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There’s a New Restaurant in Town with Jamaican Cuisine

by Restaurant Reviews & Ratings

Suga Bear, Randy Burgess heard about a new Restaurant in town about 2 months ago. He decided to visit a few weeks ago for lunch on Friday, May 5th at about 2pm.

The entrance was not too visible but parking was sufficient with a spacious, open lot.

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He was pleased with the comfortable indoor and outdoor seating area. They have a neat bear set up as well.

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They specialise in Jamaican cuisine and there was a range of options on their menu. Appetizers such as Soup of the Day ($200-$600JMD), Stamp ‘n’ Go ($450JMD) and Red Herring ($550JMD) were available.

Apart from the Charcoals Jerked Chicken ($650JMD), Grilled Chicken ($800JMD), Jerk Pork ($950JMD), Wraps and Curried Goat ($850JMD), items were priced at $1000JMD or more. For instance, Oxtail & Bean for $1350JMD, Curried Shrimp ($2500JMD) and Fish cooked how you like it for $1700JMD.

Vegan Options such as a Three Bean Stew, Vegan Medley Quinoa and more were offered at costs ranging from $1000JMD to $1700JMD.

They offer an option for Dessert and side orders were the standard Festival, Roast Yam, Roast Sweet Potato, Plantain, Bammy and Ground provisions at an additional cost.

Randy ordered the Charcoals Jerked Chicken and was not very impressed. The taste of the Chicken didn’t blow him away but it was decent enough. Although it lacked spice, he could taste the charcoal-grill flavour. He wasn’t happy with the rice and peas that was on the dry side and too much was served. This is the case with many other Restaurants. The correct balance in servings needs to be considered.

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Charcoals Jerked Chicken – $650JMD

Randy appreciated their quick and efficient service but did not think their prices were equivalent to what they were offering.

Nonetheless, they have recently opened and it is a spacious, comfortable spot with Jamaican Cuisine. Feel free to check them out and offer your feedback.

Charcoals & Flame

Location: 9 West Kings House Road. Kingston, Jamaica

Ph: (876) 382-7336

Facebook: @charcoals.flame

Opening Hours: 12pm – 8pm

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Cheers to Wine With Me in Negril!

by Restaurant Reviews & Ratings
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Date and Time of Visit: 29/4/17 @10:30pm

I went to Wine With Me in Negril by the Beachcomber Hotel about 3 weekends ago for some vino.

I liked to visit when it ran its course in Montego Bay, so I was happy to hear a few months ago that it reopened.

My husband and I had checked it out early on the Saturday night, but they only offered light plates of food. We decided to have dinner up the road and promised the extremely polite hostess that we would return later that night. I didn’t get her name, but she was the reason we made a special effort to return at 10:30pm before their closing hour.

Since we were coming from one of the few Restaurants you could dress up and go to in the Capital of Casual, I was quite pleased that I could go straight to Wine With Me feeling comfortable, looking Cocktail chic.

It was a cosy environment, furnished with modern décor and lighting.

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All the persons that were having drinks earlier left, so we got all the attention to ourselves from the waitress. I can see they are likely to have good service regardless of the fact though.

The Chef got wind of why we had left earlier. He made us aware that he is the same Chef from the one that was in Montego Bay and that they are looking to expand the menu to include heavier dishes similar to what they had before such as Lamb chops, Fish etc.

They had a wide selection of Wines. Of course, a limited selection if you chose to have it by the glass. A glass of Wine costed about $7/$8USD +tx. With regards to prices for the Wine and Small Bites, they are fairly comparable to other local Wine Bars but transportation and other costs are taken into consideration. In order to offer the finest selection of Wines and artisan and gourmet Cheese in the small town of Negril, they are brought in all the way from Kingston. Prices are also quoted in US dollars, as most places in Negril due to the fluctuation of the dollar.

We enjoyed our vino and cigars on the outside terrace and we look forward to returning when they have expanded their menu and to also check out their Charcuterie platters.

Wine With Me is Suga Endorsed for a classy, cosy and intimate spot for drinks and small bites on the busy Negril Strip.

Wine With Me

Location: Norman Manley Boulevard, Rutland Point. Negril, JA

Ph: 876-340-2108

Opening hours: 6pm-11pm

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Seaside View and West Indian Cuisine at Blue Mahoe Restaurant, Negril!

by Restaurant Reviews & Ratings

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About 3 weekends ago, I visited the Blue Mahoe Restaurant for Lunch at The Spa Retreat Hotel with my husband. The Spa Retreat Hotel is by the West End Cliffs in Negril.

Parking was limited but the security guard was attentive and directed us to a staff member who happily guided us to the Restaurant.

It was about 3 in the afternoon after a shower of rain and there was only one other couple dining at the time. The sun came back out and we were seated at a table with a seaside view and could see guests chatting up a storm by the Bar outside.

I found that their Lunch menu was a bit limited to Salads, Sandwiches and Wraps with a small amount of Jamaican/West Indian cuisine. However, our waitress said we could request something from the Dinner menu as well and she would check with the Chef to confirm availability.

The Dinner Menu comprised of mainly Seafood, Pastas and Jamaican Cuisine such as Curried Goat and Chicken, Braised Oxtail and Bean, Jerked Pork, Steamed Fish, a Jamaican Platter (Curried Goat, Brown Stew Chicken, Oxtail, Bammy & Rice and Peas) and more.

Prices were what we Jamaicans would call ‘tourist prices’, that is, a bit on the high end considering our high exchange rate.

We both decided to have the Soup of the day, which was Red peas soup ($6USD) and the Fisherman Conch ($16USD). I ordered the Curried Conch and my husband ordered the Callaloo Jerked Conch. We were too early to get a side of baked or mashed potatoes, so we settled with rice and peas.

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Red Peas Soup ($6USD+tx + 10% Service Charge)

The Soup was pricey for such a small cup but at least it was tasty.

The Rice and Peas that accompanied the Conch was not ready. There were a few crunchy grains with each forkful. We’re in Jamaica so you have to steam that rice and peas right Chef!

We enjoyed the Jerked and Curried Conch though. Well seasoned and savoury with the right amount of spice.

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West Indian Curried Conch ($16USD+tx +10% Service Charge)

Blue Mahoe Restaurant is a modern establishment with a spectacular seaside view and good service. It was a convenient stop with decent food and hospitable staff for our Anniversary weekend. Suga will return and next time it will be for Dinner by the Seaside.

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Randolph and Gabrielle Burgess at The Spa Retreat Hotel, Negril #sugaendorsed

Blue Mahoe Restaurant & Lounge Bar @ The Spa Retreat Hotel

Location: One Love Drive, West End Cliffs. Negril, Jamaica

Ph: 876-399-3773; 876-957-4329

Email: [email protected]

Reservations: [email protected]

Website: http://www.thespajamaica.com

***Menu online***

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Lunch on the Seaside in Hopewell, Hanover

by FoodpornRestaurant Reviews & Ratings
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Randy Burgess (L) and wife, Gabrielle Burgess from Suga Lifestyle celebrating their 1 year anniversary

Sunday before last, I visited Smoked Marlin Restaurant in Hopewell, Hanover for lunch with my husband.

Apart from our traditional Sweet Potato Pudding stop in Priory, St. Ann, Smoked Marlin was our last stop after a relaxed, food-filled weekend in Negril before heading back to Kingston.

Our waitress was pleasant but could have been more attentive. The wait for food including the Appetizer of Fish soup was too long. The diners that ordered just after us complained as well.

The food was tasty but did not blow us away. Servings were sizeable and made up for the delay. We had a little space left for Dessert, but they did not have all the items listed on the menu including the Tropical Crêpe that I desired.

I thought it would be a more impressive visit, but it was still a delightful experience with a picturesque seaside view to up the ante.

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Marlin Salad – $900JMD +tx (Top); Oxtail Ragu – $1900JMD +tx (Bottom Left); Seafood Linguine with shrimp & fish – $1900JMD +tx (Bottom right)

Date of visit: 30/4/17

Time: 3:45pm

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★★★

Ambience: ★★★★★

Décor: ★★★★☆

Comfort: ★★★★★

Service: ★★★☆☆

Speed: ★★☆☆☆

Food quality: ★★★★☆

Serving amount: ★★★★★

Plating: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★★★☆

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Smoked Marlin Restaurant

Location: Main Street. Hopewell, Hanover

Ph: 876-609-4181

Opening Hours: 12pm-9pm

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Sensational Brunch by Simo’s Bread and Catering and Miel & Meel

by Chefs, Bakers and CaterersFoodpornRestaurant Reviews & Ratings
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Gabby from Suga Lifestyle mesmerized by the spread put out by Simo’s Bread and Catering and Miel & Meel

It was an absolute pleasure to travel from Kingston to witness Christina in her element at one of her family homes by Springfarm, Montego Bay along with her friend from Culinary school, Inemari Rabie of Miel & Meel. Inemari was based in South Africa and is now in France.

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The presentation of their salivating spread of Pastries and other delights was so artistic that a few guests said the table was too beautiful to start eating what was on it.

They were on their own though. I enjoyed everything but highlights for me were the Apple Crumble, Roast Beef Salad with Simo’s Horseradish vinaigrette, Onion Tarte Tatin with blue cheese, Vanilla Crème Brûlée and of course the Mini Cronut topped with delicious rose and pistachio icing. It sounds like a lot already, but there was so much more.

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Check out if there is space to reserve your spot for Dinner when they come to Kingston on May 19th! 

Information for Dinner for Friday, May 19th:

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Christina M.B. Simonitsch

Location: Montego Bay

Email: [email protected]

Catering, Cooking Lessons & Staff Training

__________

Inemari Rabie

Blog: www.miel-meel.com

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Bottomless Mimosa Brunch this Sunday in MoBay!

by Restaurant Reviews & RatingsWhat's Hot

Simo’s Bread and Catering and Miel & Meel will be hosting a Bottomless Mimosa Brunch this Sunday in Montego Bay.

Check and see if there is space to reserve your spot Montegonians! If you are not in Montego Bay it should still be worth the trip!

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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 or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

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Suga Visits Italian Café in Negril

by Restaurant Reviews & RatingsWhat's Hot

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Suga went to Negril last weekend and The Italian Café also known as Kenny’s Italian Café was the first stop.

My husband and I got to Negril late in the night after 11pm so we knew we could only get Pizza at that time. No Problem. I heard the Pizzas are authentic Italian, so I was still looking forward to it.  The owner, Kenny married an Italian lady and after being a Chef working in the tourism industry for years in Jamaica, he took a few years to learn cooking Italian cuisine from his wife and others in Italy.

A Suga Bear, Helen Da Costa, stopped by earlier in the evening for Dinner at Italian Café before she went back to Kingston. She enjoyed Bruschetta and Shrimp Pasta. Regardless of the fact that she disliked that they topped off the Bruschetta with lettuce and they didn’t use fresh Basil, she thought it was delicious.

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Pasta and Bruschetta from Italian Café (Photo: Helen DaCosta)

My husband and I had Pizza and Beer. We shared the Rasta Pasta ($15.50USD) that was served with crushed pepper and parmesan cheese. It was made fresh, tasty and flavourful.

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Rasta Pizza ($15.50USD) – tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, mushrooms, onions, black olives and green peppers

Their menu has quite a variety of Pastas and Pizzas. There are also a few options for Appetizers, Salads, Seafood and Dessert. Prices are quoted in USD but still reasonable. Of course if you go with a high end dish such as Steak, Seafood or a Full House Pizza, it may be a bit pricey.

The atmosphere was buzzing with many locals and tourists, accompanied by lively music. Service and Plating were excellent and I loved the modern décor and lighting with a hint of rustic.

The Ladies’ bathroom could use some attention from the cleaning staff and Parking was limited given its location on the popular Norman Manley Boulevard ‘Negril strip’. If you sat close by the sidewalk, you were likely to be approached by locals selling CDs or other things, but they were not persistent if you showed no interest to purchase.

Italian Café is a chill spot for persons who would like to stop by and have authentic Italian Lunch, Dinner or just Lounge with friends over Cocktails while listening to some good, lively music.

Italian Café

Ph#: 876-957-4032

Address: Norman Manley Boulevard (Accross from Merrils Beach Resort). Negril, JA

Date of visit: 28/4/17

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★☆☆☆☆

Ambience: ★★★☆☆

Decor: ★★★★☆

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★★★

Speed: ★★★★★

Food quality: ★★★★☆

Serving amount: ★★★★★

Plating: ★★★★★

Value for $: ★★★★★

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Suga Endorsement: ★★★★☆

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Suga is Still Enjoying Lunch from The Olive Cove Cafe

by Restaurant Reviews & Ratings
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Chicken in Wine Sauce with Spanish Brown rice ($720JMD incl. tax)

Last Tuesday, I revisited The Olive Cove Cafe for a heathy lunch and had their Chicken in Wine sauce with Spanish Brown rice and veggies.

The hostess was pleasant as usual and my lunch was waiting for me when I arrived at 12:45pm.

I got to speak with the personable Chef this time. I liked that he requested feedback and he is versatile with the menu.

Lunch was delish once again and I love that they will alter items on the menu if you would like a healthier option. #sugaendorsed

Olive Cove Cafe

94M Old Hope Road. Kingston 6. (Across from Toyota Ja and FLA)

876-995-9903; 876-390-9833

Instagram Page: @the_olivecove

Opening Hours: 7:30am-5:30pm

Deliveries: 10am-1pm

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Ziggy’s in Manor Centre Always Hits the Spot!

by Health & FitnessRestaurant Reviews & Ratings

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Ziggy’s Restaurant and Lounge in Manor Centre has been a consistently good spot to stop by and get authentic Jamaican Cuisine for quite some time now.

The service is good and it is usually a quick in and out. There is comfortable dining space and a bar if you have time to spare. They deliver as well.

Ziggy’s offers standard Jamaican Breakfast options such as Ackee & Saltfish, Stew Chicken, Liver, Salt Mackerel etc.

Standard Jamaican Lunch or Dinner options include Curry Goat, Stew Peas, Oxtail, Fried or Baked Chicken, Escovitch Fish and more.

The prices are decent for the large servings given and good quality of food they offer. Breakast items usually range from $500JMD to $600JMD. Lunch or Dinner options are usually $800JMD with the exception of Fish ($1000JMD) and Shrimp dishes ($1400JMD). Note that prices are tax inclusive.

The Daily menu is posted on their website (See information below), where you can order online and literally ‘cut di line’.

A few of my foodie friends have posted their Lunch at Ziggy’s and it was a refreshing reminder about what is just around the corner.

Last Saturday I was ravenous after a fun outing at the beach and I knew Ziggy’s would hit the spot. I stopped by at about 7pm and ordered the Baked Chicken with steamed vegetables only. No other healthy side orders such as boiled banana, yam or baked irish potatoes were available so late in the day.

I saw some Chinese dishes on the menu too but that wouldn’t fill the void. The Chinese are taking over Jamaica slowly but surely, but our food remains Number 1. I could see one of their regulars who I like to identify as ‘residents’ enjoying her dinner comfortably by the bar. She asked me what I ordered then she told me that they cook better than the ‘real Chinese’. What she said couldn’t be far from the truth based on the appetizing whiff I got that wafted up from the kitchen.

I did not have to wait more than 10 to 15 minutes. The Chef was extremely pleasant, saying he hoped he didn’t keep me too long and showed me what was in my box before he packaged it and sent me on my way.

When I got home I could see what the resident was talking about. The steamed vegetables were similar to what you would get at your local Chinese Restaurant. I am not a fan of Salads, but it was very tasty and not everyone can get that unique Chinese flavour. My well seasoned, tender Baked Chicken topped off by a savoury sauce was impressive too.

I am looking forward to trying that Chicken in Black Bean Sauce soon.

Since I was too greedy to stop and take a picture of my dish, here are pictures from Suga Bears.

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Kudos to Chef Bent and the Staff of Ziggy’s for keeping the locals happy and catering to us with a smile.

Ziggy’s Restaurant & Lounge

Location: Shop 15. Manor Centre. 195 Constant Spring Road. Kingston 8. 

Ph: 876-350-6411

Website: www.cutdiline.com/ziggys

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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