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.

Why is South Avenue Grill Buzzing with Diners?

Suga’s Ratings for South Avenue Grill 

Date and time of visit: Saturday, September 22, 2018 at 9:20pm

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:

My husband and I were greeted by courteous staff. We had a 15-minute wait to be seated and it was observed that tables could have been cleared more quickly.

Food was served in reasonable time, which was excellent considering it was a full house. The serving size was more than adequate. Our Steaks were cooked to order (medium rare), well seasoned and grilled to perfection. My Chimichurri sauce tantalised my taste buds with spice. It was much preferred to my husband’s creamy sauce that did not have the flavour of Peppercorn. Best place to eat Steak in Kingston right now for a reasonable price. Best place in Jamaica? Marguerites Seafood by the Sea in Montego Bay!

Cocktails disappointed with no banana for my Hummingbird and no mint leaves for the Mojito. We also heard someone shout that there was no more steamed rice. Mega Mart is just up the road. No excuses.

Also, after so many years of going to this restaurant, I still have difficulty reading the menu and would appreciate more lighting while dining. String lights and perhaps uplighting from the garden and sides of the pool would suit their rustic-garden ambience.

Why is South Avenue Grill Buzzing with Diners? 

It is no white glove service and plating is far from extravagant, but service is decent, food is in abundance on the plate, it tastes good and the price is right!

Our waiter, Kenyon was a bit nervous, but quite attentive and hospitable with a touch of humour. I would be happy to return and have him or one of the other pleasant waiters or waitresses serve my table.

My husband and I’s Succulent Steaks! #SugaEndorsed

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8oz Fillet of Steak Churasso Style ($2600JMD+tx): 8oz fillet of Steak prepared South American style. Beef tenderloin marinated with South Avenue’s Chimichurri sauce recipe with red pepper flakes, oregano, olive oil, sea salt and parsley. Grilled and served with black beans, steamed vegetables and a side of your choice.
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8oz Fillet Mignon and Creamy Peppercorn sauce ($2450JMD+tx) 8oz Fillet Mignon lightly seasoned and grilled, topped with South Avenue’s Peppercorn and herb sauce served with steamed vegetables and a side of your choice.

*** Reservations Recommended ***

South Avenue Grill

Location: 20A South Ave, Kingston. JA. W.I.

Ph: 876.754.1380

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 and fellow Alumnae Donate to the I.C.H.S F/N Lab Reconstruction!

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Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga of Suga Lifestyle handed over a $100,000JMD Donation to President Keisha-Ann Down and other members of the I.C.H.S Alumnae on behalf of herself and fellow alumnae towards the reconstruction of the Food and Nutrition Lab (Date: Sunday, September 9, 2018)
Gabby a.k.a Suga’s alma mater, Immaculate Conception High School, began reconstruction of its Food and Nutrition Lab on Monday, July 2, 2018 and fundraising has been ongoing. However, they are were short by about $750,000JMD at the beginning of the summer.
When I heard about this, as past Deputy Head Girl (2002-2003), founder and owner of the website,
www.suglifestyle.com, I had to help. I thought instead of giving a donation personally, I could make more of an impact by approaching fellow alumnae. It’s a good thing I did, because so many did not know about the reconstruction of the F/N Lab.
Suga Lifestyle is a brand encompassed on the blog, sugalifestyle.com, and is intended to inspire, educate and entertain via various types of posts categorized by; GW Art, Restaurant Reviews and Ratings, Brand Jamaica, Charities, Health and Fitness, Sports and more.
Since I do Restaurant reviews for my website, it would not only be towards supporting our alma mater, but the future of our Culinary Industry.
Many top Caterers and Bakers currently in the Culinary industry are I.C.H.S Alumnae. To name a few of them and their businesses, Observer Table Talk Food Awards Caterer of the Year, Celeste Gordon of Whip It Up, Pastry Passions, Charissa Henry of Pink Apron Ja, Kuk Up Kreations, Suga Buzz, Levy’s Goodies, Cake Couture Ja and I.C.H.S’s Hall of Famer, Thalia Lyn of Island Grill! Whether or not the idea of fulfilling their dream began at Immaculate, High School is where it all began for many and after all, serves as our very strong foundation.
I attended the I.C.H.S Alumnae’s Monthly Planning session last Sunday to handover the cheque from Suga Lifestyle on behalf of myself and fellow ‘Mac Girl Sisters’, and to become more involved as well. I am extremely happy we were able to help to support our bright future and our alma mater.
The F/N Lab looks fantastic for the opening of the new school year with a few finishing touches to be made. For instance the addition of blenders and other items.
Take a look!
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The newly, reconstructed I.C.H.S F/N Lab!
Thanks again to my Mac Girl sisters who helped to make this donation possible! 
Dr. Astrid Batchelor – 2004
Danielle Hammond – 2001
Gillian Jackson – 2001
Janelle Johnson – 2001
Jessica Fowler – 2001
Kadonah Davis – 2001
Lisa-Gaye Greene – 2001
Maxine Spencer – 1971
Michaelia McLean – 1997
Monique Morgan – 2001
Renee Davis – 2001
Sara-Lu Campbell – 2001
Sasha Innis – 2005
Shanique Cathey – 2001
Tony-Ann Lyew – 2001
Kudos!

 

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

TGIF to this Fish Ceviche and Shrimp Cocktail from Cayman!

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White Fish Ceviche and Shrimp Cocktail by Chef Gregory Gooden from the fine dining Island Prime Restaurant at Cayman Brac Beach Resort, Cayman Islands. (Photo Credit: Tameka Davis)
***Reservations Recommended***
Island Prime Restaurant, Cayman Brac Beach Resort
Location: 383 Channel Road, KY2 – 2001, Cayman Islands
Ph: 855.484.0808
***Open on Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday evenings***

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Save the Date!

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Oktoberfest has been teaching locals and visitors everything they need to know about German spirits and food for over 30 years. This year it starts from Saturday, September 22nd and lasts for 2 weeks, ending on Sunday, October 7th.

The Jamaican-German society usually celebrates years of existence with an annual beer and food extravaganza in Kingston. However, Simo’s Bread and Catering will be hosting an Oktoberfest event with Beer on tap, Meaty and Vegetarian food options on Sunday, September 23 in Trelawny! With the delicious and decadent treats that Simo’s will be offering, #simosoktoberfest is definitely Suga Endorsed.

***SPECIAL***

Buy 5 tickets and get 1 FREE until September 6th!

For more Information:

Christina M.B. Simonitsch

Location: Montego Bay

Email: [email protected]

Catering, Cooking Lessons & Staff Training

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 this hunk of a Veal Chop from Sugar Mill Restaurant!

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Veal Chop – 14oz/400g ($65USD) with jerk-herb butter and a side of sautéed Callaloo with garlic ($8.50USD) #SugaEndorsed

This Veal Chop from Sugar Mill Restaurant was well seasoned and cooked to medium rare perfection. Since veal is from calves, the meat was lighter and more tender compared to a Beef Tenderloin.

The reputable, fine-dining restaurant, Sugar Mill is rated Suga’s Best Restaurant in Jamaica to date and was the well deserved recipient of the ‘Restaurant of the Year’ award at the Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards once again this year, May.

***Prices quoted attract an additional 10% G.C.T and 15% Service charge. Locals get 20% off the bill***

Sugar Mill Restaurant

Location: Spring Farm Drive. Half Moon, Rose Hall, Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Ph: 876-953-2211; 1-800-626-0592

Website: http://www.halfmoon.com

Hashtag for Twitter, Facebook, Instagram: #SugarMillJamaica

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 revisits Blue Ridge Restaurant in the Mountains

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Suga’s Ratings for Blue Ridge Restaurant and Cottages

Date and time of visit: Sunday, August 12, 2018 at 3:30pm

No. of diners: 4 adults

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★☆☆☆

Ambience: ★★★★☆

Décor: ★★★★☆

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★★☆

Speed: ★★★★☆

Food quality: ★★★☯️ ☆☆ (3.5)

Serving amount: ★★★★☆

Plating: ★★★★★

Value for $: ★★★☆☆

Comments: Panoramic view of the mountains, good service, tasty cocktails and savoury dishes and desserts with excellent presentation at a high price. Prices could be reduced for full value for money. Also, quite a few items were unavailable from the menu. Perhaps more preparation should be made for busier periods when the cottages are full and persons drive up to escape the heat on the flats.

Suga’s Breakdown

After some disappointing visits earlier this year in April and May from Suga Bears with regards to poor quality food and slow service, I was relieved to have a pleasant experience last Sunday from start to finish. I was impressed with my first visit to Blue Ridge Restaurant almost 3 years ago, so I was curious about what could have changed. I was told that one of their Chefs is no longer there for about two months now. We may not know for sure, but that could be one of the reasons. General Manager, Zoe Alexander was present and seen overlooking operations of the restaurant. Kudos to her and her courteous staff for a memorable visit.

What did we have?

Appetizers

My husband, Randy and Suga Bear friends, Ashleigh and Tennyson Arnold, started off with a tasty Tortilla soup, tomato based with black beans, corn, carrot and Chipotle seasoning, topped off with crunchy tortillas and cheese ($850 JMD + Tx+S.c).

However, I think everyone was quite jealous when I had the very last Creamy Crab dip that the restaurant had to offer. It was served with artichokes and roasted garlic ($1600 JMD +Tx +S.c). The taste of the crab was rich and it was delicious.

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Cocktails

The cocktails were excellent. We had Sangria, Mojitos and Moscato infused Strawberry slushies.

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Suga’s Moscato infused Strawberry Slush

Entrées

Tennyson enjoyed his Land and Sea Special, which was Chicken breast stuffed with seasoned crab topped with grilled shrimp and creamy garlic sauce ($4300 JMD +Tx+Sc).

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Linguini with Shrimp in creamy cilantro sauce ($3800 JMD+Tx+Sc.)

My husband Randy enjoyed his Shrimp pasta. The sauce was not too heavy and was zesty with the right amount of herbs.

Ashleigh and I had the Salmon fillet in cilantro cream sauce ($3800 JMD + tx+Sc.) with a side of garlic mashed green banana ($400 JMD tx +Sc.).

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Potatoes may be scarce at this time of year, but the mashed green banana as a side needs to be replaced. It was too chunky with no evidence of garlic.

We were quite satisfied with the healthy serving of well cooked Salmon served on veggies, that was enough on its own.

Dessert

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Oreo Cheesecake ($1200 JMD+tx +Sc.)

I was going to pass on dessert, until I took a bite of Randy’s Oreo Cheesecake and ordered my own to pile on those calories that were definitely worth it.

Ashleigh and Tennyson fought it out too. It was a similar situation, where Ashleigh probably regretted ordering the Hot Chocolate, although she enjoyed that too.

It was a great day out and a refreshing break from routine activities and the humidity of the flats. If you decide to head up there and give them a try or revisit, ensure that you go up early to make it back before night-time and in a vehicle that can handle the rocky road.

Make the best of the rest of summer and head on up to Blue Ridge Restaurant, because they are once again, Suga Endorsed!

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***Reservations recommended***

Blue Ridge Restaurant and Cottages

Location: Salt Hill Lot 9 East Rural, St. Andrew, Blue Mountain

Ph: 876-562-7580

Website: www. blueridgeja.com

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @blueridgeja

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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