The website, Suga Lifestyle was launched in November 2013 by Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga.
Since then, I have been bringing you up to date, exciting reviews of culinary hot spots and hidden gems across the island and even a few international ones too.
I was given the honour and pleasure of being a Food Judge for The Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards in 2014 and served as a Jamaica Gleaner Restaurant Week Ambassador by the public’s vote in 2015.
Suga Lifestyle has been known to keep it real, giving honest, yet balanced reviews, taking you through each review line by line, almost letting you feel as if you were there.
Suga Lifestyle has grown a lot since 2013, where it has maintained its goal of intending to inspire, educate and entertain via various types of posts categorized by; GW Art,
Restaurant Reviews and Ratings, Brand Jamaica, Charities, Health and Fitness, Sports and more. The blog, currently has a reach of over 1,500 followers and grows daily.
To further expand Suga Lifestyle’s reach, I have selected Suga Tasters!
Suga Tasters are Objective, Observant, Adventurous travelers and foodies that support Brand Jamaica. They enjoy taking photos and keeping up to date and in touch with the Culinary industry, the Chefs, Bakers and Caterers that keep it alive and thriving, and of course, hot spots and hidden gems in Jamaica, Florida and Washington DC.Â
Suga Bears, Suga Babies and Suga Daddies, I present to you, Suga Lifestyle’s Suga Tasters!
As time goes by, you will hear more from them. But first up, is
Craig Fleming!
Suga Taster, Craig Fleming
Craig is a Logistics Specialist, but also a Private Chef. His favourite dishes are Smoked Salmon and Petrossian Beluga Caviar Pizza from Spago in Beverly Hills (USA), Escargots from the Terra Nova Hotel and Pho!
Craig’s favourite places to eat casually out of town are Stush in the Bush, Mystic Thai, Woody’s Portland and Jack Sprat, Treasure Beach.
Craig is even more straighforward than Suga, has Cosmopolitan culinary expertise from travelling, culinary school and various events.
Look out for Suga Taster, Craig Fleming’s Review tomorrow!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Curried Chickpeas with boiled sweet potato, pumpkin, corn and a vegetable salad ($600JMD)
TGIF to this tasty, healthy lunch from Ruby Porter of Healthy Bites! It is perfect for those on a diet for the Summer Body or to detox before the weekend binge.
Healthy Bites is located at a house in Trafalgar Park, close to NCB Atrium where you can pick up your Lunch.
Healthy Bites
Location: 3 Circle Close (Trafalgar Park, close to NCB Atrium)
Ph: 876-296-4119 (Ruby Porter)
Have a great weekend!
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.
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.
Yesterday, PRESS invited their valued customers to taste the best of what they had to offer from their NEW Menu options for FREE, give feedback and celebrate their 1 year Anniversary.
PRESS’s Tasting Menu yesterday at Shop 21, Ardenne Emirates.
All options from the tasting are now available on their Menu!
PRESS’s Mango Sorbet! #nofilter
Favourites for Suga were the Lychee Cake, which had a light, fluffy texture that melted in my mouth, the tasty Mango Sorbet and the Vanilla Chai Frappe (not listed).
PRESS’s Lychee Cake samples
The Crostini stood out for me too. They had quite a variety. I had the pleasure of tasting the Pizza, Ham, Avocado Chickpea and Italian Crostini.Â
Crostini offered by PRESS
The Summer Passion Iced Tea was pleasantly refreshing and the Coconut Bread Pudding, Chocolate Brownie and Pecan Squares were sweet treats. I heard the Go Green Protein Punch was delightful as well.
Sweet treats offered by PRESS
PRESS also has Fat-Free Frozen Yogurt that they have been offering from about February this year. Yesterday, the Strawberry Frozen Yogurt was too sweet, but I enjoyed the Coconut Frozen Yogurt.
PRESS’s Shanalee about to serve Coconut Frozen Yogurt.
PRESS has convenient hours for you to grab a quick bite, while you take care of business before the work day actually begins, during or after.
Happy Anniversary PRESS and Congratulations on a successful first year! Looking forward to all that you have to offer for more years to come.
If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Throwback Tuesday to these scrumptious Chicken and Waffles from Uncorked! Crispy and Golden brown on top and tender on the inside👌 Enjoyed my Sunday Brunch with Mimosas a few Sundays ago. They have a range of delish options. Check them out! #SugaEndorsed
Uncorked!
Location: Sovereign North @Â 29 Barbican Rd, Kingston.
Ph: 876-632-5500
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Blog, 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.
The Restaurant accommodated indoor and outdoor dining with city views and quite an inviting bar lined off with high chairs for socializing. The only thing missing for me was a TV, but I suppose they didn’t want to interfere with the intimacy and ambience of the dining area. Perhaps it could still be considered for daytime viewing and special events. I would like to return and enjoy some of the items from their affordable Bar Snacks Menu to accompany my Cocktails. Our Whiskey Sours were on point. I’m not sure if it is in the plans, but they should offer a Wine List too.
The staff were courteous and our waiter, Malcolm provided smooth service. The Soup of the Day, a Seafood soup ($550JMD – cup) started off dinner, followed by exquisite, pricey entrees. My husband, Randy’s Beef Tenderloin was done to order, medium rare with a tasty coffee and cocoa crusted char on top. My Bouillabaisse was absolutely delightful.
Red Thai Curry Bouillabaisse ($4900JMD) – Fish Filet, Salmon, Shrimp, Calamari, Jasmin Rice
The Dessert was disappointing, but didn’t ruin the experience because we were still so captivated by our entrees. The Bread Pudding arrived a little hardened on the surface and was too hot from probably being reheated for too long. I like my Bread Pudding warm and freshly baked with a crumble on top. However, it’s early days with room for improvement and hopefully more decadent Dessert options will be offered as well.
White Chocolate Guava Bread Pudding ($900JMD)
We were introduced to Chef Karey at the end of the night, who greeted us warmly. I was happy I took the chance since they just reopened, to ring in my birthday with exquisite dining. Suga will return.
Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga at the entrance of Redbones Blues Cafe at the R Hotel Kingston.
Redbones Blues Cafe at the R Hotel Kingston
Location: 2 Renfrew Rd. KingstonÂ
Ph: 876-968-6222; 876-292-1162
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Throwback Tuesday to Shrimp and Grits from Mahony’s Po-Boys & Seafood in New Orleans!
Mahony’s Po-Boys & Seafood
Location:Â 3454 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115, USA
Ph: 504-899-3374
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Blog, 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.
