Throwback Thursday to Lunch with a View of the Lagoon

20190216_152619
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.

20190227_140059
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.

20190216_152628.jpg

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.

20190219_134631
Suga a.k.a Gabby Burgess (L) and husband, Randy Burgess with Chef Cecile Watt from Kanopi House on Saturday, February 16, 2019.

20190227_140259.jpg

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

20190227_161224

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

How was Street Food Saturdays?

20190225_213410.jpg

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

PhotoGrid_1551129879631.jpg

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.

20190223_153756.jpg
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.

20190225_213715
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.

20190223_152806

20190225_162805
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.

20190225_214100
Jerked Fish with Parmesan Polenta ($2000JMD)

Chef Simone Walker-Barrett’s Special was indeed special. The Jerked Lamb Chops were savoury.

20190225_213045
Jerked Lamb Chops with Parmesan Polenta ($3000JMD)
IMG-20190223-WA0018
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.

Street Food Saturdays

Location: Mount James District; Golden Spring

Ph: 876-414-0016; 876-313-0735; 876-395-3614

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @streetfoodsaturdays

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Another Healthy Lunch Spot in Town!

20190226_041551.jpg

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.

20190226_040850.jpg
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.

20190220_122450_0000

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.

TGIF! Street Food Saturdays is Tomorrow!

20190219_134546.jpg

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.

Garlic Lobster Pasta is back on the menu!

 For more Information:

Call/Whatsapp: 876-414-0016; 876-313-0735; 876-395-3614

Email: [email protected]

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Suga Lifestyle’s Nutrition Session returns next Saturday, March 2!

20190220_122450_0000.png

By popular demand for those who missed out on the 1st staging of Suga Lifestyle’s Nutrition Seminar in January, there will be another one next Saturday, March 2nd at The Liguanea Club, New Kingston from 12:30pm – 2:30pm at a subsidised cost of $2500JMD.

The session will feature detailed Diet Tips, tutoring on how to shop in the supermarket, reading Food Labels, designing Exercise and Meal Plans, Recipes, tips on where to Eat and more!

***Space is limited***

To REGISTER:

Call: 876.422.3769

Email: [email protected]

By: Gabrielle Burgess (Certified Personal Trainer & Sports Nutritionist)

If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Italian Job, the first Stop for Suga’s Weekend in Portland

20190219_150204.jpg

Suga’s Ratings for Italian Job

Date and time of visit: Friday, February 15, 2019 at 8:45pm

No. of diners: 2 adults

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★☆☆

Ambience: ★★★☆☆

Décor: ★★★☆☆

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★★★

Speed: ★★★★☆

Food quality: ★★★★★

Serving amount: ★★★★★

Plating: ★★★★★

Value for $: ★★★★★

Suga’s Breakdown:

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.

20190215_205735.jpg
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.

20190219_143746
Linguini con Aragosta ($3000JMD incl. tx) – Pasta with Lobster, white wine, tomato, parsley and garlic
20190219_120728
Linguini 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!

20190219_121119
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

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Happy Valentine’s Day from Suga Lifestyle!

20190214_051438

Happy Valentine’s Day Suga Bears!

Enjoy the day! If it didn’t start out too well and you have some work to do, there is still time to get unique gifts that your partner or family members will love. If you regret that you didn’t treat yourself, there are a variety of talented, local artisans to choose from that are Suga Endorsed!

Check out Suga’s V-Day Pop Up Shop Artisans and Local Businesses here:

● GW Art – @gwartbygabby; 876-422-3769

20190211_114433_wm
GW Art’s new piece, ‘KISSING inna Tree’ – (8×10)” Acrylic on Canvas

● My Old Man Leathercraft – @myoldmanleathercraft;
876-880-1447

20190204_112610

● Mira Botanicals- @mirabotanicals; 876-509-0063

PhotoGrid_1549364471020
Bath Bombs, Deodorant and Bath Soaps from Mira Botanicals.

● White Orchid Salon and Spa, Jamaica Pegasus – 876-926-3690-1

● Devine Treasures – @devinetreasuresjamaica (Montego Bay)

IMG_20190208_092300_613

● Designs by Phoenix Ja – @designsbyphoenixja; [email protected]

PhotoGrid_1549443613776

● RSS Natural Delites – @rssnatural; 876-486- 7469

● Frame Art Jamaica – @frameartja; 876-929-3058

● Dretals Unique Collection – @drea3278; 8768423417

IMG_20190208_110151_848

● Mount Pleasant Chocolatiers – @mountpleasantchocolatiers; 876-854-5604

● One Love One Heart – @oneloveoneheart9754; 876-884-3756

IMG_20190209_080154_589

If you don’t go that route, food is the way to everyone’s soul 😀

20190214_050404
Suga and husband, Randy Burgess dining at Marguerites by the Sea, Montego Bay, 2015.

Suga Recommends:

***Reservations Recommended***

N.B. Some Restaurants are offering 4-Couse Dinner Packages

Kingston:
• The Regency Restaurant and The Terrace at The Terra Nova All Suite Hotel, Waterloo Rd. ($60USD pp)
• Cellar 8, Manor Park ($6500pp)
• Chive Restaurant, Orchid Village Plaza
• The Blue Window at The Jamaica Pegasus ($5000pp)
• Jamaica Liquor Warehouse, Lindsay Crescent ($4933.50 pp/$9867 per couple incl. G.C.T & Serv. Charge)
• Chillin’ Restaurant, Hope Zoo

Montego Bay:
• Sugar Mill Restaurant, Half Moon
• The Houseboat Grill, Freeport Montego Bay
• Mystic Thai, Fairview Towne Centre ($3500pp)
• Marguerites by The Sea, Gloucester Ave.

Ocho Rios:
• Evita’s Italian Restaurant, Eden Bower Rd.
• Seaside Dutchie, Priory St. Ann
• Angler’s Seafood Restaurant, Windsor Road

Have a great Day! 💖

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Thai Salad from Cafe Dolce!

How is your Healthier and Fitter 2019 going? Have you been having a healthy week?

Here is a tasty, reasonable and healthy lunch option from Cafe Dolce!

20190213_091813
Thai Salad from Cafe Dolce – $900+tx (Tile City, Constant Spring Rd., Kingston)

Cafe Dolce

Location: 114 Constant Spring Road (Inside of Tile City). Kingston 10.

Ph: 876-649-9971

Opening Hours:

Mon-Thurs, 7am-7pm

Fri-Sat, 7am-8pm

Sun, 7am-5pm

Instagram: @cafedolceja

By: Gabrielle Burgess 

If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Shop Nutsies Treats this Saturday at SL’s V-Day Pop Up Shop!

20190206_091330_0001

Suga Lifestyle presents Nutsies Treats!

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!

PhotoGrid_1549462125565.jpg

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.

20190202_123850_0001.png

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

 

NEW Hot Spots in Montego Bay!

20190130_053245

SIMO’S

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!

20190130_061348

20190130_060943.jpg

20190130_061018.jpg

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

20190130_051236.jpg

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!

20190129_161520
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.
20190130_051302
A touch of some of the woodwork designs by tree salvager, Tamara Morin-Harding of Mara Made Designs, which is Brand Jamaican.

20190130_051458

The Restaurant is also now open!

20190130_051146

It’s clear Suga has to make a trip to Montego Bay soon! Stay tuned.

Christina M.B. Simonitsch

Location: Springfarm, Half Moon, Montego Bay

Email: [email protected];

[email protected]

Catering, Cooking Lessons & Staff Training

Instagram: @simosbreadandcatering

20190130_051400

S Hotel Jamaica

Location: 7 Gloucester Ave., Montego Bay, St. James, Jamaica

Ph: 876-979-0000

Website: 

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.