Throwback Tuesday to Seaside Dining with Stellar Views!

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Suga’s Ratings for Juniper on the Water

Date and time of visit: Saturday, October 19, 2019 at 8:30pm

No. of diners: 4 adults

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum 

Parking (Valet): ★★★★★

Ambience: ★★★★★

Décor: ★★★☆☆

Comfort: ★★★★★

Service: ★★★★☆

Speed: ★★★★★

Food quality: ★★★★☆

Serving amount: ★★★★★

Plating: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★★★☆

Suga’s Breakdown!

Juniper on the Water offers valet parking and has both indoor and outdoor dining, but I can’t see why you would pass up the stellar views by the water to dine indoors.

They specialise in Seafood and offer happy hour daily, dinner nightly and weekend brunch.
Our server was a bit quick on taking away the menus each time, but other than that, she was polite and quite attentive.
Serving sizes were more than generous, as some mains could be shared for two. The seafood was fresh and the dishes were flavourful. We all enjoyed our appetizers and main courses, except for the Seared Red Snapper Fillet. Jamaicans tend to prefer Saltwater fish versus Freshwater fish and appreciate a bit more seasoning.
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Red Snapper Filet (USD $28) – Roasted cherry tomatoes, charred cipollini onions, capers in a saffron broth.
Appetizers
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Ceviche Mixto (USD $16) – Shrimp, Cod Fish, Octopus, leche de tigre, shaved red onions, micro cilantro, aji amarillo dressing.
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Sautéed Mussels (USD $15) – Roasted garlic, parsley, butter, chardonnay cream broth.
The Mussels were fantastic. It could be shared amongst our party of 4.
Entrees
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Lobster Gnocchi Fra Diablo (USD $32) – Potato dumplings, garlic, cherry tomatoes, lobster meat, spicy sauce.
The Cioppino (USD $38) (Not photographed) that was a Gulf shrimp, mussels, clams, Atlantic cod, lobster meat Seafood Stew served with grilled bread was delightful as well.
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Seafood Paella (USD $38) – Toasted Israeli couscous, walnut pesto, calamari, mussels, clams, gulf shrimp, fish filet, chorizo, English peas, roasted bell peppers.
Their signature Seafood Paella lived up to its prestigious reputation. It was a steamy burst of flavour that I thoroughly enjoyed.
There was no room for Dessert, but Juniper on the Water is #SugaEndorsed.
Juniper on the Water
Location: 1975 S Ocean Dr, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009, United States
Ph: 954-544-3370
Website: https://www.juniperonthewater.com/
Instagram: @juniperonthewater

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

The Place to Brunch this Sunday!

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Two Powerhouses in the culinary industry, Pink Apron Jamaica and  Simo’s Bread and Catering will join forces again to offer Brunch at a neat spot in Kingston, The Courtyard on Lady Musgrave Road this Sunday! Need I say more?

This Brunch is #SugaEndorsed.

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Epicurean Delights Served on Eye-Popping Displays from Barton G Miami!

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Suga’s Ratings for Barton G. The Restaurant – Miami Beach

Date and time of visit: Sunday, October 20, 2019 at 8:30pm

No. of diners: 3 adults

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum 

Parking: ★★★☆☆

Ambience: ★★★★★

Décor: ★★★★☆

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★★★

Speed: ★★★★★

Food quality: ★★★★★

Serving amount: ★★★★★

Plating: ★★★★★

Value for $: ★★★★★

Suga’s Breakdown

My Aunt, Maxine Spencer visited Barton G for her birthday in August and highly recommended it as a must-stop destination in Miami. From what I saw, I knew I had to visit on my next trip with my husband, Randy.
Epicurean delights were served on eye-popping displays that only added to the enjoyment of the food, great service and ambience. We also had front row seats to see them all come out the kitchen.
We kicked things off with cocktails like no other!
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Stairway to Heaven – Grey Goose Cherry Noir, Godiva White Chocolate Cream, Frangelico
Appetizers
The appetizers were so tasty, you had to worry about space for the entrees!
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Lobster Pop Tarts (USD$29) – Lobster and Fontina Mornay sauce, Flaky Phyllo, Tabasco Hollandaise, Tarragon Aioli
The flavours and textures in the Lobster Pop Tarts were truly a pleasant surprise. There was even a hint of sweet.
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Laughing Bird Popcorn Shrimp (USD$27) – Crispy Rock Shrimp, Sweet & Spicy Chili sauce, Popcorn
The Popcorn Shrimp had the right amount of crisp, complemented well by the sweet and spicy chili sauce.
The tender, juicy delish Sliders almost struck me out! But I wouldn’t allow them to do so. I just had a taste.
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Strike Out Sliders (USD$36) – Wagyu Beef, Gruyere Cheese, Red Onion, Jam, Smoked Ketchup, Garlic Aioli, Black Truffle Brioche

Eye-popping Entrees!

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Orange Salmon (USD$39) – Pan Seared Salmon Loin, Garden Patatouille, Roasted Pepper Paint, Herb Pesto, Fennel Chip
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Randy Burgess with his Samurai Tuna (USD$42) – Ahi, Korean spices, Kimchi Risotto Fritters, Sweet Miso Butter, Shishito Peppers
The Ahi Tuna was perfection. Look at those cuts!
I have to confess that we also had the best Lobster Mac and Cheese I have ever tasted. It was divine with huge pieces of Lobster.

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I thoroughly enjoyed my Risotto Jambalaya. A burst of different flavours with the best of both worlds, Meat and Seafood. Of course I couldn’t finish it, but I must say that the Okra and Spices were sensational additions to the dish.
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Risotto Jambalaya (USD$35) – Chicken Andouille Sausage, Gulf Shrimp, Arborio Rice, Okra, Cajun Mirepoix, Spices
Did we really have Dessert?! Of course! You cannot pass up on getting the ‘Dolla Dolla Bills Y’all’!
***Check out Suga Lifestyle’s Instagram stories for the Videos!!!***
Mega Rich chocolate ganache and dulce de leche tart, under a gold brick shell that was torched off! Vanilla bean ice cream and golden caramel corn. THE perfect way to end the night. 💯
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Barton G is definitely rated 100 by Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga and is undoubtedly #SugaEndorsed !
Barton G. The Restaurant – Miami Beach
Location: 1427 West Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA
Ph: 305-672-8881

 

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 Suga Taster’s Review for Casa Sensei, FL!

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Suga Taster Ratings for Casa Sensei, FL

Date and time of visit: October 13th at 7pm

No. of diners: 2

Server: Dane N

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★★★

Ambience: ★★★★★

Décor: ★★★★★

Comfort: ★★★★★

Service: ★★★☆☆

Speed: ★★★★☆

Food quality: ★★★☆☆

Serving amount: ★★★★☆

Plating: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★★☆☆

A Suga Taster’s Breakdown !

A friend and I selected Casa Sensei as the place to be when we decided that a night out was overdue. Casa Sensei had been high on our list of places to try, since the cuisine is pan-Asian mixed with the dynamic culinary traditions of Latin America.

The restaurant does not have its own parking lot, but there is a parking garage within close proximity and payment is collected via the Pay By Phone App.

Upon entering the restaurant, we were greeted quite pleasantly by hostesses, Kamilah and Daniela, who seated us within five minutes of our arrival. Although the interior of the restaurant is Asian-chic, we decided to dine outdoors by the waterfront, overlooking the Himmarshee Canal on Las Olas Blvd.

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Our server, Dane approached us shortly after, provided the food and drink menus, and took our orders quickly. However, within one hour we no longer had our server’s undivided attention and we had to be asking other servers for him to fill our glasses with water on several occasions.

Closer to the end of our disappointing dining experience, we were approached by Barbara, who I was told was the night manager. She was seeking feedback on our evening. She apologized for the server’s sparse attention and stated that it was due to it being a Saturday night, where the restaurant had its fair share of patrons. With regards to the saltiness of some of our dishes, she urged us to give them another try. Despite the mediocre service and food quality, we had already planned on returning to try their Sushi dishes. Complimentary Cotton Candy was also a sweet ending to a salty night.

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Kimchi Flavoured Popcorn (4/5) – The Kimchi flavoured Sauce gave the Popcorn quite a spicy kick. It would have been more enjoyable if the Kimchi sauce was evenly distributed though.
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Tom Yum Shrimp Soup (2/5) (USD$6) – The soup had the potential to be delectable but the sodium level was at an all time high. It was returned to the kitchen.
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Blue Crab Rangoon (4/5) (USD$9) – the Rangoons were deep fried to perfection and the sauce was just the right amount of sweet. The only complaint was that there should have been sauce drizzled on top of the rangoons as well.
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Rock Shrimp Tempura (4/5) (USD$13) -The Rock Shrimp Tempura was perfectly fried and then bathed in a sweet chili sauce. The only downfall was that the Shrimp was sliced up.
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Lobster Curry Curl (3/5) (USD$19)- The red curry sauce was also high in sodium and the flesh of the lobster was hard to remove from the shell.
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Pescado Frito (3/5) – The fish, although fried to perfection was a bit on the salty side and the accompanying sauce was quite congealed.
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Sensei Special Fried Rice (5/5) (USD$18) – House special fried rice with pork, chicken and shrimp. I’m not a big fan of rice, but I enjoyed the quantity of various meats incorporated within the dish.
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Coconut Cream Creme Brûlée (3.5) – This is my absolute favorite dessert in the world and while the flavours of the coconut milk and the berries came shining through, it was clear that the Creme Brûlée was not set, because it was very lumpy in texture.
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Lycheetini (USD$10) and Melontini (5/5) – Both were delicious.

***N.B. Prices quoted subject to additional tax and Service charge***

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Casa Sensei

Location: 1200 East Las Olas Blvd. #101 Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33301

Ph: 954-530-4176

Instagram: @casasensi

Edited By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner of Suga Lifestyle)

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

The NEW Reggae Mill Restaurant Offers Authentic Jamaican at Devon House

Last Thursday evening, Suga had the pleasure of attending the official Grand Opening of the Reggae Mill Restaurant at Devon House.

After two and a half years of serving Greek Cuisine at Devon House, familiarly known as Opa, owner, Alexx Antaeus decided to leave it up to his business partner, Orlease King (Jamaican, born and grown) to take over and give Devon House and by extension, Kingston, Jamaica, an authentic Jamaican cuisine restaurant.

The restaurant shares the same space as Opa and the Reggae Mill Bar, but according to Antaeus, the prices for the Reggae Mill Restaurant should be more reasonable to encourage persons to make it their preferred spot for lunch.

Appetizers were offered to guests, giving you a taste of what to expect when you decide to dine at the new, authentic Jamaican dining spot.

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Niesha from the Reggae Mill Restaurant serving Ackee and Saltfish on fried, pressed green plantain.

The Ackee and Saltfish on pressed plantain gave persons the option of adding more seasoning or spice. While the tender Pork bites gave you the true Jamaican hit of spice, mixed with a touch of sweet from the sauce.

CPJ had an assortment of wines serving throughout the night and the buffet opened up, treating guests to Rice and peas, Curried Goat, Jerked Chicken, Oxtail and Stew Peas.

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Stew Peas, Oxtail, Jerked Chicken, Curried Goat and rice and peas from the buffet at the Reggae Mill Restaurant Launch last Thursday, October 17, 2019.

Suga enjoyed it all. The flavours were balanced and the meats, sourced locally, were well seasoned and juicy to the bone. Orlease did a fantastic job of recreating the meals we grew up enjoying from our kitchens. We all know the home cooked Stew Peas that tied our fathers is not easy to achieve. I am also happy to say in Jamaican words, ‘it neva salt’.

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Stew Peas from the Reggae Mill Restaurant!

Well done to Orlease, Alexx and their team. Looking forward to see the Reggae Mill Restaurant maintain a high standard of true, home style Jamaican cooking.

I am also looking forward to trying the Jamaican desserts, in particular, my favourite, the Bread Pudding!

Reggae Mill Restaurant

Location: Devon House, Hope Road. Kingston, Ja.

Opening Hours: Mondays – Fridays: 12 noon – 11:00 pm, Saturdays 5:00 pm – 11:00 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.

TGIF to this Caramel Brownie Ice Cream Sandwich from Jamaica Liquor Warehouse!

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How good does this Caramel Brownie Ice Cream Sandwich look from Jamaica Liquor Warehouse ?! Get your holiday treat on with them this weekend 😉

Enjoy!

Jamaica Liquor Warehouse, Deli & Bar

Location: 17 Lindsay Crescent, Kingston

Ph: 876-925-9427

Instagram: @jamaicaliquorwarehouse

***Closed on Mondays***

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

 

The Chilly Witch from Montego Bay Casts Spells on Diets with Ice Cream and Sorbet!

Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga is now contributing articles to www.buzz-caribbean.com !

I am so enthusiastic to finally share the joy I feel each time I have Chilly Witch Ice Cream and Sorbet, notably after I earn my carbs.

Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga of Suga Lifestyle
Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga of Suga Lifestyle about to enjoy the toop size, Strawberry Ice Cream from Chilly Witch after her workout.

So far, the 00-Heaven, a luxury chocolate blend made with One One Cacao’s delicious, rich, Jamaican
dark chocolate is my favourite.

Chilly Witch will be at my Christmas Trade Show, Suga Lifestyle’s Christmas Connection at The Jamaica Pegasus on Sunday, December 15th! So SAVE THE DATE!

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Check out more from my latest article, ‘The Chilly Witch from Montego Bay Casts Spells on Diets with Ice Cream and Sorbet’ by clicking on the link here:

https://buzz-caribbean.com/article/the-chilly-witch-from-montego-bay-casts-spells-on-diets-with-ice-cream-and-sorbet/

Enjoy! Chilly Witch is #SugaEndorsed 

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Meet Suga Taster, Jehan based in Florida, who Dined Dockside!

Suga introduces you to Suga Taster, Jehan Knight!

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Suga Taster, Jehan Knight

Jehan Knight is a Mental Health Therapist, who currently resides in Florida. She enjoys cooking Steak or Salmon and Beef is her favourite choice of meat. Her favourite dessert is Crème brûlée and she has the biggest sweet tooth I know. She does not have a favourite restaurant to go to for special occasions because she is always trying somewhere new. Food is always on her mind.

Suga Taster, Jehan Knight’s Ratings for Kaluz Restaurant, FL

Date and time of visit: September 22nd at 6:45 pm

No. of diners: 4

Server: Andrew

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★★★

Décor: ★★★★★

Comfort: ★★★★★

Service: ★★★★★

Speed: ★★★★★

Food quality: ★★★★★

Serving amount: ★★★★★

Plating: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★★★★

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Suga Taster’s Breakdown!

As I pulled up to the new kid on the block, Kaluz Restaurant, I was eagerly greeted by a remarkably polite and well-mannered valet attendant who informed me that there was no charge, as they work off of gratuity.

Upon entering Kaluz, it had modern décor, it was breezy with dockside views and my party was seated right away. Our server, another courteous, yet quirky young man by the name of Andrew came over, introduced himself, briefed us on the menu and took our drink orders. About five minutes later, Andrew returned and took our orders for both the appetizer and main course. He gave us the rundown on each dish, ensuring there were no allergies. Everything was nothing short of well seasoned and divine, tickling my Jamaican roots.

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Chicken Drum Lollipops (USD $12) – Herb Marinated Chicken, Chipotle Barbeque Sauce, Scallions, Roasted Garlic Ranch.
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Jumbo Lump Crab dip (USD $17) – Parmesan Cream, Fire Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, Jumbo Lump Crab and Panko served with Crostinis.
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Smoked Salmon dip (USD $14) – Chef Sauce, Orange Zest, Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes with Crostinis.
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Shrimp Cargot (USD $14) – Marinated Shrimp, Garlic, Havarti Butter with a Baguette.
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Barrel Cut Filet Mignon (USD $37)- (9oz) Premium Choice Beef Tenderloin, Bearnaise with a Fully Loaded Baked Potato.
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Maple Leaf Duck Confit (USD $24) – Slow-Braised Duck Leg and Thigh, Thyme, Garlic, Plum-Orange Demi with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes.
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Scallops Pomegranate (excluding Quinoa medley) – pan seared scallops with a mango compote, pomegranate reduction.
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New York Strip (USD $42) – 16oz Prime Rib, Garlic Truffle Butter with Broccoli.
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Expresso Affogato (USD $6) – Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, Freshly Brewer Expresso, Cinnamon and Chocolate.

*N.B. Prices listed were subjected to tax and service charge

Kaluz is definitely endorsed by Suga Taster, Jehan and she will return.

Kaluz Restaurant, FL

Location: 3300 E Commerical Boulevard. Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33308

Ph: 954-772-2209

Edited 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.

Chorlavi’s Pepper Jellies and Jams will be at GW Art’s Exhibition!

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Come View, Sip, Taste and Shop GW Art’s Collection at The Jamaica Pegasus on Saturday, September 28th!

The event will feature Cheeses from Outland Hurders Creamery & Farmstead, Chorlavi’s Pepper Jellies and Jams and rich, bean to dark Chocolate from One One Cacao to complement the evening too!

Chorlavi’s by Nella Davis Stewart out of St. Ann, uses less sugar and more local organic fruit, herbs and vegetables to create a tasty variety of Pepper Jellies and Jams. No preservatives and no additives.

Nella used to be a caterer, so can demonstrate how well her Jams and Jellies pair with meats.

Where did she get the name Chorlavi’s?

Nella went to eat at Haciendo Chorlavi, a hotel in the hills of Ecuador about 20 years ago. They have a love story similar to Lover’s Leap in Jamaica and she fell in love with the place.

When Nella went to register her business’s name as Gems, in honour of her mother, the name was aready taken. So she went with Chorlavi’s!

What’s Suga’s fave from Chorlavi’s?

I love the Pineapple, Mango and Carambola Pepper Jellies. They were balanced in terms of tasting the fruit, the spicy and the sweet.

I love the Otaheite Jam too.

What will Chorlavi’s have at GW Art’s Collection?

Chorlavi’s has such a range of Jams and Jellies, I can just give you a preview!

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Spicy Tamarind Pepper Wings
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Saucy, Tamarind Coconut Wings
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Hot and Spicy Mango Chicken Cutlets

Pairings for serving on crackers:

Tamarind Coconut and Peanut butter, all Pepper Jams with cheeses, Tamarind Pepper Jam with smoked meats.

I can’t wait! Can you?!

Save the Date! #SEPTEMBER28

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Jamaica Food and Drink Festival is Back! Save the Dates!

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The Caribbean’s No. 1 Urban Food Festival with over 70 Chefs starts Saturday, October 26! With Restaurant Week afterwards, plan your gym days to earn your carbs NOW!

Save the dates and look into securing your tickets! Season bands are on sale this year too. Note that the Season band includes Pork Palooza, Chopstix, Crisp, Picante and Meet Street.

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All days should be a treat. If you must choose, stay tuned to your favourite Chefs and Restaurants’ social media pages and see where they will be.

The website,  http://www.jafoodanddrink.com may feature them soon and tickets are on sale now on the website.

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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