Did the NEW Chive Restaurant make a good first impression?

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Suga’s Ratings for Chive Restaurant

Date and time of visit: Wednesday, November 13, 2018 at 8:00pm

No. of diners: 3 adults

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★★☆

Ambience: ★★★★☆

Décor: ★★★★☆

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★★☆

Speed: ★★★★☆

Food quality: ★★★★★

Serving amount: ★★★★☆

Plating: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★★★★

Suga’s Breakdown:

Jamaicans love a new restaurant that looks modern and is easy to get to and that explains why Chive Restaurant is booked out for Restaurant Week (RW). Chive is in the Savoury Category for $2800JMD, where G.C.T and Beverages are at an additional cost.

They definitely took the huge risk to open and participate in Restaurant Week to make a first impression on the public. But bravo! They did well.

The staff was polite, attentive and quite composed for the occasion.

The Restaurant is small, but comfortable with modern décor that was tastefully put together.

The menu for Restaurant Week offered a good variety of options including Vegetarian, Seafood, Beef, Chicken and Pork dishes. Food came out in a reasonable amount of time and servings were sufficient. The taste of everything was on point and Chive was definitely value for money. Two thumbs up for Restaurant Week!

Appetizers

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Crispy Glazed Pork Belly stuffed in a steamed bao bun with Hoisin sauce, ginger and pickled cucumbers.

Firstly, the RW menu said Pork Buns and not Pork Bun. However, we threw that critique out the window after we indulged in a healthy serving of succulent, well seasoned Pork Belly with a crisp that met you upon each bite.

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Plump grape tomatoes, grilled garlic lobster and basil drizzled with a honey balsamic reduction on toasted baguette slices.

For the Grilled Lobster Bruschetta, we were wondering if we would get mostly tomatoes, but that was not the case. The Bruschettas were toasted just right and filled with Grilled Lobster. Delightful. Hopefully they can keep up this standard.

Main

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Oxtail Alfredo – Traditional ‘fall off the bone’ Oxtail combined with penne pasta tossed in creamy Alfredo sauce.

I must admit that I was not in the mood to be disappointed with another Oxtail Pasta that didn’t really have Oxtail in it. So when ordering, I requested that I do not get ‘the essence’ of the Oxtail and I get my Pasta loaded with tender Oxtail. I can’t guarantee the same for you, but ask and you shall receive!

The Oxtail was tender, well seasoned and tasty. It was not overpowered by a heavy, creamy alfredo sauce. The taste and consistency of the sauce was just right to complement the Oxtail.

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Beef Bourguignon – Tender chunks of Beef simmered in a rich red wine gravy served atop garlic, rosemary mashed potatoes and country roasted vegetables.

The Oxtail Pasta was impressive, but we thought the Beef Bourguignon was the winner of the night. The serving could have been bigger, but the flavour was outstanding. The Beef was well seasoned and enhanced by the red wine gravy that was rich indeed with a citrus flavour. #SugaSnaps.

Dessert

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Warm Bread Pudding with Buttery Rum Sauce.

I was told when ordering that there was no Vanilla Bean Ice Cream to accompany the Bread Pudding as stated. This disturbed me since Sovereign supermarket is across the road and so is Devon House Ice Cream.

Nanda Dukharan, one of the owners who checked on our table from time to time to gather feedback and ensure everything was going smoothly, actually makes ice cream. When that was explained to us, I understood that they wished to keep the authenticity of their Ice Cream once they iron out a few kinks. So you cannot expect the Pineapple Ginger Ice Cream with Scotch Bonnet Brittle either, which was also on the menu.

I then thought my serving of Bread Pudding should have been larger to compensate. Thankfully it was warm and savoury.

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Decadent Bailey’s Irish Cream Cheesecake.

The Cheesecake was definitely decadent and a great finale for our dinner.

Chive Restaurant still has a full dining and bar menu to finalize post Restaurant Week, so they are definitely on Suga’s radar. For now, Chive Restaurant is #SugaEndorsed.

I hope they keep it up because I am looking forward to a new spot to eat and drink for the holiday season! Aren’t you?

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(L-R) Friends and Foodies, Jehan Knight, Randy Burgess and wife, Gabrielle a.k.a Suga feeling quite content after a fulfilling RW dinner at the new Chive Restaurant.

Chive Restaurant

Location: Shop 15, Orchid Village Plaza. 20 Barbican Road. Kingston 6.

Ph: 876-820-1194

Instagram: @chivejamaica

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

 

GW Art at Immaculate’s Art Exhibition this week!

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Come out this Sunday from 2pm – 4pm at the Convent of Immaculate Conception High to see budding and experienced talent at the same time. Past and present students of Immaculate High will be showcasing their works of Art.

GW Art will be there. Come and meet me! Part proceeds of sales go towards the renovations of the school’s art studios.

The exhibition runs from this Thursday, November 15th to next Tuesday, November 20th from 10am to 6pm at St. Francis Hall by the Convent on the grounds of Immaculate Conception High School.

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‘Dance Tempo’ is still Available!

GW Art

Email: [email protected]

Ph: 876-422-3769

Website (Gallery): 

http://www.sugalifestyle.com 

Instagram: @gwartbygabby

Facebook: Suga Lifestyle (GW Art Album)

By: Gabrielle Burgess (Artist)

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

Who will be at Suga Lifestyle’s Christmas Connection?!

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Happy Sunday! The complete list is out with Suga’s selected artisans! SAVE THE DATE and follow @sugalifestyle on Instagram and Facebook for a chance to win upcoming giveaways!

This is not a trade show to miss!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Suga’s recommendations for Restaurant Week!

Many of you may be seasoned Restaurant Week (RW) attendees by now. Since Suga is in the same boat, I have selected restaurants whose menus have stood out and are different from what they usually have for RW. They also have a reputation for good service, good quality food and value for money.

For those who still have a lot to experience with Restaurant Week, take a gamble if you do not see your choice on my list. You never know, you may end up with a winner for dinner.

Let’s get to it!

***The Price of each category includes a choice of appetizer, main course and dessert. Beverages, G.C.T and gratuity additional***

EPICUREAN ($4300JMD***)

Fromage Brasserie in Kingston! Best menu on the Epicurean list.

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Fromage Brasserie’s Signature Dish of Lobster, Shrimp & scallop tossed in white wine mornay sauce & stuffed in lobster tails.

DELECTABLE ($3800JMD***)

Nirvanna Indian Restaurant in Kingston! Best Ethnic Restaurant in Kingston. Great choice for an authentic, Indian feast.

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Flingback Friday to Suga and husband, Randy Burgess’s dinner at Nirvanna Indian Cuisine

SAVOURY ($2800JMD***)

KINGSTON

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• Chive Eatery in Village Plaza, Kingston – New kids on the block with a killer menu of Pork buns, Oxtail Alfredo, their Signature dish of Crispy, glazed Pork Belly stuffed in a steamed bao bun with hoisin sauce, ginger and pickled cucumbers and more! They may be the dark horse of RW!

• Jamaica Liquor Warehouse in Kingston – One of my favourites. I would eat anything on their menu. Great variety, taste, good service and value for money.

• Tamarind Indian Cuisine in Kingston – Never usually disappoints. Savoury, authentic Indian food with good service.

MONTEGO BAY

• Pelican Grill has served well for many years. I would go with them if choosing this category in the second city.

I would also take a gamble with:

• Bubble & Spice, Coral Cliff

• Pier 1

• Uncorked West

OCHO RIOS

• Anglers – A family pleaser with a mouth-watering seafood menu.

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Fling Back Friday to my Steamaz from Anglers!

• Evita’s Italian Restaurant – They practically have the same menu each year, but it is so extensive that you can keep trying new savoury dishes in a delightful ambience with good service.

• Seaside Dutchie – Great seafood by the sea with unique presentation. This visit could be a fun family day or evening out. Their seafood is usually served in reasonable time compared to others.

TASTY ($1850JMD***)

• Sharkies Bar Grill & Tours in Runaway Bay – You may run the risk of a long wait, but it’s usually worth it. Great seafood by the sea.

• Smoked Marin Restaurant in Hanover – Delicious food by the sea with big portions. Their Signature Jerked Calamari dish looks interesting.

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Smoked Marlin’s Jerked calamari with brown butter remoulade and glazed carrots.

NYAM & SCRAM (30% off/Discounted Lunch Specials)

•  Devon House Bakery for sweeting up the palate after a reduced size main.

• Fish Pot for serving up value for money for the people. They have a healthy salmon dish and a creamy coconut lobster pasta!

• Kushites Vegetable Cuisine -Take advantage of their deals! Best vegetarian restaurant in Jamaica.

● Super’s Spicy Doubles – I’ve never been, but I would take a gamble with those curry dish deals for $600JMD or less.

MORNING BITES (Discounted Breakfast Specials)

Mr. Breakfast looks like a deal!

Reservations are recommended for all categories except for Nyam and Scram and Morning Bites. I suggest you still call ahead or just before you make your way for the restaurants that aren’t fast food ones in the Nyam and Scram category.

Check out Restaurant Week’s Website,  http://go-jamaica.com/rw/ to see full menus and to find contact information and locations for the Restaurants.

Enjoy!

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 choices for Restaurant Week…

Suga’s choices for Restaurant Week will be out tomorrow! You already know were to book for Epicurean, stay tuned!

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Throwback to last Sunday when Suga scoped out what a few Restaurants had to offer at the Restaurant Week Launch at Devon House.

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Fromage for Restaurant Week?

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Fromage Brasserie’s Chicken Parmigiana

Suga is throwing it back to a delicious Chicken Parmigiana that was enjoyed some time ago! Crispy Parmesan chicken, melted mozzarella, marinara pasta.

As Restaurant Week quickly approaches, it is time to peruse menus if you haven’t already and book your desired spots as soon as possible.

Two important tips for Restaurant Week in Jamaica

1. It is best to go during the week. There is fewer people, better service and a better overall experience.

2. If it has to be a weekend night, make reservations for an early time such as 6 or 7pm to avoid the rush.

Fromage Bistro on Hillcrest Avenue is usually my preferred choice over Fromage Brasserie in the Market Place, but have you seen Fromage Brasserie’s menu?!

Fromage Brasserie is in the Epicurean Category ($4300JMD+ Beverages & taxes).

For Appetizers, local blue crab chunks, creamy spinach and tortilla chips as well as Crispy salmon & cream cheese rolls with sweet Habanero sauce have caught my eye.

For the Main, Chicken Parmigiana is there, 8oz Beef medallion, shrimp & crab Oscar chapeaux béarnaise, as well as Lobster, Shrimp & scallop tossed in white wine Mornay sauce & stuffed in lobster tails.

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Fromage Brasserie’s Signature Dish of Lobster, Shrimp & scallop tossed in white wine Mornay sauce & stuffed in lobster tails.

Dessert doesn’t have their signature Bread Pudding on the menu, but the options look just as divine.

If Fromage Brasserie weathers the rush of Market Place diners with smooth service and executes their fine dishes, they should be one of Restaurant Week’s winners for dinner.

Check out Restaurant Week’s Website,  http://go-jamaica.com/rw/ to browse categories and what the Restaurants have to offer before the big issue in The Gleaner this Thursday.

***The Price of each category includes a choice of appetizer, main course and dessert. Beverages, G.C.T and gratuity additional***

*Reservations recommended*

Fromage Brasserie

Location: Market Place – 67 Constant Spring Road. Kingston.

Ph: 876-649-0820-1 

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Paper Straws at Sandals Resorts across the Caribbean

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Photo Credit: Adam Stewart

Paper straws have now replaced all plastic straws at all Sandals resorts across the Caribbean.

Kudos to Adam Stewart and his team for making this happen.

Save the Environment, one step at a time.

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Restaurant Week 2018 launches this Sunday at Devon House

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Restaurant Week Jamaica launches this Sunday at Devon House from 11am-5pm and Admission is FREE.

Enjoy delectable cuisines from some of the participating restaurants, browse and shop stunning pieces from the Fashion Village and buy fresh local produce from the Farmer’s Market.

It should be a fun Sunday. Enjoy and get your preview for Restaurant Week Jamaica 2018, which begins Saturday, November 10 and runs until Sunday, November 18.

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

DECEMBER 15th!

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Good Day Suga Bears!

SAVE THE DATE for my upcoming Christmas Trade Show, “Suga Lifestyle’s Christmas Connection” to be held on Saturday, December 15, 2018 from 4 to 8 pm. It will be held at The Liguanea Club, New Kingston.

As most of you may know, Suga Lifestyle is a brand encompassed on this blog, www.sugalifestyle.com, and is intended to inspire, educate and entertain via various types of posts categorized by; GW Art, Restaurant Reviews and Ratings, Brand Jamaica, Charities, Health and Fitness, Sports and more.

The blog, currently has a reach of over 1,000 followers and grows daily. The event, Suga Lifestyle’s Christmas Connection will involve my GW Art as well as other Jamaican artisans hand-picked by me to offer their unique, handcrafted, handmade items to the public.

There will be about 15 to 20 artisans to establish variety, each with unique items in order to better focus your shopping experience, by limiting duplication. Part proceeds will also go to Charity.

I invite you to shop with family, friends and loved ones. A true one-stop shop in the busy holiday season, while you support Jamaican products as well. You will be hearing more about them soon!

Thanks so much to my Title Sponsors, Sagicor Bank and Gustazos Jamaica!

Buy Jamaican. Build Jamaica 😊

Please follow my Instagram and Facebook Page, @sugalifestyle to stay tuned to updates on the show and get chances to win lots of giveaways! There will be good ones!

XoXo,
Gabby a.k.a Suga

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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