SAVE THE DATE for my upcoming Christmas Trade Show, “Suga Lifestyle’s Christmas Connectionâ€Â to be held on Saturday, December 15, 2018 from 4 to 8 pm. It will be held at The Liguanea Club, New Kingston.
As most of you may know, Suga Lifestyle is a brand encompassed on this blog, www.sugalifestyle.com, and is intended 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 1,000 followers and grows daily. The event, Suga Lifestyle’s Christmas Connection will involve my GW Art as well as other Jamaican artisans hand-picked by me to offer their unique, handcrafted, handmade items to the public.
There will be about 15 to 20 artisans to establish variety, each with unique items in order to better focus your shopping experience, by limiting duplication. Part proceeds will also go to Charity.
I invite you to shop with family, friends and loved ones. A true one-stop shop in the busy holiday season, while you support Jamaican products as well. You will be hearing more about them soon!
Thanks so much to my Title Sponsors, Sagicor Bank and Gustazos Jamaica!
Buy Jamaican. Build Jamaica 😊
Please follow my Instagram and Facebook Page, @sugalifestyle to stay tuned to updates on the show and get chances to win lots of giveaways! There will be good ones!
XoXo,
Gabby a.k.a Suga
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Picante is the event on the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival (JFDF) roster that takes you through a world of hot, zesty flavours.
It was held last Friday night at The Ruins, Mona Visitors’ Lodge from 7-11pm.
Suga arrived early, at about 7:20pm to beat the lines and made her rounds.
Coca Cola had tasty cocktails upon entry. They had a creamy cocktail that suited the ladies and a White Rum mix that the gentlemen like my husband, Randy enjoyed.
Select Brands had sweet wines to cool down the spice and a refreshing Stoli Blueberi Lemonade that was the talk of many patrons for the night.
By the entrance, there was National’s Scotch Bonnet Butter Cheddar Popcorn stand with Popcorn bags by Chef Christian Sweeney. It was finished in no time. As usual, he created delightful bites to please the crowd.
Chef Sweeney also had a menu of Spicy Chicken with Grilled Corn and Chick Peas Salsa. Thankfully it tasted better than it looked. Congrats Chef Sweeney, it was Picante. For those who returned later in the night like myself, Pan-seared Tuna was served instead of the Chicken with the Chick Peas Salsa and it was just as delightful.
Chef Shea Stewart had a menu of spiced Snapper with a Jalapeño, Chili and Scotch Bonnet infused Risotto, however the outcome was mild. The presentation was poor, but it was quite tasty nonetheless.
Chef Shea Stewart’s Spiced Snapper en Papillote with Scotch Bonnet Butter served with Jalepeño and Chili Pepper infused Risotto Scotch Bonnet.
Chef Dennis McIntosh did a tasty seafood dish, but it was mild as well.
Chef Dennis McIntosh’s spicy Caribbean Seafood Au Gratin.
Broken Plate’s dish was delicious and flavourful with a touch of spice, but I was still waiting on another dish to make me say, ‘Picante!’.
Broken Plate’s Mustard Chili Pesto Rubbed Pork Loin with Crispy Bacon Orzo Pilaf topped with Asian mixed greens and Arugula Salad
Disappointing booths for the Night
Before I get to outstanding booths for the night, the majority of Chefs produced impressive dishes. However, there were two disappointing dishes for me. One was definitely worse than the other.
The Cliff Hotel’s Chef Jonhoi Reid’s Mojo Braised Pork topped with Crispy Pork Belly with Black Bean Corn Yuca Cake, Smoked Scotch Bonnet Salsa Verde, Jalapeño Pico de Gallo and Cilantro Crema.
Chef Jonhoi Reid from the renowned Cliff Hotel in Negril was very personable, but had a sloppy display with Pork that was difficult to chew. I was excited to see Pork stacked on Pork, but the outcome was disappointing. The Black Bean Corn Yuca Cake didn’t save the dish for me, but was quite palatable beneath it all.
I observed that they were serving persons up to 11:20pm, when most Chefs left or packed up. Having so much food left may underscore my thoughts.
Then there was Walkerswood featuring Guest Chef from overseas, Patrick Simpson and UTECH. Sad to say, but it was the worst of the night. The Peppa Shrimp with Curried Vegetable Succotash was spicy a.k.a Picante, but the Pulled Jerk Chicken was terrible. Perhaps, Chef Simpson is unfamiliar with Jamaican sauces, but that sauce did not complement the Pulled Jerk Chicken well at all. It wasn’t spicy and it overpowered it completely.
Walkerswood featuring Chef Patrick Simpson and UTECH’s Grilled Peppa Shrimps with Curried Vegetable Succotash (Top); Pulled Jerk Chicken on Bammy Round with Pickle Escallion Relish (below); Solomon Gundy Crostini topped with Roasted Corn and Tomato
Winners of the Night for Suga!
Suga had an overall winner, but there wasn’t only one winner for me, there were five Chefs who absolutely brought it to Picante!
Oji Jaja! Best Shrimp of the NightÂ
Chef Oji Jaja had Seared Scallops, but the hit with most patrons was the Seared Shrimp with roasted pepper Scotch Bonnet sauce and Micro Basil. It wasn’t spicy, but was the best Shrimp of the night for Suga.
Chef Oji Jaja’s Seared Shrimp with roasted pepper Scotch Bonnet sauce and Micro Basil
Spiciest dish of the Night!
The spiciest dish of the night hands down went to Chef George Matthewsof Summertime Villa (Silver Sands, Trelawny; also cooks at Tryall). I couldn’t even say or scream Picante. My running eyes and nose said it all. Mission accomplished Chef Matthews.
Chef George Matthews’ Thai Chili Shrimp with Breadfruit poppers.
Culinary Showman of the Night
Chef Mark Cole from The Jamaica Pegasus cooked with a lot of flare, literally. He cooked two dishes, including a stuffed spicy Potato, but he had one of the two longest lines of the night for his Picante style Salmon Hash. It’s jalapeno salsa made you say, Picante and it was delish! Bravo.
Chef Mark Cole of The Jamaica Pegasus being quite a showman at Picante last Friday night.
Chef Mark Cole’s Menu:
The Best Dish at Picante
The other long line of the night with foodie, Sean Morgan looking on was for…
Drum roll…
Chef Lisa Binns of Stush in the Bush serves up Suga her Picante dish, while husband, Chef Christopher Binns was on the grill.
For the Second year in a row, Stush in the Bush wins at Picante for Suga. We all know you can’t help but love Chris and Lisa Binns and the unique, savoury, delightful food they consistently produce, but without bias, although Chef Mark Cole came close, their dish was the best overall at Picante. Their dish made you hot and cooled you down at the same time with pickled watermelon radishes and pickled cucumbers.
Snaps for making Vegetarian look good! There were so many flavours and textures on one plate. Absolute perfection. Stush in the Bush showed up once again. Congratulations and Well done.
Stush in the Bush’s winning dish!
Drinks and Desserts!
Other than more drinks provided by the Appleton Estate Bar, desserts provided were a great way to cool off the taste buds.
Sagicor’s booth with Chef Rebecca Karram had sweet and spicy treats. She did well. I enjoyed all of her desserts. The Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookie with a Chai Spiced Milk Shot was a crowd fave.
Chef Rebecca Karram’s MenuChef Rebecca Karram telling us what she prepared for us to enjoy at Picante last Friday night.
Wisynco’s Haagen Dazs Ice Cream booth was buzzing all night with patrons and when the night was over, they had brawta. They served one item from their menu at different points in the night. The items provided an added crunchy texture to the ice cream, with a touch of spice too.
Wisynco’s Haagen Dazs Ice Cream booth Menu Items
Kudos to the organizers and sponsors of Jamaica Food and Drink Festival. ALL events were sold out and from what I heard, patrons enjoyed the majority of the events. Persons were disappointed with the smallest event, Crisp because it had less Chefs.
Jamaicans are a fickle bunch. So after a few successful stagings, I think that JFDF should change things up a bit, and replace Crisp with Seafood, perhaps call it Sea Breeze. It could be by Port Royal for a change of scenery or even in Portland or Ocho Rios. The event has been staged in Kingston for some time, but it is Jamaica Food and Drink Festival.
Looking forward to another great year!
Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga by the Haagen Dazs booth at Picante last Friday night at the Mona Visitors’ Lodge.
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Article, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga, in front of the Mahalia Jackson Theatre for the Performing Arts on the 3-in-1 Cemetery, Voodoo and French Quarter Tour (October 2018)
Suga had an epic Girls trip to New Orleans two weeks ago. The trip was unforgettable.
I enjoyed New Orleans’ rich culture in food, art and jazz music with a touch of voodoo/witchcraft. I admired that the locals have fully embraced their culture and even after the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, they returned to help to build back New Orleans to what it is today. Note that, interestingly, everywhere in New Orleans was flooded except for the French Quarter. That is when you ask yourself, is their voodoo/witchcraft culture authentic?
Street Scenes (Trick or Treat)
Sadly, there is a lot of poverty in New Orleans. I was told it is at a rate of about 30%, which actually used to be higher before Hurricane Katrina. There were many homeless persons seen walking around or laying in the streets. However, there were also other less fortunate persons that decided to use their talents or a gig to earn money. I appreciated that effort instead of just begging persons aimlessly as they do in Jamaica.
For instance, there were a few that held uncomfortable poses with a pan nearby for contributions. Statues were seen all around the French Quarter of New Orleans and some persons looked like them. A man painted in gold close to the French Market stood out for me. For a moment, I questioned whether he was real or not, but of course the girls had to break him.
There was ‘Shake that Ass Granny’ who did just that, as well as persons who came out with their guitars or other instruments and sang songs.
This dog on top of a dumpster was quite dressed up and a trick. We realised he was part of a gig too. If you weren’t quick to take pictures, his owner came with a pan and covered his face.These weed candies did not even have the essence of weed. Trick!
There were a few street parades that you could join if you wished and many Bachelor and Bachelorette squads around.
Art and Voodoo/Witchcraft
Outside of Jackson Square were filled with artists and their captivating paintings in the day. At night, they were replaced with Tarot Card readers. There were also a lot of Galleries and stores with Art. If you missed the artists in the day, there were options, but few, to purchase affordable art in souvenir shops in the French Quarter.
The Voodoo man outside of St. Louis Cemetery #1
Where to stay and How long should you stay in NOLA?
If you go to New Orleans, about 4 or 5 days is enough to see and experience everything. Stay close to the French Quarter where all the action is and most places you would need to go to are in walking distance. If your destination is a few blocks away, respectable cabbies are nearby and uber is available.
Malls/Stores/Antique Shops
For the shopaholics, stores such as H&M (418 N Peters St.) and a few others are in the French quarter, but you would have to take a drive out to get to a mall. There are about three. I suggest Lakeside Shopping Center mall (3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie), which is the biggest mall there and has the majority of familiar stores such as Victoria’s Secret, Forever 21, Bath and Body Works, Express, Gap, Coach, Aeropostale and more.
• Magazine St. for antique shops
• Royal St. for shopping and souvenirs
Tours
3-in-1 Tour Guide, ‘Storm’
• 3-in-1 Cemetery, Voodoo & French Quarter Tour ($13 by Groupon (or $25) + $1 entry to cemetery; 28 persons per tour)
This tour lasted over 2 hours, but with our experienced and exciting Tour Guide, ‘Stormie’, it was worth it. It provides you with a chance to enter one of the world-renown cemeteries, St. Louis Cemetery #1 in New Orleans, while also visiting popular landmarks in the French Quarter. A bit of Voodoo culture and history is also included, as this adventure combines 3 tours in 1.
The French Quarter/Cemetery/Voodoo tour meets at the corner of Royal and Conti Street. Persons are to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled tour time to check in.
You can learn how and why people are buried above ground and how the “Vault” works! The grave of the famous Queen of Voodoo, Marie Laveau is also there. (Stay tuned for Suga’s Breakdown and Review)
Inside of St. Louis Cemetery #1, New Orleans
N.B. The Basin St. Station shop (501 Basin St.) for unique souvenirs was by the restroom stop/map of New Orleans on the tour.
• Food tour: Destination-Kitchen.com OR www.MUSTDONOLA.com ($54.99USD)
This tour lasted a bit over 3 hours because of various stops at bars and restaurants. It was quite informative about New Orleans History and Food. (Stay tuned for Suga’s Breakdown)
Our Tour Guide, Chef Philipe serving us up some Muffuletta in The French Market
Walking allows you to stop and take pictures as you wish and maybe even stray a bit and catch up with the group. But if you would like to tour without having to walk, there are other options.
• The Steamboat Cruise with Buffet Dinner
Suga heard this Buffet Dinner had Seafood you could not finish!
• The Double Decker Bus Tour
• The Horse and Carriage ride tour
Bars and Clubs/Hot spots
• Willie’s Chicken Shack (707 Canal St.)
Willie’s Chicken Shack has huge frozen drinks. Keep your tall cup! Some other bars may allow you to enter with your drink in it, some may not. So bottoms up if you must!
• Huge Ass Beers (609 Bourbon St.)
Racquell Brown with her ‘Huge Ass Beer’
This bar keeps the party going all day long and into the night!
• The Hand Grenade (721 Bourbon St.; 600 Bourbon St.; Bayou Club at 610 Bourbon St.; 435 Bourbon St.; Funky Pirate™ at 727 Bourbon St.)
A frozen drink that gives you quite a buzz! There are a few of them lining Bourbon street too.
• ‘The Beach on Bourbon’ (227 Bourbon St.)
One of the most popular clubs in New Orleans. The DJ keeps you moving.
***Apologies, but Suga didn’t get to note the names of other clubs that were hot spots***
Jazz Festivals and Music
• Frenchman Street
Three blocks if Jazz clubs after 9pm. I honestly missed out on this street, because the girls could not get enough of Bourbon Street. However, we were told about the Jazz Festivals there accompanied by succulent pork and lamb chops in the day. On one of the nights, a friend who was there said it was quite a ‘sober crowd’ and told us to stay on Bourbon St. and journeyed about 28 minutes to meet us.
Restaurants/Cafes/Markets
There are so many high quality restaurants, cafes and markets. You can pick choose and refuse. Word is, if an establishment falls off its game, it gets shut down or closes.
So here are a few that Suga visited and would have liked to visit:
Another Cafe for Beignets and pasties, however their Beignets could have used more baking time. Note that it gets crowded too.
• Muriel’s (801 Chartres St., Jackson Square - haunted; Fine dining)Â
Great for Crab cakes, huge Pork Chops, Cheesecake and Bread pudding!
• Irene’s (529 Bienville St., between Decatur and Chartres, right in the heart of the historic French Quarter)
Reputable for Italian and Seafood.
• Antoine’s Restaurant (713 Saint Louis St., Royal St.)
The oldest family owned restaurant in the USA (now operated by 5th generation), serving traditional French Creole cuisine since 1840. It’s reputable for its Crawfish, Oysters and Shrimp.
*Fine dining and Reservations go fast
• Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar and Bistro (720 Orleans Ave.)
– Casual Fine Dining Restaurant
• French Market
Has practically everything you can think of such as fruits, fresh produce, Cajun creole nuts, deep-fried peanuts, coffee, their ‘must have’ muffuletta and more.
• New Orleans Creole Cookery (410 Talouse St.) – Great for Cocktails, Fresh and Char Grilled Oysters.
Char Grilled Oysters with Cheese, Garlic and Butter
Recreation/For the Kids
• Carousel Gardens Amusement Park (New Orleans City Park)
An Amusement Park with a few heart-wrenching rides. [Cost for Rides and Entry for Adults: $22USD]
A Tip for the Guys
• When approaching a lady with her crew, ensure your game is quick and DO NOT say you are going to the bar to come back with only a drink for her and yourself. She won’t be there when you come back. Ladies bar hop!
Tips for the Ladies
• DO NOT wear long, flowy Pants or Dresses that reach the floor in the streets. The streets are far from clean.
• Pack comfortable shoes and Sandals for a lot of walking and dancing.
• Ensure you stash tissue in your purse, because you cannot count on any bathroom in the club or bar late at night to have toilet paper.
• You can’t just ask for beads, you have to show something or dance for them!
Tips for Everyone
• If travelling in a group and time allows, schedule a few hours or a day for Personal time to see places and experience what others may not have prioritized on their list. You may have another person in the group with similar interests as you.
• You will wait forever if you want to hear Reggae or Dancehall music in New Orleans. Big up Shaggy and Elephant Man. You were played!
• Always have your phone ready to capture a moment or to record a video because those streets are unpredictable!
• Don’t go with the expectation to get any sleep! You will miss out!
(L-R) Songe Sandcroft, Taraja Richards, Gabrielle Burgess, Glennette Sinclair, Anya Pennycooke, Racquell Brown and Stephaney Farquharson hit Channing Tatum’s Saints & Sinners Bar on Bourbon Street for their Girls Trip in NOLA! (October 2018) #JamaicansinNOLA
A visit to New Orleans is truly #SugaEndorsed.
Stay tuned for more details on Suga’s experience with the 3-in-1 tour, The Food Tour and of course, a Restaurant Review!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Article, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga, in front of the Mahalia Jackson Theatre for the Performing Arts on the 3-in-1 Cemetery, Voodoo and French Quarter Tour (October 2018)
Suga had an epic Girls trip to New Orleans two weeks ago. The trip was unforgettable.
I enjoyed New Orleans’ rich culture in food, art and jazz music with a touch of voodoo/witchcraft. I admired that the locals have fully embraced their culture and even after the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, they returned to help to build back New Orleans to what it is today. Note that, interestingly, everywhere in New Orleans was flooded except for the French Quarter. That is when you ask yourself, is their voodoo/witchcraft culture authentic?
Street Scenes (Trick or Treat)
Sadly, there is a lot of poverty in New Orleans. I was told it is at a rate of about 30%, which actually used to be higher before Hurricane Katrina. There were many homeless persons seen walking around or laying in the streets. However, there were also other less fortunate persons that decided to use their talents or a gig to earn money. I appreciated that effort instead of just begging persons aimlessly as they do in Jamaica.
For instance, there were a few that held uncomfortable poses with a pan nearby for contributions. Statues were seen all around the French Quarter of New Orleans and some persons looked like them. A man painted in gold close to the French Market stood out for me. For a moment, I questioned whether he was real or not, but of course the girls had to break him.
There was ‘Shake that Ass Granny’ who did just that, as well as persons who came out with their guitars or other instruments and sang songs.
This dog on top of a dumpster was quite dressed up and a trick. We realised he was part of a gig too. If you weren’t quick to take pictures, his owner came with a pan and covered his face.These weed candies did not even have the essence of weed. Trick!
There were a few street parades that you could join if you wished and many Bachelor and Bachelorette squads around.
Art and Voodoo/Witchcraft
Outside of Jackson Square were filled with artists and their captivating paintings in the day. At night, they were replaced with Tarot Card readers. There were also a lot of Galleries and stores with Art. If you missed the artists in the day, there were options, but few, to purchase affordable art in souvenir shops in the French Quarter.
The Voodoo man outside of St. Louis Cemetery #1
Where to stay and How long should you stay in NOLA?
If you go to New Orleans, about 4 or 5 days is enough to see and experience everything. Stay close to the French Quarter where all the action is and most places you would need to go to are in walking distance. If your destination is a few blocks away, respectable cabbies are nearby and uber is available.
Malls/Stores/Antique Shops
For the shopaholics, stores such as H&M (418 N Peters St.) and a few others are in the French quarter, but you would have to take a drive out to get to a mall. There are about three. I suggest Lakeside Shopping Center mall (3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie), which is the biggest mall there and has the majority of familiar stores such as Victoria’s Secret, Forever 21, Bath and Body Works, Express, Gap, Coach, Aeropostale and more.
• Magazine St. for antique shops
• Royal St. for shopping and souvenirs
Tours
3-in-1 Tour Guide, ‘Storm’
• 3-in-1 Cemetery, Voodoo & French Quarter Tour ($13 by Groupon (or $25) + $1 entry to cemetery; 28 persons per tour)
This tour lasted over 2 hours, but with our experienced and exciting Tour Guide, ‘Stormie’, it was worth it. It provides you with a chance to enter one of the world-renown cemeteries, St. Louis Cemetery #1 in New Orleans, while also visiting popular landmarks in the French Quarter. A bit of Voodoo culture and history is also included, as this adventure combines 3 tours in 1.
The French Quarter/Cemetery/Voodoo tour meets at the corner of Royal and Conti Street. Persons are to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled tour time to check in.
You can learn how and why people are buried above ground and how the “Vault” works! The grave of the famous Queen of Voodoo, Marie Laveau is also there. (Stay tuned for Suga’s Breakdown and Review)
Inside of St. Louis Cemetery #1, New Orleans
N.B. The Basin St. Station shop (501 Basin St.) for unique souvenirs was by the restroom stop/map of New Orleans on the tour.
• Food tour: Destination-Kitchen.com OR www.MUSTDONOLA.com ($54.99USD)
This tour lasted a bit over 3 hours because of various stops at bars and restaurants. It was quite informative about New Orleans History and Food. (Stay tuned for Suga’s Breakdown)
Our Tour Guide, Chef Philipe serving us up some Muffuletta in The French Market
Walking allows you to stop and take pictures as you wish and maybe even stray a bit and catch up with the group. But if you would like to tour without having to walk, there are other options.
• The Steamboat Cruise with Buffet Dinner
Suga heard this Buffet Dinner had Seafood you could not finish!
• The Double Decker Bus Tour
• The Horse and Carriage ride tour
Bars and Clubs/Hot spots
• Willie’s Chicken Shack (707 Canal St.)
Willie’s Chicken Shack has huge frozen drinks. Keep your tall cup! Some other bars may allow you to enter with your drink in it, some may not. So bottoms up if you must!
• Huge Ass Beers (609 Bourbon St.)
Racquell Brown with her ‘Huge Ass Beer’
This bar keeps the party going all day long and into the night!
• The Hand Grenade (721 Bourbon St.; 600 Bourbon St.; Bayou Club at 610 Bourbon St.; 435 Bourbon St.; Funky Pirate™ at 727 Bourbon St.)
A frozen drink that gives you quite a buzz! There are a few of them lining Bourbon street too.
• ‘The Beach on Bourbon’ (227 Bourbon St.)
One of the most popular clubs in New Orleans. The DJ keeps you moving.
***Apologies, but Suga didn’t get to note the names of other clubs that were hot spots***
Jazz Festivals and Music
• Frenchman Street
Three blocks if Jazz clubs after 9pm. I honestly missed out on this street, because the girls could not get enough of Bourbon Street. However, we were told about the Jazz Festivals there accompanied by succulent pork and lamb chops in the day. On one of the nights, a friend who was there said it was quite a ‘sober crowd’ and told us to stay on Bourbon St. and journeyed about 28 minutes to meet us.
Restaurants/Cafes/Markets
There are so many high quality restaurants, cafes and markets. You can pick choose and refuse. Word is, if an establishment falls off its game, it gets shut down or closes.
So here are a few that Suga visited and would have liked to visit:
Another Cafe for Beignets and pasties, however their Beignets could have used more baking time. Note that it gets crowded too.
• Muriel’s (801 Chartres St., Jackson Square - haunted; Fine dining)Â
Great for Crab cakes, huge Pork Chops, Cheesecake and Bread pudding!
• Irene’s (529 Bienville St., between Decatur and Chartres, right in the heart of the historic French Quarter)
Reputable for Italian and Seafood.
• Antoine’s Restaurant (713 Saint Louis St., Royal St.)
The oldest family owned restaurant in the USA (now operated by 5th generation), serving traditional French Creole cuisine since 1840. It’s reputable for its Crawfish, Oysters and Shrimp.
*Fine dining and Reservations go fast
• Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar and Bistro (720 Orleans Ave.)
– Casual Fine Dining Restaurant
• French Market
Has practically everything you can think of such as fruits, fresh produce, Cajun creole nuts, deep-fried peanuts, coffee, their ‘must have’ muffuletta and more.
• New Orleans Creole Cookery (410 Talouse St.) – Great for Cocktails, Fresh and Char Grilled Oysters.
Char Grilled Oysters with Cheese, Garlic and Butter
Recreation/For the Kids
• Carousel Gardens Amusement Park (New Orleans City Park)
An Amusement Park with a few heart-wrenching rides. [Cost for Rides and Entry for Adults: $22USD]
A Tip for the Guys
• When approaching a lady with her crew, ensure your game is quick and DO NOT say you are going to the bar to come back with only a drink for her and yourself. She won’t be there when you come back. Ladies bar hop!
Tips for the Ladies
• DO NOT wear long, flowy Pants or Dresses that reach the floor in the streets. The streets are far from clean.
• Pack comfortable shoes and Sandals for a lot of walking and dancing
• Ensure you stash tissue in your purse, because you cannot count on any bathroom in the club or bar late at night to have toilet paper.
• You can’t just ask for beads, you have to show something or dance for them!
Tips for Everyone
• If travelling in a group and time allows, schedule a few hours or a day for Personal time to see places and experience what others may not have prioritized on their list. You may have another person in the group with similar interests as you.
• You will wait forever if you want to hear Reggae or Dancehall music in New Orleans. Big up Shaggy and Elephant Man. You were played!
• Always have your phone ready to capture a moment or to record a video because those streets are unpredictable!
• Don’t go with the expectation to get any sleep! You will miss out!
(L-R) Songe Sandcroft, Taraja Richards, Gabrielle Burgess, Glennette Sinclair, Anya Pennycooke, Racquell Brown and Stephaney Farquharson hit Channing Tatum’s Saints & Sinners Bar on Bourbon Street for their Girls Trip in NOLA! (October 2018) #JamaicansinNOLA
A visit to New Orleans is truly #SugaEndorsed.
Stay tuned for more details on Suga’s experience with the 3-in-1 tour, The Food Tour and of course, a Restaurant Review!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Article, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
It’s World Polio Day. In 1988, the Polio virus was endemic to 125 countries.
Today, only 3 countries in the world have never stopped the transmission of Polio- Pakistan, Afghanistan and  Nigeria. Despite the progress achieved since 1988, as long as a single child remains infected with Poliovirus, children in all countries are at risk of contracting the disease.
According to CDC Global Health, Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a crippling and potentially deadly infectious disease. It is caused by the poliovirus. The virus spreads from person to person and can invade an infected person’s brain and spinal cord, causing paralysis, where persons cannot move parts of the body.
There is NO cure for Polio, but vaccines can protect a child for life.
How can you help to eradicate Polio?
Rotary International has a goal to reach every child with the Polio vaccine and are using innovative strategies to reach their goal. Find out more during their #WorldPolioDay global update at 6:30 p.m. EDT at www.endpolio.org.
Also, the Rotary Club of New Kingston and the New Kingston Rotaract Club from Jamaica will be hosting a luncheon during the World Polio Livestream. See information below:
Support #WorldPolioDay and Purchase lunch (for delivery) by attending their online meeting at 1pm today using the link below:
https://zoom.us/j/771707407
Menu: Herbed Roasted Chicken Garlic Butter Fish Fillet Curried Mutton Rice and Peas Pasta Salad Vegetable salad Choice of 2 meats.
World Polio Day is being observed today to generate awareness towards eradication of the terrible disease, Polio and to commemorate the efforts of volunteers committed to the eradication of polio.
Help to #EndPolio now!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
For all my Ladies out there and Gentlemen (yes, men have lumps too), here are a few tips and information with regards to Preparation for your Mammogram and how you can do your part to facilitate Breast Cancer Awareness and Treatment:
â— Feel all four quadrants of your breasts (all around) in the shower. Picturing the breast as a clock, usually with the nipple as the centre (via someone facing you), is the way used for the identification of areas of concern in the breasts. These areas of concern identified are usually sent for further investigation, i.e a Mammogram/Breast Ultrasound.
E.g. Your Mammogram/Breast referral form may read, ‘mass located at 1 o’clock’.
â— Feel your breasts when laying down, as not all masses are felt while standing.
â— If you have a history of Breast Cancer in your family, the breasts should be checked by a doctor during general examination from as early as teenage years.
â— No matter how young you are, once a mass, discomfort, pain, burning or sticking sensation, swelling and/or discharge from the nipple are observed, seek medical attention immediately.
â— Once a referral is sought to do a Mammogram from your Doctor, if possible, choose a facility that does both Mammograms and Breast Ultrasounds.
*It is possible to have Breast Cancer and not know or be able to schedule a biopsy until weeks or months later. If a particular Breast Cancer cannot be detected by a Mammogram or your Technologist does not recognise an abnormality present and therefore does not raise the attention that a Breast Ultrasound is needed, there is risk of a spread. This is so, because there is sometimes a back up of Mammograms for reporting at Public clinics before a Radiologist can refer a patient for an Ultrasound. It may be too late by this time, costing the patient his/her life or an entire breast or two (single/double mastectomy).
â— If you are referred to do a Breast Mammogram/Ultrasound, I recommend that you do both. Some cancerous (malignant) calcifications cannot be detected by Breast Ultrasound and vice versa.
*Keep in mind that the Mammogram is like a map to show the Radiologist where to focus for any area/s that may need clarification.
â— Starting at age 35 or 40, do your Mammogram annually.
â— Mammograms are low radiation. Remember that if you lay on the beach all day you are also exposed to cumulative radiation from the sun. A thyroid shield is only necessary if you have hormonal/thyroid issues and if you are undergoing/have recently done radiation therapy or chemo.
â— A routine Mammogram will be two (2) views on each breast, therefore four (4) compressions in all.
A routine Mammogram showing two (2) views of each breast.
â— Do not wear powder, lotion/oil or deodorant/flaky deodorant when doing a Mammogram. The flakes or clusters from a deodorant or powder can mimic calcifications/cancer. While, lotions or oils may cause the breast to slide back during imaging, thus losing possible valuable information.
â— Ladies, wear a top and bottom if possible when going to do your Mammogram.
â— Try to do your Mammograms at the same facility each year so a record is kept for comparisons.
â— Everyone does not have the same Mammogram experience. Other than the Technologist or machine used, this may be a result of other factors such as a current or close time period to a menstrual cycle, pain threshold, size of the breasts, thickness of breast tissue, presence of cysts and the overall shape of the breasts and shoulders/body habitus. So if it is painful or ‘unbearable’ for you, do not discourage others.
â— It is not the end of the world if you feel pain and/a mass. It may just be a cyst that can be drained of fluid or removed. Take it one step at a time.
â— If you have a lump that may be malignant (cancerous) and not benign (non-cancerous), ensure that you wait for your biopsy results before removing the lump. You need to confirm that the lump is cancerous, if so, the stage it is at, the possibility of the cancer spreading and the possibility of return if the breast/s are not removed.
â— If the breast/s needs to be removed and reconstructive surgery is suggested or offered by the Doctor at the same time, I advise you wait 6 months to a year to be fully clear of cancer. Unfortunately, cancers sometimes return. If cancer returns, it could return within the skin flap where reconstruction was done and it is highly likely that it would be undetectable.
â— Ensure that you not only have Life Insurance but Health Insurance. Some form of Pro-Care or Criticare should be sought as well if repetitive surgery or radiation treatment/chemotherapy is needed.
â— Spread the Word to Family, Friends and Coworkers! Breast Cancer Awareness Saves Lives.
By: Gabrielle Burgess (Radiologic Technologist)
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Jamaica Food and Drink Festival (JFDF) kicks off this Saturday with Pork Palooza at Hope Gardens from 7pm – 11pm. It will be an all-inclusive event with drinks and all the succulent pork you can eat for $7000JMD.
They have a stacked lineup of local celebrity chefs. Check out a few of who Suga is interested to see or hear about this Saturday, along with what most of them are cooking here!
Chef Dionne Reid from Hanover’s Smoked Marlin Restaurant made quite an impact last year at Crisp. This year she will be showing her hand with Pork. She will be offering Pomegranate Glazed Ribs and Head Cheese Shooters.
The popular and confident Chef Andre Sewell who caters will have:
Chef Charissa Henry usually has something interesting up her Pink Apron Sleeve. This Saturday it will be:
Moveable Feast’s Chef Michelle Williams has been in the culinary industry for some time now, but I have never had the pleasure of indulging in any of her dishes. I am interested to see how her menu turns out.
Then there is Chef Christian Sweeney who is usually a crowd favourite. He is offering dessert with a touch of candied pork too!
Ticket Information
Enjoy!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Last night was a thrilling game between the San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers, highlighted by a clutch performance from Packers’ QB Aaron Rodgers. Packers handed the 49ers their 4th straight defeat, picking up a 33-30 win last night in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
The 49ers started out with 10-0 lead and each time they pushed ahead, Packers’ QB Aaron Rodgers made a play to bring the Packers back to either level the score or push them ahead. The play that stung the most though, was when Rodgers threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to Davante Adams to help tie the game at 30 with 1:55 remaining. Then he drove the Packers down the field for kicker, Mason Crosby’s game-winning 27-yard field goal as time expired.
Note that Rodgers’ movement was limited with an injured knee and there has been a constant cry for a better coach for the Packers. After all, Rodger’s can’t save them all the time.
Watch “49ers vs. Packers Week 6 Highlights | NFL 2018” with spectacular play by Packers’ QB Aaron Rodgers on YouTube here:Â
As usual, well done Rodgers. Looking forward to more this season!
In other news, it’s NBA Day! The NBA Season kicks off TONIGHT!
Kevin Durant of Golden State Warriors (L) and LeBron James of LA Lakers (R)(Photo: Bleacher Report)
Here’s the schedule for tonight’s return of the NBA Season:
Who will win this year?
The Lakers will always have a chance with their new teammate LeBron James. With a healthy Kyrie Irving, so do the Boston Celtics. But, barring any injuries and once DeMarcus Cousins returns from injury, KD (Kevin Durant) will be unstoppable and it should be Warriors all the way!
The Defending Champs, Golden State Warriors a.k.a Dubs return as NBA Title favourites (Photo: Bleacher Report)
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Arts and Crafts, Henna and Body Art, Photography, Stone and Wood Carved items, Jewellery and Accessories, Chefs/Restaurants, Condiments, Jams, Sauces, Spreads, Cakes, Candles, Oils and Scrubs, Hair products, Satin bonnets/wraps, Sandals, Smoothies, Organic Farm Products and Spa/Massage Therapy will be there too!
ADMISSION is FREE!
Support Brand Jamaica!
Jamaica Land We Love
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
