#tbt to Shrimp and Grits from New Orleans!

20190611_090609.jpg
Photo source: Suga Bear, Karlene Dawson

Throwback Tuesday to Shrimp and Grits from Mahony’s Po-Boys & Seafood in New Orleans!

Mahony’s Po-Boys & Seafood
Location: 3454 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115, USA
Ph: 504-899-3374

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

How Much Do You Know About Jamaican Chocolatiers?!

Jamaica has a handful of Chocolatiers that either support local Cocoa farmers or have their own Cocoa farm. They manufacture rich, high quality Chocolate Bars from the Cocoa Bean right here in Jamaica, more familiarly known as ‘Bean to Bar’ or ‘Farm to Bar’.

Our local Chocolatiers and where you can find their Chocolate Bars!

• Mount Pleasant Farm Chocolatiers
• Likkle More Chocolate
• One One Cacao
• Chocollor Chocolate
• Pure Chocolate Company

> Mount Pleasant Farm Chocolatiers

Founder: Local cocoa farmer, Averell French

20180724_091331
This photo from The Jamaica Observer was taken in 2014, when Mount Pleasant Farm Chocolatiers won Best New Food Item for their Chocolate Spread. Looking on is Food Judge, Matthew Hogarth.
20181224_074341.jpg
Mount Pleasant Farm Chocolatiers’ Chocolate Bars. They have packs with miniature bars as well.

They produce various products from Cocoa:

• Cocoa Powder
• Cocoa Nibs (Good antioxidants that can be blended with herbal tea, blended with smoothies/shakes and added to cereal with a sprinkle)
• Chocolate Bars
• Chocolate Spread
• Chocolate Wine
• Chocolate Tea

Fun Fact:

Adam & Eve Day Spa uses Chocolate from Mount Pleasant Farm Chocolatiers for Chocolate Face Masks.

20181224_091813.jpg
Averell French’s wife, Helen with a package of their Cocoa Nibs at Suga Lifestyle’s Christmas Connection trade show last December 15, 2018.

***Where you can find Mount Pleasant Farm Chocolatiers’ Chocolate Bars?***

Loshusan Supermarket, Barbican; Fontana Pharmacy, Barbican; The Jamaica Pegasus Store, New Kingston

Costs: ~$430-$450JMD +tx per bar; ~$900JMD+tx for miniature variety pack; 
$350JMD per bar (Wholesale/Factory price)

Instagram: @mount_pleasant_farm_chocolates

> Likkle More Chocolate

• Founder: Nadine Burie (Table Talk Jamaica Observer Food Awards Dessert Chef of the Year – 2018 & 2019)

20190525_054639
Nadine Burie (L) with staff from Cafe Blue.

• Production of Chocolate Bars still in the creative process

***The brand is under continuous expansion or changes, so the percentages and flavours stated are what Suga Lifestyle has observed over the past few years and in speaking with Nadine Burie last December, 2018. There may be more or less variety to date***

• 62% and 70% Dark Chocolate Bars

20190525_054703
Nadine Burie and staff cracking the Cocoa pods for Chocolate production.

• Produces Decorated Chocolate Bars with a unique variety of flavours!

– White Chocolate and Green tea matcha
-  Dark Milk Chocolate with Hazelnut Caramelized
– Ginger
– White
-  Dark

20190525_054619
Likkle More Chocolate’s Decorated Chocolates

***Where can you find Likkle More Chocolate Bars?***

Cafe Blue, Sovereign Plaza, Liguanea (when available)

Instagram: @likklemore.chocolate

> One One Cacao

20190525_075123
Nick Davis of One One Cacao at his Chocolate Factory in St. Mary. (Photo: www.asksheil.com)

• Founder: Nick Davis
• BBC Caribbean’s correspondent
• Currently working on Production of Coffee in addition to his Chocolate Bars
• Factory in St. Mary overlooks the sea
• Started making Chocolate after he got a mystery illness, where he could no longer eat foods with preservatives
• He never thought he could give up Cadbury Dairy Milk, but when he decided to make his own Chocolate, he told Suga it was the best he has ever had. The need for sweet preservatives or artificial flavours was replaced by an appreciation for rich, strong, Dark Chocolate.

• Persons who make the switch to Dark Chocolate from Milk Chocolate with artificial flavours may find it bitter, but once you keep having it, you will love and appreciate the richness of Dark Chocolate like myself and Nick.

Fun Fact:
Without getting access to Likkle More Chocolate, the majority of Suga tasters voted One One Cacao as the richest Dark Chocolate in Jamaica, May 25, 2019.

20190606_045329.png
Photo: www.asksheil.com

• Nick Davis wants Jamaican Chocolate to go global and be recognised as much as Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee, because we have some of the world’s finest Cocoa.
• Nick helps local Cocoa farmers by paying them a decent price.
• His Chocolate is 70% Cocoa
• Cane juice is used to sweeten the rest

20190606_050315.png

***Where can you find One One Cacao Chocolate Bars?***

The Butcher Block, Manor Park; Cannonball, Manor Park; Craft Cottage, Village Plaza

Cost: ~$900 – $1000JMD +tx per bar

Instagram: @oneonecacao

> Chocollor Chocolate

20190524_171138
Carl Sharpe of Chocollor Chocolate

• Family business owned by Carl and Donna Sharpe from Trelawny
• Donna and Carl moved to Kingston and now have their business in Kingston
• Carl Sharpe is a certified Chocolatier from the Cocoa Research Centre in Trinidad and Ecole Chocolat
• Carl used to be a mechanical engineer and then he had a vision to create something authentically Jamaican

20190606_050220.png

• Chocollor produces Dark Chocolate and Milk Chocolate Bars
• White Chocolate Bars are to be produced in the near future
• 6 and 12 – packs available with a variety of miniature Milk, White and Dark chocolates
• They use Cane juice to sweeten; no preservatives

20190606_050109
Chocollor Chocolate’s 6-pack variety of miniature Dark, Milk and White Chocolates.

Fun Facts:

Suga Taster, Tennyson Arnold still has a preference for Chocolate with artificial flavours. So, Chocollor Chocolate’s Milk Chocolate was his favourite at Suga Lifestyle’s Chocolate Tasting. Also, their White Chocolate was well received and their Dark Chocolate was richest for Suga Taster, Randy Burgess.

***Where can you find Chocollor Chocolate Bars?***

Location: 9 Leinster Road, Kingston
Ph: 876-321-5619
Instagram: @chocollorchocolate

Costs: $290JMD per Milk Chocolate bar; $375JMD per Dark Chocolate Bar; $790JMD for miniature variety 6-pack (Milk, Dark, White); $817.18JMD for miniature variety 12-pack (Milk, Dark, White); $667.94 for 12-pack Milk Chocolates; $959.66 for 12-pack Dark Chocolates; $796.90 for 12-pack Milk & Dark Chocolates

> Pure Chocolate Company

20190525_054331
Rennae Tjeerte of Pure Chocolate Company.

• Founders: Former Executive and Assistant Pastry Chefs at Half Moon, Wouter and Rennae Tjeerte respectively, who met working at Half Moon and found love. Wouter is from Holland and Rennae is from St. Catherine.
• Some time after Half Moon, Wouter worked at Jade Mountain Luxury Resort in St. Lucia, where they make their own Chocolate from scratch. Wouter had no choice but to learn how to make Chocolate. Rennae was quite enthusiastic about this and learned how to make Chocolate too.
• Eventually Rennae longed to return home to Jamaica. Wouter told her once she could source a good quality Cocoa bean, they would return and they did!

20190525_054506
Wouter Tjeerte of Pure Chocolate Company

• They also produce Slow Roasted Cocoa Nibs
• Support local farmers

20190525_054449
Pure Chocolate Company’s Local Cocoa farmer, Mr. Bodie in Tom’s Hope Fellowship, Portland.

• The Cocoa is transported from Portland to their factory in Spanish Town, where they ferment and dry the Cocoa bean.

• They produce a variety of Dark Chocolates Farm to Bar:  68% slow roasted nibs, 75% Pure Chocolate, 84% Pure Chocolate and 70% Jerk Seasoning

• They have unique molding too!

20190525_054354

• Pure Chocolate Company supports local Artist, Taj Francis, graduate of Edna Manley for their bold packaging

Check out what Suga Taster, Kimberly Nesbeth had to say about the local Chocolate that tasted the best to her on May 25, 2019 at Suga Lifestyle’s Chocolate Tasting! 

20190606_045357.png

Did you know Jamaican Chocolate made it to Amsterdam, Netherlands?!

20190524_171328
Pure Chocolate Company’s Chocolates being sold at Chocoa, Amsterdam’s Chocolate Festival earlier this year from February 23 – February 24, 2019!

***Where can you find Pure Chocolate Company’s Chocolate Bars?***

Things Jamaican stores (Devon House; 14 Camp Road, Kingston; NMIA); Half Moon Shopping Village; Goldeneye Resort, St. Mary; Smokeez, Rosehall, Montego Bay; Antigua Airport

Costs: ~$950-$1000JMD +tx per bar; $800JMD per bar (Trade show price)
$650JMD per bar (Wholesale price with a minimum of 24 bars)

Instagram: @purechocolatecompany

One last Fun Fact:

One of the Chocolate companies in Grenada uses a machine that they got from the Highgate Chocolate Factory in Richmond, St. Mary, Jamaica that closed in 2006.

My Suga Tasters, who you will hear more about soon, had a blast at Suga Lifestyle’s Chocolate Tasting. I hope you enjoyed reading about our Jamaican Chocolatiers and their stories. Please go out and try our local Chocolates soon. You will not regret it!

Buy Local, Buy Jamaican 🇯🇲

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’s Highlights from the 21st Table Talk Jamaica Observer Food Awards!

20190530_203851
Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga of Suga Lifestyle with husband, Randy Burgess at the Jamaica Observer Food Awards last Thursday, May 30, 2019.

The 21st staging of the Table Talk Jamaica Observer Food Awards last Thursday on the lawns of Devon House was truly a euphoric atmosphere with the highest standards of food and drink in abundance with vibrant music to bounce and wobble to while guests indulged.

All the booths were quite inviting, but with experience, my friends and I were quite selective about our approach to ensure that we didn’t neglect or overlook any of our favourites or newbies on our hit list.

We started at Rainforest Seafoods, where they had salivating Sushi spreads and Wines to pair it all with, including one of my faves, the Kung Fu Girl Riesling courtesy of Select Brands.

20190603_040500
One of the salivating Sushi spreads from Rainforest Seafoods.

We then made our way over to the Restaurant booths from Sandals Resorts International. Tender, juicy cuts of Beef, Ham and Lamb, Seafood, Ribs, Cheese platters, Cocktails, you name it!

20190603_112520
Cumin and Honey marinated Lamb Chops from Sandals Resorts International.

They also had a gigantic Sushi spread.

PhotoGrid_1559553613368.jpg

As I continued to walk the lawns of Devon House with 18-year old whiskey in hand from Johnnie Walker, my stops had to include my other faves, Stush in the Bush, Christina Simonitsch, Half Moon, Uncorked Sovereign North, Mystic Thai, Steak House on the Verandah and newbies, Jamaican Peanut Butter Factory and Butcher Block by Gregory Burrowes who had savoury offerings from Chef Celeste Gordon, last year’s OFA Caterer of he Year.

Sending a special shout out and hearty Congratulations to Chris and Lisa Binns of Stush in the Bush who cleaned up this year and deservedly so! Their plant powered spread by their very own Sagicor Group booth this year, satisfied scores of guests at a time.

20190530_210002
Lisa and Chris Binns of Stush in the Bush who walked away with 3 awards including the coveted, ‘Jamaican Restaurant with Outstanding Gastronomy Experience Award’.

Christina Simonitsch, who walked away the Enterprise and Outstanding Caterer Awards tantalised our taste buds with her Charred Scotchie Shrimp, then cooled it down with her G.H. Mumm & Strawberry Popsicles. The scrumptious Oxtail Arancini left me speechless.

PhotoGrid_1559590881664
Christina Simonitsch serving Randy Burgess some of her Charred Scotchie Shrimps.

Other Highlights of the night:

20190603_111736
Outstanding Caterer Nominee and Jing Shi Award Nominee for Dessert Chef of the Year, Trevanne Donegal, also by the G.H. Mumm booth, with delish Dark Chocolate Truffles.
FB_IMG_1559323245569
Uncorked’s Charcuterie and Cheese platter spread!
20190603_112422
The Solomon Gardner Awardee for Outstanding Service, Best Culinary Team Experience Awardee and Norma Shirley Awardee for Restaurant of the Year, Sugar Mill Restaurant at Half Moon Hotel’s succulent Barbeque Jerk Pork Belly!

Did you know?

Half Moon will be opening a Seafood Restaurant this September!

20190603_041136
Half Moon’s Seafood Restaurant, Delmare’s Chefs Claudio and Clarfield

A taste of what to expect from the Seafood Restaurant to come at Half Moon, Delmare were absolutely delicious Pan Seared Scallops accompanied by tomato compote with saffron and vanilla zucchini spaghetti with Tarragon.

20190603_112547
Delmare at Half Moon’s Pan Seared Scallops
20190604_050238
GCG Event’s surprise Cocktails, divine and spicy Jackfruit Crème Brûlée. They had delightful Beetroot Banana and Chilli marinated Shrimps on pickled green papaya too!
20190603_035711
Newbies on the block and Best Food Product 2019 Nominee, Outland Hurders Creamery and Farmstead Cheese Platter Displays! My tasting plate was quite appetizing.
20190603_035745
Sweet Obsession Ja’s White Chocolate Mousse with Strawberries by the Johnnie Walker booth!
20190603_035550
Just a touch of the mouth-watering Desserts at Future Bakery by Jing Shi’s booth!

Even if I didn’t indulge, I had to also stop by newbies Chillin’ Restaurant and Bar, Seaside Dutchie and Tastee Ltd./Brew’d Awakenings

Grace Kennedy’s Harbour Wines and Spirits also impressed with their Ménage à Trois selection of Wines and more.

You are always as good as your last show and this was by far the biggest and best Table Talk Jamaica Observer Food Awards that I have attended.

This year the Food Awards celebrated various Communities with Jamaican cuisine as authentic as you can get. Congratulations to the Chefs of the Communities that were selected and awarded:

• The Sephestines for Mount Estate, St. Thomas
• Monica Ottar for Bailey’s Vale, St. Mary
• The Allens for Gifford House – Granville, St. James, Montego Bay
• Christopher Marsh for Chris’s Cafe – Main Street, Oracabessa St. Mary
• Chris & Lisa Binns for Stush in the Bush – Free Hill, St. Ann

Chefs, Bakers, Caterers, Retailers and Restaurants have really elevated the level of quality for what they had to offer over the past year.

Congratulations to conceptualiser, Novia McDonald Whyte, the Jamaica Observer, the Judges, Sponsors, Retailers, the talented Nominees, Awardees and everyone responsible for the successful execution and staging of the Food Awards this year.

Cheers to next year!

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! How Fun was the Jamaica Observer Food Awards Last Night?!

20190530_224906
Gabby Burgess a.k.a Suga of Suga Lifestyle at The Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards last night at The Devon House.

TGIF! How fun was the Jamaica Observer Food Awards last night?!

I don’t think many persons found the GCG Events booth around the back, but their surprise cocktails handed to you were one of the highlights to my night. Not to mention their spicy JACKFRUIT CRÈME BRÛLÉE! 😍 Stay tuned and follow Suga Lifestyle for more OFA highlights!

Enjoy the weekend!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Chef Trevanne Donegal is THE Caterer to Watch!

20190529_085352
Chef Trevanne Donegal

You may be more familiar with Trevanne Donegal and The Layer Cake, but after returning from further Cuisine and Patisserie training at the well established Le Cordon Bleu in London, she has been building her dream kitchen and has rebranded with the name, Sear 274!

Here is just a touch of what she has been up to since she has been back. Absolutely salivating!

20190529_085312
Trevanne makes a hell of a Lobster Mac and Cheese!
FB_IMG_1559137534412
Trevanne’s Cinco de Mayo spread earlier this year.
FB_IMG_1559137508660
Trevanne’s sumptuous Tiramisu Cupcakes.

Look out for her and one of my other faves, Christina Simonitsch at Martell & GH Mumm’s booth at the Table Talk Jamaica Observer Food Awards tomorrow night at the Devon House!

Trevanne will have Dark Chocolate Martell Cognac Caramel Truffles 😍

FB_IMG_1559137445191
Trevanne Donegal’s prep for the Table Talk Jamaica Observer Food Awards tomorrow night.

Suga can’t wait to try Trevanne’s goodies on an even more elevated level.

Welcome home Trevanne!

Follow Trevanne Donegal on Instagram, @sear274

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 Surf & Turf Burger from Fromage!

If you laboured yesterday, you surely deserve a prize like this!

20190524_033301
Fromage Brasserie’s Surf and Turf Burger with spicy aioli! #SugaEndorsed

Enjoy the weekend!

Fromage Brasserie

Location: Market Place – 67 Constant Spring Road. Kingston.

Ph: 876-649-0820-1

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Suga returns to Chive!

20190522_052048
Chive’s ‘Dark and Stormy’ cocktail with Rum #SugaEndorsed

Suga’s Ratings for Chive Restaurant

Date and time of visit: Saturday, May 18, 2019 at 5:00pm

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:

It’s been a long time coming, but Suga finally got the chance to return to Chive last Saturday and I am happy I did!

Our server, Orlando was superb. Loved the variety on their new menu with relatively reasonable prices. Our dishes did not fall short on flavour. Portion sizes were adequate, dishes were well presented and with a comfortable atmosphere, I have no complaints.

20190522_052408
Marlin Canapes ($1290JMD) – Smoked Marlin, scotch pepper jelly, capers and cream cheese on top of a plantain filled puff pastry.
20190522_052554
Chive style Mussels ($1400JMD) – Mussels simmered in a spicy broth served with garlic bread.

Those Mussels were indeed spicy!

20190522_053005
Garlic Herb Pasta ($1100JMD) with added Grilled Chicken ($650JMD) – Spaghetti tossed with an infused herb and garlic olive oil.
20190522_052929
Channa Vegetable Pot ($1650JMD) – Curried Chickpeas simmered with potatoes and vegetables served with basmati rice.

***Prices did not include G.C.T and a 10% service charge***

I hope to try one of their tempting Burgers on a cheat day next time!

Chive Restaurant continues to be #SugaEndorsed. Give them a visit for Lunch or Dinner!

20190522_051700.png

Chive Restaurant

Location: Shop 15, Orchid Village Plaza. 20 Barbican Road. Kingston 6.

Ph: 876-820-1194

Instagram: @chivejamaica

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Shrimp & Grits from a Southern Restaurant in A-Town!

20190506_170533
Shrimp and Grits – $17USD (red mule grits, shrimp bordelaise, pan fried croutons) from JCT. Kitchen & Bar

Suga Taster, Randy Burgess’s Ratings for JCT. Kitchen & Bar

Date and time of visit: Wednesday, May 1, 2019

No. of diners: 2 adults

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★★★

Ambience: ★★★★☆

Décor: ★★★★☆

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★☆☆

Speed: ★★★★☆

Food quality: ★★★★☆

Serving amount: ★★★☆☆

Plating: ★★★☆☆

Value for $: ★★★☆☆

20190513_130222
Photo: @jctkitchenandbar

JCT. Kitchen & Bar

Location: 1198 Howell Mill Rd #18, Atlanta, GA 30318, USA

Ph: 404-355-2252

Instagram: jctkitchenandbar

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 Fusion of Mexican and Korean Street Eats in A-Town!

20190506_170444.jpg

Suga Taster, Randy Burgess’s Ratings for Takorea Asian Fusion Restaurant

Date and time of visit: Thursday, May 2, 2019

No. of diners: 4 adults

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★☆☆☆☆

Ambience: ★★★☆☆

Décor: ★★★★☆

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★☆☆

Speed: ★★★☆☆

Food quality: ★★★★☆

Serving amount: ★★★★★

Plating: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★★★★

Appetizers/Sides

20190506_171202
(Furthest to closest): Korean Fried rice with Chicken ($11USD); Gogi Nachos ($8.50USD) with Jack cheese, jalapeno, tako salad and red sauce; Sticky Chicky ($6USD) – Crispy Chicken bits apricot glazed and tossed with red onions and jalepeno.

Entree

20190506_170318
Original Bop ($10USD) – Beef, sesame, spinach, mushrooms, mung beans and marinated zucchini

Takorea Asian Fusion Restaurant

Location: 818 Juniper St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA

Ph: 404-532-1944

Menu: www.mytakorea.com

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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