green Thai Curry ($12USD) and Duck in Red Thai Curry ($18USD), along with Rice and Stir Fried Veggies. I cannot forget to mention our Johnny Walker Mojitos from the Bar that were deliciously refreshing.

PhotoGrid_1496786173768.png
A. Chicken in Green Thai Curry ($12USD); B. Duck in Red Thai Curry ($18USD)

Note that I mentioned the Rice, because diners at Mystic Thai and some other Indian Restaurants may notice and wonder why they are charged for Rice separately. Other than wondering what else are you to eat with the meats, there is the comparison to Chinese Restaurants where you get Rice in abundance. Mystic Thai uses Jasmine rice that soaks up the flavour of the gravies and the quality of local rice which is less expensive and used by the Chinese Restaurants is totally different.

Diners at Mystic Thai also like to mix and match their sides, not necessarily ordering Rice. Quinoa for about $6USD is a healthy option as well as Steamed Vegetables. For now, a serving of Jasmine rice is an additional $3USD, but Mystic Thai will give diners the option to decide on their own soon by offering local rice with their Lunch Specials.

With regards to the Curries we chose, the popular Green Thai Curry is a blend of fresh Green Chillies, Galangal, Kaffir Lime Leaves, Lemongrass and Thai herbs. While the Red Thai Curry is the most versatile of the Thai Curries and is a blend of dried Red Chillies, Kaffir Lime Rind, Coriander Root and Cumin.

We enjoyed the exquisite blend of infused flavours that complemented each other so well. The good thing about dining at Mystic Thai is that they encourage Family style dining so the portion/serving sizes are appropriate for sharing and of course treats your tastebuds to so many different flavours. None of the flavours are overpowering either, as they balance each other out.

I was impressed with the attentiveness of the staff and overall commendable service. The owner, Kareena had such a warm and regal presence in the Restaurant, that I was propelled to give her a call for a follow up discussion about my intriguing experience.

Most of you may know that Kareena is no stranger to the business. She is also the owner of Mystic India in Whitter Village, Ironshore, Montego Bay. She studied Hotel Management in Mumbai, India and knew that she wanted to own a Restaurant from a very young age.

Kareena enjoys Thai cuisine so decided to open Mystic Thai in addition to Mystic India.

Indian cuisine is considered to be fattening so as a fitness enthusiast that endures the struggle of being a foodie, I came to understand that Thai Cuisine is one of the healthiest foods you can eat. This must explain why instead of feeling heavy and full as I often do after indulging in Indian cuisine, I felt satisfied but still light after our dinner at Mystic Thai.

What makes Thai Cuisine healthy?

Natural and fresh ingredients are paired with a variety of spices, herbs and vegetables. Examples of such are turmeric, galangal, coriander, lemongrass and fresh chillies that have immune-boosting and disease-fighting power.

At Mystic Thai, everything is made to order and all the spices, herbs and vegetables are prepped fresh every morning. Their gravies are made daily. Note that at least 16 different ingredients are used in every dish so there is a lot that goes into their preparation and she has quite an efficient team. Indian cuisine on the other hand uses five basic gravies that are made and stored.

The meats are usually grilled or put on the wok, which is the pot used for various methods of cooking Asian cuisine, whether it may be stir frying, boiling, steaming, roasting etc. The temperature on the wok is so high that the meats or vegetables only need a minute or two on it, resulting in all the nutrients being preserved.

With all healthiness aside, note that we still had dessert!

20170506_221445
Chocolate Mousse

We closed dinner with a tasty Chocolate Mousse. I didn’t get the chance to have the Fruit and Nut Chocolate Naan from the Restaurant’s Indian dessert menu, so I will definitely be returning for that one, which seems to a favourite as well.

A few weeks ago, Mystic Thai received the award for ‘Best Ethnic Restaurant’ at The Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards along with a favourite of mine in Kingston, Nirvanna Indian Cuisine.

Congratulations to Kareena and her staff at Mystic Thai! Well deserved. It is definitely the place in Jamaica to get Authentic Thai and Asian cuisine. #sugaendorsed

20170506_214806-1.jpg
Happy Diners at Mystic Thai: Tina Davis of the soon to be opened Cafe at the Martha Brae Bamboo Rafting attraction in Trelawny and cousin, Gabby from Suga Lifestyle

Mystic Thai (Asian & Thai Cuisine)

Location: B11 – Fairview Towne Centre Unit, Montego Bay

Ph: 876-633-6535

Website: http://www.mysticthaijamaica.com

Opening Hours: Mondays – Sundays @ 11:30am – 10pm

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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