Our Jamaican Chocolatiers represented at Salon du Chocolat in Belgium!

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Wouter Tjeerte of Pure Chocolate Company shows off Jamaica’s Bean-to-Bar Chocolate at Salon du Chocolat in Brussels, Belgium last weekend with Carl Sharpe of Chocollor Chocolate and Nadine Burie of Likkle More Chocolate beside him.

The Belgian capital hosted it’s 7th edition of Salon du Chocolat last weekend from February 14th to 16th, celebrating Chocolate in all its shapes and forms.

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4 of our local Bean-to-Bar Chocolatiers, Wouter Tjeerte of Pure Chocolate Company, Carl Sharpe of Chocollor Chocolate, Nadine Burie of Likkle More Chocolate and Nick Davis of One One Cacao were a few of the 100 participants that took part in the 3-Day event at Tour & Taxis. Amongst them were other Chocolatiers, Bean-to-Bar specialists, Confectioners, Pastry chefs and cocoa-producing countries.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson Smith along with Jamaica’s Ambassador to the EU, Sheila Sealey Monteith accompanied our Chocolatiers to give them support.

Visitors enjoyed pastry-making lessons, recipe demonstrations by top chefs and chocolate masters, tasting sessions and a Chocolate Fashion show!

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Carl Sharpe of Chocollor Chocolate.

Our Chocolatiers did not only bring our Bean-to Bar Chocolate to Brussels, but they did well. Likkle More Chocolate and Pure Chocolate Company completely sold out and Nick Davis’s One One Cacao will now be available in Europe from Bean to Bar! They offer Chocolates from around the world and will have One One Cacao’s St. Thomas Coconut Milk and Clarendon Bars available for a limited time.

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Nick Davis of One One Cacao with a buyer in Belgium.

Congratulations to all our Local Chocolatiers that brought Jamaican Chocolate to Europe. We are proud of you and appreciate you. One Love.

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The Jamaican Team at Salon du Chocolat in Brussels Belgium last Weekend.

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Save the Date for Suga Lifestyle’s Valentine’s Pop Up Shop!!!

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Suga Lifestyle is excited to bring back Brand Jamaica to you for Valentine’s Day gifts or to shop and just treat yourself. The year has gotten off to a quick start and you deserve this!

Save the Date for Suga Lifestyle’s V-Day Pop Up Shop on Saturday, February 8th at The Jamaica Pegasus’s Rio Bueno Suite from 12 noon to 7 pm.

Suga Lifestyle’s Charity Showcase

Most importantly, Suga Lifestyle will be showcasing items produced from it’s Charity Art-tivity and Entrepreneurship Project in collaboration with the Rotaract Club of New Kingston. The beneficiary will be The Lister Mair/Gilby High School for the Deaf, to improve the students’ educational resources and the school’s infrastructure. This project will also create awareness about the accomplishments and needs of the school and the deaf/hard of hearing community. The children’s jewellery making, painting and tie-dye activities will represent Rotaract’s theme “Impact
Through Unity”.

Suga Artisans

Suga has an eye for local talent and loves to expose you to new Brand Jamaican products and artisans. Suga Lifestyle will be debuting Craving Scoops, a Non-dairy Ice Cream company that uses our local Chocollor Chocolate. Chocollor was at the Christmas show and will be back!

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Suga is also shaking up things with a different handmade Jewellery artisan and will be featuring Beauty and the Beads Ja! So happy to have them! They will have handmade necklaces, bracelets and earrings, including arm candy for the special men in our lives!

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Will you be my Valentine?

Suga Artisan faves, Mira Botanicals (Body Oils, Soaps, Scrubs and more) and Najwa’s Garden with the most adorable small plants and succulents will be there!

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Mira Botanicals at Suga Lifestyle’s Christmas Connection last December 15, 2019 at The Jamaica Pegasus.

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Stay tuned to see who else will be there and follow the progress of the Art-tivity project that starts this Saturday!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Where to Indulge in Juicy Steak before the New Year!

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Sizzling Ribeye Steak recommended for two ($8500JMD): Grilled and served on a sizzling cast iron pan, finished with demi-glaze, truffle butter and mashed potatoes.

Need to indulge in a juicy Ribeye Steak before the New Year? Chef Alex D-Great has left Steak House on the Verandah in Devon House, but not to worry, Chef Jermaine Erskine and his team of two other Chefs have taken over in fine fashion.

I was a bit worried since I was treating my husband for his Birthday dinner on December 3rd, but I had friends who had gone recently and said the standard was still high. I am in total agreement. Service was commendable, the Ribeye that we shared was cooked to order, medium rare perfection and our sautéed Escargot starter in pesto cream and a puff pastry shell was delicious as well.

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Sautéed Escargot starter in pesto cream and a puff pastry shell ($1500JMD)

The pocket may have to run a bit deep for your visit, but you get value for your money. #SugaEndorsed

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Steak House on the Verandah

***Reservations Recommended***

Location: Devon House

Ph: 876-616-8833

Facebook: @steakhouseja

Instagram: @thesteakhouseja

Opening Hours:

Mon. to Sat. @ 12 noon – 9:30 pm

***Closed on Sundays*** 

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Seaside Dining with Chef Conroy Arnold that’s not too far away!

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Suga Taster, Taraja Jackson.

Suga Taster, Taraja Jackson’s Rating for Christopher’s at Hermosa Cove

Date and time of visit: November 17, 2019

No. of diners: 4

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum 

Parking: ★★★★★

Ambience: ★★★★★

Décor: ★★★★★

Comfort: ★★★★★

Service: ★★★★★

Speed: ★★★★★

Food quality: ★★★★★

Serving amount: ★★★★★

Plating: ★★★★★

Value for $: ★★★★★

Suga Taster, Taraja’s Breakdown!

Christopher’s at Hermosa’a Cove was the perfect Sunday evening setting. Tucked away on the beautiful beachfront property at Hermosa Cove, the restaurant overlooks the sea for a casual, yet intimate dining experience.

The menu was diverse with a sample of Jamaica’s unique fusion of European, Asian, and Indian flavours with local favorites, braised Oxtail, steamed Callaloo with Scotch bonnet peppers, and of course, jerked Chicken. However, Executive Chef Conroy Arnold decided to tantalize our taste buds with a selection of some of his signature dishes for a unique culinary experience. Our Chef’s special dishes consisted of six courses totalling $7000JMD each and included Red Peas soup, a delicious Salad with tomato, feta cheese and arugula topped off with a honey mustard vinaigrette. We also had a Shrimp alfredo puff pastry, Mahi-Mahi in eggplant sauce, Beef tenderloin with grilled sweet corn and for dessert we had Crème brûlée and a Banana flambé.

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Salad with tomato, feta cheese and arugula topped off with a honey mustard vinaigrette.
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Mahi-Mahi in eggplant sauce.
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Shrimp alfredo puff pastry.
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Banana flambé.

There were no delays during the courses, however it was a quiet night, which allowed for personalized, attentive treatment. Chef Arnold did an excellent job showcasing his talent and the group was extremely satisfied and pleased with the service.

Christopher’s at Hermosa Cove continues to be #SugaEndorsed !

Christopher’s at Hermosa Cove

Location: Hermosa Lane, Pineapple Hermosa Cove, Villa Resort & Suites, Ocho Rios

Ph: 876-974-3699

Edited By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

 

Suga Lifestyle Gifts a Family with Fruit Cake from Sweet Obsession Ja!

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Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga of Suga Lifestyle gifts a family with Fruit Cake courtesy of Sweet Obsession Ja at Suga Lifestyle’s Christmas Connection on Sunday, December 15, 2019 at The Jamaica Pegasus.

HAPPY MONDAY and CONGRATS to this sweet little girl who received a 2lb Fruit Cake Prize on behalf of her family from Suga Lifestyle courtesy of Sweet Obsession Ja!

Sophia Baronette Watts of Sweet Obsession Ja bakes it just like Mom or how you like it. This little winner’s mother had no plans to bake this year. No worries, Suga got them!

Just 2 days to Christmas! Continue to enjoy the season!

Sweet Obsession Ja

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @sweetobsessonja

Ph: 876-859-4015; 876-383-9532

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

 

Suga’s Night of Fine Food and Bubbly with City Views at 20 South!

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An intimate setting was created last Friday night on the rooftop of 20 South Luxury Apartments for Chef Garfield Jr.’s sold out Popup Kitchen by the exclusive, Sip and Savour on the 7th floor.

Just 2 weeks after Chef Garfield pleased the crowd at Jamaica Food and Drink Festival’s Picanté with his Candied Mango Tamarind Pork, Scotch Bonnet Caramelized Onions and wild garlic challah, Suga was excited to see what he had to offer.

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I sat at Table 5 with my husband, Randy and our server was quite attentive and pleasant, ensuring that wines courtesy of CPJ kept flowing throughout the night.

I ordered The Salmon and Randy went for The Oxtail. Then we eagerly watched Chef Garfield Jr and his team prepare our dinner right in front of us, with the ambience of light music in the background and the view of city lights.

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We didn’t have to wait long before two well plated dishes arrived at our table.

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Slow Braised Oxtail tossed with local aromatics and spices, Italian dumplings, fresh parmesan and mozzarella cheese ($3500JMD).

The Oxtail was tender to the bone and tantalized the tastebuds with the local spices and flavours. The serving size was quite small, but ask and you shall receive because when Chef Garfield took a walk around to greet guests and gather feedback, he ensured extra Oxtail was brought to our table.

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Cast Iron Toasted Almond with Oven-Roasted Pineapple Crusted Atlantic Salmon, marinated and cooked in emulsified butter and deglaze with white wine ($3200JMD).

I was quite satisfied with my Salmon dish though. Decent portions, well cooked Salmon with a delicious crust on top.

Chef Garfield’s PopUp Kitchen is certainly #SugaEndorsed and another one is quickly approaching. So stay tuned to his instagram page, @chefgarfieldjr as well as Sip & Savour, @sipandsavourja (Ph: 876-665-0231).

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Chef Garfield Jr with Suga at his PopUp Kitchen last Friday, November 15, 2019.

By: Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)

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

Gabby a.k.a Suga Promotes Suga Lifestyle’s Christmas Connection by Video!

SL Christmas Connection Trade Show 2019_insta (DIGITAL)

Only 1 month to go until SUGA LIFESTYLE’S CHRISTMAS CONNECTION! Check out Gabby a.k.a Suga’s Promotion by Video and learn more about it here!

By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner Suga Lifestyle, GW Art)

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

The Place to Brunch this Sunday!

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Two Powerhouses in the culinary industry, Pink Apron Jamaica and  Simo’s Bread and Catering will join forces again to offer Brunch at a neat spot in Kingston, The Courtyard on Lady Musgrave Road this Sunday! Need I say more?

This Brunch is #SugaEndorsed.

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

The Chilly Witch from Montego Bay Casts Spells on Diets with Ice Cream and Sorbet!

Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga is now contributing articles to www.buzz-caribbean.com !

I am so enthusiastic to finally share the joy I feel each time I have Chilly Witch Ice Cream and Sorbet, notably after I earn my carbs.

Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga of Suga Lifestyle
Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga of Suga Lifestyle about to enjoy the toop size, Strawberry Ice Cream from Chilly Witch after her workout.

So far, the 00-Heaven, a luxury chocolate blend made with One One Cacao’s delicious, rich, Jamaican
dark chocolate is my favourite.

Chilly Witch will be at my Christmas Trade Show, Suga Lifestyle’s Christmas Connection at The Jamaica Pegasus on Sunday, December 15th! So SAVE THE DATE!

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Check out more from my latest article, ‘The Chilly Witch from Montego Bay Casts Spells on Diets with Ice Cream and Sorbet’ by clicking on the link here:

https://buzz-caribbean.com/article/the-chilly-witch-from-montego-bay-casts-spells-on-diets-with-ice-cream-and-sorbet/

Enjoy! Chilly Witch is #SugaEndorsed 

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Chorlavi’s Pepper Jellies and Jams will be at GW Art’s Exhibition!

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Come View, Sip, Taste and Shop GW Art’s Collection at The Jamaica Pegasus on Saturday, September 28th!

The event will feature Cheeses from Outland Hurders Creamery & Farmstead, Chorlavi’s Pepper Jellies and Jams and rich, bean to dark Chocolate from One One Cacao to complement the evening too!

Chorlavi’s by Nella Davis Stewart out of St. Ann, uses less sugar and more local organic fruit, herbs and vegetables to create a tasty variety of Pepper Jellies and Jams. No preservatives and no additives.

Nella used to be a caterer, so can demonstrate how well her Jams and Jellies pair with meats.

Where did she get the name Chorlavi’s?

Nella went to eat at Haciendo Chorlavi, a hotel in the hills of Ecuador about 20 years ago. They have a love story similar to Lover’s Leap in Jamaica and she fell in love with the place.

When Nella went to register her business’s name as Gems, in honour of her mother, the name was aready taken. So she went with Chorlavi’s!

What’s Suga’s fave from Chorlavi’s?

I love the Pineapple, Mango and Carambola Pepper Jellies. They were balanced in terms of tasting the fruit, the spicy and the sweet.

I love the Otaheite Jam too.

What will Chorlavi’s have at GW Art’s Collection?

Chorlavi’s has such a range of Jams and Jellies, I can just give you a preview!

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Spicy Tamarind Pepper Wings
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Saucy, Tamarind Coconut Wings
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Hot and Spicy Mango Chicken Cutlets

Pairings for serving on crackers:

Tamarind Coconut and Peanut butter, all Pepper Jams with cheeses, Tamarind Pepper Jam with smoked meats.

I can’t wait! Can you?!

Save the Date! #SEPTEMBER28

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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