For everyone who has been craving Lobster since the season was closed on April 1, Lobster season is back!
ENJOY!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Dishes from Exec. Chef Mario González at the Iberostar Chef on Tour Series
Last weekend’s Iberostar Chef on Tour in Rose Hall, Montego Bay featured its very own Executive Chef Mario González. Chef González is known as a culinary artist and his dishes reflected just that.
The Star Dish of the night for Suga Bear, Tina Davis from Montego Bay, was the Mango Ravioli, Salmon tartar, Tamarind reduction and Himalayan salt.
The Red Snapper with beurre blanc sauce and Mexican white mole looked divine as well.
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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OPA’s New Location at Devon House for Suga’s Pre-Birthday Dinner!
Two Tuesdays ago I visited OPA’s new location at Devon House, which is on the right side after you enter through the front gate. Persons are familiar with that area formerly known as the Devonshire.
The Restaurant was quiet and cosy. I loved the ambience outdoors, similar to a deck in the backyard by the garden. Despite that, we sat indoors. Diners were present but it was not a full house.
The staff were quiet but professional and welcoming. I suppose they were a balance in personality to the owner, Alexx Antaeus who is quite eloquent but warm and friendly.
The menu still consists of Greek favourites from the old location such as Grilled Fish and other Entrées, Pizzas, Pastas and Salads. Not much has changed in that regard. However, the menu has expanded to include additional Mediterranean cuisine options such as Paellas and more.
We ordered a Starter that consisted of 4 Greek Dips served with homemade Pita Bread ($10.35US/$1324JMD) that they make fresh daily with extra virgin olive oil. The Dips were Tzatziki (yoghurt, cucumber, garlic), Tyrokafteri (spicy feta cheese), Revithia (Chick peas, scallions, lemon juice) and Skordalia (garlic, potato). They were all quite tasty and appetizing but I enjoyed the Feta dip the most.
Alexx took our orders by memory and not by hand, which was quite impressive. He offered assistance to anyone who had difficulty deciding what they needed to order and also wanted to put our orders in quickly to the kitchen. He gave us a heads up that they may take a little while.
Well a little while was an hour. Usually we would have gotten ourselves worked up and probably left already, but some of my friends were visiting and we had a lot to catch up on before they left the next day. The Appetizer dips could only go so far and we were sipping on some vino from their list, which seems to have a decent range and selection as usual. We tried the Lamb Gyros Stix ($7.75US/$992JMD) too. That was a small but succulent serving of well seasoned Lamb.
Not only do I respect that we were given the heads up on the wait, but we were checked on periodically and given a joke or two to keep the atmosphere light, like our stomachs at the time.
Finally, attempting to have a healthy night, I had the Psari Sharas (Fresh Grilled Snook basted with extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice and oregano. I’ve had that dish before at Opa, so it wasn’t anything new, but the good quality in taste remained the same and it was just the right portion served with Skordalia (a purée with potatoes etc.) and Greek salad ($20.30US/$2598JMD).
My friends explored other dishes that they enjoyed such as the Gyros entrée of Lean ground Pork served with Tzatziki, Greek salad, Potatoes and Pita ($19.50US/$2495JMD), Shrimp Penne Pasta with minty cream sauce ($23.40US/$2995JMD) and the Kotosouvlaki entrée consisting of Grilled Chicken Breast on a skewer served with Pita, Greek salad and Tzatziki (19.45US/2489JMD).
There was only one unhappy camper who ordered the Kotsi, a slow-baked Lamb Shank infused with lemon, olive oil and garlic served with sautéed vegetables and potatoes ($27.30US/$3494JMD).
Some persons may say they get small servings at OPA, but it really depends on what you order. My friend did not expect such a huge Lamb Shank. While that would make the usual person happy to dig in, being quite petite in size, it was daunting for her.
When Alexx checked on the table a little after we started eating, he asked her what was wrong and she explained. Without hesitation he wanted to know how he could make her happier and she agreed with his suggestions of converting the dish into a Lamb Pasta with her preferred tomato sauce and Penne Pasta. He returned quickly to the table with the transformed dish that he whipped up in the kitchen himself and even gave her some to go in a box so it wouldn’t be too much for her at once. She now joined us as an impressed and satisfied diner.
In discussion with Alexx, we were made aware that they source their meat locally from The Meat Experts Ltd. That is a good look. Meat Experts operates out of St. Ann and they have been making quite a name for themselves with their local, high quality, hormone-free meats.
Then just when we thought Alexx couldn’t be a more hospitable host, he asked if we were dining to celebrate an occasion. He was told my Birthday was coming up and he shared that his was coming up the day before. Fancy that.
He returned with a few members of staff and demanded that everyone get their cameras out and sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to me, while he presented me with complimentary Baklava dessert (Filo layered with chopped walnuts and sweetened with honey). That was a kind gesture. I enjoyed all the love and the Dessert.
I get the feeling something may have been awry with the kitchen or staff that night so I would not let the long wait smear my first experience at the new location. The food was authentic and delicious and I appreciated the great service otherwise. So I will return.
I especially have to have some Drinks by the adjoined Reggae Mill Bar, also owned by Alex, since we missed out on it the last time as we wrapped it up early on the week night.
Who’s joining me?
OPA Greek Restaurant
Location: Devon House. Hope Rd. Kingston Jamaica
Ph: 876-631-2000; 876-550-2000
Website: http://www.opajamaica.com/
Instagram: @opa_jamaicaÂ
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat @ 12pm – 12am (Closed on Sundays)
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Seaside Dining at Las Vegas Cafe in St. Elizabeth!
Sunday before last, Suga Bear, Randy Burgess stopped by Las Vegas Cafe in St. Elizabeth for Lunch at 2:30pm.
Parking was sufficient and décor was rustic with a touch of old tavern accentuated by the view of the seaside.
There were a few other guests, both locals and tourists.
The staff were not necessarily courteous but they weren’t rude or inattentive either. So they could improve on their Southern hospitality.
Las Vegas Cafe specialises in Seafood. If you order Fish, you are given the option to choose your fish.
Randy ordered Coconut Garlic Shrimp with Steam Bammy ($1800JMD tx incl.) and his friend ordered Coconut Garlic Conch with Steam Bammy ($1800JMD tx incl.).
Even though their dishes were done to order, it did not take an extremely long time to arrive. The Suga Bears enjoyed their Lunch. The Shrimps were noticeably fresh as one would expect from St. Elizabeth and well seasoned. The Bammy was well steamed with a texture that was just right and the sauce had a good balance of Coconut and Garlic, with neither overpowering the taste of the Seafood.
Value for Money? Suga Bear, Randy rated Las Vegas Cafe a 3/5.
If traveling through the South Coast, I think it is safe to take a detour or stop by Las Vegas Cafe for a tasty and filling serving of Seafood.
Las Vegas CafeÂ
Location: 70 Crane Road (Close to Salt Spring), St. Elizabeth. Jamaica
Ph: 876-965-9648
Opening Hours: 11am-11pm
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Discounts for All June Bugs at Chocolate Dreams!
Chocolate Dreams is treating every June baby!
Join Gabby from Suga Lifestyle and stop by their Devon House or Loshusan locations for yummy treats to celebrate your special day!
***Provide your ID to prove you are a Junite and get 15% off!
***Call 876-906-1173 for Special Orders
Have a Fabulous Birthday Month! Junites rule!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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A Restaurant you can Dress Up and Go To in the Capital of Casual, Negril!
On the last Saturday night of April, Bongos Restaurant saved the day for me and my husband’s Anniversary Dinner after a mix up with Reservations at another Restaurant in Negril.
Bongos is located at the modernly refurbished, Sandy Haven Resort on the popular Negril Strip.
We were relieved to still have somewhere elegant to dine. There was a choice between indoor dining and outdoor dining on the terrace. We decided to stay indoors, where the lights were turned down low, but a bit too low. The ambience was not affected too much though. Seating was comfortable and the décor was unique. There was a Bar and Lounge area indoors as well.
The members of staff were courteous and knowledgeable of the items on the menu.
The menu had a wide range of items that represented a fusion of European, Asian, African and of course, Caribbean cuisines. Prices listed in US were subject to 10% tax and 10% gratuity.
Appetizers, Soups and Salads ranged from $7-$10US.
I had the tasty Jerk Shrimp Brochette ($8.50US) and my husband had the Crab and Corn Chowder ($8US), which had a rich flavour. My Brochette could have done without the lettuce on top though.
For Entrées, there were Vegetarian and Vegan options such as Vegetarian Paella, Mixed Bean Stew, Vegetable Linguini and more ranging from $12-$30US.
Other options included Fish any way you like it ranging from $17-$23US depending on size, Curried Coconut Lemon Shrimp ($18US), Asian Stir Fry Beef Sirloin ($17US), Jerk Chicken Pasta ($16.50US), Cuban Pork & Bean ($20USD), Bongo’s Seafood Paella ($19US single/$35US double) and more.
It wasn’t Lobster season but I had a craving for any type of Surf and Turf, which wasn’t on their menu. The waiter and the Chef collaborated to make me happy and offered me the Filet Mignon with large Shrimp Skewers.
My husband ordered the Filet Mignon on its own.
Although the wait was extremely long, we had a year of marriage to reminisce on as well as exciting thoughts for our future and the wait was worthwhile when the food arrived.
Our cuts of Beef came medium rare, as requested. So we were pleased with the tenderness and succulent juices and flavours emerging from the Beef.
We were too full for Dessert but we enjoyed a few drinks from the Bar. I have had better Mojitos but the blended drinks were on point.
I recommend Bongos Restaurant for a decent place to dine in Negril if you are not famished or in a rush. The wait may be long but you have the leisure of having a good chit chat over a few drinks in a lovely ambience until delectable food arrives.
Bongos Restaurant @ Sandy Haven Resort
Location: Norman Manley Boulevard. Negril, Jamaica
Ph: 886-957-3200
Opening Hr: 6pm
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Authentic and Healthy Thai Cuisine in the 2nd City, Montego Bay!
Suga finally got to visit Mystic Thai in Montego Bay with her cousin a little over a month ago. The Restaurant has gotten rave reviews since it opened its doors about summer last year.
It was a rainy Saturday night on May 6th at about 9pm. My cousin, Tina Davis, who is no stranger to their Lunch Specials walked into familiar territory, while I was instantly impressed by the modern décor consisting of elegant Thai silk lanterns and comfortable seating. The heavy rains probably kept away most diners but a few were still there and I appreciated the spacious environment and ambience.
Our host and waitress were extremely polite and we were also greeted by the owner, Mrs. Kareena Mahbubani. She offered suggestions according to the pairings of the Curry with various meats and told us that their Green Thai Curry is a favourite amongst her diners. So of course I decided to have it.
We started off with Shrimp and Scallion Dumplings ($10USD) and Mushroom Basil Dumplings ($8USD). They take a little while because they are steamed and they came out steaming indeed. They were delicious with the accompanying sauces to add flavour of your liking, whether spicy, salty or sweet.
We then had Crispy Fried Okra infused with Lemongrass, which was surprisingly and absolutely delightful.
We moved on to our Mains of Chicken in Green Thai Curry ($12USD) and Duck in Red Thai Curry ($18USD), along with Rice and Stir Fried Veggies. I cannot forget to mention our Johnny Walker Mojitos from the Bar that were deliciously refreshing.
Note that I mentioned the Rice, because diners at Mystic Thai and some other Indian Restaurants may notice and wonder why they are charged for Rice separately. Other than wondering what else are you to eat with the meats, there is the comparison to Chinese Restaurants where you get Rice in abundance. Mystic Thai uses Jasmine rice that soaks up the flavour of the gravies and the quality of local rice which is less expensive and used by the Chinese Restaurants is totally different.
Diners at Mystic Thai also like to mix and match their sides, not necessarily ordering Rice. Quinoa for about $6USD is a healthy option as well as Steamed Vegetables. For now, a serving of Jasmine rice is an additional $3USD, but Mystic Thai will give diners the option to decide on their own soon by offering local rice with their Lunch Specials.
With regards to the Curries we chose, the popular Green Thai Curry is a blend of fresh Green Chillies, Galangal, Kaffir Lime Leaves, Lemongrass and Thai herbs. While the Red Thai Curry is the most versatile of the Thai Curries and is a blend of dried Red Chillies, Kaffir Lime Rind, Coriander Root and Cumin.
We enjoyed the exquisite blend of infused flavours that complemented each other so well. The good thing about dining at Mystic Thai is that they encourage Family style dining so the portion/serving sizes are appropriate for sharing and of course treats your tastebuds to so many different flavours. None of the flavours are overpowering either, as they balance each other out.
I was impressed with the attentiveness of the staff and overall commendable service. The owner, Kareena had such a warm and regal presence in the Restaurant, that I was propelled to give her a call for a follow up discussion about my intriguing experience.
Most of you may know that Kareena is no stranger to the business. She is also the owner of Mystic India in Whitter Village, Ironshore, Montego Bay. She studied Hotel Management in Mumbai, India and knew that she wanted to own a Restaurant from a very young age.
Kareena enjoys Thai cuisine so decided to open Mystic Thai in addition to Mystic India.
Indian cuisine is considered to be fattening so as a fitness enthusiast that endures the struggle of being a foodie, I came to understand that Thai Cuisine is one of the healthiest foods you can eat. This must explain why instead of feeling heavy and full as I often do after indulging in Indian cuisine, I felt satisfied but still light after our dinner at Mystic Thai.
What makes Thai Cuisine healthy?
Natural and fresh ingredients are paired with a variety of spices, herbs and vegetables. Examples of such are turmeric, galangal, coriander, lemongrass and fresh chillies that have immune-boosting and disease-fighting power.
At Mystic Thai, everything is made to order and all the spices, herbs and vegetables are prepped fresh every morning. Their gravies are made daily. Note that at least 16 different ingredients are used in every dish so there is a lot that goes into their preparation and she has quite an efficient team. Indian cuisine on the other hand uses five basic gravies that are made and stored.
The meats are usually grilled or put on the wok, which is the pot used for various methods of cooking Asian cuisine, whether it may be stir frying, boiling, steaming, roasting etc. The temperature on the wok is so high that the meats or vegetables only need a minute or two on it, resulting in all the nutrients being preserved.
With all healthiness aside, note that we still had dessert!
We closed dinner with a tasty Chocolate Mousse. I didn’t get the chance to have the Fruit and Nut Chocolate Naan from the Restaurant’s Indian dessert menu, so I will definitely be returning for that one, which seems to a favourite as well.
A few weeks ago, Mystic Thai received the award for ‘Best Ethnic Restaurant’ at The Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards along with a favourite of mine in Kingston, Nirvanna Indian Cuisine.
Congratulations to Kareena and her staff at Mystic Thai! Well deserved. It is definitely the place in Jamaica to get Authentic Thai and Asian cuisine. #sugaendorsed
Mystic Thai (Asian & Thai Cuisine)
Location: B11 – Fairview Towne Centre Unit, Montego Bay
Ph: 876-633-6535
Website: http://www.mysticthaijamaica.com
Opening Hours: Mondays – Sundays @ 11:30am – 10pm
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Suga’s Healthy Dinner at Kushite’s Vegetable Cuisine!
It has been a while now that Kushite’s Vegetable Cuisine has settled into their spacious location at Eden Gardens. From about 2 years ago, I enjoyed Lunch from them once in a while, which was delivered from their small establishment on Phoenix Avenue. I am happy I finally got to visit their location on Lady Musgrave Road with my husband a few weeks ago on Saturday, May 13th for Dinner.
As we stepped in, we were immediately impressed with the tasteful, detailed décor, no pun intended. I admired the art work and enjoyed the ambience and comfortable seating.
Our hostess, waitress and also co-principal of Kushites, Keisha McDonald, was pleasant and well informed as expected with regards to their menu.
Their Jerked Beet Pizza ($2500JmD) is a known pleaser, along with their Sicilian Pita Burger ($1800JMD) and Lentil Balls in Mexican Mole Sauce ($1900JMD).
We ordered a few minutes after 9pm and we had a visual of the Chef, Mr. Kush Tafari himself. We could see the food was prepared fresh and when it arrived in reasonable time after ordering, we could taste just that.
My husband enjoyed his tasty Callaloo and Mushroom in Tomato Cups paired with Quinoa. He had that with a refreshing glass of Lemon Grass Lemonade.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Sicilian Pita Burger that is a favourite at Kushites. Everything combined was a burst of flavour. The cilantro cream ‘cheese’ sauce definitely gave it a delicious kick of hot and spicy and was a perfect pair for the sweet potato Piri Piri chips. The taste buds then got a little chance to cool down with the black beans and were tickled with the taste of olives.
Both meals were healthy and filling. As a fitness enthusiast, I appreciated the creative use of the ‘Good Carbs’, such as the Sweet Potato used to make the Piri Piri chips, the Pita Bread that was either Whole Grain or Whole Wheat and the Quinoa. The Black Beans and Callaloo are also great sources of fibre. The Black Beans especially, though a protein, has slow-release carbs like other healthy beans. Then ofcourse, they were alongside veggies. What was missing for me? A little fruit. This void was fully satisfied with the Jackfruit Hemp smoothie that had even more Protein. The smoothie was well balanced, as the taste of the Jackfruit was not overpowering.
Last Thursday, Kushites won the Award for ‘Best Place for Vegetarian’ at the Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards and Suga definitely endorses them for that. Congrats to Kush Tafari, Keisha McDonald and the team!
Go and give Kushites a visit today and continue to have a healthy week!
Kushite’s Vegetable Cuisine
Location: 39 Lady Musgrave Road (Inside Eden Gardens)
Ph: 876-375-0642; 876-631-9101
Instagram: @kushitesvegetablecuisine
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Jerk ‘Everythang’ Today at 2wo A Seafood Restaurant and Bar off Ruthven Road!
Have you ever been to 2wo A Seafood Restaurant and Bar on Strathairn Avenue off Ruthven Road? If not, now is your chance.
TGIF! Every Last Friday starting Today, 2wo A Seafood will have Jerked meat for you to eat! There will be locally sourced Rabbit, Chicken, Fish and Pork for affordable prices with Drink Specials.
I was treated to a tasty, complimentary Fish Tea at my first visit to 2wo A Seafood last December. It was a Thursday night when they usually have Live Performances.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Japanese duo, DJs Ackee and Saltfish who have been in Jamaica since 1994. They should give Rankin Pumpkin on Magnum Kings & Queens of Dancehall a few tips.
Waitresses were pleasant and Drinks were very reasonable. For instance, a cue of White rum costed $800JMD, a cue of V/X, $1000JMD and a cue of Johnnie Walker Black, $1200JMD.
Although the Fish took a little while, as it is cooked to order, I recommend their Signature Jerk Fish ($1300JMD/lb), which had a tantalising flavour.
2wo A Seafood has cosy seating and a garden atmosphere with small palms and intricate lighting by the Entertainment area. Patrons also assemble by the bar that has both high stools and comfortable barrel-chair seating.
Give 2wo A Seafood Restaurant and Bar a visit tonight and Enjoy!
2wo A Seafood Restaurant and Bar
Location: 2A Strathairn Avenue (Off Ruthven Road)
Ph: 876-803-3290
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Hard Rock Cafe’s Grand Opening is this Saturday in Montego Bay!
Don’t miss the Historic Grand Opening Party for Hard Rock Cafe in Montego Bay this Weekend!
There will be Live Performances by Ky-Mani Marley, Etana and Ikaya.
There will also be two other events on the same weekend, Let’s Funk and Revel. See information below for the entertaining weekend of 3 events and 1 venue!
Suga visited the new Hard Rock Cafe a few weekends ago and loved it! It is located beside the well known Secrets Resorts and Spa with adequate parking.
The place has been fully refurbished and has great bar and tv logistics for sports lovers and bar patrons.
For those who love to go out and have a good time, there was Live Entertainment on the Saturday night that I visited.
I didn’t get to have their food but I have heard rave reviews from Suga Bears. Their drinks however are strong! Leave it up to their bartenders and you will be buzzed all night.
I wish there was one in Kingston. Until then, looking forward to more visits to the Hard Rock Cafe!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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