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Can’t Bother to go get those Pre-sold Tickets or Make a Call? Purchase them at Yardticket.com!

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Yardticket.com was launched in December 2011. It is an effective way to purchase Event tickets in Jamaica. Persons can also get exclusive Giveaways and Early Bird specials from some of Yard Ticket’s event partners.

Events span a range of categories such as Corporate Events, Parties, Premium All Inclusives, Festivals and Theatre. So everyone can benefit according to their preference in recreational or networking activities.

Tickets are on sale now for Father Ho Lung’s KING DAVID. Look out for Rebel Salute Early Bird tickets soon. Tickets for Zen Tropicale in the summer and Nirvana in Christmas, Absinthe, Twisted Spiritz, Beach Bums and more are usually available on Yardticket.com. Yardticket.com is currently negotiating the sale of tickets for other Theatre productions, Sporting events and Parties. So look forward to even more options in the near future!

Yardticket.com pleases both the buyer and the seller, as the website is not only a medium to sell tickets, but to advertise as well. Each promoter gains immediate access to funds thus aiding in successful planning and execution of their event. The cost of printing tickets will be significantly reduced and of course, their funds will be more secure as a result of reducing the back and forth of ticket agents or ambassadors with funds.

So with all these advantages, is the website secure? Is there a chance that credit cards will be compromised? Do not worry. In their 3 years of operation, there has been no detection of hacking or fraud to date. Yard Ticket uses the NCB Credit Card platform, keeping account information safe and all transactions take place in 128-bit encryption supported by Geo Trust and Credit Card protection by 3-D secure. Say what? It will take hackers quite a bit of time to get by 128 encryptions and it should be detected at some point along the way. Therefore Yard Ticket ensures you are completely protected from abuse and it is just as safe as shopping on Amazon or Ebay.

So forget about wasting time and gas in traffic to buy pre-sold tickets or inconveniencing yourself by leaving the house earlier in a grand rush to catch the gate where available tickets are not guaranteed. ‘Search. Click. Buy’ with Yardticket.com!

Yard Ticket Contact Information: [email protected] 

You can also follow ‘Yard Ticket’ on Twitter or like their Facebook page.

Photo: Zimi Entertainment

Post Carnival Health & Fitness Tips

Photo: Zimi Entertainment
Photo: Zimi Entertainment

Carnival is over but the body is quite ungrateful. Fitness by theory is reversible. Do not quit exercising all together and forego healthy nutrition. For those who got their carnival bodies (CBs) on point in time, maintenance is important. For those who were almost there, summer is just around the corner so keep at it. I am sure everyone relaxed last week, satisfying cravings and the gyms have been EMPTY.

Here are some tips for CB Maintenance:

– You do not have to exercise 5 or 6 times for the week now

– Exercise 3 or 4 times a week

– Eat 5 or 6 meals per day depending on hours (Include a snack two/three times; a snack is considered as a meal)

* Remember that a fruit is considered as a snack but avoid mangoes & watermelons as they have a high sugar content

– Eat a healthy Breakfast everyday

E.g. Oatmeal cereal, a Protein shake, a Boiled egg and slice of whole wheat toast

– Eat a healthy Lunch at least 5 or 6 days of the week

E.g. Steamed Fish and steamed vegetables, a Turkey sub-sandwich with whole grain/wheat bread, Baked Chicken with a finger of boiled banana and two pieces of yam with steamed vegetables etc.

– Have light, healthy Dinners

E.g. Chicken soup, Chicken salad, Oatmeal cereal, a Baked Potato with black beans and fat-free cream cheese (Allowed to ‘cheat’ on a weekend day)

– Continue to avoid fast food (Have twice a month at most if unavoidable)

– Continue to avoid sweets and pastries (Allowed to have twice a month, small portions!)

– No binge drinking! (Ok one night allowed in the month)

*Keep it to 1 or 2 glasses of wine. Avoid soda as chasers if drinking spirits, use water or club soda. Ginger ale is not a bad chaser either.

– Keep working on those ABS, Buns and Thighs! (Ensure adequate rest days are included)

***For those who have to keep at it until the point of maintenance, instead of avoiding the above temptations, eliminate them and no ‘cheat’ meals allowed. It’s a sacrifice. Continue to exercise 5/6 days per week and remember that one cheat meal on the weekend can throw those 6 days of hard work and sweat out the window!

Happy journey Suga Readers! Keep it hot!

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Jamaican Food at Michael’s Restaurant & Coffee Shop

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Not many persons may know about this tiny restaurant hidden behind the gas station at Mary Brown’s corner on Constant Spring Road, but they certainly have an active Instagram page that I have been following for a little while. I finally got to check it out on my day off last Friday to see how they handled their usual work day flow. I reached a little bit later than I wished, about 2:15pm. It was easy to find because everyone knows that gas station and you cannot miss the sign. Parking is limited but if there is difficulty with access, there is more than enough space to park by the gas station and walk around. I didn’t need to do that though because a spot was available, much to the unnecessary annoyance of a ‘parking assistant’ that was either confused about his nationality or deported from the UK. Why can’t Jamaicans just go to and fro in peace?

Anyhow, I was impressed to walk in and see a fairly full restaurant with adequate, comfortable seating. The logistics for such a small area were on point. A plasma television and music were there for entertainment. There was nobody present to take an order, but a patron quickly pointed out that I should ring the bell and out came someone immediately. Prices were not cheap, but they were not expensive either. I ordered the $580JMD (two piece) Jerked chicken that came with rice and peas and vegetables. There was a $700JMD and odd option too. I also added their fried dumpling that was advertised as one of the best Johnny cakes in town.

I took a seat by the cafe area and my food was out in two minutes. The verdict? Quality rice and peas. No ‘clumpy clumpy’ or uncooked grains like other lunch establishments. A good fried dumpling, not the best. I am still waiting on a Johnny Cake experience like back in the day from a fish shop in Manor Park. A big fat juicy one bigger than a tennis ball in a brown paper bag. Perhaps J & R Grocery & Snacks ‘aka’ ‘The Dumpling Shop’ on 44E Waltham Park Road, nominated and featured at last year’s Table Talk Jamaica Observer Food Awards has come the closest.

Why do they call it a Johnny cake anyway? Of course with Jamaicans the name has probably been altered over the years by Chinese telephone. They were actually called Journey cakes because slaves used to carry them on long trips in saddle bags and baked them along the way.

Back to the meal. The Jerked chicken and sauce were tasty and a bit spicy but not too spicy. Very filling serving as well. When I almost finished, I spotted a server slicing what looked like bread pudding from a far, my weakness. I asked her if that was what it was, she confirmed and I instantly had a slice of yummy bread pudding that they bake fresh. Although other items in their cafe such as the cookies and cakes are brought in, they sometimes do their own banana pudding and chocolate cake, along with the bread pudding.

The server asked if it was my first time visiting and asked me my name. Surely a homey, feeling. They serve Continental breakfast and other items on their menu include BBQ chicken, Oxtail, Fried Chicken, Cow foot, Stew peas and more.

Suga Lifestyle definitely endorses Michael’s Restaurant and Coffee Shop as a decent spot to enjoy some good Jamaican food. Follow their Instagram page, michaelsrestaurantja for specials and daily menus as well as their Facebook page, Michael’s Restaurant and Coffee Shop.

Michael’s does catering and delivering as well. Their delivery charge is $300JMD as long as you are not too far, for instance, Spanish Town.

Michael’s Restaurant & Coffee Shop

Address: 141B Constant Spring Road (Mary Brown’s Corner)

Ph.: 876.969.2403; 876.969.7707

Opening hours: Monday – Friday, 7am-7pm, Saturday, 9am-7pm and Sunday, 9am-4pm.

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Recipe for Pyro’s Bar & Grill French bread Pizza

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INGREDIENTS

bread, cheese, sauce

2 loaves- French bread

6 cups – cheese (any kind will do mozzarella is the best); (you might want to add more or less cheese, it is up to you)

20 oz – pizza sauce of your choice e.g. Prego (you can add more or less pizza sauce, it’s up to you )

toppings

1 package – pepperoni or as much or as less as you want

1 salami

1 onion

1 green red or yellow bell pepper

1 Canadian bacon or ham

1 can – pineapple cubed

1 can – black olives sliced

1 and just about anything else you would want to put on a pizza

Prep time is 20 min, serves 4.

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DIRECTIONS

1. Pre-heat oven to 375°F.

2. Slice French bread in half and place on cookie sheet

3 . Spread pizza sauce on all 4 halves of the French bread

4 . Put cheese on all of the French bread with the pizza sauce

5.  Add the toppings of your choice

6. After you have to put your toppings on put another small layer of cheese over all of the toppings

7. Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes or until cheese is all nice and bubbly

8. Remove from oven and let it cool for a little bit before serving and enjoy

Recipe by Chuck Prescott  found with Allthecooks (http://www.allthecooks.com); http://cookpad.com/en

(original url: http://allthecooks.recipes/l/4Vz1-P-05o)

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The NBA Playoffs begin this Saturday!

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Yesterday was the last day of the 2014-2015 regular season. The 2015 NBA Playoffs begin this Saturday, April 18. The Atlanta Hawks clinched the Eastern Conference division, while the Golden State Warriors clinched the Western Conference division.  The NBA broke its attendance record by drawing nearly 22 million fans during the 2014-15 regular season.

Russell Westbrook closed the season as the highest scorer with an average of 28.1 points per game, although that meant nothing to him because he will be sitting at home watching the playoffs as OKC finished 9th in the Western Conference division.

Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade will also be watching the playoffs from home for the second time. While the Lakers and Knicks closed their worst seasons in franchise history. Lakers with a 21-61 record and Knicks with a 17-65 record. Shameful.

Of course, the Cavaliers open playoffs as favourites to win the title. But let us see, as the Spurs or Warriors will be great contenders!

This Saturday will be Game 1 for the following:

● Wizards vs. Raptors @11:30am

● Pelicans vs Warriors @2:30pm

● Bucks vs Bulls @6:00pm

● Mavericks vs Rockets @8:30pm

Let the Playoffs begin!

 

Photos by Garfield Robinson, The Jamaica Observer

Watch the Video of how The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel Pleased the Palate of Barack Obama

Photos by Garfield Robinson, The Jamaica Observer
Photos by Garfield Robinson, The Jamaica Observer

See the exclusive video by The Jamaica Observer here on what President Barack Obama ate at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. Word is he cleaned his plate and some of the must eats got crossed off of Suga’s recommended list such as Ackee and Saltfish and Red Stripe beer!

Click on link below:

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Catch Furious 7 while you can! No worries, this is not a spoiler!

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Furious 7 is still in theatres. The response was HUGE and deservedly so. Besides the fact that the movie was made out for the late, Paul Walker, it definitely was one of the better ones. Jason Statham has to be the most annoying villain. That just shows how good he was, but were the Furious 7 better? The movie definitely did Paul Walker justice.

Of course, there were the usual ‘that is not possible’ scenes but the creativity was still quite commendable. Tyrese gets the award for most hilarious in this one as well. Good fight scenes between Statham and Dwayne Johnson, ‘The Rock’ and a hardcore cat fight with Michelle Rodriguez (Letty).

Do not make the mistake of watching this one online, the effect of seeing cars drive out of planes will not be the same (not a spoiler, this was in the preview/trailer :))

This Fast & Furious franchise could go on forever and I would still watch it. Definitely Suga endorsed.

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Obama gave Jamaica a reality check. Words to remember

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The Town Hall Meeting staged at the University of the West Indies, Mona last Thursday for the President of the United States, Barack Obama’s visit, yes I said staged, touched on all the topics we needed to hear about and he wished to talk about. It cannot be a coincidence that Gun control, Foreign Direct Investment, Cuba, China, His Presidency, Marijuana etc. were all addressed. I don’t know how they got him to pick the chosen few from the audience to ask those specific questions, but they did and it was well done. He just randomly picked out the President Elect of the Guild? Really? Also, I rate some Jamaicans, but when have we ever ALL sounded so prepared? Anyhow, that’s just Suga’s conspiracy.

Did you see how Obama eloquently answered questions and had the audience fully engaged? Something I wish our current leaders could do, speak well even when prepared and think sharply on their feet, or just think full stop. As Dr. Michael Abrahams said in his article yesterday, he makes you want to listen to every word that comes out of his mouth. I totally agree.

One thing Suga would like to go into is China. Obama stated that, ‘It is great to have China invest and help make our country better but where we need to get concerned with China is when they start using their size and muscles to force countries like us into subordinate positions. If China is investing in our infrastructure, education and our people, welcome them, but it is important to look at what strings may be attached. They were invited to work here, build roads and ship in their workers, but we do not know the conditions behind the contract made with our Government as to how they were brought here and how it will help is in the long run’. Look around, the Chinese no longer need a permit to work in Jamaica. They are coming in droves. No longer opening tuck shops, wholesales or Chinese food places, but fancy restaurants such as Sea Deck. They are all over our streets, no longer humble, some well dressed now, feeling more and more comfortable, most not caring to learn or speak English, bringing their children up in our system. Will they one day rule? Will we become slaves to the Chinese? Look out Jamaica. It definitely is a concern.

Obama certainly had a lot to say, but the most important things that stuck for me were in order for us to become a better country we need our Government to exercise the following:-

● Transparency

● Clean up Corruption

● Have a good Infrastructure

● Invest in Research, Education, our People and Skilled Workers

Was our Government listening or did his wise words fall on deaf ears? If they do not take heed, we will continue on the very same path, a downward spiral. We must and can do better. Thanks Obama.

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Chicken Scampi and Louisiana Chicken pastas from The Cheesecake Factory!

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Spectacular service and food as usual from The Cheesecake Factory. Suga visited the location by North Point Mall, Alpharetta, Georgia last Friday night. Had to take home the mouth-watering Red Velvet Cheesecake and Lemon Meringue Cheesecake after their expected large servings of dinner. I wish Jamaica would take a page out of their book on how to efficiently run a restaurant on a busy night. They are busy all the time and still, no wait to be seated at the North Point Mall location and quick service by pleasant waitresses.

Two thumbs up for the Chicken Scampi. Great flavour. Only complaint was the chicken cuts could have been smaller. The Louisiana Chicken with bow tie pasta only gets one thumb up. Nothing special about the taste or flavour of the chicken and sauce.

Great job though Cheesecake Factory. Always a pleasure, especially after some retail therapy. Next ATL visit stop -> The Cheesecake Bistro 🙂