Visiting Kingston, Jamaica this Week? Your Suga Guide!

Gabby Burgess, CEO of Suga Lifestyle at Rafjam Bed & Breakfast, Red Light District, Irish Town

If you are visiting Kingston, Jamaica this week, here are Suga Endorsed Places to Go! Suga knows the BEST

FIRST STOP FROM THE AIRPORT IF THERE IS TIME:
GLORIA’S Restaurant by Port Royal
For our Best Seafood Experience

*Have snacks in case of a wait, but they’ve been doing better 🙂

TO THE HILLS, JAMAICA BLUE MOUNTAINS (~45 – 60 mins from Papine):
All quite Scenic

Everyone goes to Cafe Blue. You can still go there, but to be different, check out MIDDLETON CAFE!

MIDDLETON CAFE – Go early and call ahead for a good Jamaican breakfast. They make their own coffee from their farmed beans.
(@middleton_cafe_bar)
(Past Strawberry Hill, Past Red Light – town after Strawberry Hill, then past EITS)

RAFJAM BED AND BREAKFAST (+1 (876) 426-3667)

A hidden Oasis (Quite a trek down, even if you are in a SUV or if there is rain. You can park at the top and hike down or call them to come for you at the top in their Jeep)
Chill out by the river. Also good for Jamaican Breakfast and Lunch! The biggest, best Frittas!

STRAWBERRY HILL
Scenic and high end. Decent international food with Jamaican items too for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner. The Oxtail Shepherd’s Pie is fire.
Has a great spa.
Find your inner Bob!
*Only guests can use the pool.
*Deposits and reservations have to be made for dining

CAFE BLUE (Award-winning Best Cafe!):
Hot and Cold Coffee Blends, Pastries, Jamaican Chocolates

ON THE FLATS:

BOB MARLEY MUSEUM Tour at 56 Hope Road

Make sure you watch the Movie!

AC HOTEL KINGSTON
Modern, newest hotel in Corporate (uptown ha haaa), Kingston
Great for a Bar/Lounge night out
Award-winning for their Cocktails!
Decent menu and Seafood bowl!

Photo: @acloungekingston

SPANISH COURT HOTEL
Newest Restaurant at a Hotel
Strings & Stones (Never Been! Let us know!)
Sky Pool Bar

DEVON HOUSE BAKERY
for the BEST PATTIES!
For Ice Cream,
DO NOT JOIN THEIR LINE UNLESS YOU WISH TO FOR THE EXPERIENCE because *Devon House Ice Cream is also sold up the road in Sovereign North, Barbican

THE NATIONAL STADIUM
Issa/Grace Kennedy Boys and Girls Championships are this week!
March 19-23

http://tickets.issasports.com

Photo from @issasportsja

DOWNTOWN KINGSTON:


WATER LANE WALKING TOUR – ART
by Kingston Creative
Book via Website

https://linktr.ee/KingstonCreative?utm_source

F&B Restaurant – Good food Good Food!

DANYA’S CAFE by Grace Kennedy – Cosy Cafe
Tasty pastries, good coffee and Ackee!
*Only Open Mon-Fri, last Saturdays

THE PALATE by ROK Hotel Kingston
Newest Hotel in Kingston
View of the harbour from The ROKstone Pool Bar and Grill- Have some drinks there
Award-Winning Restaurant & Chef
Ask for Chef Volae, tell him Suga sent you!

Photo: @rokhotelkingston

SHOPPING
HIGH QUALITY, UNIQUE SOUVENIRS
We do not just have Rasta Coloured Beaded Bracelets and Tye and Dye Dresses!
LOCALE JAMAICA
10AM – 6PM. 4 Holborn Road.
*Closed on Sundays

For Future Visits, Suga Lifestyle hosts Pop-Ups and Expos featuring the Best of Jamaican Handcrafted, Handmade and Local Businesses. Our Calendar is almost complete for your Curated Jamaican Shopping Experience!

ENJOY KINGSTON, JAMAICA!
Follow @sugalifestyle or subscribe to http://www.sugalifestyle.com!

One Love

XoXo,
Suga

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.

Sugar Mill Restaurant has your Prime Cuts of Meat! Happy Hump Day!

Diane and Brandt Williams with Gabby and Randy Burgess at Sugar Mill Restaurant of Half Moon Resort, Rose Hall, Montego Bay, Jamaica in January 2023.

Steak, Veal, Lamb Chops, you name it, Sugar Mill Restaurant by Half Moon Resort (Ig: @halfmoonJamaica), Montego Bay has got the best, most succulent, prime cuts for you along with excellent service.

They check all the boxes.

Huge, more than satisfactory servings along with an epicurean experience, giving you value for money.

Suga revisited earlier this year and Sugar Mill Restaurant by Half Moon Resort remains #SugaEndorsed.

#Satisfaction

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.

Why Buzo Jamaica may be Best New or Ethnic Restaurant this Year

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:

https://youtube.com/shorts/E_uEBgdTdyc?feature=share

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.

Best and Most Affordable Japanese Restaurant in Ja Right Now

Gabby Burgess, Kimario Rose-Stewart and Gillian Jackson last Friday at Koi Sushi Restaurant on Hillcrest Avenue.

Throwback Thursday (#tbt) to Lunch with the Girls at Koi Sushi (Ig: @koisushija), above Fromage Gourmet Market at 8 Hillcrest Road.

All Boxes Checked
– Good Service
– Everthing Tastes Delish
– Decent Ambience
– Fantastic Cocktails
– Sumptuous Dessert
– Affordable and Value for Money

Calamari starter Рtender, not clich̩ crispy

Umi Salmon Poke Bowl – just eat it with your eyes

The Haru Roll – a Peppa Swims on the beach experience

Shrimp Fried Rice – Totally worth the Carbs

Passion Fruit Cheesecake – say less

Pineapple Lychee Drink – Hello Summer & Thank You Koi Sushi!

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.

TGIF from THE BEST All Inclusive Hotel in JA for Me Right Now!

XoXo, Suga
Have a great Weekemd!

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.

Did You See the Full Video of Suga’s Sunday Dinner Special from Alexander’s?!

Here you Go!

Check out Suga’s Sunday Dinner Special from Alexander’s here!

https://youtu.be/v6SxcN8GwiQ

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 Napolean
Baked 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.

Suga’s Sunday Dinner Special from Alexander’s!

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!

Check out Suga’s Sunday Dinner Special from Alexander’s here!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=v6SxcN8GwiQ&feature=share

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 Napolean
Baked Vegetable Cannoli

#SugaSnaps to 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.

Suga visits Toscanini’s former Chef at PG’s Restaurant & Wine Bar along Tower Isle!

After 20 years of loyal patronage by locals and overseas visitors, Harmony Hall was sold and Toscanini closed.

Toscanini’s Chef, Pierluigi Ricci, nicknamed PG, opened PG’s Restaurant & Wine Bar along Tower Isle in October of last year.

He was happy to find the space, which he continues to make his own. Suga missed out on her trip to Rome this year, but you don’t have to go to Rome to experience the vintage ambience PG has created.

PG’s menu is based on what’s available at sea or is farm to table, accompanied by an extensive Wine List.

The dishes served continue to be high quality, authentic Italian dishes. Their fresh homemade Pasta is one of the best on the island and along with Simos Bread and Catering, so is their Tiramisu.

For Independence Day Weekend two Fridays ago, Suga dined with family, a party of 4. See some of what we enjoyed here!

Escargot Bourguignon
Mozzarella Caprese Salad
Pappardelle Promodoro with grilled Shrimp (Shaved parmesan cheese & Tomato sauce)
Fresh catch of the day, Mahi-Mahi.
Tiramisu

We had Escargot Bourguignon, fresh Mozzarella Caprese Salad, Pappardelle Boscaiola (Bacon & fresh mushroom in a cream & tomato sauce), Pappardelle Promodoro with grilled Shrimp (Shaved parmesan cheese & rucola pesto) although they were out of Pesto so I received tomato sauce instead, Smoked Pork Chop in an apple cider sauce that was juicy to the bone and the fresh catch of the day, Mahi-Mahi.

Definitely value for money and worth the drive for Lunch one weekend if coming from Kingston. Pizza nights and rooftop dining may be on the horizon too.

PG’s Restaurant and Wine Bar

Location: Tower Isle, Ocho Rios. Jamaica

Ph: 876-727-4386

By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)

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

Date Night at Home with Mystic Thai During Love in the Time of Corona!

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Randy and Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga enjoying date night at home with Dinner delivered by Mystic Thai last Wednesday, May 13, 2020.

Throwing it back to Mystic Thai delivering to our door last week Wednesday!

That was not a dinner to eat on the couch in front of the television. It was a great opportunity for Date Night. I had to shower, wash my hair and get ready. I mean, we had to respect the rich, culinary ethnicity of what we were about to experience. We were dressed too casual, but it’s hot at home!

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The package traveled well. It seemed like the boxes were delivered just as how they packed them. There was no leaking or gravy stains and this was coming all the way from Montego Bay to Kingston. Why can’t bearers in Kingston get it right?

Anyhow, Date night kicked off with delish Mushroom Bamboo Shoots (USD$8) and Shrimp and Scallion (USD$10.50) Dumplings complemented well by the sauces provided with them. We had spicy, sweet, herby and soy sauce options.

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Mushroom Bamboo Shoots (USD$8) and Shrimp and Scallion (USD$10.50) Dumplings

We then enjoyed Rang Dang Gai (Grilled Chicken with Thai Herbs – USD$9.50) Kebab style.

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Rang Dang Gai (Grilled Chicken with Thai Herbs – USD$9.50)

The finale featured Kaeng Som (Yellow Curry) Shrimp (USD$14.50) with Garlic Naan. Their Green Thai and Red Thai Curries are best sellers, but I was going for the immune booster provided by the Turmeric in the Yellow Curry.

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Kaeng Som (Yellow Curry) Shrimp (USD$14.50)

My only complaint was that the quantity could have been more, which I am sure they will look into when they hopefully do this again! I would also order more. We were still satisfied, but we had ZERO leftovers. The next day we were just left with the memory that no other Restaurant’s Dinner Delivery is currently on that level. You get what you pay for. Thank you so much Mystic Thai for thinking of Kingston, my taste buds thank you as well. #SugaSnaps #SugaEndorsed 

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Mystic Thai (Asian & Thai Cuisine)

Location: B11 – Fairview Towne Centre Unit, Montego Bay

Ph: 876-889-2430; 876-422-4301

Website: http://www.mysticthaijamaica.com

Instagram: @mystic_thai_jamaica

 

By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)

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

Another Spot for Lamb Chops Bad to the Bone and more!

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Suga’s Ratings for Jakes Restaurant

Date and time of visit: Friday, April 19, 2019 to Sunday, April 21, 2019

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:

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Quaint and rustic with a thatched roof and seaside view, Suga had the pleasure of eating fresh, farm to table dishes and juices for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner from Jakes Restaurant at reasonable prices. Their menu written on chalkboards daily provides you with enough options, whether you choose to eat healthy or not. Either way, you would be supporting the local farmers from the surrounding hills, mountains and plains in St. Elizabeth.

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Grilled King Fish with Cous Cous, Black bean and Corn and Kale.

The staff were pleasant and service was timely. I am pleased to report that none of their dishes were underwhelming to me. However, highlights were their Codfish Fritters, Loaded Nachos, Callaloo Omelette and their Lamb Chops! Those Lamb Chops were seasoned to perfection and juicy to the bone. The best my husband has ever had.

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Loaded Nachos

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Shrimp Tacos

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Grilled Lamb Rack with Mint Glaze ($2650JMD +tx and serv. Charge)

If you decide to visit Treasure Beach any time soon, a stop by Jakes Restaurant is a must. #SugaEndorsed

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Jakes Restaurant
Location: Calabash Bay PA, Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth
Ph: 876-491-0649; 876-965-3000; 876-564-3000  
Website: https://jakeshotel.com

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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