How was Picante for Jamaica Food & Drink Festival?!

Picante is the event on the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival (JFDF) roster that takes you through a world of hot, zesty flavours.

It was held last Friday night at The Ruins, Mona Visitors’ Lodge from 7-11pm.

Suga arrived early, at about 7:20pm to beat the lines and made her rounds.

Coca Cola had tasty cocktails upon entry. They had a creamy cocktail that suited the ladies and a White Rum mix that the gentlemen like my husband, Randy enjoyed.

Select Brands had sweet wines to cool down the spice and a refreshing Stoli Blueberi Lemonade that was the talk of many patrons for the night.

By the entrance, there was National’s Scotch Bonnet Butter Cheddar Popcorn stand with Popcorn bags by Chef Christian Sweeney. It was finished in no time. As usual, he created delightful bites to please the crowd.

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Chef Sweeney also had a menu of Spicy Chicken with Grilled Corn and Chick Peas Salsa. Thankfully it tasted better than it looked. Congrats Chef Sweeney, it was Picante. For those who returned later in the night like myself, Pan-seared Tuna was served instead of the Chicken with the Chick Peas Salsa and it was just as delightful.

Chef Shea Stewart had a menu of spiced Snapper with a Jalapeño, Chili and Scotch Bonnet infused Risotto, however the outcome was mild. The presentation was poor, but it was quite tasty nonetheless.

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Chef Shea Stewart’s Spiced Snapper en Papillote with Scotch Bonnet Butter served with Jalepeño and Chili Pepper infused Risotto Scotch Bonnet.

Chef Dennis McIntosh did a tasty seafood dish, but it was mild as well.

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Chef Dennis McIntosh’s spicy Caribbean Seafood Au Gratin.

Broken Plate’s dish was delicious and flavourful with a touch of spice, but I was still waiting on another dish to make me say, ‘Picante!’.

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Broken Plate’s Mustard Chili Pesto Rubbed Pork Loin with Crispy Bacon Orzo Pilaf topped with Asian mixed greens and Arugula Salad

Disappointing booths for the Night

Before I get to outstanding booths for the night, the majority of Chefs produced impressive dishes. However, there were two disappointing dishes for me. One was definitely worse than the other.

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The Cliff Hotel’s Chef Jonhoi Reid’s Mojo Braised Pork topped with Crispy Pork Belly with Black Bean Corn Yuca Cake, Smoked Scotch Bonnet Salsa Verde, Jalapeño Pico de Gallo and Cilantro Crema.

Chef Jonhoi Reid from the renowned Cliff Hotel in Negril was very personable, but had a sloppy display with Pork that was difficult to chew. I was excited to see Pork stacked on Pork, but the outcome was disappointing. The Black Bean Corn Yuca Cake didn’t save the dish for me, but was quite palatable beneath it all.

I observed that they were serving persons up to 11:20pm, when most Chefs left or packed up. Having so much food left may underscore my thoughts.

Then there was Walkerswood featuring Guest Chef from overseas, Patrick Simpson and UTECH. Sad to say, but it was the worst of the night. The Peppa Shrimp with Curried Vegetable Succotash was spicy a.k.a Picante, but the Pulled Jerk Chicken was terrible. Perhaps, Chef Simpson is unfamiliar with Jamaican sauces, but that sauce did not complement the Pulled Jerk Chicken well at all. It wasn’t spicy and it overpowered it completely.

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Walkerswood featuring Chef Patrick Simpson and UTECH’s Grilled Peppa Shrimps with Curried Vegetable Succotash (Top); Pulled Jerk Chicken on Bammy Round with Pickle Escallion Relish (below); Solomon Gundy Crostini topped with Roasted Corn and Tomato

Winners of the Night for Suga!

Suga had an overall winner, but there wasn’t only one winner for me, there were five Chefs who absolutely brought it to Picante!

Oji Jaja! Best Shrimp of the Night 

Chef Oji Jaja had Seared Scallops, but the hit with most patrons was the Seared Shrimp with roasted pepper Scotch Bonnet sauce and Micro Basil. It wasn’t spicy, but was the best Shrimp of the night for Suga.

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Chef Oji Jaja’s Seared Shrimp with roasted pepper Scotch Bonnet sauce and Micro Basil

Spiciest dish of the Night!

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The spiciest dish of the night hands down went to Chef George Matthews of Summertime Villa (Silver Sands, Trelawny; also cooks at Tryall). I couldn’t even say or scream Picante. My running eyes and nose said it all. Mission accomplished Chef Matthews.

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Chef George Matthews’ Thai Chili Shrimp with Breadfruit poppers.

Culinary Showman of the Night

Chef Mark Cole from The Jamaica Pegasus cooked with a lot of flare, literally. He cooked two dishes, including a stuffed spicy Potato, but he had one of the two longest lines of the night for his Picante style Salmon Hash. It’s jalapeno salsa made you say, Picante and it was delish! Bravo.

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Chef Mark Cole of The Jamaica Pegasus being quite a showman at Picante last Friday night.

Chef Mark Cole’s Menu:

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The Best Dish at Picante

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The other long line of the night with foodie, Sean Morgan looking on was for…

Drum roll…

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Chef Lisa Binns of Stush in the Bush serves up Suga her Picante dish, while husband, Chef Christopher Binns was on the grill.

For the Second year in a row, Stush in the Bush wins at Picante for Suga. We all know you can’t help but love Chris and Lisa Binns and the unique, savoury, delightful food they consistently produce, but without bias, although Chef Mark Cole came close, their dish was the best overall at Picante. Their dish made you hot and cooled you down at the same time with pickled watermelon radishes and pickled cucumbers.

On time/Flowing production – Check
Personality – Check
Presentation – Check
Theme (Picante) – Check
Flavours – Check
Textures – Check
Wow Factor – Check

Snaps for making Vegetarian look good! There were so many flavours and textures on one plate. Absolute perfection. Stush in the Bush showed up once again. Congratulations and Well done.

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Stush in the Bush’s winning dish!

Drinks and Desserts!

Other than more drinks provided by the Appleton Estate Bar, desserts provided were a great way to cool off the taste buds.

Sagicor’s booth with Chef Rebecca Karram had sweet and spicy treats. She did well. I enjoyed all of her desserts. The Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookie with a Chai Spiced Milk Shot was a crowd fave.

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Chef Rebecca Karram’s Menu
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Chef Rebecca Karram telling us what she prepared for us to enjoy at Picante last Friday night.

Wisynco’s Haagen Dazs Ice Cream booth was buzzing all night with patrons and when the night was over, they had brawta. They served one item from their menu at different points in the night. The items provided an added crunchy texture to the ice cream, with a touch of spice too.

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Wisynco’s Haagen Dazs Ice Cream booth Menu Items

Kudos to the organizers and sponsors of Jamaica Food and Drink Festival. ALL events were sold out and from what I heard, patrons enjoyed the majority of the events. Persons were disappointed with the smallest event, Crisp because it had less Chefs.

Jamaicans are a fickle bunch. So after a few successful stagings, I think that JFDF should change things up a bit, and replace Crisp with Seafood, perhaps call it Sea Breeze. It could be by Port Royal for a change of scenery or even in Portland or Ocho Rios. The event has been staged in Kingston for some time, but it is Jamaica Food and Drink Festival.

Looking forward to another great year!

20181029_073441
Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga by the Haagen Dazs booth at Picante last Friday night at the Mona Visitors’ Lodge.

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Suga’s Guide to New Orleans a.k.a NOLA!

20181013_152527
Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga, in front of the Mahalia Jackson Theatre for the Performing Arts on the 3-in-1 Cemetery, Voodoo and French Quarter Tour (October 2018)

Suga had an epic Girls trip to New Orleans two weeks ago. The trip was unforgettable.

I enjoyed New Orleans’ rich culture in food, art and jazz music with a touch of voodoo/witchcraft. I admired that the locals have fully embraced their culture and even after the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, they returned to help to build back New Orleans to what it is today. Note that, interestingly, everywhere in New Orleans was flooded except for the French Quarter. That is when you ask yourself, is their voodoo/witchcraft culture authentic?

Street Scenes (Trick or Treat)

Sadly, there is a lot of poverty in New Orleans. I was told it is at a rate of about 30%, which actually used to be higher before Hurricane Katrina. There were many homeless persons seen walking around or laying in the streets. However, there were also other less fortunate persons that decided to use their talents or a gig to earn money. I appreciated that effort instead of just begging persons aimlessly as they do in Jamaica.

For instance, there were a few that held uncomfortable poses with a pan nearby for contributions. Statues were seen all around the French Quarter of New Orleans and some persons looked like them. A man painted in gold close to the French Market stood out for me. For a moment, I questioned whether he was real or not, but of course the girls had to break him.

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There was ‘Shake that Ass Granny’ who did just that, as well as persons who came out with their guitars or other instruments and sang songs.

Screenshot_20181026-104151_Video Player.jpg

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This dog on top of a dumpster was quite dressed up and a trick. We realised he was part of a gig too. If you weren’t quick to take pictures, his owner came with a pan and covered his face.
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These weed candies did not even have the essence of weed. Trick!

There were a few street parades that you could join if you wished and many Bachelor and Bachelorette squads around.

Art and Voodoo/Witchcraft

20181026_105744.jpg

Outside of Jackson Square were filled with artists and their captivating paintings in the day. At night, they were replaced with Tarot Card readers. There were also a lot of Galleries and stores with Art. If you missed the artists in the day, there were options, but few, to purchase affordable art in souvenir shops in the French Quarter.

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The Voodoo man outside of St. Louis Cemetery #1

Where to stay and How long should you stay in NOLA?

If you go to New Orleans, about 4 or 5 days is enough to see and experience everything. Stay close to the French Quarter where all the action is and most places you would need to go to are in walking distance. If your destination is  a few blocks away, respectable cabbies are nearby and uber is available.

Malls/Stores/Antique Shops

For the shopaholics, stores such as H&M (418 N Peters St.) and a few others are in the French quarter, but you would have to take a drive out to get to a mall. There are about three. I suggest Lakeside Shopping Center mall (3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie), which is the biggest mall there and has the majority of familiar stores such as Victoria’s Secret, Forever 21, Bath and Body Works, Express, Gap, Coach, Aeropostale and more.

• Magazine St. for antique shops

• Royal St. for shopping and souvenirs

Tours

20181026_094548
3-in-1 Tour Guide, ‘Storm’

• 3-in-1 Cemetery, Voodoo & French Quarter Tour ($13 by Groupon (or $25) + $1 entry to cemetery; 28 persons per tour)

This tour lasted over 2 hours, but with our experienced and exciting Tour Guide, ‘Stormie’, it was worth it. It provides you with a chance to enter one of the world-renown cemeteries, St. Louis Cemetery #1 in New Orleans, while also visiting popular landmarks in the French Quarter. A bit of Voodoo culture and history is also included, as this adventure combines 3 tours in 1.

The French Quarter/Cemetery/Voodoo tour meets at the corner of Royal and Conti Street. Persons are to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled tour time to check in.

You can learn how and why people are buried above ground and how the “Vault” works! The grave of the famous Queen of Voodoo, Marie Laveau is also there. (Stay tuned for Suga’s Breakdown and Review)

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Inside of St. Louis Cemetery #1, New Orleans

N.B. The Basin St. Station shop (501 Basin St.) for unique souvenirs was by the restroom stop/map of New Orleans on the tour.

• Food tour: Destination-Kitchen.com OR www.MUSTDONOLA.com ($54.99USD)

This tour lasted a bit over 3 hours because of various stops at bars and restaurants. It was quite informative about New Orleans History and Food. (Stay tuned for Suga’s Breakdown)

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Our Tour Guide, Chef Philipe serving us up some Muffuletta in The French Market

Walking allows you to stop and take pictures as you wish and maybe even stray a bit and catch up with the group. But if you would like to tour without having to walk, there are other options.

• The Steamboat Cruise with Buffet Dinner

Suga heard this Buffet Dinner had Seafood you could not finish!

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• The Double Decker Bus Tour

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• The Horse and Carriage ride tour

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Bars and Clubs/Hot spots

• Willie’s Chicken Shack (707 Canal St.)

Willie’s Chicken Shack has huge frozen drinks. Keep your tall cup! Some other bars may allow you to enter with your drink in it, some may not. So bottoms up if you must!

• Huge Ass Beers (609 Bourbon St.)

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Racquell Brown with her ‘Huge Ass Beer’

This bar keeps the party going all day long and into the night!

• The Hand Grenade (721 Bourbon St.; 600 Bourbon St.; Bayou Club at 610 Bourbon St.; 435 Bourbon St.; Funky Pirate™ at 727 Bourbon St.)

A frozen drink that gives you quite a buzz! There are a few of them lining Bourbon street too.

• ‘The Beach on Bourbon’ (227 Bourbon St.)

One of the most popular clubs in New Orleans. The DJ keeps you moving.

***Apologies, but Suga didn’t get to note the names of other clubs that were hot spots***

Jazz Festivals and Music

• Frenchman Street

Three blocks if Jazz clubs after 9pm. I honestly missed out on this street, because the girls could not get enough of Bourbon Street. However, we were told about the Jazz Festivals there accompanied by succulent pork and lamb chops in the day. On one of the nights, a friend who was there said it was quite a ‘sober crowd’ and told us to stay on Bourbon St. and journeyed about 28 minutes to meet us.

Restaurants/Cafes/Markets

There are so many high quality restaurants, cafes and markets. You can pick choose and refuse. Word is, if an establishment falls off its game, it gets shut down or closes.

So here are a few that Suga visited and would have liked to visit:

• Café du Monde (800 Decatur St., in front of Jackson Square)

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Famous for its Beignets. The best and softest donuts you will ever eat with sugar on top. Expect a crowd and long lines there at all times.

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Spotted! Beignets being made at the famous, Café du Monde

• Cafe Beignet

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Another Cafe for Beignets and pasties, however their Beignets could have used more baking time. Note that it gets crowded too.

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• Muriel’s (801 Chartres St., Jackson Square - haunted; Fine dining) 

Great for Crab cakes, huge Pork Chops, Cheesecake and Bread pudding!

• Irene’s (529 Bienville St., between Decatur and Chartres, right in the heart of the historic French Quarter)

Reputable for Italian and Seafood.

• Antoine’s Restaurant (713 Saint Louis St., Royal St.)

20181013_135111.jpg

The oldest family owned restaurant in the USA (now operated by 5th generation), serving traditional French Creole cuisine since 1840. It’s reputable for its Crawfish, Oysters and Shrimp.

*Fine dining and Reservations go fast

• Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar and Bistro (720 Orleans Ave.)

– Casual Fine Dining Restaurant

• French Market

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Has practically everything you can think of such as fruits, fresh produce, Cajun creole nuts, deep-fried peanuts, coffee, their ‘must have’ muffuletta and more.

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• New Orleans Creole Cookery (410 Talouse St.) – Great for Cocktails, Fresh and Char Grilled Oysters.

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Char Grilled Oysters with Cheese, Garlic and Butter

Recreation/For the Kids

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• Carousel Gardens Amusement Park (New Orleans City Park)

An Amusement Park with a few heart-wrenching rides. [Cost for Rides and Entry for Adults: $22USD]

A Tip for the Guys

• When approaching a lady with her crew, ensure your game is quick and DO NOT say you are going to the bar to come back with only a drink for her and yourself. She won’t be there when you come back. Ladies bar hop!

Tips for the Ladies

• DO NOT wear long, flowy Pants or Dresses that reach the floor in the streets. The streets are far from clean.

• Pack comfortable shoes and Sandals for a lot of walking and dancing.

• Ensure you stash tissue in your purse, because you cannot count on any bathroom in the club or bar late at night to have toilet paper.

Screenshot_20181026-111206_Video Player

• You can’t just ask for beads, you have to show something or dance for them!

Tips for Everyone

• If travelling in a group and time allows, schedule a few hours or a day for Personal time to see places and experience what others may not have prioritized on their list. You may have another person in the group with similar interests as you.

• You will wait forever if you want to hear Reggae or Dancehall music in New Orleans. Big up Shaggy and Elephant Man. You were played!

• Always have your phone ready to capture a moment or to record a video because those streets are unpredictable!

• Don’t go with the expectation to get any sleep! You will miss out!

IMG-20181013-WA0041
(L-R) Songe Sandcroft, Taraja Richards, Gabrielle Burgess, Glennette Sinclair, Anya Pennycooke, Racquell Brown and Stephaney Farquharson hit Channing Tatum’s Saints & Sinners Bar on Bourbon Street for their Girls Trip in NOLA! (October 2018) #JamaicansinNOLA

A visit to New Orleans is truly #SugaEndorsed.

Stay tuned for more details on Suga’s experience with the 3-in-1 tour, The Food Tour and of course, a Restaurant Review!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Suga’s Guide to New Orleans a.k.a NOLA!

20181013_152527
Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga, in front of the Mahalia Jackson Theatre for the Performing Arts on the 3-in-1 Cemetery, Voodoo and French Quarter Tour (October 2018)

Suga had an epic Girls trip to New Orleans two weeks ago. The trip was unforgettable.

I enjoyed New Orleans’ rich culture in food, art and jazz music with a touch of voodoo/witchcraft. I admired that the locals have fully embraced their culture and even after the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, they returned to help to build back New Orleans to what it is today. Note that, interestingly, everywhere in New Orleans was flooded except for the French Quarter. That is when you ask yourself, is their voodoo/witchcraft culture authentic?

Street Scenes (Trick or Treat)

Sadly, there is a lot of poverty in New Orleans. I was told it is at a rate of about 30%, which actually used to be higher before Hurricane Katrina. There were many homeless persons seen walking around or laying in the streets. However, there were also other less fortunate persons that decided to use their talents or a gig to earn money. I appreciated that effort instead of just begging persons aimlessly as they do in Jamaica.

For instance, there were a few that held uncomfortable poses with a pan nearby for contributions. Statues were seen all around the French Quarter of New Orleans and some persons looked like them. A man painted in gold close to the French Market stood out for me. For a moment, I questioned whether he was real or not, but of course the girls had to break him.

20181026_105814.jpg

There was ‘Shake that Ass Granny’ who did just that, as well as persons who came out with their guitars or other instruments and sang songs.

Screenshot_20181026-104151_Video Player.jpg

20181026_105231
This dog on top of a dumpster was quite dressed up and a trick. We realised he was part of a gig too. If you weren’t quick to take pictures, his owner came with a pan and covered his face.
PhotoGrid_1540569002544
These weed candies did not even have the essence of weed. Trick!

There were a few street parades that you could join if you wished and many Bachelor and Bachelorette squads around.

Art and Voodoo/Witchcraft

20181026_105744.jpg

Outside of Jackson Square were filled with artists and their captivating paintings in the day. At night, they were replaced with Tarot Card readers. There were also a lot of Galleries and stores with Art. If you missed the artists in the day, there were options, but few, to purchase affordable art in souvenir shops in the French Quarter.

20181026_110034
The Voodoo man outside of St. Louis Cemetery #1

Where to stay and How long should you stay in NOLA?

If you go to New Orleans, about 4 or 5 days is enough to see and experience everything. Stay close to the French Quarter where all the action is and most places you would need to go to are in walking distance. If your destination is  a few blocks away, respectable cabbies are nearby and uber is available.

Malls/Stores/Antique Shops

For the shopaholics, stores such as H&M (418 N Peters St.) and a few others are in the French quarter, but you would have to take a drive out to get to a mall. There are about three. I suggest Lakeside Shopping Center mall (3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie), which is the biggest mall there and has the majority of familiar stores such as Victoria’s Secret, Forever 21, Bath and Body Works, Express, Gap, Coach, Aeropostale and more.

• Magazine St. for antique shops

• Royal St. for shopping and souvenirs

Tours

20181026_094548
3-in-1 Tour Guide, ‘Storm’

• 3-in-1 Cemetery, Voodoo & French Quarter Tour ($13 by Groupon (or $25) + $1 entry to cemetery; 28 persons per tour)

This tour lasted over 2 hours, but with our experienced and exciting Tour Guide, ‘Stormie’, it was worth it. It provides you with a chance to enter one of the world-renown cemeteries, St. Louis Cemetery #1 in New Orleans, while also visiting popular landmarks in the French Quarter. A bit of Voodoo culture and history is also included, as this adventure combines 3 tours in 1.

The French Quarter/Cemetery/Voodoo tour meets at the corner of Royal and Conti Street. Persons are to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled tour time to check in.

You can learn how and why people are buried above ground and how the “Vault” works! The grave of the famous Queen of Voodoo, Marie Laveau is also there. (Stay tuned for Suga’s Breakdown and Review)

20181013_141250
Inside of St. Louis Cemetery #1, New Orleans

N.B. The Basin St. Station shop (501 Basin St.) for unique souvenirs was by the restroom stop/map of New Orleans on the tour.

• Food tour: Destination-Kitchen.com OR www.MUSTDONOLA.com ($54.99USD)

This tour lasted a bit over 3 hours because of various stops at bars and restaurants. It was quite informative about New Orleans History and Food. (Stay tuned for Suga’s Breakdown)

PhotoGrid_1540570112835
Our Tour Guide, Chef Philipe serving us up some Muffuletta in The French Market

Walking allows you to stop and take pictures as you wish and maybe even stray a bit and catch up with the group. But if you would like to tour without having to walk, there are other options.

• The Steamboat Cruise with Buffet Dinner

Suga heard this Buffet Dinner had Seafood you could not finish!

20181026_144226.jpg

• The Double Decker Bus Tour

20181026_144152

• The Horse and Carriage ride tour

20181026_144209.jpg

Bars and Clubs/Hot spots

• Willie’s Chicken Shack (707 Canal St.)

Willie’s Chicken Shack has huge frozen drinks. Keep your tall cup! Some other bars may allow you to enter with your drink in it, some may not. So bottoms up if you must!

• Huge Ass Beers (609 Bourbon St.)

20181026_110435
Racquell Brown with her ‘Huge Ass Beer’

This bar keeps the party going all day long and into the night!

• The Hand Grenade (721 Bourbon St.; 600 Bourbon St.; Bayou Club at 610 Bourbon St.; 435 Bourbon St.; Funky Pirate™ at 727 Bourbon St.)

A frozen drink that gives you quite a buzz! There are a few of them lining Bourbon street too.

• ‘The Beach on Bourbon’ (227 Bourbon St.)

One of the most popular clubs in New Orleans. The DJ keeps you moving.

***Apologies, but Suga didn’t get to note the names of other clubs that were hot spots***

Jazz Festivals and Music

• Frenchman Street

Three blocks if Jazz clubs after 9pm. I honestly missed out on this street, because the girls could not get enough of Bourbon Street. However, we were told about the Jazz Festivals there accompanied by succulent pork and lamb chops in the day. On one of the nights, a friend who was there said it was quite a ‘sober crowd’ and told us to stay on Bourbon St. and journeyed about 28 minutes to meet us.

Restaurants/Cafes/Markets

There are so many high quality restaurants, cafes and markets. You can pick choose and refuse. Word is, if an establishment falls off its game, it gets shut down or closes.

So here are a few that Suga visited and would have liked to visit:

• Café du Monde (800 Decatur St., in front of Jackson Square)

20181026_110049.jpg

Famous for its Beignets. The best and softest donuts you will ever eat with sugar on top. Expect a crowd and long lines there at all times.

20181014_105123
Spotted! Beignets being made at the famous, Café du Monde

• Cafe Beignet

PhotoGrid_1540567010306.jpg

20181026_104456.jpg

Another Cafe for Beignets and pasties, however their Beignets could have used more baking time. Note that it gets crowded too.

20181026_104257.jpg

• Muriel’s (801 Chartres St., Jackson Square - haunted; Fine dining) 

Great for Crab cakes, huge Pork Chops, Cheesecake and Bread pudding!

• Irene’s (529 Bienville St., between Decatur and Chartres, right in the heart of the historic French Quarter)

Reputable for Italian and Seafood.

• Antoine’s Restaurant (713 Saint Louis St., Royal St.)

20181013_135111.jpg

The oldest family owned restaurant in the USA (now operated by 5th generation), serving traditional French Creole cuisine since 1840. It’s reputable for its Crawfish, Oysters and Shrimp.

*Fine dining and Reservations go fast

• Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar and Bistro (720 Orleans Ave.)

– Casual Fine Dining Restaurant

• French Market

20181014_111658.jpg

Has practically everything you can think of such as fruits, fresh produce, Cajun creole nuts, deep-fried peanuts, coffee, their ‘must have’ muffuletta and more.

20181026_110519.jpg

• New Orleans Creole Cookery (410 Talouse St.) – Great for Cocktails, Fresh and Char Grilled Oysters.

20181014_133207
Char Grilled Oysters with Cheese, Garlic and Butter

Recreation/For the Kids

20181026_110925.jpg

• Carousel Gardens Amusement Park (New Orleans City Park)

An Amusement Park with a few heart-wrenching rides. [Cost for Rides and Entry for Adults: $22USD]

A Tip for the Guys

• When approaching a lady with her crew, ensure your game is quick and DO NOT say you are going to the bar to come back with only a drink for her and yourself. She won’t be there when you come back. Ladies bar hop!

Tips for the Ladies

• DO NOT wear long, flowy Pants or Dresses that reach the floor in the streets. The streets are far from clean.

• Pack comfortable shoes and Sandals for a lot of walking and dancing

• Ensure you stash tissue in your purse, because you cannot count on any bathroom in the club or bar late at night to have toilet paper.

Screenshot_20181026-111206_Video Player

• You can’t just ask for beads, you have to show something or dance for them!

Tips for Everyone

• If travelling in a group and time allows, schedule a few hours or a day for Personal time to see places and experience what others may not have prioritized on their list. You may have another person in the group with similar interests as you.

• You will wait forever if you want to hear Reggae or Dancehall music in New Orleans. Big up Shaggy and Elephant Man. You were played!

• Always have your phone ready to capture a moment or to record a video because those streets are unpredictable!

• Don’t go with the expectation to get any sleep! You will miss out!

IMG-20181013-WA0041
(L-R) Songe Sandcroft, Taraja Richards, Gabrielle Burgess, Glennette Sinclair, Anya Pennycooke, Racquell Brown and Stephaney Farquharson hit Channing Tatum’s Saints & Sinners Bar on Bourbon Street for their Girls Trip in NOLA! (October 2018) #JamaicansinNOLA

A visit to New Orleans is truly #SugaEndorsed.

Stay tuned for more details on Suga’s experience with the 3-in-1 tour, The Food Tour and of course, a Restaurant Review!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Eat a Tasty, Healthy Lunch from the Easy Diet Store

I ordered my healthy lunch last week Thursday for delivery from The Easy Diet Store. They were courteous and professional over the phone and my lunch was delivered relatively on time.

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Suga’s Lunch from The Easy Diet Store last Thursday, October 18, 2018.

I had a tasty, filling, well seasoned Grilled Chicken Breast with callaloo and cinnamon mashed sweet potato. The cost was $1200JMD with an additional $300JMD for delivery to Oxford Road.

The Easy Diet Store makes dieting easy for everyone. Each meal comes with a calorie count, is vetted by a nutritionist and can be delivered to your door. #SugaEndorsed

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The Easy Diet Store

Location: 25 Annette Crescent. Shop #6. Kingston 10. Ja. (Across from MegaMart)

Ph: 876-296-9922; 876-648-1110

Instagram: @edietstore

Website: www.edietstore.com/

Opening hours: Mon. – Fri @ 10am – 5pm; Sat. 11am – 6pm

***Delivery available in Kingston***

By: Gabrielle Burgess (Certified Personal Trainer & Sports Nutritionist)

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

Jamaica Food & Drink Festival starts this Saturday with all things PORK!

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Jamaica Food and Drink Festival (JFDF) kicks off this Saturday with Pork Palooza at Hope Gardens from 7pm – 11pm. It will be an all-inclusive event with drinks and all the succulent pork you can eat for $7000JMD.

They have a stacked lineup of local celebrity chefs. Check out a few of who Suga is interested to see or hear about this Saturday, along with what most of them are cooking here!

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Chef Dionne Reid from Hanover’s Smoked Marlin Restaurant made quite an impact last year at Crisp. This year she will be showing her hand with Pork. She will be offering Pomegranate Glazed Ribs and Head Cheese Shooters.

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The popular and confident Chef Andre Sewell who caters will have:

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Chef Charissa Henry usually has something interesting up her Pink Apron Sleeve. This Saturday it will be:

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Moveable Feast’s Chef Michelle Williams has been in the culinary industry for some time now, but I have never had the pleasure of indulging in any of her dishes. I am interested to see how her menu turns out.

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Then there is Chef Christian Sweeney who is usually a crowd favourite. He is offering dessert with a touch of candied pork too!

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Ticket Information

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Enjoy!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

TGIF to the Variety of Vendors you will see at Conu’co Market this Sunday!

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Conu’co Market will feature over 70 talented local artisans who specialize in various disciplines!

Suga has never seen some of them before.

Check out a few of them here!

Ceramics and Pottery

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Pinto’s Pottery (@pintopottery)

Charities/Non-Profit Organizations

Mustard Seed Communities will also be there with Ceramics!

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Ceramics by Mustard Seed Communities

Leather Works

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My Old Man Leather Craft (@myoldmanleathercraft)

Handbags and Clutches

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Ayondae’s Collections (@ayondaescollections)
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ChelleMacBags (@chelle.macbags)

Home décor and accents

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Cheese

Check out Outland Hurders!

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(@outlandhurdersja)

Locally Grown Market Greens

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Garden goodies by Various Planters

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Cupcakes

Cupcakes from Alex Creations! They are divine!

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@alexcreationsja

Ice Cream

Treat your Dairy craving with Kande’s Delights!

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Kande’s Delights (@kandesdelights)

Arts and Crafts, Henna and Body Art, Photography, Stone and Wood Carved items, Jewellery and Accessories, Chefs/Restaurants, Condiments, Jams, Sauces, Spreads, Cakes, Candles, Oils and Scrubs, Hair products, Satin bonnets/wraps, Sandals, Smoothies, Organic Farm Products and  Spa/Massage Therapy will be there too!

ADMISSION is FREE!

Support Brand Jamaica!

Jamaica Land We Love

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

CONU’CO MARKET IS THIS SUNDAY IN OCHO RIOS!

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What are you doing for the long holiday weekend?

Head over to Conu’co Market at the Cove this Sunday, October 14th from 10am to 5pm as they celebrate all things Jamaican made, grown and sewn!

Explore beautifully made crafts, food, art and produce from a variety of local vendors as you walk through the grounds at Grizzly’s Plantation Cove.

ADMISSION is FREE!

Support Brand Jamaica!

Jamaica Land We Love

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

TGIF to Vegan Steak from Kushite’s Vegetable Cuisine!

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Vegan Steak with Quinoa from Kushite’s Vegetable Cuisine (Gluten and Soy free)

Kushite’s Vegetable Cuisine

Location: 39 Lady Musgrave Road (Inside Eden Gardens)

Ph: 876-375-0642; 876-631-9101

Instagram: @kushitesvegetablecuisine

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Save the Date Foodies!

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The Caribbean’s No. 1 Urban Food Festival starts Saturday, October 20! 

Save the dates and look into securing your tickets! Season bands are on sale this year too.

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.

Here are your JFDF Ticket Ambassadors and Outlets:

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Did you know?!

> This year, JFDF will be 100% plastic free!

> Part Proceeds of the event will go towards UTECH’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management Hotel Facility

The Festival will sponsor the complete outfitting of UTECH’s demo kitchen.

Enjoy 7 World Class Food Events at 7 Iconic Kingston Venues.

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 visits Tai Tai Ice Cream, the newest spot for rolled Ice Cream in Kingston!

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Suga’s Ratings for Tai Tai Ice Cream Rolls

Date and time of visit: Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 10:00pm

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★★☆

Ambience: ★☆☆☆☆

Décor: ★★★☆☆

Comfort: ★★★☆☆

Service: ★★★★★

Speed: ★★★★☆

Food quality: ★★★★☆

Serving amount: ★★★★★

Presentation: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★★★☆

Suga’s Breakdown:

Kingston needed another ice cream shop and we got it! Cute, ice cream shop tucked away in Northside Plaza with a warm greeting as you step in and great service. The workers seem happy and serve you up your ice cream with a smile as they should. They have a variety of flavours to choose from and give you the options to have with a waffle or two ($150 – $350JMD) and to add liquor on top for $150 – $250JMD.

If you are confused about the steps when ordering ice cream rolls, it’s pretty easy. Tell the cashier your choices as follows:

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You will see your ice cream poured, chopped, spread and rolled on cold steel, your toppings added and voila!

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Cookies and Cream ice cream rolls with gummy bears on top from Tai Tai Ice cream rolls last Saturday.

Tai Tai Ice Cream Rolls

Location: 20 Northside Drive. Shop #1, Liguanea (Northside Plaza)

Ph: 876.627.8891

Email: [email protected]

Instagram; Facebook: @taitaiicecreamrolls

Opening Hours: Tues. – Thurs. 12pm-10pm; Fri. – Sun. 12pm – 11pm

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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