PhotoGrid_1430101625017

Hungry Eyes by Natalia Welsh!

PhotoGrid_1430101625017

Last Tuesday I tried Vegetarian from another account I have been following on Instagram, Hungry Eyes. Hungry Eyes has been open since last November and has been featured on Smile Jamaica before, so has had a little exposure. I was told on the phone by owner and chef, Natalia Welsh that they are located in Papine and do deliveries between 12:30 and 1:30pm. I ordered a Salad bowl that came with a Sweet potato soup, costing $800JMD for 12:30pm delivery ($300JMD delivery charge). The other option for the day was Tomato Black Bean Curry and Potato Hash.

The Salad bowl was advertised as having a smoky BBQ 3-Bean salad, Garlic kale, Potato salad, Couscous and Corn salsa. A fusion of Jamaican and Mexican style lunch! Wow, who would not want to order that? However, being a meat lover with a high metabolism, I still took precaution when ordering and was assured it would be filling, more so with the soup.

Delivery was early, packaging was air-tight and quite presentable. Upon opening, I was instantly impressed by the presentation, mainly the use of colour. Especially since it is hard to make food look good in a lunch box.

The Corn salsa was spicy and to a lesser extent, so was the BBQ 3-Bean salsa that had a sauce with a lovely flavour. The Potato Salad and Couscous were tasty neutralizers to quell all that spiciness. A sweet vinaigrette was also provided.

Greens like Kale and Arugula have a naturally, slight peppery taste so one has to be careful with combinations chosen for them in salads. My only complaint was about the Garlic kale. The taste of Garlic on it was too strong for me and lingered in my mouth allllll day, after brushing my teeth, chewing gum, you name it. No bueno. That didn’t matter much though, because all other flavours as described were on point and the lunch was able to carry me through the rest of the day. It was filling as promised. The soup?! The soup was small but sufficient. It had a thick consistency similar to a cornmeal porridge and it was delicious. All natural, fresh, healthy goodness to tighten your pants. So even if you are not a vegetarian, Suga fully endorses Hungry Eyes!

I was so impressed, I had to have a little talk with Natalia and got to learn more about her and Hungry Eyes. Quite a smart and eloquent young lady who has been a Vegetarian since 2007.

The name, ‘Hungry eyes’ came naturally to her as a result of being guided by colour when choosing ingredients of nutritional value, also as a way of displaying her creativity and artistic side. Thus arriving at the conclusion that eyes see and in turn get hungry, ‘eyes see eat too’ -> Hungry eyes!

Natalia did not study in the field of the Culinary Arts in school. She has a BA in International Relations and Spain from ?Mount Holyoke College. She in fact spent half a year in Spain. It was the experience of tasting cuisines from Spain and other countries in Europe that ignited her interest in the Culinary industry. As she travelled across different countries, she developed a desire and passion to recreate the variety of flavours tasted.

Natalia is also about to embark on a Nutrition Course soon. Where and for how long? In order to?The course runs for 3 months here in Kingston through the Jamaica Island Nutrition Network. She is pursuing the course because she believes that what and how we eat affect our well-being and in turn eating healthy daily helps us to maintain good health. She also says it will keep us connected to earth by knowing where and how our food is grown and what types of food our body naturally favours depending on the country we are in. She will soon be equipped and confident in guiding others toward a life of health and longevity through food!

So what’s in store for Hungry Eyes? Natalia is committed to being patient with the evolution of what has begun, but would love to grow a sustainable business in Human and Capital potential, including its environmental impact. So one goal is to have a Catering Institute where young people, especially in under-served communities, can gain exposure to skills and knowledge they can use primarily to improve their well-being. Natalia feels being able to share what she is learning about food and about operating a business on a broader scale, is her investment in helping to break a cycle of poverty. She also wants Hungry Eyes to participate in food/culture/music festivals to bring a Caribbean fusion of flavours to people who are curious but haven’t been able to travel to or around the region.

It was refreshing to talk to Natalia and you could hear how passionate she is about what she does. Hungry Eyes caters for events as well. They deliver lunch on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, encouraging pre-orders.

Follow their Instagram page, Hungry Eyes ‘EYESEATTOO’ and check their website, eyeseattoo.wordpress.com. Persons can sign up to get weekly menus from eyeseattoo@gmail.com. Order the night before or by 9am on the morning of. They have many other items on their menu to tease your eyes with hunger.

Tel. No.: 876.325.8509

PhotoGrid_1429306696754

Jamaican Food at Michael’s Restaurant & Coffee Shop

PhotoGrid_1429306696754

Not many persons may know about this tiny restaurant hidden behind the gas station at Mary Brown’s corner on Constant Spring Road, but they certainly have an active Instagram page that I have been following for a little while. I finally got to check it out on my day off last Friday to see how they handled their usual work day flow. I reached a little bit later than I wished, about 2:15pm. It was easy to find because everyone knows that gas station and you cannot miss the sign. Parking is limited but if there is difficulty with access, there is more than enough space to park by the gas station and walk around. I didn’t need to do that though because a spot was available, much to the unnecessary annoyance of a ‘parking assistant’ that was either confused about his nationality or deported from the UK. Why can’t Jamaicans just go to and fro in peace?

Anyhow, I was impressed to walk in and see a fairly full restaurant with adequate, comfortable seating. The logistics for such a small area were on point. A plasma television and music were there for entertainment. There was nobody present to take an order, but a patron quickly pointed out that I should ring the bell and out came someone immediately. Prices were not cheap, but they were not expensive either. I ordered the $580JMD (two piece) Jerked chicken that came with rice and peas and vegetables. There was a $700JMD and odd option too. I also added their fried dumpling that was advertised as one of the best Johnny cakes in town.

I took a seat by the cafe area and my food was out in two minutes. The verdict? Quality rice and peas. No ‘clumpy clumpy’ or uncooked grains like other lunch establishments. A good fried dumpling, not the best. I am still waiting on a Johnny Cake experience like back in the day from a fish shop in Manor Park. A big fat juicy one bigger than a tennis ball in a brown paper bag. Perhaps J & R Grocery & Snacks ‘aka’ ‘The Dumpling Shop’ on 44E Waltham Park Road, nominated and featured at last year’s Table Talk Jamaica Observer Food Awards has come the closest.

Why do they call it a Johnny cake anyway? Of course with Jamaicans the name has probably been altered over the years by Chinese telephone. They were actually called Journey cakes because slaves used to carry them on long trips in saddle bags and baked them along the way.

Back to the meal. The Jerked chicken and sauce were tasty and a bit spicy but not too spicy. Very filling serving as well. When I almost finished, I spotted a server slicing what looked like bread pudding from a far, my weakness. I asked her if that was what it was, she confirmed and I instantly had a slice of yummy bread pudding that they bake fresh. Although other items in their cafe such as the cookies and cakes are brought in, they sometimes do their own banana pudding and chocolate cake, along with the bread pudding.

The server asked if it was my first time visiting and asked me my name. Surely a homey, feeling. They serve Continental breakfast and other items on their menu include BBQ chicken, Oxtail, Fried Chicken, Cow foot, Stew peas and more.

Suga Lifestyle definitely endorses Michael’s Restaurant and Coffee Shop as a decent spot to enjoy some good Jamaican food. Follow their Instagram page, michaelsrestaurantja for specials and daily menus as well as their Facebook page, Michael’s Restaurant and Coffee Shop.

Michael’s does catering and delivering as well. Their delivery charge is $300JMD as long as you are not too far, for instance, Spanish Town.

Michael’s Restaurant & Coffee Shop

Address: 141B Constant Spring Road (Mary Brown’s Corner)

Ph.: 876.969.2403; 876.969.7707

Opening hours: Monday – Friday, 7am-7pm, Saturday, 9am-7pm and Sunday, 9am-4pm.

Photos by Garfield Robinson, The Jamaica Observer

Watch the Video of how The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel Pleased the Palate of Barack Obama

Photos by Garfield Robinson, The Jamaica Observer
Photos by Garfield Robinson, The Jamaica Observer

See the exclusive video by The Jamaica Observer here on what President Barack Obama ate at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. Word is he cleaned his plate and some of the must eats got crossed off of Suga’s recommended list such as Ackee and Saltfish and Red Stripe beer!

Click on link below:

https://youtu.be/1xHsIN3blPo

PhotoGrid_1428422272437

Chicken Scampi and Louisiana Chicken pastas from The Cheesecake Factory!

PhotoGrid_1428422272437

Spectacular service and food as usual from The Cheesecake Factory. Suga visited the location by North Point Mall, Alpharetta, Georgia last Friday night. Had to take home the mouth-watering Red Velvet Cheesecake and Lemon Meringue Cheesecake after their expected large servings of dinner. I wish Jamaica would take a page out of their book on how to efficiently run a restaurant on a busy night. They are busy all the time and still, no wait to be seated at the North Point Mall location and quick service by pleasant waitresses.

Two thumbs up for the Chicken Scampi. Great flavour. Only complaint was the chicken cuts could have been smaller. The Louisiana Chicken with bow tie pasta only gets one thumb up. Nothing special about the taste or flavour of the chicken and sauce.

Great job though Cheesecake Factory. Always a pleasure, especially after some retail therapy. Next ATL visit stop -> The Cheesecake Bistro 🙂

PhotoGrid_1428421781690

Pizza Pizza! Varasano’s Pizzeria in Atlanta

  • PhotoGrid_1428421781690

Varasano’s Pizzeria has a range of items on their menu including Salads, Pastas, Chicken dishes, Desserts and a selection of Wines, but their specialty of course, is Pizza made from scratch.

The experience was average for me, probably because I expected more based on their reputation. For Gourmet pizza, prices were reasonable (Pizzas ranged from $13.50US to $18.95US + toppings of $1.50US to $4.00US). Their service however was excellent and I probably remember the waiter more than the pizza. He reminded me of the actor, Owen Wilson from Wedding Crashers. Hilarious.

Their 2 meatballs for $5.00US were alright. But onto the pizza. I had the traditional House Special, Nana’s pizza with mozzarella and San Marzano tomato sauce with a secret blend of herbs and their ‘best’ topping, Capicola. What is Capicola? The menu needed a bit more English with so many choices. Capicola is a traditional Italian pork cold cut. The pizza was tasty, but it needed more herbs and I did not think their Capicola was the best topping as stated on the menu. It was too salty. The Chica Bella Specialty pizza was delicious. It had ricotta and mozzarella finished with arugula, a pinch of lemon and my choice of topping, Chicken Sausage with Fennel. The ricotta-arugula-lemon combo really brought out a savoury taste, making it the big winner for the evening.

Varasano’s pizzas have a thin crust so one person can eat a whole pizza and would not have to worry about looking greedy. They also state the recommended toppings for each pizza, though they advise that you choose only one, so that you do not crowd the thin crust.

So would I go again? Yes, but would not go out of my way to go there.

Varasano’s Pizzeria

Ph#: +1 404-352-8216

Address: 2171 Peachtree Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30309

Date of visit: 4/4/15

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★★★

Ambience (indoors): ★☆☆☆☆

Ambience (outdoors): ★★★☆☆

Decor: ★★☆☆☆

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★★★

Speed: ★★★★★

Food quality: ★★★★☆

Serving amount: ★★★★☆

Plating: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★★★☆

SuGa Endorsement: ★★★☆☆

PhotoGrid_1427758861454

The New Taurus Court Restaurant

PhotoGrid_1427758861454

Taurus Court Restaurant is the Chinese restaurant that recently opened in Musgrave Commercial Centre across from CPJ Market in Courtyard 71.

Suga took take-out last Sunday and thought it was average. Wonton soup was well, Wonton soup ($350JMD). The Satay Shrimp ($2000JMD) was good, while there was nothing special about the Chicken with Black Mushroom ($1400JMD). Prices are similar to other Chinese restaurants around town and the ones quoted do not yet include G.C.T.

The decor was decent and service time was the usual 15 to 20 minutes. However, there was a language barrier. The lady who took the order could hardly speak English, but she was so sweet. Just ensure you point to your dish on the menu. Hopefully they have someone else to take orders over the phone.

Well, at least there is another option around town. Chez Maria is open as well and although their sign has Sunday opening hours, they won’t be open on Sundays until April 12th. Now hurry and open up Tea Tree Creperie. There seems to be a Sushi Bar that may open soon in the plaza too.

Taurus Court Restaurant:

Shop 4, Musgrave Commercial Centre, 80 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston 6, JA . Tel. #: 876-978-6818/6180; 876-283-6118                                                                                                              

Delivery Service available Monday to Sunday, 11am-8pm @ Tel. #: 876-374-9903; 876-419-3252; 876-355-7390-1                                              

Opening Hours: Mon-Sat. @11am-10pm; Sun. @11:30am-9:30pm     

JoJo’s Jerk Pit and More’s Menu expands, Service improves but Quality still very very Regula

I have visited JoJo’s three times in the past month. Definitely not by choice but occasions arose. What can I say? Their menu has expanded! Wow. However, on a full night with live music, expect slow, poor service. Only order things that are on their grill, such as Jerk Chicken and Pork, the fastest of the slowest. That sums up the first visit.

The last two visits had a new but familiar face. Good old Glen that hops around from bar to bar, claiming its when they need service to speed up and improve he is called upon. I can see why, because there is usually a long wait at JoJo’s. Glen is slightly annoying in personality but humorous around the edges, confident and most importantly, usually serves efficiently. 

The last two visits included a half empty Tuesday night and a fairly full Saturday night with fast service for both nights from Glen and the kitchen. The food? The taste is ever so basic. Nothing special. Go there if you have to or you are just hungry and need some simple grub. What’s up with that Jerk Chicken Pizza?!!! Slices of thick hard dough bread with hardly enough ketchup or sauce, some tasteless cheese and bland chicken. Not even likkle oregano and pepper? Poor. 

Saltfish Fritters? Ok but too much batter.

Their Gungu Peas soup is nice and filling. 

The Cook up Saltfish ($350) could be spicier but it is quite tasty.

Jerk Chicken and Jerk Pork with fries, rice and peas or sweet potato are usually reasonably tasty as well.

Their Philly Cheese Steak sandwich that has Chicken but not Steak is delicious.

Their prices? With the exception of that horrible excuse of a Pizza for $400JMD, prices are extremely affordable. Makes sense and aligns with the basic quality of food. Hopefully the fast service is maintained.

10 oz Steak at Medusa Bar and Grill

Grill Night at Medusa’s Bar and Grill tomorrow and every Friday!

10 oz Steak at Medusa Bar and Grill
10 oz Steak at Medusa Bar and Grill

Grill night has been going on for years at Medusa’s Bar and Grill on Fridays at 96 Hope Road. Always well supported. So if you would like a nice, filling Friday dinner, call them at 876-978-3741 to hold your table. If you are not going right after work, it is best you inform them of what you will be ordering as well because sides go quickly.

It is similar to a Dim Sum where you get papers and tick off what you would like. Ribs, Chicken, Fish and Steak (8oz/10oz) are usually available with various choices of how you would like it cooked along with unlimited sides. Yes, unlimited sides meaning you are not charged for sides! Sides include Potatoes, Mushrooms, Sour cream, Onion, Fries, Corn on the cob and more. Also, imagine, word is they marinate from Monday!

If you did not call in your order you may have a long 35-45 minute wait, so ensure you have some lively company capable of good conversation.

Everything costs under $2000JMD so get going and make your plans tonight for Grill night at Medusa’s tomorrow. Remember seating is limited.