Trevanne Donegal’s Bon Voyage Lunch Special at Jerkaz did not disappoint last Friday. The food was superb as usual. The stuffed Pasta shells were delish!
Somehow, she always manages to combine unique flavours that complement each other well. Carefully thought out dishes.
Thanks Trev. Good luck on your 1-year journey in London that will make you even more fantastic in the kitchen.
Bon Voyage from Suga!
Goddard Catering Group also known as GCG Events are THE Caterers to watch! Up to last week Thursday, many did not know who or what was Goddard. How did that change? GCG hosted what I considered as a launch titled, ‘Destination: Delicious!’ last Thursday night at the Ruins, Mona that was Simply Outstanding, fully representing their brand.
Fidelity Motors Ltd. is a part of the Goddard Enterprises Group of Companies and GCG often works together with Tai Flora Luxe. So on the outskirts of the event, a car was on display followed by a beautiful table arrangement and lounge area decorated by Tai Flora.
GCG and Tai Flora pair beautifully together, as GCG not only caters for Corporate and Social events but for Weddings as well. They describe themselves as expensive but based on Suga’s experience with them, I absolutely disagree. 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. To add icing to the cake, they are partners with Pop Up Gourmet Jamaica, which means that once you have your Pop Up Gourmet Advantage Card you get a 10% discount. Depending on the size of your event, that could turn out to be up to $30,000 to $50,000 or more off of your bill! My Gosh, where have they been all along? They have been around for many years Suga Bears. After successfully catering for the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2007, they saw the need to raise the bar on catering services throughout the region, leading to the birth of GCG Events in 2008, an affiliated company of Goddard Catering Group and a member of the Goddard Enterprises Group of Companies. Some persons who know of them may also familiarise them with the airport or airport/airplane food. But when you taste their food, you would have no idea. They are thus familiar with the importance of punctuality as well.
They do a lot of Overseas Weddings and Funerals. Funerals?! Yes, because when persons land at the airport where their office is located, all they have to do is ask for GCG to take care of everything for them and work with their budget stating how much a head they can afford. The headache they thought they would have is usually gone once it reaches into GCG’s hands as they seem to be an excellent team. 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.
To the general public, GCG probably started to visually creep into the Events market since the 1st Epicurean Escape in 2012 held at Grizzly’s Plantation Cove, close to Ocho Rios, Discovery Bay and Runaway Bay. The Festival featured some of Jamaica’s finest including Chef Ravi Anne, Chef Dennis McIntosh, Chef Theo Smith, Chef Christopher Evans, many others and most importantly, GCG’s current head Chef, Daniel Schwietzer. Since then they have been taking their time filtering into the Events market even more.
Executive Chef Daniel Schwietzer is Swiss and discovered his love for cooking from his Uncle who had a restaurant in Geneva, Switzerland. He knew very quickly from then that he wanted to be a Chef. He traveled across Switzerland where he learnt French and Italian cuisines, Los Angeles, California and then finally to Jamaica 25 years ago! He has served in the capacity of Executive Chef at Morgan’s Harbor Hotel, Temple Hall Estate, Plantation Inn and for the past 19 years, Goddard Catering Group Jamaica Ltd.
So what did Chef Schwietzer and the other Chefs as well as Bartenders have to offer at Destination: Delicious held last Thursday? It was quite a spread. Suga arrived at about 7:45pm. The event was slated to be from 6:30pm to 10pm so I arrived when things were about to be in full swing. Invited Guests were greeted with Sangria and I was just in time to hear Chef Schwietzer be introduced and have him take us through all the stations where he was sure to display his passion of fusing Caribbean and European cuisines.
The Cocktail station had Roasted Tuna with balsamic glaze drizzled over micro greens, Bruschetta with jerked cream cheese, escellion and wine, Rice noodles with Salmon, usually paired well with white wine and Ceviche drizzled with lime juice and some country pepper. The Ceviche and Tuna Appetizers impressed Suga.
The Soup station had Red peas, Manish water and Pumpkin soup with Spicy Banana Bread croutons that enhanced the flavour. All were tasty, but the Manish water was the hit for the night.
There was a Salad station to top off wetting the appetite. I loved the general use of fresh micro greens as I am in total support of the local farm to table concept.
Then for the meat lovers, the Beef and Pork station were kicking where the mango salsa complemented the Beef Tenderloin well and the coffee rubbed and chocolate infused methods were a delightful enhancement in flavour.
The Flat Bread station had THE most toppings including pesto, smoked marlin, fresh mozzarella and mushrooms, basil, micro greens, you name it!
There was a live cooking, Pasta station with Seafood pasta and a Dessert station where for Suga, the highlight was the Apple crumble. It was delicious.
Wines, Cocktails and Premium Spirits galore were offered.
The most outstanding for Suga was the tender, fresh, succulent cut of Beef! Perfection.
The Chefs were personable and pleasant, especially the men who had a charming flair to their service. Well done Goddard. Well done.
Executive Chef Daniel Schwietzer and Gabrielle Williams from Suga Lifestyle
I thoroughly enjoyed the night and expected nothing less. It was evident that persons were pleasantly surprised, impressed and pleased with the high standard and quality of service, food and drinks that GCG presented. A lot of power players in the Events industry were present and I am sure they will be key to future events and persons that GCG will cater to.
There is currently a breakdown across the service industry, Wedding vendors in particular, with regards to efficient communication such as getting quotes to customers in a timely fashion, following up with customers etc., but GCG is coming full force now and they will be at Dîner en Blanc this Saturday and other events to come. You won’t have to look out for them too hard because they will be Simply Outstanding!
GCG Events
Norman Manley Int’l Airport
Kingston, Jamaica
Ph: (876) 924-8364
www.gcg-events.com
You’ve seen it in the movies but now it’s here in Jamaica, popping up more and more at different locations – Food Trucks!
Three weeks ago, Thursday Life in the Jamaica Observer checked in with some local chefs and caterers and compiled their thoughts for ‘Culinary trends for 2016’. Quite a lovely piece. If you missed it, check it out on www.jamaicaobserver.com.
Pink Apron Jamaica’s caterer, Charissa Henry’s thoughts about Mobile cuisine peaked my interest, as I thought that it’s about time! There has been an influx of mobile eateries or trucks but from what I have seen, mainly junk food and hardly anything gourmet.
Social media plays a big part in the success of these mobile eateries in Jamaica and it was tested and proven last week. I follow Pink Apron Jamaica on Instagram (@pinkapronja) and was excited to see that they were doing a pop-up shop with the increasingly popular, House of Loaves Mobile Truck on Garelli Avenue (beside NCB’s Atrium), quite a central location.
What was on the Menu for the advertised Tex Mex Taco Truck?
Suga’s Experience?
I love the concept and enjoyed my lunch. Change and Craving were satisfied at once. Packaging was neat, the truck looked clean and staff were pleasant. Good service.
The truck was open from 11:30am-3pm. My lunch was at 1:30pm, so I got there just in time at about 12 minutes to 2pm. There were persons already in line but not a lot. Upon joining the line you receive a ticket number, a pink ticket of course. I made my order when my number was called and within literally 2 minutes I received my Grilled Chicken Bowl. Persons behind me were not so lucky though. The Chicken was almost finished when I got mine and I heard the Pork Belly finished as well. Just Sausages and Elote were left close to 3pm.
However, I saw that they noted the time when items were running low and would more than likely make the necessary adjustments for the next pop-up shop.
I overheard someone saying that they would like to call in their order but I think if that was put in place, it would stray from the concept. Other than that, feedback was good in the streets. The masses enjoyed the Pork Belly and the different cheeses and spiced used for the Corn cob (Elote).
My Grilled Chicken Bowl was filling. The chicken was bland but there were a lot more flavours in the bowl to make up for that, for instance, I am a cilantro, lime and rice combo fan so I enjoyed that along with the added tomato salsa flavour.
Affordable drinks were also on sale, from about $75JMD and up.
Follow @pinkapronja on Instagram to find out when and where their next pop up lunch will be with @houseofloaves that caters to your cravings. I can’t wait!
Need a reminder of what and where exactly is Stush in the Bush? Check out Suga’s Review on them a bit over a year ago by clicking on the link below:-
Now that you are either up to speed, you are already aware of the hidden culinary experience or you are just so curious that you want to read on, I will keep you in suspense no further.
Last Saturday I visited Stush in the Bush’s second Moonlight event with friends. The event costed $80USD with limited spaces. As soon as all spaces were filled, a notification was sent out. Before the event, we were updated and teased with emails of the menu, what to wear aka ‘Bush Glam’, a little of what to expect etc., just enough to let you remember the event, be well prepared and to remain enthusiastic about it. The directions given were also detailed to the key so you would not get lost.
There was a threat of rains from Hurricane Erika, so on the day we were told to wait it out a little until given more information. The event was to start at 3pm. We got the clear with pictures of bright sunshine a little after 1pm. So my friends and I decided to get ourselves together to make our way out. We got there at 4pm. Only ‘4-wheel drives’ could go directly downhill to the farm, otherwise you would have to park at the top and walk down because it was quite steep and rough. Hence the ‘Bush Glam’ dress code to wear boots, closed foot shoes etc.
Upon entry we saw a few people gathered, already nibbling on appetizers. I had no doubt food would be circulated already. Mrs. Lisa Binns is always prepared, on time and seems to be quite a perfectionist. My friends and I were greeted by both Lisa and her husband, Chris on our way in, genuinely warm and pleasant as usual. There was also a welcome sign with our names along with other guests, which I found to be quite creative and hospitable of them.
Now to the food! Let me start out by saying that I found everything delicious throughout the evening except for the Potato and Leek soup that was just ‘ok’ and the Robalo (fish) for the main course, which was overcooked. But they had so much going on, food everywhere you turned, as soon as you stopped eating, something else was brought out for you to experience, so those two, yes, literally two items that were not made to perfection, seemed oh so negligible.
The ‘First Bites’ were as follows:
The Rosemary Beer Bread really had the taste of Red Stripe beer and you could taste the rum in the Rum Guava sauce for the Yam and Pineapple Croquettes! Awesome. We also had access to freshly chopped Coconuts. The Fiyah Grilled Pizza that stood out for me was the Pesto pizza. Delish!
As the majority of guests arrived to the lovely venue with a spectacular view, we were given an official welcome by Lisa followed by Chris. She gave many thanks to her guests for coming, especially returnees and important guests to her such as Anna-Kay Tomlinson aka Miss T from Miss T’s Kitchen, who continuously encouraged Lisa from the very beginning and Chef Conroy Arnold from Hermosa Cove who also loves to use their products, especially their fresh, local greens from the farm. Their farm, called Zionites farm, had a nice ambience and was quite cool.
We were also reminded that the first ingredient of their products are Love and Affection, sometimes hard to come by, said Chris. However, their love story is quite sweet and it is obvious they continue to care, love and support each other throughout their lives, especially at the toughest times such as the passing of their mothers. Imagine, when Chris met Lisa, her mother died 5 days after. He could either step up or run. He said he did a bit of both but he made sure he found himself on that plane to Barbados to meet the family and go to the funeral. Quite a task. But he made it happen.
They thanked The Jamaica Observer, who of course has been there from the very start and other persons who helped with the event to make it even more dynamic such as Select Brands, Grace Kennedy for the Harbour wines and spirits, Gina May Mair from Fresh Monger JA (known for wild caught, premium seafood) for the Ceviche and fresh, local fish and Sasha Palmer, CEO of Liqy Liqy who provided popsicles for part of dessert. It was nice to see the support given on both sides for Moonlight and each other’s products, even leading up to the event.
What was even nicer to know, when they thanked their staff, we learnt it comprised of people they trained from within their community. Lisa mentioned she would also like to start a Young Women’s group for young ladies leaving school with no jobs and young mothers, creating even more opportunities for persons in the community. A nursery on property for their young ones to be monitored and in a safe place while they work is in the plans too. Also, cooking classes for them and us folks, that has already been a frequent request.
That was an inspiring mouthful that had everyone’s close attention, as Lisa is always so eloquent and Chris adds his quiet touch of humour. We moved on to have fun at the Selfie station where an actual selfie stick was provided. Ha! Finally learnt how to use one. We then gathered by a huge fig tree and joined hands, a place of meditation for Chris.
For the main course, we walked down the love path made by arched plants and trees and sat on benches by tables that held at least 10 people. So it was a homey atmosphere that facilitated socializing and even a little networking.
The main course aka ‘Stush dining’ was as follows, paired with red and white Harbour wines & spirits accordingly:-
The Mango & Lime Ceviche shooter and Zionites Farm signature salad including Arugula, Microgreens, Jackfruit, Watermelon and Tomatoes along with a choice of Mango lime & ginger vinaigrette was fantastic. Their Blow Fyah sauce in small doses of course, went well with the Robalo and grilled veggies.
We had the pleasure of sitting with Ms. Sasha Palmer, founder and CEO of Liqy Liqy based in Manchester, who also won the Business Journalists’ award at Jamaica Observer’s Mogul in the Making Ceremony this year. She had such a lovely personality. Certainly a pleasure conversing with her. She is quite passionate about what she does even though it is her side business.
She also offers opportunities to persons within her community in Mandeville by employing single mothers to make the popsicles and run the Liqy Liqy carts at events.
She was excited to share that they cater popsicle treats in all sizes, shapes and forms for Bachelorette parties and other events. Wink wink. From what I remember that night, she had the flavours of Mango, Lemon and Basil, Tamarind and Coconut. The Vanilla flavour made its debut and it was delicious like Devon House Ice Cream, BUT all the popsicles are 100% organic and low in calories. For the others that I had, the Lemon and Basil popsicles were refreshing and good palette cleansers and the Coconut was tasty as well.
Liqy Liqy’s gourmet popsicles should be on the shelves soon, if they aren’t already, at supermarkets such as Loshusan, John R Wong and all the Sugar & Spice locations. Look out for their Sorbets coming soon too. Follow them @LiqyLiqy on Instagram and Facebook.ÂÂ
The bonfire had begun and we made our way back up to where we gathered at the beginning to be greeted by Ginger cookies topped with Lemon Curd.
For those watching their weight, the whole day was practically guilt free until I was presented with extremely salivating Dessert pizza with Banana, Chocolate, Peanut butter and more. Even though it was practically all Vegan, it was the winning dessert for me! Another Dessert pizza with Jackfruit also came out and that grill kept firing up more. I thought all of that created fireworks in my stomach, only to hear real fireworks behind me. What a pleasant surprise! They definitely went all out.
Only one person in the crew checked the time so we wouldn’t get carried away into the night there. Wine was still flowing, sauces and spreads were on sale and it seemed like we missed the after party on the dance floor. It was just after 8pm, the time at which Moonlight was scheduled to be finished. So definitely not a typical Jamaican event, as it had an on-time start and finish. We appreciated that they were considerate of our time, allowing us to get back into town at a reasonable hour.
Wow, what a delightful evening that left everyone impressed and fully satisfied. A refreshing experience that freed the mind, both an inner and outer body experience in a sophisticated-rustic atmosphere. They prepared and catered to the vegans, vegetarians, those who couldn’t eat pineapples, all with allergies, those who had to eat gluten-free, you name it. Well done Chris, Lisa and all the others that came together to make it happen.
So what else is on the horizon for Stush in the Bush? A possible Bed and Breakfast, a Yoga platform around the huge fig tree, where a bonfire was lit for the night and an outpost on another Caribbean island.
Suga cannot wait to return with even more friends and family!
Suga visited Toscanini in Tower Isle, St. Mary last week Saturday as part of her 30th Birthday festivities. Toscanini may not be obvious to find on the road at night, however it is at Harmony Hall. Toscanini is THE best, authentic Italian restaurant on the island. It has had famous visitors such as the Rolling Stones, Past American President Bill Clinton and more.
The staff is pleasant and the service is excellent and on point. How so? The wait staff is quite knowledgeable of the menu that is written in mostly Italian and are aware of possible substitutions that can be made based on what may or may not be available in the kitchen. They have the ability to make suitable suggestions and remain calm and courteous while doing so. They are quite attentive as well. A glass of water never goes empty.
Suga and her beau started with a tasty Marinated Marlin and flaming, hot Escargois a la Bourguignon. The Marinated Marlin was accompanied by a fresh garden salad. Toscanini sources most of their greens from their very own garden, get fresh fish from the fishermen on the beach across the road and fresh meats from the local butcher.
Rabbit Ragu and Coniglio Alla Lino (Rabbit with steamed vegetables and roasted potatoes) followed for the main course, which were delicious and so filling, they left no room for dessert. However, this was not Suga’s first visit so, the Chocolate Profiteroles is fully endorsed for dessert.
Owner and Chef, Pierluigi Ricci came out and greeted all guests and asked how we found the food. No complaints here, that’s for sure.
There is also a well stocked bar to order drinks from. Prices range from affordable to expensive, depending on whether you are ordering Chicken or Duck of course. Everything on the menu is good though and worth every dollar. Ambience is great, whether day or night with picturesque gardens and the sea nearby. Parking is adequate and if you want to ‘shampoo’ and hit the streets or go for a road trip for lunch or dinner, Toscanini is the place. However, always call before and make reservations or let them know you are on your way.
For your photo ops, do not hesitate to ask for Omar 😉
Ph: (876) 975-4785
Opening hours: 12:00pm – 2:00pm; 6:30pm – 10:00pm
Trevanne Donegal for The Layer Cake was a Table Talk Jamaica Observer Food Awards 2014 Nominee for Outstanding Baker. She may not have copped the award this year but she is definitely one to watch. I believe at the rate she is going she may even be nominated for Caterer of the Year in due time.
The quality of the food she produces and the high level of service and standards she upholds are a delight to see and experience. Perhaps this was influenced by the fact that she actually started her career front of house then pursued Culinary studies and found her way into the kitchen with no turning back. Her family is setting up a Restaurant on Old Hope Road and that is also something to look out for.
She does a layered Carrot Cake that is out of this world and all of the lunches I have ordered from her have been spot on in terms of the flavours she is able to bring out in her food with a lovely presentation. She has the ability to combine cheeses in various combinations in true gourmet fashion.
Some items that she caters for lunch are Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches, Burritos, Fajitas, Paninis, Cinnamon Cake, Mexican Blackened Snapper, Soups and ofcourse her signature deluxe Carrot Cake stacked with decadent New York style Cheesecake topped with a white chocolate vanilla whipped cream.
Are you hungry?! You can email [email protected] for more information.