The Terrace at The Terra Nova Continues to be Top-Notch for Fine Dining

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Escargots baked in Herb Garlic Butter (USD$18.95)

Suga’s Ratings for The Terrace at the Terra Nova All Suite Hotel 

Date and time of visit: Monday, December 30, 2019 @ 8:30pm

No. of diners: 4

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum 

Parking: ★★★★★

Ambience: ★★★★★

Décor: ★★★★★

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★★☆

Speed: ★★★★☆

Food quality: ★★★★★

Serving amount: ★★★★★

Plating: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★★★★

Suga’s Breakdown!

The Terrace continues to be one of the few dependable fine dining restaurants in Jamaica. The quality of the food remains top-notch. The service is up there too, but the waiters could loosen up a little. Though professional, they could be more pleasant and use a bit of charm.

The Terrace has a quiet setting with ambience ideal for conversation as we enjoyed our courses.

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Caribbean Marlin Plate – Thinly sliced Caribbean Marlin served with Marlin Ceviche, Herbed Cream Cheese and Tropical Fruit Salsa, Lime and Balsamic Vinaigrette (USD$17.95)
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Seafood Risotto with creamy Arborio Rice, Grilled Lobster, Shrimp, Scallops, Mussels, Herbs and Parmesan (USD$35.95)
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Grilled Filet Mignon with sautéed Mushrooms and Béarnaise sauce (USD$46.50)
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Crème brûlée !

If you have visitors for business or pleasure, a special date or occasion, The Terrace at Terra Nova is #SugaEndorsed.

The Terrace at the Terra Nova All Suite Hotel 

***Reservations Recommended***

Location: 17 Waterloo Road. Kgn. 10.

Ph: 876-926-2211; 876-926-9334

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

There is a NEW Spot to Pig Out on Ribs in Town!

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Suga’s Ratings for Zack’s Smoke Shack

Date and time of visit: Saturday, January 4, 2019 @ 8pm

No. of diners: 2

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum 

Parking: ★★★★★

Ambience: ★★★☆☆

Décor: ★★★★★

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★☆☆

Speed: ★★★★☆

Food quality: ★★★☆☆

Serving amount: ★★★★☆

Plating: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★★★☆

Suga’s Breakdown!

There is a new Barbecue Smoke Pit in town and it looks like enterprising restaurateur, Kirk Chin of Fromage and more has something to do with it 😉

The new Southern style spot opened its doors just last Thursday, January 2, 2019. It is close to the entrance of Market Place avoiding all current Market Place construction and gives you a Texas vibe upon entry where they nailed the modern ‘Pig Pen’ decor, literally.

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Suga visited last Saturday for Dinner. There is indoor and outdoor seating, but at the moment, it seems like you need to go to the cashier to order, then take the number for your table and pick your desired spot if dining.

The staff is green, but pleasant and attentive. My husband, Randy does not eat Pork (go figure!), so was looking forward to their Beef Brisket. We would have to return for that though, because its coming soon. Otherwise, their Menu, which is likely to change looked like this!

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We ordered a 1/2 pound of the Ribs, 1/4 pound of the Chicken, a large Mac & Cheese, Fries and 2 Beers. Our bill came to roughly $6000JMD, which I found to be quite reasonable because we were also quite satisfied after the meal.

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The Chicken was a bit on the dry side, but they had such a variety of tasty sauces to cover that up and why go to a Pig Pen for Chicken?! The Ribs and Bun Fyah sauce were fire! *I must say that Bun Fyah sauce was quite similar to Stush in the Bush’s Blow Fyah sauce. The formula to spicy heaven.

Tender, juicy ribs that were definitely some of the best that I’ve ever had, with buttery soft corn muffins that had the right touch of sweet really hit the spot.

The Mac & Cheese needed salt, a sharper cheese or some herbs though. But again, their sauces could help with that. I saw some kids at another table plaster their Mac & Cheese with sauce. The Bourbon sauce was quite good.

The Fries were quite tasty if you need another recommended side option.

Anyhow, Zack’s Smoke Shack is a casual, reasonable, family friendly dining spot that should do well and Suga will return.

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Zack’s Smoke Shack

Location: 67 Constant Spring Road. Market Place. Kingston 10. JA

Ph: 876-404-5265

Opening Hours: Sundays – Thursdays @ 11am – 10pm; Fridays – Saturdays @ 11am – 11pm

Instagram: @zackssmokeshack

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

SUGA RINGS IN THE YEAR IN LOOP NEWS!

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HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM SUGA!

I am Réved UP for 2020 in my locally made Sandals from Rêve Jewellery and Accessories and Dress from local, Fashion Designer, James Black of Love YC!

I hope to bring to you more of what Brand Jamaica has to offer this year via my Jamaican brand, Suga Lifestyle with my GW Art, other talented local artisans, Sports (Tokyo 2020 Olympics is almost here!), Restaurant Ratings and Reviews, Charities, Health and Fitness.

Suga Lifestyle events provide an exclusive shopping experience in comfort, with the best confectioneries and the opportunity to sip and lyme in a cool, cosy setting, with others that enjoy shopping for unique, high quality locally made products.

Speaking of which, did you see LOOP’s write up yesterday on Suga Lifestyle’s Christmas Connection?! If you missed it, check it out here:

http://www.loopjamaica.com/content/all-my-christmas-shopping-gifts-one-place-suga-lifestyle-did-it

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Have a Happy, Healthy, Successful and Prosperous New Year Suga Bears! ~XoXo, Suga💖

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Where to Indulge in Juicy Steak before the New Year!

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Sizzling Ribeye Steak recommended for two ($8500JMD): Grilled and served on a sizzling cast iron pan, finished with demi-glaze, truffle butter and mashed potatoes.

Need to indulge in a juicy Ribeye Steak before the New Year? Chef Alex D-Great has left Steak House on the Verandah in Devon House, but not to worry, Chef Jermaine Erskine and his team of two other Chefs have taken over in fine fashion.

I was a bit worried since I was treating my husband for his Birthday dinner on December 3rd, but I had friends who had gone recently and said the standard was still high. I am in total agreement. Service was commendable, the Ribeye that we shared was cooked to order, medium rare perfection and our sautéed Escargot starter in pesto cream and a puff pastry shell was delicious as well.

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Sautéed Escargot starter in pesto cream and a puff pastry shell ($1500JMD)

The pocket may have to run a bit deep for your visit, but you get value for your money. #SugaEndorsed

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Steak House on the Verandah

***Reservations Recommended***

Location: Devon House

Ph: 876-616-8833

Facebook: @steakhouseja

Instagram: @thesteakhouseja

Opening Hours:

Mon. to Sat. @ 12 noon – 9:30 pm

***Closed on Sundays*** 

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Seaside Dining with Chef Conroy Arnold that’s not too far away!

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Suga Taster, Taraja Jackson.

Suga Taster, Taraja Jackson’s Rating for Christopher’s at Hermosa Cove

Date and time of visit: November 17, 2019

No. of diners: 4

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum 

Parking: ★★★★★

Ambience: ★★★★★

Décor: ★★★★★

Comfort: ★★★★★

Service: ★★★★★

Speed: ★★★★★

Food quality: ★★★★★

Serving amount: ★★★★★

Plating: ★★★★★

Value for $: ★★★★★

Suga Taster, Taraja’s Breakdown!

Christopher’s at Hermosa’a Cove was the perfect Sunday evening setting. Tucked away on the beautiful beachfront property at Hermosa Cove, the restaurant overlooks the sea for a casual, yet intimate dining experience.

The menu was diverse with a sample of Jamaica’s unique fusion of European, Asian, and Indian flavours with local favorites, braised Oxtail, steamed Callaloo with Scotch bonnet peppers, and of course, jerked Chicken. However, Executive Chef Conroy Arnold decided to tantalize our taste buds with a selection of some of his signature dishes for a unique culinary experience. Our Chef’s special dishes consisted of six courses totalling $7000JMD each and included Red Peas soup, a delicious Salad with tomato, feta cheese and arugula topped off with a honey mustard vinaigrette. We also had a Shrimp alfredo puff pastry, Mahi-Mahi in eggplant sauce, Beef tenderloin with grilled sweet corn and for dessert we had Crème brûlée and a Banana flambé.

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Salad with tomato, feta cheese and arugula topped off with a honey mustard vinaigrette.
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Mahi-Mahi in eggplant sauce.
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Shrimp alfredo puff pastry.
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Banana flambé.

There were no delays during the courses, however it was a quiet night, which allowed for personalized, attentive treatment. Chef Arnold did an excellent job showcasing his talent and the group was extremely satisfied and pleased with the service.

Christopher’s at Hermosa Cove continues to be #SugaEndorsed !

Christopher’s at Hermosa Cove

Location: Hermosa Lane, Pineapple Hermosa Cove, Villa Resort & Suites, Ocho Rios

Ph: 876-974-3699

Edited By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

 

Suga Lifestyle Gifts a Family with Fruit Cake from Sweet Obsession Ja!

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Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga of Suga Lifestyle gifts a family with Fruit Cake courtesy of Sweet Obsession Ja at Suga Lifestyle’s Christmas Connection on Sunday, December 15, 2019 at The Jamaica Pegasus.

HAPPY MONDAY and CONGRATS to this sweet little girl who received a 2lb Fruit Cake Prize on behalf of her family from Suga Lifestyle courtesy of Sweet Obsession Ja!

Sophia Baronette Watts of Sweet Obsession Ja bakes it just like Mom or how you like it. This little winner’s mother had no plans to bake this year. No worries, Suga got them!

Just 2 days to Christmas! Continue to enjoy the season!

Sweet Obsession Ja

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @sweetobsessonja

Ph: 876-859-4015; 876-383-9532

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

 

Throwback Thursday to a Cliffside Dinner in Negril!

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Suga’s Ratings for The Lodge Restaurant at Tensing Pen Hotel

Date and time of visit: Saturday, November 23, 2019 at ~5:30pm

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

The Lodge Restaurant had an intimate, open air setting overlooking the Caribbean sea from the cliffside in Negril. It’s name is quite appropriate with its homey, wooden and log decor, similar to a getaway log cabin or lodge. So homey, you would meet resident Ridgebacks, Tensing and what looked like his brother. No need to worry though, once ignored, they stayed at a tolerable distance and quietly moved to the next table. The thatched roof and seaside views made you remember you weren’t anywhere cold, but enjoying island temperatures and sea breeze instead.

We caught Negril’s famous sunset and enjoyed the well mixed cocktails from the bar and the Grilled Garlic Lobster, which was the special for the night. The Chef’s grill is visible to diners and the Lobster was freshly caught, cooked and seasoned to perfection. The dish was delish!

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Grilled Garlic Lobster

Most of the variety of items on the menu are done to order and seafood is freshly caught, but service was still timely and the staff were quite attentive and courteous.

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Tensing Cool Runnings (USD$10): Whisky, Orange, Pineapple, Ginger Beer; Blue Lagoon (USD $10): Wray & Nephew White rum instead of Vodka, Blue Curacao, Liqueur, Lemonade

Cheers to visiting The Lodge Restaurant! I had a pleasant, memorable stay at Tensing Pen too. It’s #SugaEndorsed.

The Lodge Restaurant at Tensing Pen

Location: Tensing Pen Hotel. West End Road, Negril

Ph: 1-800-957-0387 or 876-957-0387

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

SUGA TASTERS, TENNYSON AND ASHLEIGH ARNOLD SHARE THEIR FINE DINING EXPERIENCE WITH EXTRAORDINARY CITY VIEWS IN SINGAPORE!

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Suga Tasters, Tennyson and Ashleigh Arnold at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Singapore on Saturday, September 28, 2019.

Suga Tasters, Ashleigh and Tennyson share more from their anniversary celebrations in September that took them to the other side of the world to Singapore, Bali and Vietnam!

Suga Tasters, Ashleigh and Tennyson Arnold’s Rating for Cé La Vi, on the rooftop at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Singapore. 

Date and time of visit: September 28, 2019 @ 7pm.

No. of diners: 2 

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum 

Parking: N/A

Ambience: ★★★★★

Décor: ★★★★☆

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★★★

Speed: ★★★★☆

Food quality: ★★★★☯️(4.5)

Serving amount: ★★★★☆

Plating: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★★☆☆

Suga Taster, Ashleigh’s Breakdown!

A trip to Singapore would not be complete without a visit to the rooftop of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel and more importantly, without a visit to Ce La Vi, a swanky Restaurant and SkyBar perched atop the striking Marina Bay Sands Hotel. The menu featured a relatively wide offering of contemporary Asian cuisine and though just a tad bit on the pricey side, once you take a bite you will understand why…the icing on the cake? no doubt the 360 degree magnificent views of the iconic city!!!

What the A-Team ate!

Starter:
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CALAMARI SCHNITZEL Lemon, coriander
Main Course
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STEAMED KÃœHLBARRA SEA BASS AND NAM JIM DRESSING: Thai basil, aromatic smoked fish broth
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XINJIANG LAMB: Yogurt flat bread, spiced miso tahini
Dessert
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JACKFRUIT PAVLOVA (AF) (GF): Baked meringue, jackfruit custard, jackfruit ice cream
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ICE CREAM AND SORBET (AF) (GF) (V):  Vanilla, chocolate, sea salt caramel, jackfruit, basil, ginger flower
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[Photo source: Hotels.com Singapore]

Cé La Vi, Singapore

Location: 1 Bayfront Avenue Hotel Tower 3, Level 57 Marina Bay Sands, SkyPark 018971
Ph: +65 6508 2188

Edited By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

A MUST Stop on your way to or from Negril!

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A stop by Smoked Marlin is a must on your way to or from Negril! I enjoyed my Hummingbird and check out my customized Smoked Marlin with Baked Irish Potato, which was just an appetizer believe it or not, but great pick me up.

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Smoked Marlin and Baked Irish Potato.

Commendable service and a scenic view as usual. #SugaEndorsed

Smoked Marlin Restaurant

Location: Main Street. Hopewell, Hanover

Ph: 876-609-4181

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

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

Suga’s Night of Fine Food and Bubbly with City Views at 20 South!

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An intimate setting was created last Friday night on the rooftop of 20 South Luxury Apartments for Chef Garfield Jr.’s sold out Popup Kitchen by the exclusive, Sip and Savour on the 7th floor.

Just 2 weeks after Chef Garfield pleased the crowd at Jamaica Food and Drink Festival’s Picanté with his Candied Mango Tamarind Pork, Scotch Bonnet Caramelized Onions and wild garlic challah, Suga was excited to see what he had to offer.

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I sat at Table 5 with my husband, Randy and our server was quite attentive and pleasant, ensuring that wines courtesy of CPJ kept flowing throughout the night.

I ordered The Salmon and Randy went for The Oxtail. Then we eagerly watched Chef Garfield Jr and his team prepare our dinner right in front of us, with the ambience of light music in the background and the view of city lights.

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We didn’t have to wait long before two well plated dishes arrived at our table.

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Slow Braised Oxtail tossed with local aromatics and spices, Italian dumplings, fresh parmesan and mozzarella cheese ($3500JMD).

The Oxtail was tender to the bone and tantalized the tastebuds with the local spices and flavours. The serving size was quite small, but ask and you shall receive because when Chef Garfield took a walk around to greet guests and gather feedback, he ensured extra Oxtail was brought to our table.

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Cast Iron Toasted Almond with Oven-Roasted Pineapple Crusted Atlantic Salmon, marinated and cooked in emulsified butter and deglaze with white wine ($3200JMD).

I was quite satisfied with my Salmon dish though. Decent portions, well cooked Salmon with a delicious crust on top.

Chef Garfield’s PopUp Kitchen is certainly #SugaEndorsed and another one is quickly approaching. So stay tuned to his instagram page, @chefgarfieldjr as well as Sip & Savour, @sipandsavourja (Ph: 876-665-0231).

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Chef Garfield Jr with Suga at his PopUp Kitchen last Friday, November 15, 2019.

By: Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga (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.