Our former Miss Universe Jamaica, Kaci Fennell, now Kaci Fennell Shirley has always been known to experiment in the kitchen. Looks like she has a winner! Kaci has produced a line of hot sauces and Pepper Jellies, FenMade. Suga sampled them at Christmas in July and they were scorching. Most impressive was the Cilantro Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauce.
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TGIF Suga Bears! I hope you had a great Emancipation Day!
I told you to stay tuned this week for more Suga highlights from Kingston Kitchen held last Saturday at Hope Gardens!
I am enthusiastic to report that the Grilled Cheese Sandwiches from Outland Hurders Creamery and Farmstead did not disappoint! There was a small change in plans from the raspberry recipe, but the locally made artisan cheeses used, Jamaican Jack and the 2-week old Crescenza were so rich. #realrich. The Cheeses were the highlight of the sandwiches as they should be, whether it was a classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Sweet with Caramelized Onions or a little spicy with Cilantro. Well done Outland Hurders from Manchester!
#SugaEndorsed
The Beef and Lamb Shawarma Fries from 2 Yutes were delish.
Chris and Lisa Binns in action from Stush in the Bush at Kingston Kitchen last Saturday, July 27, 2019.
It was no surprise that Stush in the Bush were a hit for persons looking for a healthy option to indulge or just consistently tasty gourmet delights. They served up a wide range of options, including their Condiments made with Love and Affection, but their Fyah Grilled Pizzas, Vegan Parmesan and scrumptious Beignets with Chocolate Sauce Passion curd were popular amongst patrons.
Stush in the Bush’s Beignets with Chocolate Sauce Passion curd.If you missed it, Stush in the Bush’s Menu to Gastronomy Heaven!
One One Cacao came with a unique, refreshing option of a Cacao rum shot!
Jabba’s Peppa Swims came with Peppa Swims Kebabs, Seafood Pasta, Mallah Crab and more to tantalize the tastebuds!
Mallah Crab from Jabbas Peppa Swims!
Suga Tasters and Suga Babies including myself were quite impressed with newbies, All Spice Catering & Events’ Food Truck! Their Chicken & Waffles and Seafood Boil were divine. I was too full to try their Oxtail Arancini, but next time! #SugaSnaps #SugaEndorsed
Chicken & Waffles from All Spice Catering and Events’ Food Truck
Dream Bowls Ja were a hit as expected and so were the sweet treats from Kup Up Kreations!
Nice Cream, a hit at Kingston Kitchen for their 2nd year!
The young ladies from Nice Cream did well recruiting patrons to taste their non-dairy Ice cream that was still so flavourful!
I am sure patrons enjoyed much more, but taking menus into consideration, feedback from Suga Tasters and my picks that did not disappoint, those were the highlights folks! If you missed the highlights from Tuesday’s thowback, check it out. How could I forget the Churros from Fromage!
Kudos again to Leisha Wong, Melanie Miller and Jacqui Sinclair for a job well done, showcasing our impressive, thriving Jamaican culinary scene and diversifying our palates.
Until next year!
#FortheLoveofFood #EatGood
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Happy Tuesday Suga Bears, Suga Babies and Suga Daddies! If you missed Suga Lifestyle’s Instastories from Kingston Kitchen, you missed all the good stuff! Not to worry, I will be highlighting a few this week.
Suga is proud to say her Hit List was on point! Well done to all who participated and kudos to Leisha Wong and her Kingston Kitchen team for another fantastic staging of Kingston Kitchen. Great event for family and friends to come together.
Fromage were also winners with their Curried Goat Empanadas and Cannonball’s Hard (Rum) Lemonade wss a hit too!
Stay tuned his week for more Suga highlights from Kingston Kitchen.
#FortheLoveofFood #EatGood
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Hope Gardens will again come alive and be transformed into a giant kitchen tomorrow, July 27th from 4pm – 11pm.
The list is out as to which of your favourite Chefs, Caterers, Bakers, Farmers, Food Entrepreneurs and Artisans will be there! There are so many great options, so how do you choose?! Stay tuned to Suga Lifestyle’s Instagram stories (@sugalifestyle) to be reminded of the top picks, but here is Suga’s guide and a few tips!
â— Try someone NEW!
If you are a true foodie, you have hit many places on the list more than once, so give someone new a try, but be very selective.
> 2 Yutes (Shawarmas and loaded fries)
> Tacodon
> All Spice Catering & Events’ Food Truck (Their Chicken & Waffles and Pulled Pork Fries look good)!
> Nice cream
***Gambles, but willing to try if menu, food and prices look good***
> Cafe Hibiscus
> Sheriff Gourmet BBQ
â— NEW Kids on the Kingston Kitchen Block to try if you haven’t tried them at other Events
> Outland Hurders Creamery and Farmstead
Outland Hurders will have a Raspberry & Rosemary Grilled Cheese Sandwich that looks salivating!
> Dream Bowls Ja (Delish Acai fruit bowls)
â— Places that are usually a hit and worth a try if you haven’t experienced their food before or you just can’t get enough of them!
Spicy
> Lucky Strike Seafood Bar and Grill’s Seafood Bucket
> Jabba’s Peppa Swims
> Stush in the Bush’s Blow Fyah Pepper Sauce
For Curried Goat,
> Chillin’ Restaurant
> Lyming at Walkerswood
Sweet
> Kuk Up Kreations (They now have Salads!)
> It’s Rolly Polly
The leading duo for Vegetarian Gastronomy, STUSH IN THE BUSH will be there and it is a no brainer to stop by and see what they have to offer!
â— Small servings that are a bit pricey, but good
> Fromage Gourmet Market
> Pink Apron Ja
***Ladies, wear your fanny packs or a crossover bag and comfortable shoes***
Go early and travel with Cash! Enjoy with your friends and family!
#FortheLoveofFood #EatGood
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
My Acai & Lychee Dream Bowl ($1200JMD) from Dream Bowls Ja at Kingston Night Market on Tuesday, July 2, 2019.
You can get your daily source of fruits in 1 bowl, your very own Dream bowl! Dream bowls are not only tasty, but healthy. Although you have to be aware of the toppings you choose.
Dream Bowls consist of a frozen base filled with the Acai (a-sigh-ee) berry. Although not sourced locally, they are good for just about everything in terms of its heath properties. Check it out here:
You then have the option to choose 5 toppings that they will layer the base with, resulting in quite an attractive, yet tasty and fulfilling Dream Bowl.
Visit Kingston Night Market today from 6 to 11pm at 8 Hillcrest Avenue to get your Dream Bowl!
ADMISSION: FREE
***I advise you go early though, the Dream bowls are a hit.***
If not, Deliveries in Kingston are available too!
Kingston Night Market is an event where small businesses showcase their authentic Jamaican products. It is quite fit for a family outing during the week, this and every Tuesday. Check it out!
Keep up with Dream Bowls Ja on Instagram @dreambowlsja
By: Gabrielle Burgess (Certified Personal Trainer & Sports Nutritionist)
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
The Chef’s Advocate and Pop-Up Gourmet Jamaica present Taste, an evening of Culinary Tapestry on the East lawns of Devon House on Friday, July 26, 2019!Â
The Chef’s Advocate, out of Brooklyn, New York, is a marketing and events management firm that supports Chefs in the culinary industry across the USA, Canada and the Caribbean. Annette Davidson, who founded the company in 2017, is also known for ‘Savouring Jamaica’, which was held last November at the James Beard House in Manhattan, New York. The event highlighted our country, culture and chefs with an exclusive menu. The James Beard House was once the home of legendary gastronome James Beard, who hosted the very first television food program in 1946.
Pop-Up Gourmet Jamaica is Jamaica’s first ‘foodie-centric’ platform dedicated to the celebration of Food in its many forms, taking you on a never-ending epicurean experience across Jamaica; from delicious recipes and trendy, hot, new ‘foodie’ spots, to Jamaican Chefs’ insights and extraordinary gourmet experiences islandwide.
What to Expect?!
Imagine the kind of night to expect, now that The Chef’s Advocate and Pop-Up Gourmet Jamaica have teamed up to host Taste!
Five Chefs, George Matthews, Hugh Sinclair (Chef Irie), Jacqui Tyson, Alex D-Great and Lucian Dunn joined by Patisserie Terri Brown Palmer will combine their skills and a myriad of flavours and textures to create an intricately tantalizing six (6) course tasting experience which, will be further enhanced with Wines from Caribbean Producers Jamaica and signature Cocktails.
Meet your Chefs and Patisserie!
TASTE has been marketed locally and internationally. Be a part of Jamaica, continuing to rise as a Foodies Paradise.
‘When you think TASTE, think
PREMIUM! Think Champagne, Fine Wines, Signature Cocktails, Sumptuous Cuisine and White Glove Service‘. Book your tickets now!
***Ticket Information***
Tickets are available via a Concierge service for Patrons wishing to purchase tickets for TASTE by credit or debit card.
You can contact Pop-Up Gourmet’s Booking Office to schedule your concierge visit or to get the link to pay online by eventbrite.com!
Note that there is ***LIMITED SEATING***(Tables of 10)
Service is available within the Corporate Area on Tuesdays & Wednesdays ONLY.
FOLLOW Pop-Up Gourmet Jamaica on Instagram @popupgourmetjamaica
Facebook: @PopUpGourmet
Website: www.popupgourmetjamaica.com
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Have the opportunity to enjoy the culinary delights of an elite selection of Chefs and Bakers such as Oji Jaja, Anna-Kaye Tomlinson of Miss T’s Kitchen, Trevanne Donegal, Lucian Dunn of Uncorked, Nadine Burie, Colin Hylton, Lisa and Chris Binns of Stush in the Bush and more, all for a great cause.
All Proceeds from Ackee, a Culinary Lime for Charity on July 6th at 23-25 Seymour Avenue, 7pm – midnight, will be donated to the Paediatric and Adolescent Wards at the University Hospital of the West Indies, UHWI in order to improve their current facilities and seed a building fund for the construction of a new ward.
***Tickets are available online at www.caribtix.com***
Our Children are Our Future. Help to Build a Better Jamaica.
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Save the Date, Saturday, July 27th at 4pm – 11pm for when Hope Gardens transforms into a giant kitchen!
Stay tuned to see which of your favourite Chefs, Caterers, Bakers, Farmers, Food Entrepreneurs and Artisans will be there and you can follow Kingston Kitchen’s Instagram page, @kgnkitchen.
#FortheLoveofFood #EatGood
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Jamaica has a handful of Chocolatiers that either support local Cocoa farmers or have their own Cocoa farm. They manufacture rich, high quality Chocolate Bars from the Cocoa Bean right here in Jamaica, more familiarly known as ‘Bean to Bar’ or ‘Farm to Bar’.
Our local Chocolatiers and where you can find their Chocolate Bars!
• Mount Pleasant Farm Chocolatiers • Likkle More Chocolate • One One Cacao • Chocollor Chocolate • Pure Chocolate Company
> Mount Pleasant Farm Chocolatiers
Founder: Local cocoa farmer, Averell French
This photo from The Jamaica Observer was taken in 2014, when Mount Pleasant Farm Chocolatiers won Best New Food Item for their Chocolate Spread. Looking on is Food Judge, Matthew Hogarth.Mount Pleasant Farm Chocolatiers’ Chocolate Bars. They have packs with miniature bars as well.
They produce various products from Cocoa:
• Cocoa Powder
• Cocoa Nibs (Good antioxidants that can be blended with herbal tea, blended with smoothies/shakes and added to cereal with a sprinkle)
• Chocolate Bars
• Chocolate Spread
• Chocolate Wine
• Chocolate Tea
Fun Fact:
Adam & Eve Day Spa uses Chocolate from Mount Pleasant Farm Chocolatiers for Chocolate Face Masks.
Averell French’s wife, Helen with a package of their Cocoa Nibs at Suga Lifestyle’s Christmas Connection trade show last December 15, 2018.
***Where you can find Mount Pleasant Farm Chocolatiers’ Chocolate Bars?***
Loshusan Supermarket, Barbican; Fontana Pharmacy, Barbican; The Jamaica Pegasus Store, New Kingston
Costs: ~$430-$450JMD +tx per bar; ~$900JMD+tx for miniature variety pack;Â $350JMD per bar (Wholesale/Factory price)
Instagram: @mount_pleasant_farm_chocolates
> Likkle More Chocolate
• Founder: Nadine Burie (Table Talk Jamaica Observer Food Awards Dessert Chef of the Year – 2018 & 2019)
Nadine Burie (L) with staff from Cafe Blue.
• Production of Chocolate Bars still in the creative process
***The brand is under continuous expansion or changes, so the percentages and flavours stated are what Suga Lifestyle has observed over the past few years and in speaking with Nadine Burie last December, 2018. There may be more or less variety to date***
• 62% and 70% Dark Chocolate Bars
Nadine Burie and staff cracking the Cocoa pods for Chocolate production.
• Produces Decorated Chocolate Bars with a unique variety of flavours!
– White Chocolate and Green tea matcha
-Â Dark Milk Chocolate with Hazelnut Caramelized
– Ginger
– White
-Â Dark
Likkle More Chocolate’s Decorated Chocolates
***Where can you find Likkle More Chocolate Bars?***
Nick Davis of One One Cacao at his Chocolate Factory in St. Mary. (Photo: www.asksheil.com)
• Founder: Nick Davis
• BBC Caribbean’s correspondent
• Currently working on Production of Coffee in addition to his Chocolate Bars
• Factory in St. Mary overlooks the sea
• Started making Chocolate after he got a mystery illness, where he could no longer eat foods with preservatives
• He never thought he could give up Cadbury Dairy Milk, but when he decided to make his own Chocolate, he told Suga it was the best he has ever had. The need for sweet preservatives or artificial flavours was replaced by an appreciation for rich, strong, Dark Chocolate.
• Persons who make the switch to Dark Chocolate from Milk Chocolate with artificial flavours may find it bitter, but once you keep having it, you will love and appreciate the richness of Dark Chocolate like myself and Nick.
Fun Fact: Without getting access to Likkle More Chocolate, the majority of Suga tasters voted One One Cacao as the richest Dark Chocolate in Jamaica, May 25, 2019.
Photo: www.asksheil.com
• Nick Davis wants Jamaican Chocolate to go global and be recognised as much as Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee, because we have some of the world’s finest Cocoa.
• Nick helps local Cocoa farmers by paying them a decent price.
• His Chocolate is 70% Cocoa
• Cane juice is used to sweeten the rest
***Where can you find One One Cacao Chocolate Bars?***
The Butcher Block, Manor Park; Cannonball, Manor Park; Craft Cottage, Village Plaza
Cost: ~$900 – $1000JMD +tx per bar
Instagram: @oneonecacao
> Chocollor Chocolate
Carl Sharpe of Chocollor Chocolate
• Family business owned by Carl and Donna Sharpe from Trelawny
• Donna and Carl moved to Kingston and now have their business in Kingston
• Carl Sharpe is a certified Chocolatier from the Cocoa Research Centre in Trinidad and Ecole Chocolat
• Carl used to be a mechanical engineer and then he had a vision to create something authentically Jamaican
• Chocollor produces Dark Chocolate and Milk Chocolate Bars
• White Chocolate Bars are to be produced in the near future
• 6 and 12 – packs available with a variety of miniature Milk, White and Dark chocolates
• They use Cane juice to sweeten; no preservatives
Chocollor Chocolate’s 6-pack variety of miniature Dark, Milk and White Chocolates.
Fun Facts:
Suga Taster, Tennyson Arnold still has a preference for Chocolate with artificial flavours. So, Chocollor Chocolate’s Milk Chocolate was his favourite at Suga Lifestyle’s Chocolate Tasting. Also, their White Chocolate was well received and their Dark Chocolate was richest for Suga Taster, Randy Burgess.
***Where can you find Chocollor Chocolate Bars?***
Costs:Â $290JMD per Milk Chocolate bar; $375JMD per Dark Chocolate Bar; $790JMDÂ for miniature variety 6-pack (Milk, Dark, White); $817.18JMD for miniature variety 12-pack (Milk, Dark, White); $667.94 for 12-pack Milk Chocolates; $959.66 for 12-pack Dark Chocolates; $796.90 for 12-pack Milk & Dark Chocolates
> Pure Chocolate Company
Rennae Tjeerte of Pure Chocolate Company.
• Founders: Former Executive and Assistant Pastry Chefs at Half Moon, Wouter and Rennae Tjeerte respectively, who met working at Half Moon and found love. Wouter is from Holland and Rennae is from St. Catherine.
• Some time after Half Moon, Wouter worked at Jade Mountain Luxury Resort in St. Lucia, where they make their own Chocolate from scratch. Wouter had no choice but to learn how to make Chocolate. Rennae was quite enthusiastic about this and learned how to make Chocolate too.
• Eventually Rennae longed to return home to Jamaica. Wouter told her once she could source a good quality Cocoa bean, they would return and they did!
Wouter Tjeerte of Pure Chocolate Company
• They also produce Slow Roasted Cocoa Nibs
• Support local farmers
Pure Chocolate Company’s Local Cocoa farmer, Mr. Bodie in Tom’s Hope Fellowship, Portland.
• The Cocoa is transported from Portland to their factory in Spanish Town, where they ferment and dry the Cocoa bean.
• They produce a variety of Dark Chocolates Farm to Bar: 68% slow roasted nibs, 75% Pure Chocolate, 84% Pure Chocolate and 70% Jerk Seasoning
• They have unique molding too!
• Pure Chocolate Company supports local Artist, Taj Francis, graduate of Edna Manley for their bold packaging
Check out what Suga Taster, Kimberly Nesbeth had to say about the local Chocolate that tasted the best to her on May 25, 2019 at Suga Lifestyle’s Chocolate Tasting!Â
Did you know Jamaican Chocolate made it to Amsterdam, Netherlands?!
Pure Chocolate Company’s Chocolates being sold at Chocoa, Amsterdam’s Chocolate Festival earlier this year from February 23 – February 24, 2019!
***Where can you find Pure Chocolate Company’s Chocolate Bars?***
Costs: ~$950-$1000JMD +tx per bar; $800JMD per bar (Trade show price) $650JMD per bar (Wholesale price with a minimum of 24 bars)
Instagram: @purechocolatecompany
One last Fun Fact:
One of the Chocolate companies in Grenada uses a machine that they got from the Highgate Chocolate Factory in Richmond, St. Mary, Jamaica that closed in 2006.
My Suga Tasters, who you will hear more about soon, had a blast at Suga Lifestyle’s Chocolate Tasting. I hope you enjoyed reading about our Jamaican Chocolatiers and their stories. Please go out and try our local Chocolates soon. You will not regret it!
Buy Local, Buy Jamaican 🇯🇲
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga of Suga Lifestyle with husband, Randy Burgess at the Jamaica Observer Food Awards last Thursday, May 30, 2019.
The 21st staging of the Table Talk Jamaica Observer Food Awards last Thursday on the lawns of Devon House was truly a euphoric atmosphere with the highest standards of food and drink in abundance with vibrant music to bounce and wobble to while guests indulged.
All the booths were quite inviting, but with experience, my friends and I were quite selective about our approach to ensure that we didn’t neglect or overlook any of our favourites or newbies on our hit list.
We started at Rainforest Seafoods, where they had salivating Sushi spreads and Wines to pair it all with, including one of my faves, the Kung Fu Girl Riesling courtesy of Select Brands.
One of the salivating Sushi spreads from Rainforest Seafoods.
We then made our way over to the Restaurant booths from Sandals Resorts International. Tender, juicy cuts of Beef, Ham and Lamb, Seafood, Ribs, Cheese platters, Cocktails, you name it!
Cumin and Honey marinated Lamb Chops from Sandals Resorts International.
They also had a gigantic Sushi spread.
As I continued to walk the lawns of Devon House with 18-year old whiskey in hand from Johnnie Walker, my stops had to include my other faves, Stush in the Bush, Christina Simonitsch, Half Moon, Uncorked Sovereign North, Mystic Thai, Steak House on the Verandah and newbies, Jamaican Peanut Butter Factory and Butcher Block by Gregory Burrowes who had savoury offerings from Chef Celeste Gordon, last year’s OFA Caterer of he Year.
Sending a special shout out and hearty Congratulations to Chris and Lisa Binns of Stush in the Bush who cleaned up this year and deservedly so! Their plant powered spread by their very own Sagicor Group booth this year, satisfied scores of guests at a time.
Lisa and Chris Binns of Stush in the Bush who walked away with 3 awards including the coveted, ‘Jamaican Restaurant with Outstanding Gastronomy Experience Award’.
Christina Simonitsch, who walked away the Enterprise and Outstanding Caterer Awards tantalised our taste buds with her Charred Scotchie Shrimp, then cooled it down with her G.H. Mumm & Strawberry Popsicles. The scrumptious Oxtail Arancini left me speechless.
Christina Simonitsch serving Randy Burgess some of her Charred Scotchie Shrimps.
Other Highlights of the night:
Outstanding Caterer Nominee and Jing Shi Award Nominee for Dessert Chef of the Year, Trevanne Donegal, also by the G.H. Mumm booth, with delish Dark Chocolate Truffles.Uncorked’s Charcuterie and Cheese platter spread!The Solomon Gardner Awardee for Outstanding Service, Best Culinary Team Experience Awardee and Norma Shirley Awardee for Restaurant of the Year, Sugar Mill Restaurant at Half Moon Hotel’s succulent Barbeque Jerk Pork Belly!
Did you know?
Half Moon will be opening a Seafood Restaurant this September!
Half Moon’s Seafood Restaurant, Delmare’s Chefs Claudio and Clarfield
A taste of what to expect from the Seafood Restaurant to come at Half Moon, Delmare were absolutely delicious Pan Seared Scallops accompanied by tomato compote with saffron and vanilla zucchini spaghetti with Tarragon.
You are always as good as your last show and this was by far the biggest and best Table Talk Jamaica Observer Food Awards that I have attended.
This year the Food Awards celebrated various Communities with Jamaican cuisine as authentic as you can get. Congratulations to the Chefs of the Communities that were selected and awarded:
• The Sephestines for Mount Estate, St. Thomas • Monica Ottar for Bailey’s Vale, St. Mary • The Allens for Gifford House – Granville, St. James, Montego Bay • Christopher Marsh for Chris’s Cafe – Main Street, Oracabessa St. Mary • Chris & Lisa Binns for Stush in the Bush – Free Hill, St. Ann
Chefs, Bakers, Caterers, Retailers and Restaurants have really elevated the level of quality for what they had to offer over the past year.
Congratulations to conceptualiser, Novia McDonald Whyte, the Jamaica Observer, the Judges, Sponsors, Retailers, the talented Nominees, Awardees and everyone responsible for the successful execution and staging of the Food Awards this year.
Cheers to next year!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
