Suga had a fabulous date with husband, Randy Burgess last Saturday night. Reservations were for 7pm at Fromage Gourmet Market & Bistro on Hillcrest Avenue and we were on time.
This Fromage was listed under the Delectable Category ($3800JMD) for Restaurant Week (RW). So dinner with a beverage including 5% service charge and tax can run you up to $5500JMD for one person.
We chose an early time for dinner, when the newly refurbished and slightly more spacious Fromage would not have been filled to capacity as yet. It reached full capacity midway through dinner though.
The Staff were courteous and extremely attentive without being overwhelming. All members of Staff were on the floor, paying attention to the tables whether they were serving that table or not. A sign of well-trained staff. Our server was Dimel, who I am familiar with. Always a pleasure.
Food came out like clockwork and water glasses were topped up when necessary. Great service.
The Appetizers were flavourful.
I had the Bacon wrapped maple smoked Prawns and Randy had the Marlin Corn Fritter Stack. I always enjoy Fromage’s house-made Pepper Jelly that has that divine mix of spicy and sweet as the name suggests.
As we wrapped up with the Appetizers, JPS had a promotion going on throughout the night for RW diners to download their JPS App and drop their card with contact information into a bag. They came during dinner service to do the first raffle draw for the night.
Our Main dishes came out shortly after the excitement of shaving $5000JMD off of our next Light bill.
My BBQ Ribs pleased my taste buds as described. They were lean, juicy, well seasoned and slow-cooked to a tender perfection.
Randy’s Steak Au Poivre was cooked to order. It was so succulent. Bravo Chef!
Without a doubt, dinner came to a close for me with their popular Caramel Bread Pudding. It was warm and scrumptious as usual with their salivating caramel crumble on top.
Randy thoroughly enjoyed his Bailey’s Ice Cream Sundae.
Fromage Gourmet Market & Bistro is Suga Endorsed for Restaurant Week. Pay them a visit if you can and continue to enjoy.
Stay tuned for Terra Nova’s review for the Epicurean Category!
Remember that the Menus with Restaurant Locations and Contact numbers are online at:
***Prices for the Nyam & Scram and Morning Bites Categories do not include Beverages and G.C.T***
Here are my recommendations for Breakfast and quick Grab & Go Bites:
Morning Bites – Kingston
> Cannonball Cafe is the only establishment listed this year although Breakfast can be sourced at a discounted price from Brew’d Awakenings as well.
Cannonball has decent Breakfast deals for less than $600JMD at all locations – Loshusan (Barbican), Manor Park, New Kingston and Sovereign North.
Nyam & Scram (30% off) – Kingston
100Â at 100 Hope Road would be my primary choice for this Category. Nothing is new on their menu but they have tasty items that are well-known at a discounted price.
The Jerk Chicken Cocowich is consistently good and you get their signature Jackpot Dessert to go with it for $1670JMD!
You could also get their delicious, cheesy Flatbread and Soup for $1169JMD or two other options for less than $2000JMD.
4U Vietnamese Restaurant in Manor Center should be a decent spot, but I would go during the week to avoid the crowd on the weekend.
I recommend their Sizzling Plate of Beef, with which you get Soup and Dessert for $1200JMD. Ask for the Chili Sauce if you want more spice!
Ali’s Jamaican Cuisine on Annette Crescent has some Spicy Curried dishes with Roti for less than $900JMD.
I love Kushites Vegetable Cuisine at Eden Gardens on Lady Musgrave Road, but I believe they are more for fine dining and are too pricey for the Nyam & Scram Category. The same goes for Fromage Brasserie in Marketplace.
Oasis on the Oxford on the other hand is too expensive for mediocre food and poor service.
Jo Jo’s Jerk Pit and More on Waterloo Road is a good food spot, but their service is slow on a regular basis. So imagine Restaurant Week! I tried them once for RW but would avoid doing so again in the future.
I went to Nirvanna Restaurant and Lounge last year for this category. The menu is similar so the dishes should be tasty and filling. You should get value for your money. They usually have good service with a full house, but to be on the safe side, I had called in my order ahead of arrival last year. It worked out well, so you could do that too if you have a tight lunch hour.
Brew’d Awakenings as mentioned earlier, is simple but has decent Breakfast bites and other choices such as a Salad or Panini for $800JMD.
Triple T’z Eatery on Annette Crescent has a good reputation amongst my Suga Bears, so I would give them a try where value for money is concerned. You can get two Meats and sides with Soup and Dessert for $1200-$1300JMD.
Enjoy and be sure to give Suga your Feedback!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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GW Art will be doing NEW pieces for Christmas and bringing back old faves!
Stay tuned for what’s to come, Browse the GW Art Gallery and Contact Gabby for what you would like to order for the Season. Christmas is just around the corner!
Support Brand Jamaica and Make it a GW Art Christmas !!!
The Launch of the New Restaurant at Devon House, Steak House on the Verandah owned by Marilyn Burrowes was held almost a month ago on Sunday, October 15th.
The Steak House resides at the exquisite location once held by late Culinary icon, Norma Shirley who owned Norma’s on the Terrace.
The Restaurant is managed by Michael Fulford and the man responsible in the kitchen is Chef Alex D-Great.
Premium local, Dry-Aged Steaks are their specialty and they offer other delectable delights and desserts accompanied by a substantial selection of wines.
I visited the Steak House for a Lunch date with my other half, Randy last Saturday at 2pm. We were greeted pleasantly by the staff and our waitress was Princess, who we were familiar with from another establishment.
She took us through the menu and after giving us a few minutes, she took our orders and was quite attentive throughout our stay.
Appetizers
Randy had the Jamdung Onion Soup, which was different from others out there. The cheese was on the bread instead of in the soup and the soup was more like a beef broth, richly flavoured with onion. For something that had a scotch bonnet label, it was not spicy though.
There were other choices that I wasn’t interested in, such as Salads, Wings, Pumpkin Shrimp Bisque and Tempura Shrimp ranging from $900-$1200JMD. I knew they offered Bone Marrow, however Princess told us that was on their Dinner menu. She quickly offered to speak with the Chef and he agreed to fulfil my desired preference. Thank you Chef!
That Spicy Bone Marrow was divine. It was so seductive, sweeting me up with the sauce, then hitting me up with a fiery, zesty flavour.
Entrees
Steak House on the Verandah sources their Steak locally from The Meat Experts Ltd. Meat Experts operates out of St. Ann and they have been making quite a name for themselves with their high quality, hormone-free meats.
I had my mind set on having the Ribeye Steak ($5750JMD), but they were all out.
We had the Filet Mignon and Dry-Aged New York Steak with our choice of two sides and a sauce. We both requested our Steaks to be cooked medium rare. Mine arrived overcooked, but I decided not to reorder. It was still tender in some areas. The Steaks were delish, especially with the Coffee Demi Glaze.
If you are a Steak Eater, especially a lover of premium cuts, your bill may turn out to be quite high. A couple going for 3 Courses over two glasses of wine and sharing Dessert can rack up a $20,000JMD bill. However, there are more affordable options excluding the premium cuts. The menu also satisfies persons who aren’t Steak lovers with plates of Chargrilled Salmon ($4050JMD), Rosemary Herbed Chicken Breast ($2150JMD) and Fettucine Fungi Alfredo ($1250JMD) with the options to add Chicken ($600JMD) and Shrimp ($1000JMD).
Dessert
They did not have Vanilla Ice Cream. How come?! Not disappointing though, because I like Strawberry Ice cream. The Cake was warm and tasty.
Coffee/Tea ($350) was the other option for Dessert, but there was no need for a range of options. Persons can walk around afterwards and choose from many other shops to satisfy the sweet tooth while enjoying the historic grounds as well.
I enjoyed the succulent food served amidst the ambience and attentive service by the staff on my Lunch date at the new Steak House. I will return not only for the Ribeye, but to try their Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich for $1400JMD, which consists of Julienne Steak cuts, mushrooms, bell peppers and caramalized onion with a side of seasoned fries.
Great start Steak House on the Verandah! Keep it up. #SugaEndorsed
Steak House on the Verandah
***Reservations Recommended***
Location: Devon House
Ph: 876-616-8833
Facebook: @steakhouseja
Opening Hours:
Mon. to Thurs. @ 12noon – 9:30pm
Fri. & Sat. @ 12noon – 10:30pm
***Closed on Sundays***Â
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Yoga is the gift of India to the world, thought to be the union of the Soul with God. Yoga equips one with a sound mind, peaceful spirit, healthy body and cures diseases. It does all of this in various ways.
October was Lupus Awareness month and I handed off some information to my Lupus Warriors that they could use for the months and years ahead.
The main areas that Yoga benefits everyone including persons with Lupus, are improved Flexibility and Mobility, Physical Energy, Pain Management, Stress Management, Mood and Coping, Cardiovascular and Respiratory Efficiency, Circulation, Strength and Stamina.
Other than relieving symptoms of Lupus, Yoga also helps with Insomnia, Strengthens the Immune system, Improves the Digestive process and Calms Anxiety.
Therefore Yoga helps to achieve and maintain an overall Healthy Lifestyle.
Lupus Awareness should go beyond the month of October and I would like my Readers to achieve and maintain a Healthy Lifestyle, so I found Yoga Practices in Jamaica that I recommend near you.
Recommended list with Contact Information for some Yoga Studios/Groups in Kingston, Ja:
Restaurant Week (RW) is just a few days away. Last Friday, I gave you my Epicurean and Delectable picks. I hope you made your Reservations!
Remember that the Menus with Restaurant Locations and Contact numbers are online at:
http://go-jamaica.com/rw/
***Prices for each category include choice of Appetizer, Main Course and Dessert. Beverages, GCT and Gratuity additional.***
Savoury ($2800JMD)
There are many options, but just a few stand out for Suga based on reputation, service, previous experiences including RW experiences, their RW Menu, usual serving sizes and value for money.
> Kingston
The Palms at C&C South Beach and Tamarind Indian Cuisine.
Menu stand outs for C&C South Beach are their Smoked Salmon Salad Appetizer, Washington Palms Pork Chop and Seafood Thermidor main courses. Their options for Dessert should please everyone. Keep in mind that South Beach usually has large serving sizes.
Menu stand outs for Tamarind Indian Cuisine include the Non Veg Platter, which is a combination of assorted chicken tikka, sweet chilli shrimps and sliced Szechuan fried fish, as well as the Green Thai Curry with your choice of chicken, fish or shrimp accompanied by Naan bread/rice and Tiramisu for dessert.
I still haven’t made it out to Rib Kage at The Serengeti Bistro, Hope Zoo, but I have gotten good reviews. It could be safe to take a chance on them.
> Montego Bay
The new Hard Rock Cafe and the oldie but goodie, Pelican Grill are the best choices hands down.
> Ocho Rios
Evita’s Italian Restaurant is usually good and fairly new kids on the block, Great Escape Restaurant at Runaway Bay have been doing well. I had a good time at Great Escape for RW last year and their menu has not really changed Definitely value for money.
> Old Harbour
Kaluga Cafe should please RW diners.
Tasty ($1850JMD)
> Kingston
Dragon Court Restaurant has been consistently good over the years.
> Montego Bay
MVP Smokehouse has a decent menu to explore.
> Hanover
Smoked Marlin has delicious food and an inviting menu with value for money, but I question their ability to provide good service with a RW crowd. Good risk to take though. I suggest you go with fun company.
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Suga brought you the low down for Crisp at The Gardens, Jamaica Pegasus ($5000 All Inclusive) and Picante ($7500 All Inclusive) at The Ruins, UWI Mona’s Visitor’s Lodge, so how were the other JFDF events? Suga Bears and Suga Daddies reported!
Most persons like to get bad news out of the way first. The events with the highest price tags were not that impressive for some patrons. That is, Vintage for $12000JMD all-inclusive and Brunch at the Gallery for $20000JMD/$150USD all-inclusive.
VintageÂ
Meals at Vintage at the Manor in Jack’s Hill were described as basic and a low standard for Ortanique on the Mile, one of the restaurants in Florida that was represented by Owner Cynthia Hutson. Suga Bears enjoyed the view and Dessert though.
Brunch at the Gallery
Brunch at the National Gallery, Downtown Kingston presented by Suzanne and Michelle Rousseau was decorated beautifully by Tai Flora and had a sufficient selection of Wines by Select Brands, but the service of food was slow and it arrived to tables cold. The Brunch was from 11am to 4pm and after a long day, patrons were leaving at 4pm and Dessert was just being served. Should the blame go on the Event Planner, the Chefs or both? It was stated that the execution was poor.
The Menu
The Presentation of some of the meals were also quite sloppy to say the least.
Did the Incredible Hulk have an accident here?! I was in disbelief and gathered that this was the consensus amongst most tables. This looked nothing like the neatly displayed dish on the Event’s social media page. Cold food, slow service and poor, unappetizing presentation is unacceptable for $20,000JMD. I believe things can be shaken up next year. There are so many other talented, efficient Chefs around and I understand the ambience of The National Gallery, but a change in venue could be considered as well.
Kudus to award-winning baker, Nadine Burie that probably saved both events. Her desserts are offered at Cafe Blue.
Setting bad news aside, persons fully enjoyed Meet Street and the Market in Downtown, Kingston ($500JMD entry) last Saturday. A patron said she did not know that Downtown could be so nice. The set up and atmosphere was phenomenal and the vendors outdid themselves.
Pork Palooza ($6500JMD All Inclusive) at Palm Drive, Hope Gardens that kicked things off for the festival on the Saturday the week before was a hit. The event is usually the favourite for Patrons. Jamaicans love their Pork! It wasn’t the unanimous favourite this year though.
Which event took JFDF 2017?!
Close call! It has been narrowed down to the new event, Chop Stix ($5000JMD All Inclusive) held at Zen Lawn, Hope Zoo last Wednesday that featured fare from the far East and the zesty, Picante!
Based on Food, Weather and Vibe, Chop Stix gets the edge. Picante had the on and off rain, which was uncontrollable with provisions put in place, but Jamaicans love a new event.
The Chefs, Caterers and Restaurants delivered at Chop Stix! Here was the Menu if you missed it. Chop Stix can’t be missed next year!
So what’s next for my Foodies? Restaurant Week!
Yes, I know Restaurant Week has lost its steam. Marketing has been ongoing but should be revised, including the selection of Ambassadors. JFDF being so close to Restaurant Week definitely overshadowed it.
Menus for Restaurants are more of the same, but it makes your choices that much easier. The good ones will pop out at you. So that means you may need to make reservations quickly or maybe not, because places I called yesterday that are normally booked out weeks in advance seemed to have quite a bit of space left.
For now, I am leaving you with my recommendations for the Epicurean and Delectable Categories. Here you go!
Epicurean ($4300 +tax +gratuity +beverages)
> The Terra Nova All Suite Hotel in Kingston.
Despite inconsistencies in service and quality throughout the year, they have managed to keep a good reputation for Restaurant Week so far.
Sidenote: I do not think any Restaurant in Market Place should be placed in the Epicurean Category. The venue is far too casual and a long wait is usually expected.
Out of town? Marguerites by the Sea, Montego Bay. You should expect a spectacular dinner and service with a seaside or picturesque garden view.
There are some other reputable Restaurants listed, but the lack of creativity with their Menus were the deal breakers.
Delectable ($3800JMD +GCT +gratuity +beverages)
> Fromage Bistro on Hillcrest Avenue in Kingston.
Nirvanna Indian Cuisine, Centro-Courtyard by the Marriott and Black Orchid Restaurant at Eden Gardens would be secondary choices.
In the other city? Both options from Mobay are primary choices – Mystic Thai and The Houseboat Grill. So persons can choose between the two based on the Cuisine desired.
***Stay tuned for more Restaurant Week choices from Suga Lifestyle.***
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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I grabbed a tasty ‘Coketail’ on the way in to Picante last Friday night and stopped by Walkerswood featuring Alexa Von Strolley. Her Coconut milk, Mint and Cucumber Granita pleased the palate. Her Spicy Pork Belly with Chinese Pancake was indeed spicy. I enjoyed it. It didn’t look like the Curried Arancini with Fried Thai Basil Shrimp and Spicy Carrot salsa was ready though, so I missed out on that one.
Chef Andre Fowles was my first stop inside the main area. I was excited to see what the famous Chef had to offer. He is the first Jamaican dubbed two-time ‘Chopped’ Champion. He is also Chef de Cuisine at the renowned Miss Lily’s in New York.
He is famous for Jamaican Fusions and he demonstrated that last Friday night at Picante. Chef Fowles served up a juicy, well seasoned Oxtail mole with ‘Tun Caanmeal’ Churros. He was surprised that I wanted Pork. I think he thought the ladies were watching their weight. But he had no idea who he was talking to. I told him to give me the ‘Picante Pork Belly’ stat. It came with Scotch Bonnet Avocado crème. It was spicy but it didn’t make me scream, Picante. I enjoyed all the flavours resonating from the dish though, a mix of both sweet and spicy and I felt honoured to have his food.
Charissa Henry of Pink Apron Ja, who has been on the circuit for about three years had a lot going on, maybe too much. Her food came with instructions and a paper bag to shake it all up in. Her ‘Blouse and Skirt Swimz’ consisted of Jam-Asian Salt and Pepper Shrimp served with Nitrogen smashed, Chai Sweet Potatoes. I thought the Pepper Shrimp would have been spicy, but they weren’t. The entire concept was creative, but I don’t think the ‘shake-up brown paper bag’ to eat out of was suitable for a casually elegant event. Great job with the Nitrogen smashed, Chai Sweet Potatoes though. That had a uniquely satisfying taste and texture and definitely displayed thinking outside the box.
Allison Porter-Smalling a.k.a Chef Alli P, foodie turned homegrown Chef turned Cuisine artist, a newbie in the industry, peaked my interest. But her Beef Skirt topped with Watermelon Salsa and Scallion Aioli was disappointingly bland. No wonder there was no line. Points for presentation though.
If you were wondering which station had a line the entire night, that was Stush in the Bush’s Chris and Lisa Binns at work! The King and Queen of a unique farm to table experience including vegan delights, fiya grilled pizzas, homemade sauces, butters and preservatives.
Their long line wasn’t because they were moving slowly either. Even their friends pitched in to help them serve. When the rain relieved other tents from lines, persons still stood in the rain so they didn’t lose their spot in the line for Stush in the Bush! What were they giving these people?
I can’t believe it wasn’t Chicken! It was spicy Cauliflower ‘Chicken’ Wings and Mustard Greens with liquid STUSH Blow Fyah Sauce and Grilled Corn with a Scotch Bonnet Cashew Cream, Cilantro and Lime. Divine! Definitely Picante and even though I tried my best not to choose my faves, Stush in the Bush as the Winning station for the night, I cannot deny them what was earned. Bravo. Hi Five. Rain Dance.
Persons in the line that were clueless about Stush in the Bush from Priory, St. Ann, were surely brought up to speed by me while waiting. After the fact, when I checked on one of the ladies indulging in her Grilled Corn, her reaction was ‘Yes. Sooo good. I have to go to their place.’
Simon Levy, known for his brand, Roast, is the Chef that provides artisan meats to foodies. His Smoked Paprika Pork Belly was tender, but wasn’t anything to keep talking about. However, those Scotch Bonnet Margarita Shots were a hit! Picante!
Oji Jaja’s Coconut Lime Ceviche with Poached Shrimp pleased but didn’t tantalize the palate. I appreciated the exquisite presentation and variety in flavour, but it needed some zest to go with the theme of the night.
Colin Hylton, one of THE most popular consultancy Chefs in Jamaica and a veteran in the industry for 30 years, familiarly known for his Restaurant that was Guilt Trip, made us scream Picante. That round of Beef that I had when he said he was almost out of food was tough as rocks though. Where did he get that meat?! Anyhow, that sauce was finger-licking and hot!
I was told I needed to head over to Jacqui Tyson. Jacqui is of course an icon in the Culinary industry, of which she has been a part of for the past 20 years. But as I stabilised the contents of my stomach below ‘full buck’, I tried to visit Chefs who I have never tried before. Her tent was also very crowded when I arrived. I was happy to still have space! I made it over to her tent at about 11pm, where there was still a line close towards the end of the night. My husband confirmed I missed her Picante! He visited earlier in the night and said her line was long but it moved quickly.
I took a break, missing out on Chef Christian Sweeney’s delights and passed on Desserts by KukUp Creations.
I then made the wise choice of leaving dessert for the end of the night. I visited Chocolatier Michelle Smith of Chocolate Dreams. What a treat! The entire spread of Hot Chocolate, Truffles, Toffees and Brownies was delicious. We ended the night saying Picante. Those Crunchy Scotch Bonnet Toffees were fire! Well done Michelle.
Picante was a fun, spectacular event. There was good music and I appreciated the availability of my choice of premium liquor up to 11pm and the fact that the rain was not continuous throughout the night. It actually seemed fitting for the event. Everytime a station heated us up like Stush in the Bush or Simon Levy’s Scotch Bonnet Margarita shots, there was a cool foreign-like breeze according to my friend Tiffany and a drizzle of rain. The event was equipped with a huge tent in the middle to shelter persons. We had top of the line options to pick, choose and refuse from. When the Big Man up above thought we were bordering on gluttony a bit after 11pm, a downpour of rain came down to wash away our gastronomical sins and in turn concluded Picante! #SugaEndorsed
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Three Mondays ago on a sunny day in Florida, my husband and I went to lunch at Boatyard at 1:30pm.
I was instantly impressed by the courteous staff, who were well uniformed from head to toe. They looked comfortable but professional in their loafers and quite preppy in khaki pants and shorts, topped off by baby blue Polos to complete the look.
Boatyard is known to serve fresh catches from local fishermen and premium cuts of meat. They also boast about having the highest quality raw bar, which usually includes oysters, shrimp and ceviche.
Boatyard offers Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Cocktails and Wine. They are also called Bimini. Their Brunch, familiarly known as ‘Brunch at Bimini’ is quite popular.
You can enjoy unlimited Bloody Mary, Bellini and Mimosas for $25. In addition to that, you can hit the Omelet Station for $14USD or the Benedict Bar for $16USD. If you would like other options, you can order from the main menu that offers Bimini favourites such as Steamed Eggs, Buttermilk Waffles, Shrimp and Grits, Smoked Salmon, Bagel platters and more. So even though I love Tap 42, Suga will switch things up for Brunch at Bimini next time.
What Suga Wanted but Could not Have
I missed out on the Florida Paella that I was looking forward to. The original plan was to have dinner at Boatyard, but we had dinner at our family’s house instead. Realising that the Paella was not on the lunch menu, I expressed my disappointment to our lovely server, G.G. She did her best to check if they could still serve it, but it wasn’t possible because they didn’t prep for it yet. You can imagine the prep that goes into it too, because Paellas are usually stacked with Seafood. Their Paella has Shrimp, Clams, Mussels, Calamari, local Fish, Saffron rice and housemade Chorizo. I definitely will return for it!
G.G. came back to us with other options and really sold us on their Healthy Bowl for the day, which was a Salmon dish. Boatyard is another restaurant in Florida that keeps it fresh. They change items on their menu often, but usually keep the favourites.
Appetizer (Shareable)
We started off with the shareable Charred Octopus ($17USD). I loved that they managed to keep the meat tender and saturated with flavour. It was also value for money with the serving size given.
Entrees
I decided to have the Grilled Swordfish ($26USD) complemented by a tasty lemon flavoured sauce, along with fresh market greens. It was delish! It had a moist and very meaty texture as it should.
Randy’s Healthy Bowl ($22USD) was quite delightful. Thanks for the recommendation G.G.! It consisted of Grilled Salmon topped off with a Cilantro lime sour cream drizzle, accompanied by Avocado, Mango and Black Bean Salsa, Sweet Corn Salsa and a Petit salad.