A clip from The Jamaica Observer’s Article, Where are the hospitable staff? Bad customer service in restaurants By Codie-Ann Barrett, Senior business reporter Barrett @jamaicaobserver.com (June 25, 2023)
Click here to read Snr Business Reporter from The Jamaica Observer (Ig: @jamaicaobserver), Codie-Ann Barrett’s interview with Suga, your Restaurant Reviewer for the past decade, on Where are the hospitable staff? Bad Customer Service in Restaurants
How can it get better? What can Restaurateurs do? Can we as diners play a part?
Have a productive week and remember, let’s try to deliver great customer service with whatever we do. Follow @sugalifestyle on Instagram
Countdown to The Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards this Thursday at Devon House!
By: Gabrielle Burgess (CEO, Suga Lifestyle)
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter & TikTok (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
I celebrated my Anniversary on April 30 at Buzo Jamaica Italian Restaurant (Ig: @buzo.jamaica) by Park Close, NHT and it did not disappoint!
Outstanding Décor and ambience, well uniformed and hospitable, courteous Staff, effective use of technology for reservations, a central Location, sufficient Parking, commendable Service, impressive Cocktails, varied Menu Options and most importantly, high quality Food and Dessert.
Suga went for an Italian experience, ordering Portobello Mushroom, Carpaccio di Manzo (beef), Squid ink Tagliatelline, Tagliolini pasta with smoked Salmon, finishing with Torta di Lava Caldo al Ciocilatto (Flourless Chocolate Lava Cake, Vanilla bean Gelato and Raspberry reduction) and Tiramisu’ Gelato.
Watch “Why Buzo Jamaica may be Best New or Ethnic Restaurant this Year” on YouTube here:
I still give Delmare at Half Moon Jamaica the edge. Though both restaurants have a different vibe, I prefer the versatility of outstanding Seafood and Italian dishes by Delmare, knowledge of the wait staff, the ambience of their seaside dining and being able to order and enjoy a classic Tiramisu.
Great experience at Buzo though. I definitely recommend it for special occasions. #SugaEndorsed.
For Best New Restaurant, consistency is key and besides an Easter holiday when short staffed, persons have reported mixed reviews to Suga from 7/10 – to 10/10.
Subpar Ratings tended to be a result of being a bit disappointed after high expectations (though what you order highly contributes to that perception), value for money or comparisons from persons who have actually been to Italy and enjoyed authentic Italian cuisine. Thanks Suga Tasters Taraja Jackson, Kimberly Calder and more!
Buzo Jamaica had the most buzz with the anticipation of its opening, where they actually opened during that period of anticipation. There was also difficulty to make reservations in opening weeks due to full capacity. Whether they delivered after that buzz, may still be debatable by the majority.
We must remember other Ethnic restaurants such as Orchid Thai (Ig: @orchidthaijamaica) that have emerged onto our culinary circuit in the past year, New restaurants, Palate and ROKstone at ROK Hotel Kingston (Ig: @rokhotelkingston) and a few more casual, affordable restaurants.
#SugaSnaps to the continuous rise of our Restaurant scene.
By: Gabrielle Burgess (CEO, Suga Lifestyle)
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter & TikTok (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
We visited 9JaJam African Restaurant (Ig: @9jajam) last Saturday. It is an African Restaurant nestled in the corner of Bhavela Business Park in Ironshore, Montego Bay.
Simple-chic, modern décor and we were greeted by African owners adorned in eye-catching, African printed garments. Of course I enjoyed the background music. Afro beats!
They have a digital menu that is easy to choose from. Ensure they understand that you would like your food plated, even if dining :/ and prepare for a little wait. We didn’t mind since we weren’t starving and we love freshly prepared food.
I enjoyed the African Fried Ricewith theirGrilled Suya Chicken and I also tried the Jollof Spagetti with Grilled Suya Chicken, before I bagged it to-go.
I believe, the tasty flavour of their herbs and a touch of spice that complemented my dishes is their signature.
Hubby, Randy’s dish on the other hand was very spicy yet delicious, Eforiro Soup, with a side of Fufu to cool it down. He was given water to wash his hands before having it too. Nice touch.
Spicy, Tasty, Filling Food! Check out 9JaJam African Restaurant !
By: Gabrielle Burgess (CEO, Suga Lifestyle)
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter & TikTok (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Gabby Burgess of Suga Lifestyle at the Visueats Launch at AC Hotel on Friday, March 3, 2023.
Which Restaurant would you like to see with a proper Digital Picture menu?
I would like to see a few of my faves, Koi Sushi (Ig: @koisushija), Orchid Thai Restaurant (Ig: @orchidthaijamaica) and Nirvanna Global (Ig: @nirvannaglobalja) with one.
Waiting it out a little, but does the new Buzo Jamaica(Ig: @buzo.jamaica) have one?
Visueats is revolutionising the dining experience led by two phenomenal women in tech, Sophronia McKenzie and Tanesha Westcarr.
With Instagram, TikTok and more, we’ve been eating with our eyes. By seeing the dishes before they come out of the kitchen, Visueats allows us to choose what we want to eat without spying on plates passing by. Appetise with your eyes from the Menu first!
You could also get a headstart from home with the Visueats app. I encourage Restaurants to get with it and sign up!
Follow Visueats and check out their Link Tree here:
By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter & TikTok (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Gabby Burgess a.k.a Suga of Suga Lifestyle with the New Elderflower Martini and Melon Surprise from Regency Bar and Lounge, Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel at their New Menu Launch last Tuesday.
A Renewed Regency Bar and Lounge (Ig: @regencybarandlounge)? YES Please! I’d love to see all the ladies return to Regency in 3s and 4s in their LBDs and the Gentlemen dressing their best.
Endless Cocktails have returned Every Friday 5pm – 10pm and the NEW NEW Menu is FIRE.
Check out highlights from Regency Bar and Lounge’s New Menu Launch here:
Crowd fave Cocktails at the New Menu Launch last Tuesday were the Elderflower Martini and Melon Surprise pictured with me on this cover.
If Rum Cream is your thing, feel free to get Drunk In Love, but it’s Bittersweet for Campari lovers. White Rum? Is it a Martini? No, it’s an uncoventional Rum Fire based Classic Daiquiri. That will do it. I liked it! The white rum was not overpowering at all. There are more to come today too!
Oh and fret not, with Endless Cocktails you are encouraged to Drink Responsibly. The New Menu items with tasty Apps and Dinner dishes made with love will soak it all up.
Lobster Bruschettas
Best Broccoli I’ve ever had due to a tasty vinaigrette and a crispy cashew crunch. The Surf & Turf and Chicken Sliders and both the Lobster and Chicken Bruschettas were highlights for me, bringing the right amount of spice. Those slider buns were soft and fresh and the meat was tender and well seasoned. #SugaSnaps
The Shrimp Penne can’t lose with the Pasta lovers and of course, their Signature Lobster Mac-n-Cheese is back to call your name with a little more love. So creamy!
Lobster Mac-n-Cheese
Curry Goat Rice Balls ?! Different, but Delish.and the Chocolate Mousse Cake was definitely worth the calories.
Chocolate Mousse Cake
Go check out Regency Bar and Lounge & have a Great Weekend! Cheers! ***Making a Reservation is advised*** #SugaEndorsed
By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter & TikTok (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Loving this for Jamaica, Our Women & Our Culture. FOLLOW @visueats !
Past Wolmers Girls, Tanesha Westcarr and Sophronia McKenzie left Jamaica and garnered skills in the UK and Florida respectively. Planting a seed from 2019, they are now ready to invest both their skills and talents in Jamaica.
They are revolutionising the dining experience as Women in a male dominated tech industry with Visueats!
With Instagram, TikTok and more, we have been eating with our eyes. I meaaan you’re not always going to luck out to see a plate that passes you for a preview of what to order or what you already ordered. Get started from home with the app or when you reach the Restaurant and appetise with your eyes from the Menu first! Wow. #SugaSnaps
Follow Visueats on Instagram @visueats I’m loving this! Who run the world? Girls Girls. XoXo, Suga
By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter & TikTok (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Remember to Balance out di work & stresses ye You are doing your Best Big up Excellence Oyster Bay in Trelawny, Jamaica (Ig: @excellenceoysterbay).#SugaEndorsed
By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter & TikTok (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Diane and Brandt Williams with Randy and Gabby Burgess dining on the Beach at the Award-Winning Delmare Restaurant at Half Moon Resort, Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Yes you read right. In the beginning of January, I Restaurant hopped from from what I thought was the best, Sugar Mill, to its neighbour, the Award-winning Delmare Seafood Restaurant with Italian influences at Half Moon, Montego Bay overlooking the white sand beach. However, as you can see, you can dine on the Beach too.
A relatively New and Modern Menu influenced by what came in with the tides and what was freshly cut from a farm nearby.
Jamaican Luxury Hotel Dining seen to perfection with knowlegeable staff that had genuine charm and hospitality.
To start, I could not get the Signature Elderflower Spritz, but the Da Luca Prosecco sufficed. They had quite the variety for Wines.
The Polipo (Grilled Octopus Dish) is definitely up there with other fine dishes of Octopus I have enjoyed.
Polipo (Grilled Octopus Dish)
The Gentlemen left nothing untouched with their Mixed Grill of the Chef’s Daily selection of Seafood, the Local Snapper was cooked to perfection complimented by a sauce that was just divine.
Mixed Grill: Chef’s Daily selection of SeafoodLocal Snapper dish
I had half a serving of the Squid Ink Spaghetti, White Wine, Clams, Mussels, Shrimp, Snapper and fresh Tomatoes. I almost regretted opting for the Half serving, but that thought never lingered once my Tiramisu hit the table and I had enough space to finish it all. Every spoonful was Classic and Authentic. Just Wow.
Squid Ink Spaghetti, White Wine, Clams, Mussels, Shrimp, Snapper and fresh TomatoesClassic Tiramisu
Other delightful Desserts enjoyed were a complimentary platter with Macarons, Dark Chocolate, Biscotti & more, a Curated no sugar, no Dairy Dessert, Gelato & Sorbet and a delish, flavourful serving of Moncello & White Chocolate Cheesecake. #SugaSnaps
Complimentary platter with Macarons, Dark Chocolate, Biscotti & moreCurated no sugar, no Dairy DessertGelato & SorbetMoncello & White Chocolate Cheesecake
When you see Art on a Plate, then enjoy it with sweet symphony, that’s Dining perfection.
Remember folks, you do not have to stay at Half Moon to dine at Half Moon. The Delmare Restaurant is open to the public. Go ahead and make your reservation for currently, the Best Dining Experience in Jamaica and if you have one, go with your local ID for the Local discount. #SugaEndorsed
Happy Sunday!
Delmare Restaurant
Location: Half Moon Resort. Rose Hall, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Ph: 876.953.2211
By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter & TikTok (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Diane and Brandt Williams with Randy and Gabby Burgess dining on the Beach at the Award-Winning Delmare Restaurant at Half Moon Resort, Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Yes you read right. In the beginning of January, I Restaurant hopped from from what I thought was the best, Sugar Mill, to its neighbour, the Award-winning Delmare Seafood Restaurant with Italian influences at Half Moon, Montego Bay overlooking the white sand beach. However, as you can see, you can dine on the Beach too.
A relatively New and Modern Menu influenced by what came in with the tides and what was freshly cut from a farm nearby.
Jamaican Luxury Hotel Dining seen to perfection with knowlegeable staff that had genuine charm and hospitality.
To start, I could not get the Signature Elderflower Spritz, but the Da Luca Prosecco sufficed. They had quite the variety for Wines.
The Polipo (Grilled Octopus Dish) is definitely up there with other fine dishes of Octopus I have enjoyed.
Polipo (Grilled Octopus Dish)
The Gentlemen left nothing untouched with their Mixed Grill of the Chef’s Daily selection of Seafood, the Local Snapper was cooked to perfection complimented by a sauce that was just divine.
Mixed Grill: Chef’s Daily selection of SeafoodLocal Snapper dish
I had half a serving of the Squid Ink Spaghetti, White Wine, Clams, Mussels, Shrimp, Snapper and fresh Tomatoes. I almost regretted opting for the Half serving, but that thought never lingered once my Tiramisu hit the table and I had enough space to finish it all. Every spoonful was Classic and Authentic. Just Wow.
Squid Ink Spaghetti, White Wine, Clams, Mussels, Shrimp, Snapper and fresh TomatoesClassic Tiramisu
Other delightful Desserts enjoyed were a complimentary platter with Macarons, Dark Chocolate, Biscotti & more, a Curated no sugar, no Dairy Dessert, Gelato & Sorbet and a delish, flavourful serving of Moncello & White Chocolate Cheesecake. #SugaSnaps
Complimentary platter with Macarons, Dark Chocolate, Biscotti & moreCurated no sugar, no Dairy DessertGelato & SorbetMoncello & White Chocolate Cheesecake
When you see Art on a Plate, then enjoy it with sweet symphony, that’s Dining perfection.
Remember folks, you do not have to stay at Half Moon to dine at Half Moon. The Delmare Restaurant is open to the public. Go ahead and make your reservation for currently, the Best Dining Experience in Jamaica and if you have one, go with your local ID for the Local discount. #SugaEndorsed
Happy Sunday!
Delmare Restaurant
Location: Half Moon Resort. Rose Hall, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Ph: 876.953.2211
By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter & TikTok (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Alexander’s at The Courtleigh Hotel (Ig: @courtleighhotel) is one of The Best spots to dine at for 2023 in Jamaica!
Last December I had the pleasure of being invited to a New Dining Experience at Alexander’s.
It was certainly an unforgettable Experience with fine company.
Executive Chef Fredrick Gayle became a part of the Courtleigh Hotel family just before covid arrived and has been patiently waiting to offer his New Menu to us.
We were introduced to 8 Courses + Dessert and more! These courses were of 1st world calibre, showcasing how we can not only take Jamaican Cuisine to the world, but think outside the box and put our own twist on International cusine paired with Wines from Wine Lady Debra (Ig: @wineladydebra). What a treat! Christmas came early!
Highlights for Suga were the spicy Oxtail Napolean, tender Duck Bruschetta enhanced by tasty tomato-tamarind chutney, the artistic presentation of Organic Salad Greens, a mouthwatering Seafood Lasagne and a vegetarian dish must-try, Baked Vegetable Cannoli!
Oxtail NapoleanBaked Vegetable Cannoli
#SugaSnaps to the fantastic Wine Lady Debra, Nicola Madden Greig for her hospitality, Exec. Chef Fredrick Gayle (Ig: @fredrickgayle) and his team, whom behind stood a lot of women!
Of course, I celebrated that spectacular menu with them again at Alexander’s last Friday night for GNO and I appreciated that the quality was just as high for the standard of service we received and all the courses we enjoyed. Watch out for that Oxtail Napolean though! Chef, a bird requested you put the pepper sauce on the side and not on top.
We also had the Seafood Lasagne, Grilled Chicken Supreme and the healthy Steamed Pak Choy Wrapped Snapper was for meee. The night was young, so we hopped right on over to the Courtleigh Hotel’s Mingles Bar & Lounge that has reopened with great service and comfortable, relaxed Vibes.
#Alexandersrestaurant is #SugaEndorsed.
By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter & TikTok (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
