The view from the restaurant at Kanopi House, Portland
Two Saturdays ago I had lunch at Kanopi House, Portland that is nestled in 100ft banyan trees with a breathtaking view of the Blue Lagoon.
There weren’t many options on the menu, so my husband and I went with Chicken and Fish sliders with a side of freshly made potato chips.
Chicken sliders with Potato chips ($27USD) from Kanopi House, Portland
Service was quick and the staff was courteous. The food was pricey, so thankfully it was tasty too. With that view and comfort, why complain though?
A small bar was available to get spirits from as well.
Of course, nothing is too predictable in the relaxed parish of Portland. The menu varies from day-to-day and I was told by one of their Chefs, Cecile Watt that items on their dinner menu have an Asian twist. Perhaps we will try them for dinner when we go back to that side of our beautiful island.
Suga a.k.a Gabby Burgess (L) and husband, Randy Burgess with Chef Cecile Watt from Kanopi House on Saturday, February 16, 2019.
Kanopi House
Location: Blue Lagoon, San San, Port Antonio (7-10mins away from Blue Lagoon) Ph: 876.632.3213 US:  800.790.7971 UK (London): 0203.318.1191 Canada: 416.800.9157 Email: [email protected] Website: www.kanopihouse.com
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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It’s been a long time coming, but I finally made the trek to Street Food Saturdays. Was it worth it? Not really, but I went for the experience nonetheless.
The Menu
Persons like myself and my husband who go with the intention to try different dishes may be disappointed. We were not given the option to mix meats even when requested and the plates were small, especially for the prices. I hardly eat Pork, but wanted to taste their Smoked Pork Belly. That taste cost me $2,000JMD. It was succulent and crackling, but a bit too salty.
Smoked Pork Belly ($2000JMD) from Street Food Saturdays last Saturday, February 23, 2019.
The event was filled with patrons. Thankfully they had good crowd control. The wait for food wasn’t long and even though you couldn’t get all your food options at one station, they seemed to have a good system going. ‘Chefs Dwight and Celine’ were on Meats, and Chef Simone Walker-Barrett with her assistants were on Seafood, with her added special of Jerked Lamb Chops.
The Meat Station at Street Food Saturdays
It was a hot day. They had seating under tents, but my husband and I scoped out a table down by the river that was much cooler with more scenic surroundings.
Rosemary Pan Chicken ($1000JMD)
The Rosemary Pan Chicken was nothing to write home about, but the Tangerine and Guava sauces provided were tasty and complemented the meats well.
The greatly anticipated Lobster Pasta was not visually appealing. A small serving of lobster on some cheesy elbow macaroni was served to others, so we passed on that.
This finally brings me to the good stuff. The Jerked Fish was seasoned to perfection and accompanied by tasty Parmesan Polenta.
Jerked Fish with Parmesan Polenta ($2000JMD)
Chef Simone Walker-Barrett’s Special was indeed special. The Jerked Lamb Chops were savoury.
Jerked Lamb Chops with Parmesan Polenta ($3000JMD)Suga a.k.a Gabby Burgess at Street Food Saturdays last Saturday, February 23, 2018.
After we finished our lunch, there was nothing that kept us interested to stay, so we made it back home in time to watch the Gibson Relays. I think the event has the potential to be better; maybe some entertainment or a farmer’s market. We enjoyed our meals, but it was an underwhelming experience based on the marketing of the event and it was not value for money. It was marketed as wood fire gourmet, but although the quality of some of the dishes was good, there was nothing signature about them, with regard to presentation or taste. After a long drive we spent $8,400JMD for street food, with walk up service, in an outdoor setting. Sorry Suga Bears, this event is not #SugaEndorsed.
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I had a quick, satisfying lunch at Bella’s Vegan Eats with my husband, Randy last Friday at a neat spot tucked away on Windsor Avenue off Old Hope Road.
Bella’s Vegan Eats was prompt if you would like to pick up and has comfortable seating for you to have a quick bite for lunch. Even if it’s a hot day, the trees make the area cool and the picnic table umbrellas provide sufficient shade.
The area was clean, parking was hassle-free and service came with a smile. Haleem Card, Executive Chef and Director/Co-owner of Bella’s Vegan Eats made us feel right at home. Note that Haleem was the 2015 recipient of the Observer Food Awards’ Chef on the Rise.
What’s their Menu like?!
Their menu is fully Vegan, but still pleasing to the palate if you’re not Vegan. The menu changes daily with options of Soup, Wraps, Sandwiches, Chana Masala, Pasta and more, plus freshly made juices, Smoothies and even Dessert. The people’s favourite seems to be their Umami Black Bean Burger ($1200JMD).
I had the Coconut Chana Masala. I am not a fan of Coconut milk, especially since it has a high content of Saturated fat, but they used it lightly and it did not overpower the taste at all. I had it with plantain, a tasty raw vegetable salad and Peanut rice! The Peanut rice was a pleasant surprise and definitely increased the fiber content of the meal.
Chana Masala with Peanut rice from Bella’s Vegan Eats ($1000JMD)
Main dishes are usually $750JMD, with an additional charge of $250JMD for side options. Their Natural Fruit Juices, that are low in sugar come in two sizes, the 12oz for $400JMD and 16oz for $650JMD. I had the what’s Up Doc a.k.a Carrot Juice that was light in consistency and quite refreshing.
Remember Suga’s Nutrition Session is this Saturday! If you missed the first one, try to make time for this one. Bella’s Vegan Eats was definitely added to the ‘Places to Eat’ List. They are #SugaEndorsed.
Bella’s Vegan Eats
Location: 6 Windsor Ave. Kingston. Ja.
Ph: 876-455-8804
*Delivery available by Quick Plate
Open Mon-Fri., 11am – 4pm
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Follow the food and the flavour! Head up to Street Food Saturdays hosted by Chef Simone Walker-Barrett by Mount James District, Golden Spring, St. Andrew tomorrow any time from 12-6pm! There will be quite a variety, so there should be something to satisfy any craving you may have.
If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
What’s Valentine’s Day without a little sweetin’ up?! Let Brian Walker of Nutsies Treats help you to sweet talk or satisfy the sweet tooth of your loved ones.
Nutsies Treats produce known Jamaican Confectioneries such as Gizzadas, Grater Cakes, Peanut Brittle, Peanut Cake and Coconut or Peanut drops with a twist. He may complement them with Chocolate drops, Almond Coconut with a pinch of ginger or even crushed Oreo Cookies!
Check out what Nutsies Treats will bring to the table this Saturday at Suga Lifestyle’s V-Day Pop Up Shop!
Stay tuned and follow this website or the @sugalifestyle Instagram/Facebook page to see who else will be
at
Suga’s V-Day Pop Up Shop THIS SATURDAY at The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel from 12 to 6pm in the Rio Bueno room by the Hotel’s lobby.
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
One of Suga’s favourite Chefs, Christina Simonitsch, has opened her new Pop-up Restaurant, Simo’s. Last weekend was her first Simo’s Pop-Up staging and Suga endorsed Restaurateurs in the Montego Bay and St. Ann community such as Kareena Mahbubani of Mystic Thai and Chris and Lisa Binns of Stush in the Bush, were a few of the lucky guests in attendance. They had a grand time and their pictures of the gourmet affair are to die for.
Here’s a sneak peek!
Christina cooks with perfection and passion for the love of food. Stay tuned to her instagram page, @simosbreadandcatering to see when reservations are open for the next Simo’s Pop-Up!
S HOTEL JAMAICA
The New Spanish Court Hotel has finally opened its doors in Montego Bay! The official opening was just last weekend and booking is now live for the brand new, modern hotel overlooking Doctor’s Cave Beach.
They are now taking walk-ins at special rates during their soft opening weeks and offering special Intro opening rates.
Take a look at the exquisite modern decor and fixtures in place!
S Hotel’s very own Singer Roadster convertible greets you by the entrance of the hotel. This model was made popular in Jamaica in 1953 when the late American actress, Katharine Hepburn visited Jamaica with it and used it to tour our island.A touch of some of the woodwork designs by tree salvager, Tamara Morin-Harding of Mara Made Designs, which is Brand Jamaican.
The Restaurant is also now open!
It’s clear Suga has to make a trip to Montego Bay soon! Stay tuned.
Location: 7 Gloucester Ave., Montego Bay, St. James, Jamaica
Ph: 876-979-0000
Website:ÂÂ
http://www.shoteljamaica.com
Instagram: @shoteljamaica
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
After you’re finished with Suga Lifestyle’s Nutrition Seminar tomorrow morning at The Liguanea Club, you can head up to Street Food Saturdays by Mount James District, Golden Spring, St. Andrew. You will be equipped with knowledge on how to go out and eat healthily.
I will give you a hint that from the menu, you should go for the Fish tea as a starter, followed by the Five spiced Pan Chicken with no sauce or better yet, the Roasted Red Snapper. Sadly, there are no healthy side options. If you decide that you cannot have your main on its own, choose the Garlic Parmesan Bread.
For your drink, the Mint Lemonade would have too much sugar, so you can have water or a Fruit Smoothie if no mangoes or watermelons are used.
Don’t even think of going near that Curry Crab Run-Down!
Street Food Saturdays is usually from 12 noon to 6pm, however to confirm or for more information:
There is still time to register for Suga Lifestyle’s Nutrition Seminar using the link below:
http://sugalifestyleseminar.firstinlineja.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.
Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga with Ronetta Crooks-Allen of RSS Natural Delites.
Mrs. Ronetta Crooks-Allen of RSS Natural Delites doesn’t only make Coconut Drops, she makes flavoured Coconut Drops. Sunflower seeds, Sesame seeds and more are amongst the flavours, but the Coconut Drops with Cranberries are my favourite.
Ronetta was unfortunately unable to be a Suga artisan last year at Suga Lifestyle’s Christmas Connection, however she was still generous enough to offer a package of her sweet, natural delights as a giveaway for the show.
Everton Cummings was the happy recipient of the RSS Natural Delites variety pack at Suga Lifestyle’s Christmas Connection on Saturday, December 15, 2018.
Suga got some timely feedback that he hardly even got to taste much of the Coconut Drops, because they vanished so quickly at his household.
These flavoured Coconut Drops are truly special. They are not too sweet or overpowered by their added flavours. The essence of coconut is still highlighted and quite delightful to the palate as the name suggests.
Order Coconut Drops from Ronetta today, she delivers!
Buy Jamaican, Build Jamaica.
RSS Natural Delites
Location: 138 Rhone Park Estate. Old Harbour, St. Catherine. JA. W.I.
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Suga would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and all the best for the season!ÂÂ
It has been a great year for Suga Lifestyle and I have to tell you all a Big Thank You for staying tuned to all the categories that build the Suga Lifestyle brand; GW Art, Charities, Restaurant Reviews and Ratings, Brand Jamaica, Sports, Health and Fitness and more.
I am also very proud to report that the 1st staging of my Trade show, Suga Lifestyle’s Christmas Connection held at The Liguanea Club on Saturday, December 15th was a success. The event involved artisans hand-picked by me to offer their unique, handcrafted, handmade, Jamaican items to the public.
TCP’s Jamaican greeting cards were also in the building as a convenience for shoppers to get cards to go with their gifts.
With Suga Lifestyle’s Christmas Connection, there was no need to shop for gifts online. The event gave sponsors and guests the opportunity to support Brand Jamaica, specifically entrepreneurs who operate within the
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector. Through their support, Jamaican made products and the
island’s creative industries, were highlighted. Vendor industries included; food, graphic art, woodcraft, ceramics, fashion, agro-processing and personal care. My Suga Artisans were hand-picked to inspire innovation, and to provide a platform for business growth.
For those who missed out on Suga’s Winter Wonderland or for Suga Bears and Suga Daddies who would like to relive the moment, here are some highlights from the day.
Guests entering the venue were greeted by some of the Sponsors, Gustazos, Sagicor Bank and Jablum. Gustazos along with Suga Lifestyle offered some Selfie photo fun, while Jablum treated guests to freshly brewed, hot Coffee and Sagicor Bank offered Scones from Cannonball Cafe to complement the Coffee.
Sponsor, Norman Grant, Managing Director and CEO of Mavis Bank Coffee Factory with Gabrielle Burgess of Suga Lifestyle at SL Christmas Connection on December 15, 2018.
My contented guests then felt the Christmas spirit and not only felt lucky by participating in the entry raffle, but contributed to Charity and received a few swag bags to accompany them inside.
Who was inside?!
There was something for everyone at SL Christmas Collection and it was a family affair!
Confectioneries galore!
The venue was buzzing with guests from the 4pm start time straight up to the closing of the event at 8pm.
Guests not only browsed items, but shopped well. Kudos!
Suga’s very own, GW Art booth did well too! GW Art shoppers (L-R) Prudence Simpson, Michaelia McLean, Sheena Taylor and Taraja Richards left with their shopping bags and were all smiles.
Shoppers sipped and shopped in comfort too!
Guests enjoyed their night at the bar without having to pay a penny. Afterall, according to Suga’s popular GW Art piece, It’s Always Wine o’clock!
Prizes and Surprises!
L-R Everton Cummings and Stephen Greig were amongst the Suga trivia winners for the night.
Guests either won prizes by raffle or won spot prizes after answering Suga’s trivia questions correctly based on categories of Brand Jamaica, Health and Fitness and Foodie fun.
(L-R) Stephanie Chen chose the right time to move to Jamaica, copping a 3 lb Christmas Fruit cake for her family from Sweet Obsession Ja. Moyen Campbell and Pricella Dawson (Right) also walked away happily with prizes.Suga created great memories having persons winning raffle prizes for their first time! SL Connection made this avid, Brand Jamaica Shopper, Tricia-Gaye O’Connor’s day.It warmed everyone’s hearts to see Suga Artisan, Averell French’s son win a sling backpack from Tracy Jackson Blake’s Because It Is For You and tell everyone why he liked Christmas.
Charity
Members of the non-profit organization, Rotaract Club of New Kingston assisted Suga Lifestyle on the day of the event and happily received a donation from Suga at the end of the event towards their Marie Atkins Shelter Project to be held on January 12, 2019.
Suga’s mission was achieved, where Artisans did well with sales, a donation was made to Charity and guests sipped and shopped locally in comfort for family and friends.
Thanks to all of my sponsors, Development Bank of Jamaica, Sagicor Bank, Gustazos, Jablum and BPM Financial as well as kind persons who contributed giveaways from their Businesses to the event to make this possible: Stush in the Bush, Cafe EITS, Eden Gardens Spa, Rituals Coffee House, Mystic Thai, JPS, Chive Restaurant, Irie Rock, Jamaica Liquor Warehouse, Tracy Jackson Blake’s Because It Is For You, Sweet Obsession Ja, Tai Tai Ice Cream rolls, Closet Cloud, Select Brands, RSS Natural Delights, Cabana City Reserve and Swypz+ Ja.
Lastly, thanks to ALL of my Selected Suga Artisans! The event couldn’t have been successful without you!
Here are a few of their testimonials!
Looking forward to see what’s in store for 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.
SHE SAID YES! Simo’s Bread and Catering is a Selected Suga Artisan!
See the story on one of Suga’s favourite chefs, Christina Simonitsch out of Montego Bay. See what she is carrying to town with her tomorrow at Suga Lifestyle’s Christmas Connection here!
Buy Local, Buy Jamaican this DECEMBER 15! 🇯🇲
Simo’s Bread and Catering
Instagram: @simosbreadandcatering
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
