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Greetings from Greece and Istanbul!

Suga Bears have been flocking to Greece. Here are some of the latest salivating images that have been sent my way. I had to share. Feast your eyes!

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Photo Credit: Tennyson Arnold
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Photo Credit: Tennyson Arnold
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Photo Credit: Tennyson Arnold
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Photo Credit: Tennyson Arnold

OPA!!!

I also have a spectacular shot from the 360 Istanbul Restaurant and Bar a few hours from Greece.

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Calamari from 360 Istanbul Restaurant and Bar (Photo Credit: Tennyson Arnold)

Happy Thursday!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

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A Chance to Save on Your Wedding that You Should Not Miss!

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Have you been attending a lot of Wedding Expos, making a lot of phone calls for advice and quotes lately and/or having various consultations with Wedding Vendors in preparation for your Big Day? If so, this Wedding Promotion is for you.

When you feel the pressure of planning a Wedding, GCG Events Jamaica takes many items off your to-do list and makes them seem hassle-free. Suga had this experience with GCG catering for her Wedding. We all know my demands would be specific and expectations would have been high and they delivered flawlessly last April 2016. Kudos to GCG!

GCG not only caters for Weddings but for Corporate and Social events as well. For the complete package that they offer, for instance if you also require their Bar Services, they provide all the necessary glassware, ice, flatware, cutlery, disposables and service staff for an unbeatable price. Not to mention that they come fully equipped with their cooling trucks, electricity and more.

When booking with GCG, it is likely that you would communicate with Jasmin Ramsay or Cheridah Douglas who are the epitome of quick, efficient communication, quality service and the ability to deduce the needs of their customers, often without even having to ask.

The Chefs and Waiting Staff are personable, pleasant and conduct live cooking stations with delicious dishes. I highly recommend their Carving station. They do a tender, fresh, succulent Beef Tenderloin cut to perfection.

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GCG Event’s Beef Tenderloin

They also do a scrumptious Cheesecake and the list goes on. I haven’t had a disappointing dish from them to date.

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GCG Events’ Cheesecake

GCG usually makes the effort to have their Presentation suit your theme as well. Check out this Presentation to go with a Rustic theme:

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Do you want the Catering and Bar service at your Wedding to be Simply Outstanding?

Enter GCG Events Jamaica’s “The Day We Met” Wedding Promotion for the chance to be one of three lucky couples to win Simply Outstanding Savings for your Jamaican Wedding!

They will be teaming up with other reputable Wedding Vendors, offering discounts for Music and Equipment, Photography, Decor and Wedding Planning Services.

***Conditions apply. So see the Prize Details, Rules and Requirements to enter the Wedding Promotion below:

PRIZE PACKAGE:
● 35%- 45% off GCG Events’ Wedding Catering Package
● 30% off Music and Equipment from Blaktie Entertainment Jamaica (@blaktiejamaica)
● 20% off Sean Murray Photography’s Photography Package (@seanmurrayphotography)
● 25% off Taylor’d Events’ Decor Package (@Taylord.events)
● 30% off Concierge Jamaica’s Wedding Planning Services (@conciergejm)

***CONDITIONS APPLY!***

1. The Competition will run from August 28th – October 31st, 2017 on both Facebook & Instagram, and is open to couples planning on getting married in Jamaica between November 2017 and June 2018 whose minimum guest count is eighty (80).

2. Weddings already booked with GCG Events prior to August 28, 2017 do not qualify for entry. 

3. Top three couples whose post has the most likes win! So there isn’t just 1 winner!

4. Entries close October 31, 2017. Winners will be announced on November 2, 2017!

HOW TO ENTER:
1. Post a video on your FB or IG page telling us how you met, the proposed date & venue of your Wedding, your ideal Wedding concept & menu preferences.

2. Be sure to include the following hashtags – #gcgeventswedding #simplyoutstanding #winningwedding

3. Tag: @gcg_events, @blaktiejamaica, @conciergejm, @Taylord.events, and @seanmurrayphotography

4. Share your post with friends! Most likes wins!

*** GCG Events Jamaica reserves the right not to accept or to disqualify any entries if any of the above terms & conditions are not followed correctly***

Let GCG make your Wedding Simply Outstanding! #SugaEndorsed

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GCG Events

Location: Norman Manley Int’l Airport. Kingston, Jamaica

Ph: (876) 924-8364

Website: http://www.gcg-events.com

Facebook: GCG Events

Instagram: @gcg_events

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

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Awesome Recipe for a Meatless Monday!

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Oven Roasted Plantains stuffed with Black Beans, Pepper Jack Cheese and Cilantro Sauce

This is a smart, tasty and spicy idea for a Meatless Monday! Awesome way to switch things up for the Vegetarian diet. Note that the Black Beans provide additional fiber.

To go completely healthy, you can substitute the Pepper Jack Cheese with Borden’s Fat-Free Pepper Jack Cheese that can be found at Wal-Mart or with another spicy, flavourful Fat-Free Cheese of your choice based on availability.

Check out The Kitchenista’s blog for the full Recipe!

Kitchenista Diaries

Location: Maryland, Washington DC

Email: [email protected]

Website: kitchenistadiaries.com/

Instagram: @thekitchenista

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

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

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TGIF to this Steamed Sea Bass from Mystic Thai!

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Steamed Sea Bass with Lemon Grass infused Pakchoy (Photo: Mystic Thai Jamaica)

Another Restaurant found that isn’t short on Lemon Grass. Kudos to Mystic Thai Jamaica, this dish looks delish!

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 Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

 

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This Culinary Collaboration is NOT One to Miss!

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Believe it! I cannot begin to imagine how magical this Sweet and Savoury event should be. My heart started racing instantly when I saw the promotion.

Stush in the Bush and Simo’s Bread and Catering have joined forces for a Bottomless Mimosa Brunch on Sunday, October 8th in Duncans, Trelawny by Silver Sands.

Bookings are under www.stushinthebush.com/visit and fabulous vendors such as Reve Jewellery, Story & Myth, Deaf Can Coffee and more will be joining them.

This event is not one to miss!

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Suga’s Flashback to Stush in the Bush’s Moonlight and Simo’s Bread and Catering and Miel-Meel’s Bottomless Mimosa Brunch a.k.a Heaven on Earth

Early Bird Tickets cost $75USD till tomorrow! Get your tickets now!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

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Hajarie, the Teapot Hit the Spot!

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Suga visited Hajarie last Saturday for Lunch at about 3:30pm. Hajarie has been open for about a month now at what I would like to call the Phoenix Avenue Complex of Eateries. Hajarie is not entirely new, but they have expanded their repertoire. They are familiarly known as The Teapot that used to be located in Sovereign Centre. A Suga Bear used to go there frequently for their refreshing Teas.

Persons have the option of comfortable indoor or outdoor dining with a scenic garden view.

I was pleasantly surprised by the detailed, exquisite décor upon entering. Volcanic rock wall tiles and light fixtures made of full bamboo. Impressive.

We were seated instantly by our pleasant, professional waitress. I observed two groups of content and comfortable diners that included a Birthday celebration. A new place pleasing big groups was a good sign already.

I appreciated the well-tailored Menu. It offered suitable variety without overwhelming options.

My husband, Randy and I started off with the Soup of the Day ($400JMD) that was a Pepper Pot Soup. It was rich in taste with the expected level of spicy.

Our dishes came out like clockwork with a little time to talk in between. Just how I like it. We had the appetizing Smoked Herring Salsa ($650JMD) that complemented our preferred side of Eggplant Chips well. The Olive wood and mother of pearl plates were a fine touch.

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Smoked Herring tossed with a fresh combination of tomato, cucumber, scotch bonnet pepper served with biscuits or preferred side option ($650)

Randy had a delish, flavourful sautée of wild mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, olives and basil pesto tossed with freshly tien lettuce and julienne tomatoes. It was to all be served on a grilled flatbread but for some reason it was on a tortilla. He didn’t mind, however his only fault was that the olive oil was a bit overpowering in the pesto and I agreed. We informed the waitress.

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Sautéed Mushroom ($1200JMD) with added Shrimp ($600JMD)

My Avocado and Chickpea Wrap with added Chicken was perfection even though they didn’t have whole wheat tortillas. The Wrap was a sweet combination of grilled plantains, balsamic marinated cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado and chickpea.

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Avocado Chickpea – wrapped ($900JMD) with added Chicken ($400JMD).

Paninis are their other choice for Casual dining, while Pastas, Salads, Kebabs and Seafood dishes serve as their Entrée options.

Hajarie serves Wine by the Bottle only.  We opted to have their refreshing White Berry and Lemon Mint Iced Teas ($400JMD each). Ginger Honey was the other option.

We didn’t have Dessert, but their Brazilian Banana Cake is highly recommended by local Chef Anthony Fleming and I need to be there the next time they bake the Apple Cinnamon Torte!

So one can eat healthy, unhealthy or a little bit of both at Hajarie.

Hajarie – The Teapot has truly evolved. Spectacular décor with an ambience to unwind, Good service, Delicious food and Refreshing teas, Decadent desserts and Reasonable prices, all in one month. Bravo and Keep it up! Hajarie may be a hidden gem, but not for long. #SugaEndorsed

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Suga at Hajarie (The Teapot Ja) last Saturday, December 9, 2017.

Hajarie (The Teapot JA) – Tearoom • Winebar • Bistro

Location: 9-11 Phoenix Avenue. Kingston 10

Ph: 876-634-9937

Instagram: hajarie_theteapot

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Cheesy, Vegetable Casseroles for the Win from Black Orchid Restaurant!

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Two Saturdays ago, I went to Black Orchid Restaurant, upstairs in Eden Gardens to redeem my Fine Vegetarian Cuisine Special for two.

My husband, Randy and I had the Fine Dining Restaurant to ourselves that night at 8:45pm.

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Décor at The Black Orchid Restaurant

Our host/waiter for the night that emerged from the Tulips Restaurant downstairs was quite hospitable.

He took our order of Moussaka and Vegan Pasta, then realised instantly that they did not have Eggplant for the Special we already paid for.

Moussaka is a layered eggplant or potato-based dish that sometimes includes ground meat. Many versions have a top layer made like a custard. In Greece, the dish is layered and typically served hot. In Turkey, it is served warm or at room temperature after being sautéed and served like a casserole. The Arabs usually eat it cold.

Our host reassured us that they had a competent Chef who had experience working with the Cruiselines and that he would come to speak with us shortly. Chef Xavier got an idea about what we expected, i.e. the layered eggplant casserole and the Vegan Pasta, also with Eggplant and Parmesan. He told us that he knew what he would do for us even though he didn’t have Eggplant or Squash, but other vegetables.

To our surprise, about half an hour later, our host arrived with not two, but three dishes! I got both the Vegan Pasta and the Eggplant Parmesan Casserole. Randy had a Cheesy Eggplant Casserole as well, but his was a combination of other Cheeses since he told the Chef he didn’t mind which Cheese was used. Chef Xavier looked like he also found a small amount of Eggplant stashed away and had just enough to put in the Casseroles, but not the Vegan Pasta.

The Casseroles had a mixture of eggplant, other vegetables and potatoes in a freshly made tomato sauce layered with cheese. While the Vegan Pasta had a mixture of vegetables as well, topped of with grated parmesan cheese. All dishes had distinct flavours that pleased us both.

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R-L (Top row): Piña Colada; Vegetable Pasta; (Bottom row) – Vegetable and Cheese Casseroles

I just planned on having the Vegan Pasta and tasting the Casserole but as I had a little of both, I had a lot of both. Chef Xaver did an exceptional job. Cheat Day times two!

I really appreciated them extending such a courtesy when they saw we were not going to get what we expected. They actually exceeded our expectations.

Our Blended Drinks were delish as well!

I can’t speak to other items on their menu, but if you are ever feeling for Cheesy Casserole Dishes, go to Black Orchid and pray that Chef Xavier didn’t sail away in a Cruiseline Kitchen.

Black Orchid Restaurant

Location: Eden Gardens Wellness Resort & Spa @ 39 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston

Ph: 876-946-9977

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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The Canadian Food Truck Festival at Espanade Park was a Hit! When’s the next one?!

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Two weekends ago, it was all about the Canadian Food Truck Festival at the Espanade Park in Ontario. The Festival lasted from August 11-13, where the park was fully transformed into Foodie Heaven with 32 Food trucks, Music including Live Entertainment and a Children’s Village.

Suga Bear, Madeline Bayliss aka Auntie Mads aka ‘Jamaican Chiney that can cook and bake’ went to the Festival and had a ball.

Her ultimate faves were the Ice Cream at Chimneys and the Crab Cakes from Naansense that also does Fusion Indian.

The Crab Cakes were freshly made and served with a Chili Lime Rojo dipping sauce and Guacomole with a side of Spinach salad.

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Crab Cakes from Naansense

She said the Chimneys’ Ice Cream was amazing. They had freshly baked cinnamon sugar cones with smooth ice cream filled with apple granola crumble and chunks of apple pie, topped with salted caramel. Mmmmm!

According to Auntie Mads, the cone was like a pastry, freshly baked like a pie crust.

They had other Ice Cream flavours such as Chocolate and Caramel Smores and more!

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Ice Cream in a freshly baked cone from Chimneys

Check out Chimneys’ Store locations on their website, www.originalchimneys.com. You can also follow them on Instagram, @ogchimneys.

Don’t worry my TDot Suga Bears, if you missed this one, there is still a chance to catch it in a city near you.

The next Canadian Food Truck Fair will be held at:

Location: Richmond Green Park
1300 Elgin Mills Road E,
Richmond Hill, ON

September 2: Noon – 8pm
September 3: Noon – 8pm

ADMISSION: FREE

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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