The Caribbean’s No. 1 Urban Food Festival is in a few weeks!
Check out the official line up below for Jamaica’s Food and Drink Festival that is at the end of October:
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Pedal and Wheel Fitness, the Certified Spinning Facility that was previously located in Barbican Business Centre is back! It has reopened at a location that is by Appointment Only.
School is now in session! Classes started on Tuesday and payment is due at the beginning of each term. Term 1 ends on December 15 and focuses on Aerobic training, in particular, strength, endurance and muscular endurance. Classes run from Monday to Friday each week at either 5:30am or 9:00am in the mornings and at 6:30pm on some evenings. Some of the experienced team of instructors that you may have been familiar with from the Barbican location are back as well and you can expect their usual hands-on guidance. Drop-in classes cost $3000JMD, but packages are available for the term depending on the amount of classes you choose to do each week. The more you spin, the less you pay!
Owner, Joanne Adams had a showing of the new space last Saturday and I can’t wait to do a class! She has coloured lighting that changes according to the zone you are in and the room is cool with the scent of lavender. It’s fully blocked in from the outdoors with a projected screen to show how you are riding and more!
Gentlemen, if you have an important football match or sporting event to watch, you have no excuses because it will be blown up for you on the screen while you ride.
Are you ready to Wheel and Come Again?! Get your Spinning on with Pedal and Wheel Fitness!
Pedal and Wheel Fitness
***By Appointment Only***
For Details, Call/Email:
Ph: 876-382-3170
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @pedalandwheelja
By: Gabrielle Burgess (Certified Personal Trainer & Sports Nutritionist)
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Believe it! I cannot begin to imagine how magical this Sweet and Savoury event should be. My heart started racing instantly when I saw the promotion.
Stush in the Bush and Simo’s Bread and Catering have joined forces for a Bottomless Mimosa Brunch on Sunday, October 8th in Duncans, Trelawny by Silver Sands.
Bookings are under www.stushinthebush.com/visit and fabulous vendors such as Reve Jewellery, Story & Myth, Deaf Can Coffee and more will be joining them.
This event is not one to miss!
Early Bird Tickets cost $75USD till tomorrow! Get your tickets now!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Suga visited Hajarie last Saturday for Lunch at about 3:30pm. Hajarie has been open for about a month now at what I would like to call the Phoenix Avenue Complex of Eateries. Hajarie is not entirely new, but they have expanded their repertoire. They are familiarly known as The Teapot that used to be located in Sovereign Centre. A Suga Bear used to go there frequently for their refreshing Teas.
Persons have the option of comfortable indoor or outdoor dining with a scenic garden view.
I was pleasantly surprised by the detailed, exquisite décor upon entering. Volcanic rock wall tiles and light fixtures made of full bamboo. Impressive.
We were seated instantly by our pleasant, professional waitress. I observed two groups of content and comfortable diners that included a Birthday celebration. A new place pleasing big groups was a good sign already.
I appreciated the well-tailored Menu. It offered suitable variety without overwhelming options.
My husband, Randy and I started off with the Soup of the Day ($400JMD) that was a Pepper Pot Soup. It was rich in taste with the expected level of spicy.
Our dishes came out like clockwork with a little time to talk in between. Just how I like it. We had the appetizing Smoked Herring Salsa ($650JMD) that complemented our preferred side of Eggplant Chips well. The Olive wood and mother of pearl plates were a fine touch.
Randy had a delish, flavourful sautée of wild mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, olives and basil pesto tossed with freshly tien lettuce and julienne tomatoes. It was to all be served on a grilled flatbread but for some reason it was on a tortilla. He didn’t mind, however his only fault was that the olive oil was a bit overpowering in the pesto and I agreed. We informed the waitress.
My Avocado and Chickpea Wrap with added Chicken was perfection even though they didn’t have whole wheat tortillas. The Wrap was a sweet combination of grilled plantains, balsamic marinated cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado and chickpea.
Paninis are their other choice for Casual dining, while Pastas, Salads, Kebabs and Seafood dishes serve as their Entrée options.
Hajarie serves Wine by the Bottle only. We opted to have their refreshing White Berry and Lemon Mint Iced Teas ($400JMD each). Ginger Honey was the other option.
We didn’t have Dessert, but their Brazilian Banana Cake is highly recommended by local Chef Anthony Fleming and I need to be there the next time they bake the Apple Cinnamon Torte!
So one can eat healthy, unhealthy or a little bit of both at Hajarie.
Hajarie РThe Teapot has truly evolved. Spectacular d̩cor with an ambience to unwind, Good service, Delicious food and Refreshing teas, Decadent desserts and Reasonable prices, all in one month. Bravo and Keep it up! Hajarie may be a hidden gem, but not for long. #SugaEndorsed
Hajarie (The Teapot JA) – Tearoom • Winebar • Bistro
Location: 9-11 Phoenix Avenue. Kingston 10
Ph: 876-634-9937
Instagram: hajarie_theteapot
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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The Rotary District 7020 Disaster Team has met to coordinate relief efforts to help their friends affected by Hurricane Irma.
Rotary is a non-profit organization and District 7020 consists of different territories in the Caribbean such as St. Martin, St. Maarten, Turks and Caicos Islands, Haiti, Jamaica, USVI, BVI, Bahamas, Cayman Islands and Anguilla. All territories are like a family to each other and for many years have worked together to help communities and less fortunate persons globally.
As a past Rotaractor, I am happy that my friends are alive and safe but I am truly saddened by the devastation that Hurricane Irma has caused to their homes and the Islands in general.
Within the District it seems that St. Martin, St. Maarten, BVI and USVI have been struck the worse.
I am sure the Rotary District 7020 Disaster Team has assessed the priority of help needed and will donate contributions respectively.
Please assist our Caribbean neighbours as much as you can in their time of need and help them to rebuild. One Love.
Please click on the link below or you can see the information how you can help here:
http://7020.org/50041/Page/Show?ClassCode=Page&Slug=hurricane-irma-recovery-fund
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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US OPEN Women’s Final
Sloane Stephens won her 1st Grand Slam Title on Saturday! She beat Madison Keys 6-3, 6-0.
Stephens was fully zoned in throughout the entire match, making very few unforced errors. While the favourite to win, Madison Keys probably had her worse match of the tournament. Her serve that is usually powerful was only on point for the first game of the match and deteriorated quickly afterwards. Her usual accurate forehand created many errors, often overhitting the ball. A lot of pressure was on her to win this title as the better player and I think it got to her mentally and then physically. Her game was completely off and just did not come together.
Thankfully the two finalists are friends and embraced each other strongly at the end of the match.
For Stephens, after being out for so long with an injury, this must be one of the greatest comebacks ever in tennis history. Congratulations to Sloane Stephens and we hope to see more of you!
CPL T20 Final
The CPL T20 Final was also last Saturday night between the St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots and the Trinbago Knight Riders. Chris Gayle was only able to score 1 run for the Patriots who batted first, so you know what that means! The Trinbago Knight Riders are the CPL T20 2017 Champions! They finished at 136/7 (19.0). Congrats to them.
US OPEN Men’s Final
Yesterday, World no. 1, Rafael Nadal won his 3rd US Open Title vs. Kevin Anderson 6-3, 6-3, 6-4! This was Rafa’s 16th Major Title. Nadal played for his Sweet 16 with spectacular groundstrokes, net game and quickness that was just too much for Anderson to handle. Congrats Rafa!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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CPL T20 FINAL
The Trinbago Knight Riders knocked out the Guyana Amazon Warriors last night and are through to the Finals to meet Chris Gayle and the St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots this Saturday!
US OPEN Ladies Final
Who would have thought? It will be Sloane Stephens versus Madison Keys in the US Open Ladies Final tomorrow at 3pmET.
With Serena out, it has been anybody’s game.
Sloane Stephens showed she wanted to be in the Final more than ever last night, beating veteran, Venus Williams in an epic 3rd set. She beat Venus, 6-1, 0-6, 7-5. Her reach and movement was phenomenal.
On the other side of the draw, Madison Keys has been relentless and rolled over Coco Vandeweghe, 6-1, 6-2.
Stay tuned!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Roger Federer crashed out of the US Open last night. Juan del Potro came out with all guns blazing to spoil the anticipated Nadal-Federer Semifinal party.
What happened to Roger?!
Well I can agree with what he said in his post-match interview. He had too many misses. Del Potro was not making many errors apart from a few double faults. Del Potro was just the better player last night. His forehands were powerful and aggressive and Federer had no answers for them. He was in the wrong position too many times. Del Potro’s serve was also on point. Federer failed to seize opportunities when the times were right compared to del Potro who did the exact opposite. It mattered most when Federer had FOUR set points to win the 3rd set and he lost them all. That gave del Potro the confidence to win the 4th and the match. The closeness of the match even when Roger played horribly, showed how great he is in this game. Del Potro beat Federer 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (10-8), 6-4.
Del Potro will face World no. 1 Rafael Nadal in the Semis. Nadal knows that if he doesn’t play his best his chances are low versus del Potro who is currently at the top of his game.
Who’s in the other Men’s Semifinal?
Kyle Anderson (28) spoiled the USA party and upset Sam Querrey (17) in 4 sets. Spectacular match. He will face Pablo Carreño Busta (12) tomorrow.
Who’s left in it for the Ladies?!
For the 1st time in 36 years there will be All American Semifinals for the Ladies!
The Semifinal action will be on today. I think they’re all going for it and it’s anyone’s game. Everyone will have to play their best tennis to have a chance to win.
Here’s the Schedule:
Venus Williams will play Sloane Stephens. Of course I give Venus the edge but Venus will need to improve her serve based on how she has been playing this tournament and will have to keep moving well.
Then you have Coco versus Keys. That should be a cracker. Both ladies have been playing extremely well. Even though Keys has a higher ranking, I give the edge to Coco if she keeps her emotions in check.
Note that Coco also took out World no. 1 Karolina Pliskova in straight sets in the QF, 7-6, 6-3.
Stay tuned!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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GW Art is currently at Dr. Jordan Hardie’s OBGYN Office to set the patients’ eyes at ease.
Dr. Hardie was featured in The Jamaica Observer’s All Woman, May 29th of this year. Go and consult him for your OBGYN Services at 1C Braemar Ave., Kgn. 5 (Ph: 876-368-5547; 876-616-8132).
GW Art
Email: [email protected]
Ph: 876-422-3769
Website (Gallery):Â
Get your GW Art today!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Suga waited a month to visit Jamaica’s 1st and only Vietnamese Restaurant located in Manor Centre.
Coincidentally, I went two Saturdays ago, which happened to be the Saturday following its marketing publication on Thursday, August 24 in one of our local papers, The Jamaica Observer.
It was a bad day. Positives? All their dishes such as Spring Rolls, Rice, Vegetable, Beef and Chicken dishes, Soups, Salads, Sandwiches and Dessert cost less than $800JMD. So, I was only impressed with their reasonable prices and modern decor. Apparently I wasn’t the only one. I was approached by two young ladies after I left, who asked my opinion of the experience and expressed their dissatisfaction.
I found the contrast of views to be interesting between them as foodies, and a member of the Chaine des Rôtisseurs (International Association of Gastronomy, IAG) who also dined there that day. The ladies believed that, since they are just opening everything should be on point, versus the IAG member who was quick to opine that you cannot judge an establishment within their first month of opening.
I agree with both views, but not entirely. I know of Restaurants that have gotten it right within the 1st month of opening. Nirvanna Indian Fusion Cuisine, Great Escape – Runaway Bay, Jamaica Liquor Warehouse Deli, Cellar 8 and Hard Rock Cafe – Montego Bay are some of those Restaurants, just to name a few.
Since it can be done, what excuses do the Restaurants that don’t get it right have? When is it suitable not to judge and to tolerate teething pains?
It is suitable to tolerate teething pains when the owners are willing to seek general feedback via all mediums whether face to face, over the telephone or via direct messaging. Also, when the owners are willing to have respectful, balanced discussions with dissatisfied diners and are inclined to accept honest, negative feedback and suggestions so that they can prepare themselves with solutions to turn things around as quickly as possible.
Vi Nguyen, one of the founders for 4U Vietnam Restaurant spoke with Suga, and is excited about bringing something new to the Jamaican market and would like to guide her staff to do their best to improve the Restaurant everyday.
Obstacles and Outlooks
â— Lack of Owners’/Managerial Presence
It is critical for an owner to oversee their Restaurant for at least the first 3 months after opening, put in the marketing and stress test the Restaurant. Nguyen, who does not live here and has a different career overseas, got a taste of Jamaican reality. It was a reality check in terms of how long things can take to get going in Jamaica because of various regulations and just how slow the overall process is to open an establishment compared to the USA and Vietnam. It definitely surpassed her time here of 4 months, so she had to leave shortly after the opening to return to work.
There was also unexpected difficulty in getting visas for overseas staff members, which include another Chef and Manager.
She will return to Jamaica in about a week and four other members of staff from overseas, with experience in Vietnamese cuisine should be arriving in November.
â— Overwhelmed staff members leading to an increased shortage of staff
After my visit, where they were one server short, a new server was trained and employed to replace the previous server.
â— Shortage of Ingredients, thus lack of authenticity compared to Vietnamese Restaurants overseas, a limited menu and being unable to offer certain options at a late time on a busy day
A huge shipment of ingredients and supplies is on its way. There is a consideration to eventually buy land here and grow various ingredients such as lemon grass as well.
Why is lemon grass short in Jamaica? Despite the global demand for lemon grass essential oil and the relative ease with which the plant grows in Jamaica, it is not produced commercially.(Jamaica Observer, May 20, 2012)
***Note that one of my brothers’ favourite cuisine in the States is Vietnamese, so I had no choice but to experience it several times and I enjoyed it. Clean, healthy and fresh eating with kicks of herbal flavour. I am looking forward to having this plan realised.
â— Will they take the risk of Participating in Restaurant Week this November?
Yes, but they will only be doing the Lunch Special, which is the most manageable option.
It was a pleasure speaking with Vi Nguyen. It was refreshing to hear how genuinely passionate and eager she is about her plans to improve the Restaurant. I hope they overcome the various setbacks by December and persevere, as I think there is a lot of potential for the Restaurant to improve and possibly grow into a franchise here in Jamaica.
Good luck to Vi Nguyen and the team. Suga will visit again.
4U Vietnam Restaurant
Location: Khemlani Plaza, Manor Centre. Kgn. 8
Ph: 876-616-8367; 876-305-0943
Opening Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11am-8pm; Fri- Sat: 11am-9pm; Sun: 2pm-9pm
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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