Cheat meal anyone? #tbt to this Cheesy Surf & Turf from Black Orchid Restaurant in Eden Gardens! #SugaEndorsed
Black Orchid Restaurant
Location: Eden Gardens Wellness Resort & Spa @ 39 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston
Ph: 876-946-9977
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Last weekend was filled with sun, sea, food and rum for Suga and husband, Randy in the scenic parish of Portland.
Our first stop last Friday night was The Italian Job owned by Chef Gianmaria Pedroli who calls himself, The Pizza Man.
It’s a quaint restaurant on the side of the road on Harbour street that seemed to attract a lot of Europeans visiting the island. The Pizza Man was hospitable and made us feel quite comfortable. He seemed to have two local Chefs working for him that night, who he checked on from time to time after he took our order.
Randy started things off with a classic Italian Minestrone soup and I had Bruschetta, where the bread was toasted just right. The tomato was fresh complemented well with herbs and a light touch of vinegar.
Bruschetta – Toasted Bread topped with garlic, olive oil, freshly diced tomato, vinegar and herbs
Our mains arrived theatrically with steam still coming off the plates. We thoroughly enjoyed our flavourful pastas, mine a little less loaded with seafood than Randy’s. Lobster was still abundant throughout my dish and the shells served with the dishes weren’t just for presentation, but contained meat as well. The sauce was not heavy, so despite the size of the dishes, we did not feel gluttonous at the end, but fully satisfied with its lightness, freshness, flavour and authenticity.
Linguini con Aragosta ($3000JMD incl. tx) – Pasta with Lobster, white wine, tomato, parsley and garlicLinguini The Italian Job ($3000JMD incl. tx) – Pasta with Lobster, Clams, Shrimps, Mussels, Calamari, freshly diced tomato
Prices were beyond reasonable and Dessert was available too.
The Italian Job is definitely #SugaEndorsed. We returned the next day to pick up our Pizza order!
Stay tuned to see other foodie stops we made for the rest of the weekend!
Chef Gianmaria Pedroli a.k.a The Pizza Man and Randy Burgess after Randy was served his Linguini Italian Job with steam abound.
The Italian Job Pizzeria and Restaurant
Location: 29 Harbour Street. Port Antonio.
Ph: 876-573-8603
Opening Hours: 12pm – 10pm; Closed on Sundays and Mondays
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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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:Â
http://www.shoteljamaica.com
Instagram: @shoteljamaica
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Suga’s Seafood Cheese Tortellini (Cheese filled Pasta with Lobster, Shrimp, Calamari, Mussels, Conch and Octopus tossed in a creamy seafood sauce from Ribbiz Ocean Lounge last Saturday, January 5, 2018.
TGIF to this Seafood Cheese Tortellini! Last Saturday I indulged in a creamy, cheesy Seafood Pasta from Ribbiz Ocean Lounge. The Lobster that topped it all off was a bit cold, but other than that, it was quite scrumptious and enjoyable. I wish I could say the same about the limited parking options and intolerable service. My experience was unreviewable. I will not be returning to that location, but the Seafood Cheese Tortellini is on the menu at Ribbiz Ultra Lounge in Loshusan Centre, Barbican! Go get it there!
Have a great weekend!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Suga’s make-your-own Pizza with Arugula, Pesto sauce, Chicken breast, Mushrooms, a touch of blue cheese and more!
For those who aren’t ready to jump back on the healthy wagon just yet!
Flashback Friday to Suga’s Pizza from Fiorella’s Italian Kitchen by the National Harbor in Washington DC!
Delicious Pizza and tasty cocktails with great service and riverside views. Ideal for a family outing. #SugaEndorsed
Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a. Suga with niece, Ariana Williams at Fiorella’s Italian Kitchen over the holidays.
Fiorella’s Italian Kitchen
Location: 152 National Plaza (National Harbor), Oxon Hill, MD 20745, USA
Ph: 301-839-1811
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Suga looks forward to an even better year of keeping you in the know on Sports, Brand Jamaica, GW Art, Charities, Health and Fitness and Jamaica’s continuously flourishing Culinary Industry with my Restaurant Ratings and Reviews.
Keep working to achieve your dreams!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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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.
The Restaurant to go to for privacy, excellent service and a savoury meal. Their sauces that complement the dishes are divine and serving amounts are beyond satisfactory. #SugaEndorsed
Pasta Carbonara with ShrimpSnapper Fillet served with mashed potatoes.
Black Orchid Restaurant
Location: Eden Gardens Wellness Resort & Spa @ 39 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston
Ph: 876-946-9977
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Jamaicans love a new restaurant that looks modern and is easy to get to and that explains why Chive Restaurant is booked out for Restaurant Week (RW). Chive is in the Savoury Category for $2800JMD, where G.C.T and Beverages are at an additional cost.
They definitely took the huge risk to open and participate in Restaurant Week to make a first impression on the public. But bravo! They did well.
The staff was polite, attentive and quite composed for the occasion.
The menu for Restaurant Week offered a good variety of options including Vegetarian, Seafood, Beef, Chicken and Pork dishes. Food came out in a reasonable amount of time and servings were sufficient. The taste of everything was on point and Chive was definitely value for money. Two thumbs up for Restaurant Week!
Appetizers
Crispy Glazed Pork Belly stuffed in a steamed bao bun with Hoisin sauce, ginger and pickled cucumbers.
Firstly, the RW menu said Pork Buns and not Pork Bun. However, we threw that critique out the window after we indulged in a healthy serving of succulent, well seasoned Pork Belly with a crisp that met you upon each bite.
Plump grape tomatoes, grilled garlic lobster and basil drizzled with a honey balsamic reduction on toasted baguette slices.
For the Grilled Lobster Bruschetta, we were wondering if we would get mostly tomatoes, but that was not the case. The Bruschettas were toasted just right and filled with Grilled Lobster. Delightful. Hopefully they can keep up this standard.
Main
Oxtail Alfredo – Traditional ‘fall off the bone’ Oxtail combined with penne pasta tossed in creamy Alfredo sauce.
I must admit that I was not in the mood to be disappointed with another Oxtail Pasta that didn’t really have Oxtail in it. So when ordering, I requested that I do not get ‘the essence’ of the Oxtail and I get my Pasta loaded with tender Oxtail. I can’t guarantee the same for you, but ask and you shall receive!
The Oxtail was tender, well seasoned and tasty. It was not overpowered by a heavy, creamy alfredo sauce. The taste and consistency of the sauce was just right to complement the Oxtail.
Beef Bourguignon – Tender chunks of Beef simmered in a rich red wine gravy served atop garlic, rosemary mashed potatoes and country roasted vegetables.
The Oxtail Pasta was impressive, but we thought the Beef Bourguignon was the winner of the night. The serving could have been bigger, but the flavour was outstanding. The Beef was well seasoned and enhanced by the red wine gravy that was rich indeed with a citrus flavour. #SugaSnaps.
Dessert
Warm Bread Pudding with Buttery Rum Sauce.
I was told when ordering that there was no Vanilla Bean Ice Cream to accompany the Bread Pudding as stated. This disturbed me since Sovereign supermarket is across the road and so is Devon House Ice Cream.
Nanda Dukharan, one of the owners who checked on our table from time to time to gather feedback and ensure everything was going smoothly, actually makes ice cream. When that was explained to us, I understood that they wished to keep the authenticity of their Ice Cream once they iron out a few kinks. So you cannot expect the Pineapple Ginger Ice Cream with Scotch Bonnet Brittle either, which was also on the menu.
I then thought my serving of Bread Pudding should have been larger to compensate. Thankfully it was warm and savoury.
Decadent Bailey’s Irish Cream Cheesecake.
The Cheesecake was definitely decadent and a great finale for our dinner.
Chive Restaurant still has a full dining and bar menu to finalize post Restaurant Week, so they are definitely on Suga’s radar. For now, Chive Restaurant is #SugaEndorsed.
I hope they keep it up because I am looking forward to a new spot to eat and drink for the holiday season! Aren’t you?
(L-R) Friends and Foodies, Jehan Knight, Randy Burgess and wife, Gabrielle a.k.a Suga feeling quite content after a fulfilling RW dinner at the new Chive Restaurant.
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Many of you may be seasoned Restaurant Week (RW) attendees by now. Since Suga is in the same boat, I have selected restaurants whose menus have stood out and are different from what they usually have for RW. They also have a reputation for good service, good quality food and value for money.
For those who still have a lot to experience with Restaurant Week, take a gamble if you do not see your choice on my list. You never know, you may end up with a winner for dinner.
Let’s get to it!
***The Price of each category includes a choice of appetizer, main course and dessert. Beverages, G.C.T and gratuity additional***
EPICUREAN ($4300JMD***)
Fromage Brasserie in Kingston! Best menu on the Epicurean list.
Fromage Brasserie’s Signature Dish of Lobster, Shrimp & scallop tossed in white wine mornay sauce & stuffed in lobster tails.
DELECTABLE ($3800JMD***)
Nirvanna Indian Restaurant in Kingston! Best Ethnic Restaurant in Kingston. Great choice for an authentic, Indian feast.
Flingback Friday to Suga and husband, Randy Burgess’s dinner at Nirvanna Indian Cuisine
SAVOURY ($2800JMD***)
KINGSTON
• Chive Eatery in Village Plaza, Kingston – New kids on the block with a killer menu of Pork buns, Oxtail Alfredo, their Signature dish of Crispy, glazed Pork Belly stuffed in a steamed bao bun with hoisin sauce, ginger and pickled cucumbers and more! They may be the dark horse of RW!
• Jamaica Liquor Warehouse in Kingston – One of my favourites. I would eat anything on their menu. Great variety, taste, good service and value for money.
• Tamarind Indian Cuisine in Kingston –Never usually disappoints. Savoury, authentic Indian food with good service.
MONTEGO BAY
• Pelican Grill has served well for many years. I would go with them if choosing this category in the second city.
I would also take a gamble with:
• Bubble & Spice, Coral Cliff
• Pier 1
• Uncorked West
OCHO RIOS
• Anglers – A family pleaser with a mouth-watering seafood menu.
Fling Back Friday to my Steamaz from Anglers!
• Evita’s Italian Restaurant – They practically have the same menu each year, but it is so extensive that you can keep trying new savoury dishes in a delightful ambience with good service.
• Seaside Dutchie– Great seafood by the sea with unique presentation. This visit could be a fun family day or evening out. Their seafood is usually served in reasonable time compared to others.
TASTY ($1850JMD***)
• Sharkies Bar Grill & Tours in Runaway Bay– You may run the risk of a long wait, but it’s usually worth it. Great seafood by the sea.
• Smoked Marin Restaurant in Hanover – Delicious food by the sea with big portions. Their Signature Jerked Calamari dish looks interesting.
Smoked Marlin’s Jerked calamari with brown butter remoulade and glazed carrots.
NYAM & SCRAM (30% off/Discounted Lunch Specials)
• Devon House Bakery for sweeting up the palate after a reduced size main.
• Fish Pot for serving up value for money for the people. They have a healthy salmon dish and a creamy coconut lobster pasta!
• Kushites Vegetable Cuisine -Take advantage of their deals! Best vegetarian restaurant in Jamaica.
â— Super’s Spicy Doubles– I’ve never been, but I would take a gamble with those curry dish deals for $600JMD or less.
MORNING BITES (Discounted Breakfast Specials)
Mr. Breakfastlooks like a deal!
Reservations are recommended for all categories except for Nyam and Scram and Morning Bites. I suggest you still call ahead or just before you make your way for the restaurants that aren’t fast food ones in the Nyam and Scram category.
Check out Restaurant Week’s Website,  http://go-jamaica.com/rw/ to see full menus and to find contact information and locations for the Restaurants.
Enjoy!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.