Half Moon is hosting their Guest Chef series to enjoy the rich and bold flavours of Chef Ken Frank.
Chef Ken Frank’s landmark Restaurant is La Toque in Napa Valley, California. It has earned a Michelin star every year they have been awarded in Wine Country.
Chef Frank will create 6 exquisite courses to be paired exclusively with Jackson family wines at the Sugar Mill Restaurant, Half Moon.
It is certainly a sad day for the athletic world, friends, family and fans, as retired High Jumper, Germaine Mason died suddenly this morning in a bike crash.
Jamaican-born, Germaine Mason still holds the National record for Jamaica in High Jump. He migrated to the UK and represented Great Britain after 2006.
He won the Silver Medal in High Jump at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 for Great Britain.
This morning, Germaine lost control of his motor bike along the Palisadoes road, crashed and died on the spot.
Rest in Peace Germaine.
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Round 1 of the Playoffs have begun and we have already had 2 upsets. The Bucks beat the Raptors at home and the bigger story is the Bulls beating the Celtics in their house as well. However, even though the Bulls is the number 7 seed going into the Playoffs and the Celtics is number 1, the match ups are competitive. You cannot ignore the talent and experience of Rondo and D. Wade and the freshness and hunger of Jimmy Butler. This should be an interesting series.
The Pacers have kept close to the Cavs but have failed twice to overcome them. They don’t have what it takes to beat the Cavs this year.
In the West, The Trailblazers held their own versus the Warriors but the Warriors are just in a different class. They will keep the Warriors on their toes this series though.
The Jazz upset the Clippers to take Game 1 but I think these teams will go back and forth like the Hawks and Wizards in the East. They are the number 5 and 4 seeds respectively.
The Rockets rolled over OKC in Game 1. Suga believes OKC has what it takes to upset them but they have a lot of work to do.
The Spurs rolled over the Grizzlies in a Game 1 blowout. Game 2 was more competitive though, where the Grizzlies chipped away a 26-point deficit to a 4-point deficit. The Spurs regrouped and stretched the lead again to win and go up in the series 2-0.
During the game there was visible frustration from Zach Randolph for not getting foul calls, but it was their Coach Fizdale who was the most upset of all.
He went on a huge Post-game tirade on the Refs and is likely to get fined.
Watch “Grizzlies Coach David Fizdale was ABSOLUTELY TRIGGERED and GOES OFF on the referees!!” on YouTube here:
Coach Fizdale’s data does raise eyebrows but he should have quit while he was ahead. It’s not like he was playing a team like the Cavs. He was playing a team with class as well. ‘Kuwiet Kawhi’ is definitely not the type to cry for free throws. It just happens he got a lot.
Coach Fizdale has a ring from being on the Coaching staff for Miami so those Refs better recognize.
I assume they will come out hard at home. Hopefully the data is more reasonable for the rest of their series.
We’ll be looking out for the ‘They’re not gonna ROOK US’ T-shirts.
Tonight’s Schedule:
Photo: ESPN Scorecenter
Enjoy!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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For some time now, my cousin in Montego Bay told my husband about a young lady that makes extremely delicious Pastries and handcrafted Breads.
The young lady she spoke of is Christina Simonitsch. With this kind of recommendation, we both followed her on Instagram immediately. Her Instagram page, @simosbreadandcatering is quite mouth-watering. You can see the joy and passion she has for cooking and baking, leaving you with no choice but to want to be a part of it.
The name, Simonitsch is quite known not only in Montego Bay, but islandwide and worldwide. Christina is what we Jamaican folks would like to call ‘good stock’. Her father is Heinz Simonitsch, the Austrian hotelier that arrived on the island to run Half Moon in 1963. Under his stewardship, Halfmoon became one of the most successful privately-owned beach resorts in the world. He retired in 2002 and has been recognized by being awarded with the Honorary Order of Distinction for his lifetime contribution to Tourism in Jamaica and the Caribbean.
With his retirement, I am happy to see his name live on in the Culinary industry of Jamaica via his eldest daughter Christina. Christina grew up in the kitchen and it seems as if the passion for what she does is in her DNA. She knew what her career would be from very early and also learnt from her Aunt and Grandmother in Austria.
After catering for mostly friends and family at small gatherings, the choice was easy for her to stay and work in Jamaica instead of returning to Europe. Word spread so fast, her hands were full.
Christina not only does specialty Breads and Pastries, but has Gourmet selections and her private label Condiment line of Pepper sauces, Sea salt, Pepper Jelly, Basil Pesto, Marinades and more. She is based in Montego Bay, so occasionally, she announces when she will be coming into Kingston and posts her list with prices. She usually comes in on a Thursday, where pick ups can be made at Shams Bakery in The Marketplace between 11am-2pm.
I ordered her Basil Pesto the 2nd to last time she came into Kingston because I was too late to order the Cinnamon Buns I have been dying to taste.
I made a fabulous Pesto Pasta with Chicken and Shrimp. That Basil Pesto is definitely #sugaendorsed.
She came back to Kingston last week Thursday. I made sure my order of Cinnamon Buns and a Cronut was in early this time, especially since there was an occasion to celebrate. My father-in-law got treated with Cinnamon Buns for his birthday and we all enjoyed it. I love that the icing comes separately in a bag if you are watching your calories.
Suga’s order of Simo’s Bread and Catering’s Cinnamon Buns in a 9″ tin with Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting (L) -($1700JMD); Cronut (R) – $950JMD
After trying Simo’s Bread & Catering’s pastries, watching calories goes out the window. That Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting I thought I was just going to have a smear of, was a delightful topping for the scrumptious Cinnamon Buns.
Simo’s Bread & Catering Cronut – $950JMD
I sat down in my living room about to have my Cronut thinking to myself, why did I just spend almost a $1000JMD on a cross between a Croissant and a Doughnut? Say no more. I took one bite and it was heavenly. The perfect mix of moist and crispy with a touch of flavoured cream on the inside and a hint of icing on top. A bite turned into quicker bites, then a swallow and I had to stop myself. I knew I needed to savour it. So I decided to distract myself by messaging my husband who missed the opportunity of being home for this pleasurable experience. I told him there is no way I could save a piece for him. Then just like that it was finished. Instead of feeling guilty for indulging in this pastry, I just sat there with a smile on my face like a real pleased puss. It was totally worth it. Well, maybe $500 plus the delivery to Kingston. Regardless, I would order that Cronut again in a heartbeat.
When is Simo’s Bread and Catering’s next trip to Kingston?  I have good news. I am not sure when you can make Orders for Pick ups but Christina will be Co-hosting a gathering soon on May 19 at Kayter Restaurant on Ballater Avenue. It should be a gastronomic experience. Make your Reservations!
Photo of OKC’s Russell Westbrook: ESPN ScoreCentre
Oscar Robertson held the record for the most triple-doubles in an NBA season. He scored 41 triple-doubles in the 1961-1962 season with the Cincinnati Royals. The 12-time All Star was also a key player for the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1970-1971 season, helping them to win their only NBA title.
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook set the record last night with his 42nd triple-double, passing Oscar Robertson.
He did it in fine style with 50 points, grabbing 16 rebounds and dishing out 10 assists in a 106-105 win over the Denver Nuggets.
Congrats Russ!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Edwin Allen as predicted got the 4-peat for the Girls. The fight was on for 2nd place between Jago, Holmwood and Hydel. Hydel took 2nd and the other standings are below.
Suga would like to big up her alma mater, Immaculate for finishing in the top 10. Well done ladies!
Boys
The prediction for the Boys did not have the same outcome as the Girls. KC thought they had Champs in the bag and did a lot of talking. I don’t know where their maths went wrong but they clearly did not account for injuries and other mishaps. Even KC’s ‘import’ from Uganda lost the 1500m to Calabar. However, he still managed to win the 5000m giving them a 4-point lead before the last race of the meet. But it was not enough. They did not have a strong enough 4×400m relay team, especially without Jhevaughn Matherson who aggravated his injury after the 100m semis. If they finished 3rd or higher in the 4×400m relay, they could have won Champs. How? It would have been a tie with Calabar and they had the deeper team with more Gold medals. That was not accomplished though and Calabar’s Christopher Taylor anchored Calabar to victory, 6-love.
Suga’s Championship Girl is Gabrielle McDonald from Edwin Allen!
The quality and speed of the hurdling impressed me most of all this year. Tiny but mighty, Gabrielle smashed the Class 1 100m hurdles record, finishing in 13.12s and won the 400m hurdles open as well. She won in 56.53s ahead of the favourite from Holmwood, Nicolee Foster. Keep in mind that our Danielle Williams ran a PB of 12.57s to win the 100m hurdles at the 2015 World Champs. These young athletes have been running spectacular times. Keep it going Gabrielle!
Gabrielle McDonald of Edwin Allen hurdling her way to victory. Photo: The Jamaica Gleaner
Suga’s Championship Boy is Christopher Taylor from Calabar!
Entering his first year in the Class 1 Boys, he won the 400m, the 200m and anchored his team to victory in the 4×400m relay. Bright future ahead from this humble, young man.
Christopher Taylor from Calabar after he took Calabar home to their 6th straight Champs victory
Congrats Edwin Allen and Calabar! Well done. Kudos to all the other schools as well that competed and help to put on an amazing show. There were surprises, injuries, false starts, tears, laughter, joy and numerous records broken.
See you all next year!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Suga and a friend visited Cellar 8 in Manor Park two Saturdays ago for GNO talk over dinner.
I arrived a few minutes before her at 6:15pm and their Mixologist, one of my faves, Milton greeted and seated me. He was his usual courteous self and started me off with my cue of Johnny Walker. He then took the time out to make me aware of various changes to their menu. He made me want to try everything! He also told me that he will have a Johnny Walker Mojito in the mix for me soon.
New Appetizers
There are now Pork Belly Tacos ($1400JMD) and Shrimp Tacos ($1400JMD). A nice addition to their Signature Oxtail Tacos that we love.
They have added a Charcuterie Plate ($2200JMD) for sharing that is great for a group with a few glasses of vino.
In addition to their tasty Crab dip, they now have Bacon & Cheddar, Spinach & Cheese and Artichoke Dips for $1500JMD.
My friend had their new delightful and flavourful, Seafood Bisque.
I had the spiced and breaded fresh Calamari with Chilli sauce ($1400JMD). For those who love pepper, it was tasty and quite spicy!
Spiced & breaded fresh Calamari with Chilli sauce ($1400JMD)
New Salads, Pizza, Sides
They now have a Lobster Salad. You would have to ask your server for availability and price.
There is a Going Green Pizza ($1400JMD) with spinach, red onion, cranberry, tomatoes, bell pepper and roasted garlic that sounds both healthy and savoury.
Spiced fresh Quinoa and more have been added to their Side Order offers ($500JMD).
New Entrees
I am happy that they have replaced the Basa with the Catch of the Day Grilled or Blackened with the Chef’s special spices ($1850JMD).
There is a Surf and Turf ($3500JMD) Filet Mignon and Grilled Shrimp, Pork Tenderloin ($2400JMD), Fire Grilled Flank Steak ($2200JMD) and more!
I had an old favourite, the Herb Crusted Grilled New Zealand Lamb Chops ($2400JMD). I was asked how I liked it and got how I liked it. It was tender, juicy and medium rare. Delish.
Herb Crusted Grilled New Zealand Lamb Chops ($2400JMD)
My friend is expecting and was settled with the Soup, but of course disappointed that she could not have alcoholic drinks. Milton took care of her and whipped up a refreshing Peach Cocktail that she enjoyed.
Dr. Rachelle Shirley Walcott about to enjoy her Peach Cocktail by Cellar 8’s Mixologist, Milton Wisdom
All prices quoted have an additional G.C.T and 5% service charge, that is increased for groups of 10 or more. So Cellar 8 is indeed pricey but delivers with great food and consistently, excellent service.
When it gets late and more people arrive, the tables are a bit too close for comfort though. Conversations of course get louder with drinks and depending on where you are sitting, getting out of your seat may be a bit of a challenge. They have started to seat persons outside but I believe they should cut off once inside is full. Persons have expressed not feeling comfortable or safe dining or having drinks beside the ATM machine with their belongings exposed.
Suga encourages you to still visit Cellar 8, a spectacular weekend spot but ensure that you call and book your table prior to going.
Enjoy the Weekend!
Cellar 8 Wine Bar
Location: Shop 10, Upper Manor Park Plaza
Ph: 876-613-5934
Opening Hours: Tuesdays-Sundays, 4pm-11pm
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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The Rotaract Clubs of Jamaica East’s Business Mingle and Pop Up Shop is TODAY at The Liguanea Club, New Kingston from 6-9pm.
Rotary and their youth arm, Rotaract are Non-Profit Organisations who conduct projects to better Communities locally and internationally. They also strive to develop their members Professionally. This annual Business Mingle will have inspirational Guest Speaker, Michelle Sinclair Doyley from JMMB. It is one of the many events they host to achieve more rounded members.
Suga would love for you to come out and support this event, GW Art and other Jamaican Entrepreneurs.
