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Nìrvanna Indian Fusion Cuisine is the new Birthday Hot Spot

by Restaurant Reviews & RatingsWhat's Hot

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Nirvanna had a packed night last week Thursday. Other than my fiancé, at least 2 or 3 other persons seemed to be celebrating birthdays.

We arrived on time for our reservation at 8:30pm. We were offered a seat by the bar until our table was available close to 9pm. It did not feel like a long wait, as the hostess had a lovely personality, chatted us up a little and we got more than enough time to browse the menu. I usually need more time choosing from an Indian menu. The atmosphere was nice with light Indian music and the decor was modern with a slight, sidewalk-terrace vibe with the arched columns.

We ordered at 9pm and our Tomato Basil soup ($495JMD) arrived quickly within minutes as it should. It was spicy but not hot and flavourful as the basil was fresh.20151203_210919-1.jpg

Our main dishes arrived shortly after our soup cleared. I was impressed that on a completely packed night, food arrived within reasonable time and the service was good. Our waiter could have been more attentive but he was pleasant.

We had the Paneer Tikka Masala ($1395JMD), Chicken with Spinach ($1595JMD) and Chicken with Fenugreek ($1595JMD). I think the dishes could have at least been served with the steamed basmati rice, but if desired, it would be at an additional cost. So we ordered the rice, Tandoori Roti and Tandoori Garlic Naan as our sides. Wine was reasonably priced by the glass and we had Chardonnay and Merlot.

When there is a debate about the winning dish, that is a good thing. I loved the Chicken with Spinach that was thick silky creamy sauce mildly spiced with garlic and masala tossed with boneless chicken tikka chunks versus the Chicken with Fenugreek that won by majority, which was thick silky creamy methi gravy mildly spiced with garlic and masala tossed with boneless chicken tikka chunks.

Something was a little different about the Tikka Masala so it lost out. Although Indian Cuisine is not native to our tongue, we have enjoyed others a bit more. My other half thought that it’s usually in a thicker sauce as well.

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A mini Chocolate Mousse Cake ($850JMD) from the Montego Bay Chocolate Company that has other desserts in there, was a lovely end to the meal. It was very small but moist and delicious.

A pretty pricey menu but worth it. They normally say different strokes for different folks but I think it is safe to say Nirvanna pleases on every level.

Nirvanna Indian Fusion Cuisine

***Reservations recommended***

*All prices subject to G.C.T and 5% service charge

Location: 1A 80 Lady Musgrave Rd. Kgn. 10

Ph: 876-927-9077

Facebook (Menu posted): Nirvanna Indian Fusion Cuisine

Instagram: nirvannaindianja

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Warriors look to keep their winning streak alive today!

by SportsWhat's Hot
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Image: hoopsabit.com

The Warriors are now 20-0 for their start this 2015-2016 season! The other night in their 116-99 win at the Hornets, Stephen Curry scored 28 out of his 40 points in the 3rd quarter.

Warriors look to continue their winning streak versus the Raptors today at 5pm. Happy Hour anyone?

Enjoy the weekend!

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Gabby’s journey to Marguerites during RW was phenomenal!

by FoodpornRestaurant Reviews & RatingsWhat's Hot
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Gabrielle Williams (L) from Suga Lifestyle with fiancé Randolph Burgess (R)

After a 3-hour drive from Kingston on Sunday, November 15th, I arrived at Marguerites Seafood by the Sea, Montego Bay on time for my reservation at 8pm. Of course, I arrived not only hungry but with high expectations. Let me tell you from now that these high expectations were met!

My other half and I ordered by 8:05pm. The staff from the entrance to being seated were all very pleasant and professional. The ambience was lovely overlooking the sea where I sat on the balcony and the decor modern and decent. Sitting by the garden would have been nice as well.

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Shelly Ann was our Maître d’ for the night. She worked hard to ensure everything was alright and checked in with our table now and then, but not to the point of being overwhelming. I noticed that the General Manager visited the table next to us as well, welcoming them and ensuring everything was satisfactory. I find that proper supervision and interaction with guests are very necessary when a restaurant wishes to provide and sustain a high level of service.

Appetizers were out within 10 minutes and the other dishes followed like clockwork. Our glasses were refilled with water when needed and our waiter, Ricardo offered us the Robert Mondavi wines that were on special for RW. We had the Zinfandel and Sauvignon blanc.

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All of the dishes were delicious. Presentation was salivating and serving sizes were appropriate. For instance, I was a bit worried about where I was going to fit dessert, but thankfully I was not tempted too much and the Bread pudding and Cheesecake were small and compact, just the right size to fit in the space available in my tummy without feeling uncomfortable.

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The Appetizers were excellent. The Jerked Chicken Breast was well seasoned and minced up for the Beggars Purse and the Shrimp Trucillio had a lovely flavour. A delicious Caribbean Spiny Lobster Salad followed as a bonus with fresh veggies and a tasty vinaigrette. Then all of a sudden, our attention was called by one of the waiters to see a Stingray in the ocean. Hardly a dull moment at Marguerites!

When the Entrées arrived, I was even more impressed and instantly ready to ‘Dig In’! My gosh, the Lobster Flambè with black truffle risotto looked divine! Then as I was looking at the dish all mesmerized, Cecil the Executive Chef visited the table, greeted us pleasantly and told me that he was adding his sauce consisting of Rum beurre blanc and more, as well as edible sprouts. I could hardly find the words to describe the lobster. Juicy lobster accompanied by an absolutely delicious sauce and risotto. My other half had the Flambé Steak complemented by oxtail ragout. Perfection. Cooked exact to order, medium rare.

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It was hard to leave. An extremely refreshing experience to have all-round excellent service and food. Epicurean to the core. It was definitely worth the drive and I cannot wait to return.

Marguerites Seafood by the Sea

Location: Gloucester Ave. (The Hip Strip), Montego Bay

Ph: 876-952-4777

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Warriors look to win 16th straight game tonight vs. Lakers to make NBA History for Best Season Start

by SportsWhat's Hot

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On Sunday night, the Warriors tied the NBA record for most straight games won to open the NBA season at 15-0 vs. the Denver Nuggets.

Golden State has bolted out of the gate this season and the Lakers should pose no threat to them tonight, playing at home at the ORACLE Arena in Oakland California at 10:30pm.

Reigning MVP Stephen Curry improves every season and he has certainly been entertaining the crowd. But most importantly, he is a team player and Curry along with Thompson, Barnes, and Green have been scoring an even spread to dominate other teams so far this season.

Curry has also been named Western Conference Player of the Week, which is his 4th Career Weekly Award. It was for the games played, Monday, November 16th to Sunday, November 22nd. He joins Chris Mullin and Baron Davis with 4 and looks to even up with Tim Hardaway with 5. Note that the Warriors’ Klay Thompson is on 3.

LeBron who? Oh yes, he is still playing. Cleveland’s LeBron James was named Player of the Week for the Eastern Conference.

But look out for the Warriors tonight as they play to win and have the Best Start in NBA History!

 

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How was Restaurant Week Jamaica?!

by FoodpornRestaurant Reviews & RatingsWhat's Hot

Restaurants in the 3 cities were certainly buzzing with diners throughout Restaurant Week (RW) that was held November 13 – 21. Persons were excited to ‘Dig in’, the slogan used for this year’s RW.

Suga was happy to report that all, if not, most of her recommendations were excellent choices based on feedback from Suga bears a.k.a. Suga Lifestyle readers and friends.

Just to highlight a few,

One Love Cafe at Bob Marley’s Museum and Susie’s Bakery & Coffee Bar really satisfied diners for the Nyam and Scram category.

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Lillian’s Restaurant                       Image: RWJ 2015 Index on go-jamaica.com

For the Tasty Category, the UTECH students from Lillian’s Restaurant who seemed to put a lot of effort into their menu, offering unique dishes at a low cost showed that there is a bright future ahead for Jamaica in the Culinary industry.

Lillian’s was delightful. They had a pleasant and attentive waitress, yet not overbearing, as well as helpful staff. Decor was simple yet appropriate and clean, with soft classical music. The Jerked Chicken Chowder and Salt Fish Tostones they served as Appetizers had lovely flavours and the Salad was fresh with a decent serving. Their Main course was enjoyed by all at the table. Generous servings as well. Their Peppercorn Crusted Beef was cooked exactly as ordered, the Cinnamon Braised Pineapple Pork was succulent and not overdone, the Seared Trout and Creamy Chicken Sauté dishes were tasty. Desserts were also very good. Their Rum and Raisin cake, Passion Trifle and Chocolate and Banana Bread Pudding were yummy. Well done Lillian’s!

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Sea Deck           Photo credit: Emile Pitt

Sea Deck had nice, big, tasty servings as usual with decent service.

C & C South Beach Restaurant in the Savoury category got two thumbs up. Their service, food and atmosphere were impressive. Kudos to them for a 10 minute waiting time during RW!

Christopher’s at Hermosa Cove, Ocho Rios was a winner for the Delectable category. No surprise there. Props to Executive Chef Conroy Arnold for sustaining a high standard of food quality and service. The ambience there is just an added plus.

Then of course, with a full review coming soon, Marguerites Seafood by the Sea in Montego Bay took the Epicurean category hands down. Excellent ambience, service and food topped off by a premium selection of wines.

Well done Restaurants, looking forward to next year!