Suga is throwing it back to a delicious Chicken Parmigiana that was enjoyed some time ago! Crispy Parmesan chicken, melted mozzarella, marinara pasta.
As Restaurant Week quickly approaches, it is time to peruse menus if you haven’t already and book your desired spots as soon as possible.
Two important tips for Restaurant Week in Jamaica
1. It is best to go during the week. There is fewer people, better service and a better overall experience.
2. If it has to be a weekend night, make reservations for an early time such as 6 or 7pm to avoid the rush.
Fromage Bistro on Hillcrest Avenue is usually my preferred choice over Fromage Brasserie in the Market Place, but have you seen Fromage Brasserie’s menu?!
Fromage Brasserie is in the Epicurean Category ($4300JMD+ Beverages & taxes).
For Appetizers, local blue crab chunks, creamy spinach and tortilla chips as well as Crispy salmon & cream cheese rolls with sweet Habanero sauce have caught my eye.
Fromage Brasserie’s Signature Dish of Lobster, Shrimp & scallop tossed in white wine Mornay sauce & stuffed in lobster tails.
Dessert doesn’t have their signature Bread Pudding on the menu, but the options look just as divine.
If Fromage Brasserie weathers the rush of Market Place diners with smooth service and executes their fine dishes, they should be one of Restaurant Week’s winners for dinner.
Check out Restaurant Week’s Website, http://go-jamaica.com/rw/ to browse categories and what the Restaurants have to offer before the big issue in The Gleaner this Thursday.
***The Price of each category includes a choice of appetizer, main course and dessert. Beverages, G.C.T and gratuity additional***
*Reservations recommended*
Fromage Brasserie
Location: Market Place – 67 Constant Spring Road. Kingston.
Ph: 876-649-0820-1Â
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Paper straws have now replaced all plastic straws at all Sandals resorts across the Caribbean.
Kudos to Adam Stewart and his team for making this happen.
Save the Environment, one step at a time.
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Restaurant Week Jamaica launches this Sunday at Devon House from 11am-5pm and Admission is FREE.
Enjoy delectable cuisines from some of the participating restaurants, browse and shop stunning pieces from the Fashion Village and buy fresh local produce from the Farmer’s Market.
It should be a fun Sunday. Enjoy and get your preview for Restaurant Week Jamaica 2018, which begins Saturday, November 10 and runs until Sunday, November 18.
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 for my upcoming Christmas Trade Show, “Suga Lifestyle’s Christmas Connectionâ€Â to be held on Saturday, December 15, 2018 from 4 to 8 pm. It will be held at The Liguanea Club, New Kingston.
As most of you may know, Suga Lifestyle is a brand encompassed on this blog, www.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.
The blog, currently has a reach of over 1,000 followers and grows daily. The event, Suga Lifestyle’s Christmas Connection will involve my GW Art as well as other Jamaican artisans hand-picked by me to offer their unique, handcrafted, handmade items to the public.
There will be about 15 to 20 artisans to establish variety, each with unique items in order to better focus your shopping experience, by limiting duplication. Part proceeds will also go to Charity.
I invite you to shop with family, friends and loved ones. A true one-stop shop in the busy holiday season, while you support Jamaican products as well. You will be hearing more about them soon!
Thanks so much to my Title Sponsors, Sagicor Bank and Gustazos Jamaica!
Buy Jamaican. Build Jamaica 😊
Please follow my Instagram and Facebook Page, @sugalifestyle to stay tuned to updates on the show and get chances to win lots of giveaways! There will be good ones!
XoXo,
Gabby a.k.a Suga
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
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.
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.
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.
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!’.
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.
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.
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 NightÂ
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.
Chef Oji Jaja’s Seared Shrimp with roasted pepper Scotch Bonnet sauce and Micro Basil
Spiciest dish of the Night!
The spiciest dish of the night hands down went to Chef George Matthewsof 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.
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.
Chef Mark Cole of The Jamaica Pegasus being quite a showman at Picante last Friday night.
Chef Mark Cole’s Menu:
The Best Dish at Picante
The other long line of the night with foodie, Sean Morgan looking on was for…
Drum roll…
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.
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.
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.
Chef Rebecca Karram’s MenuChef 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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.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
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.
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
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)
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)
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!
• The Double Decker Bus Tour
• The Horse and Carriage ride tour
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.)
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:
Another Cafe for Beignets and pasties, however their Beignets could have used more baking time. Note that it gets crowded too.
• Muriel’s (801 Chartres St., Jackson Square - haunted; Fine dining)Â
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.)
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
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.
• New Orleans Creole Cookery (410 Talouse St.) – Great for Cocktails, Fresh and Char Grilled Oysters.
Char Grilled Oysters with Cheese, Garlic and Butter
Recreation/For the Kids
• 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.
• 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!
(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.
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.
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.
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.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
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.
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
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)
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)
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!
• The Double Decker Bus Tour
• The Horse and Carriage ride tour
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.)
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:
Another Cafe for Beignets and pasties, however their Beignets could have used more baking time. Note that it gets crowded too.
• Muriel’s (801 Chartres St., Jackson Square - haunted; Fine dining)Â
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.)
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
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.
• New Orleans Creole Cookery (410 Talouse St.) – Great for Cocktails, Fresh and Char Grilled Oysters.
Char Grilled Oysters with Cheese, Garlic and Butter
Recreation/For the Kids
• 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.
• 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!
(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.
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.
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
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.
It’s World Polio Day. In 1988, the Polio virus was endemic to 125 countries.
Today, only 3 countries in the world have never stopped the transmission of Polio- Pakistan, Afghanistan and  Nigeria. Despite the progress achieved since 1988, as long as a single child remains infected with Poliovirus, children in all countries are at risk of contracting the disease.
According to CDC Global Health, Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a crippling and potentially deadly infectious disease. It is caused by the poliovirus. The virus spreads from person to person and can invade an infected person’s brain and spinal cord, causing paralysis, where persons cannot move parts of the body.
There is NO cure for Polio, but vaccines can protect a child for life.
How can you help to eradicate Polio?
Rotary International has a goal to reach every child with the Polio vaccine and are using innovative strategies to reach their goal. Find out more during their #WorldPolioDay global update at 6:30 p.m. EDT at www.endpolio.org.
Also, the Rotary Club of New Kingston and the New Kingston Rotaract Club from Jamaica will be hosting a luncheon during the World Polio Livestream. See information below:
Support #WorldPolioDay and Purchase lunch (for delivery) by attending their online meeting at 1pm today using the link below:
https://zoom.us/j/771707407
Menu: Herbed Roasted Chicken Garlic Butter Fish Fillet Curried Mutton Rice and Peas Pasta Salad Vegetable salad Choice of 2 meats.
World Polio Day is being observed today to generate awareness towards eradication of the terrible disease, Polio and to commemorate the efforts of volunteers committed to the eradication of polio.
Help to #EndPolio now!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
