After being open for just a short period of time, the nightly hot spot in upper Manor Park, Cellar 8, now offers Saturday and Sunday Brunch and has outgrown its space. Who knew they could create more?!
Suga checked out their new, well furnished deck last Easter Sunday and will return on a day when the Wine Bar and Bistro is buzzing.
Stay tuned for their updated review!
Cellar 8 Wine Bar
Location: Shop 10, Upper Manor Park Plaza
Ph: 876-613-5934
Opening Hours: Tuesdays-Sundays, 4pm – 11pm
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Suga Endorsement: ★★★☆â˜â€
Comments: Parking is far too tight for the entire Plaza. Definitely not a place for Wine with a limited selection, so I see why they seem to now go by Debut Brick Oven Pizzeria instead of Debut Fine Wine and Grill – Brick Oven Pizza. Good Service and filling, tasty Pizzas. Love the incorporation of spice. Affordable prices. Simple, cosy spot for lunch.
Suga visited Debut Brick Oven Pizzeria two Saturdays ago at about 3:45 pm.
Even though they are known mainly for Pizza and that is what I went there for, I browsed their menu and it had a variety of items other than Pizza at affordable prices. Appetizers such as Buffalo Wings, Spicy Nachos, Mozzarella sticks, Calamari and more are available in the range of $648 – $1298JMD.
There are Paninis for $998 – $1198JMD, Salads for $698 – $798JMD and Pastas for $1698 – $1998JMD.
Jamaican Specialties such as Jerked Chicken, Escoveitched and Steamed Fish, Pepper Shrimp and more are available for under $3000JMD.
Vegetarians are not left out. There are Veggie Cheese Kebabs, Veggie Pizza options and more. The Pizza Siciliana (Grilled Eggplant, capers, tomato sauce, mozzarella) and Pizza Manchurian (Veggie balls, tomato sauce, mozzarella) look like a treat, whether you are Vegetarian or not.
Most importantly, quite a variety of Pizzas are available in the range of $1398 – $1898JMD. You can pick, choose and refuse from the traditional Pepperoni, Hawaiian, Margherita and Jerk Chicken Pizzas or you can go with Pizzas that have more divine toppings such as the Pacifica (Smoked Pacific Salmon, capers, sour cream, tomato sauce) and Pizza Marinara (Shrimp, Calamari, Fish, tomato sauce and cheese). You can also customize your own Pizza with protein and veggies.
Dessert is available as well, but with limited options.
It was quite lonely when my husband, Randy and I went there, but we were told by our hospitable hostess that the place really comes alive at night and when the cruise ships come in. The Cafe that was two shops down
got a lot of traffic when I was there though.
Indian Spiced Chicken – Chicken Tikka, Cheese, Green Pepper, Onion ($1498JMD)
Our Pizzas arrived within 20 minutes of ordering. Randy, who loves spice thoroughly enjoyed his Indian Spiced Chicken Pizza. I can confirm it was as good as it looks. It was a mouthful of spicy, flavourful and cheesy goodness, not just because I tasted it, but because he finished eating his Pizza before me. That’s a record! Indians own the restaurant, hence a few dishes showcasing Indian cuisine and the incorporation of Indian spices and flavoured protein toppings on the Pizzas.
Suga Endorsement: ★★★★★
Comments: Great Service and Authentic Thai Cuisine dishes infused with a well-balanced variety of herbs, spices and flavours in satisfactory portions for affordable prices. Ambience and lighting for a romantic dinner, but also a neat spot to meet for lunch or dinner with family and/or friends over drinks.
I challenged Mystic Thai in Montego Bay to cook me Pig Ears Thai style and they did not disappoint!
I visited Mystic Thai two weekends ago to not only try the Pig Ear dish prepared for me, but to also enjoy other dishes for dinner on Saturday night at about 8:45pm with my husband, Randy who does not eat pork.
Randy started off with a fiery Tom Yum Vegetable Soup ($4USD), which was a mixture of lemon grass, Thai herbs and chilli paste. It’s not for the light-hearted. It was a burst of flavour defining all herbs that later offered the taste buds some relief with the cool, minty effect of lemon grass.
He then enjoyed the Crispy Fried Okra Appetizer ($8USD) that I highly recommended.
In my last article on Pig Ears, I took my readers through several countries and how they usually prepare Pig Ears for their cuisines. So I wasn’t surprised when Chef Bansi Joshi came to our table presenting a Pig Ears Salad. The Pig Ears were boiled first, then cut longitudinally and deep-fried.
Pig Ears Salad with lemon juice, cilantro, scallion, tomato and onion.
I thought that was going to be it, but out came another Pig Ears dish!
Kapow style Pig Ears with Thai Chilli, garlic and other spices.
This time the Pig Ears arrived Kapow style, that is, based in soy sauce and cooked with garlic, chilli and other spices. I am not a fan of soy sauce, but appreciated the spicy flavour brought on by the Thai Chilli that accompanied it, along with other added spices. It was sweet, then immediately followed by a hit of spicy.
The Pig Ears had a bit of crisp and slightly rubbery texture as expected for both dishes and they were prepared the same way. I preferred the Salad that was lighter with a more highlighted taste and texture of the Pig Ears, along with the refreshing taste of lemon juice and cilantro.
I actually could not accommodate much more food. I had a few of my delish Shrimps in Panang curry, then sampled a bit of Randy’s Basil Naan and Lobster in Red Thai Curry. The Lobster was tasty, meaty and its sauce complemented it well.
A. Shrimp in Panang Curry based in Red Chillies and Peanuts topped off with coconut cream sauce ($14USD) B. Basil Naan ($3USD) C. Lobster in Red Thai Curry, a blend of Dried Red Chillies, Kaffir Lime rind, Coriander root and Cumin ($18USD)
We were both stuffed and satisfied, especially after the gastronomic day we had, but I ensured space was made for the Fruit and Nut Chocolate Naan that I missed out on the last time I visited. I am paying for that Nutella at the gym right now but it was worth it!
Fruit and Nut Chocolate Naan
Suga snaps to Owner, Kareena Mahbubani for taking on and facilitating my Pig Ears challenge, Chef Bansi for great execution and the staff for their usual great hospitality and attentiveness.
Hope to visit again soon! #SugaEndorsed
Mystic Thai (Asian & Thai Cuisine)
Location: B11 – Fairview Towne Centre Unit, Montego Bay
Suga Endorsement: ★★★★â˜â€
Comments: Neat, under the radar spot in town for Jamaican-style Seafood with a different presentation and its own unique, flavourful taste. It is a simple and comfortable atmosphere for a date or groups of families, friends or coworkers to dine where the food is visibly prepared, fresh to order.
Suga’s Experience
Two Wednesdays ago, my husband, Randy and I still had family visiting in town and we wanted to all meet up for some Dinner. Being Jamaican-British, their choice was Seafood and the natural decision would be to go to Gloria’s in Port Royal. However, we were back at work and we deciding we would not be doing a trip to Gloria’s at night, mid-week.
Randy always passed a Seafood Restaurant by Balmoral Avenue, but never got to stop by and try it. I told him with Seafood there is usually a wait. It would surely be a gamble with it being a fairly new Restaurant too.
Prices online looked reasonable, generally $1600JMD+tx for Fish any way you like it. We decided to brave it.
Randy called ahead to order and for them to expect our group of almost 20 persons. However, they cook everything not only to order but fresh to order, that is, prep and everything. So when persons arrived they would need to pick out their Fish.
I heard I missed Chef and Owner, Lloiid Thomas who came out to greet everyone and was quite confident about the quality of food he would be serving.
He also explained the authenticity of how Organic his foods are and how he liaises with suppliers to ensure that is reinforced as well as keeping seasonings, herbs and spices organically farm to table. It was evident from the shelves stocked with ground provisions and more and the staff who handpicked items from it back and forth, that meals were prepared fresh.
Our Conch Soup came out first. I loved that it wasn’t salty, noting that MSG is not used at Organic Seafood. Instead, even though I did not have any conch in my cup, it was thick with a rich flavour.
Food started to come out by 8:30pm. My in-laws had the Caribbean Salmon.
Caribbean Salmon
The Salmon was well cooked and creatively presented on a fresh bed of lettuce that rested on a furnished portion of tree bark. The sauce was what added the special touch and flavour to the Salmon.
Served side of Plantain, cooked fresh from the Restaurant shelf
Their sides of Plantain, also well presented were tasty. I had to ask for some.
Orders of Brown Stewed Fish and Steamed Fish followed. The family was pleased so far, including myself who had the Steamed Fish. It definitely wasn’t like any Steamed Fish you would normally get. The Chef had a right to be confident, as the richness in flavour of the dish was truly unique. Snaps for offering it with the option of Wheat Crackers too.
Steamed Fish, varying in size based on Customer preference, served with Wheat Crackers (Top) and Traditional Cream Crackers (Below)
We had family that decided they were still coming, so we picked out fish for them at that point in order to get things moving before they arrived.
The tiniest member of that party had a Shrimp Pasta that had a huge serving he could hardly make his way into.
Shrimp Pasta
Two brothers enjoyed their Fried fish to the bone. They were the second to last to get their food, but stated that it was definitely worth the wait.
Marcus Perkins (left); Tariq Perkins (Right)
The sides of Festival and Bammy were enjoyed as well. The Festival was done true Jamaican style and it was delicious.
It was reported that the Fried Bammy tasted as if it was soaked in sugar-water or cinnamon rather than milk, but it was tasty nonetheless. Perhaps it could be requested that it be soaked in Almond milk.
There were two diners that were not so pleased with their food though, including our cousin who was a member of the late party (arrival a bit after 9pm) and got her Fried fish last, some time after 10pm. They were very disgruntled.
They stated that their Brown Stew and Fried Snapper were fresh, needing more salt and seasoning. I can testify to the Fried Snapper needing more seasoning because I tasted it after her complaint.
The sentiment of not getting to eat together was also expressed, but personally in a situation like that, I prefer to get food once it is ready. Even though food came out at different times, there was a steady flow once service started and the wait was not unusually long for such a large group. The wait was definitely shorter than what you would have at Gloria’s.
With that aside, to please a hard crowd of 15 out of 18 diners is quite an accomplishment on their part. Each person’s meal including Soup, a Main dish with sides and a drink came to about $3000JMD including tax and service charge, which was reasonable.
I must mention though, that the winner of the night was Randy’s Jerked Fish. It was not oily, even though it was fried, then jerked. The burst of flavour as you had one bite was amazing.
Jerked Fish
It was nice to see courteous Diana, a member of staff who had a long night on her feet, come out and take some time to have a little chat with some of the gentlemen in the family.
Organic Seafood Network’s Diana having a chat with members of Suga’s Family
Owner and Chef Lloiid Thomas also came out to receive his honest feedback and pleasantly said he is open to requests to cook fish the way it is preferred. Whether it is more or less seasoning, herbs etc., he can be notified from the fish is picked out and adapt to such requests.
Chef Lloiid Thomas (center) with Veronica Burgess (left) and Reginald Burgess (right)
Chef Lloiid came from Atlanta, Georgia, to set up his Organic Jamaican Seafood Restaurant and it has been open for 9 months.
I intend to return to compare service with a smaller group or even when just two persons are dining and I am interested in trying their Smoothies. I am already impressed and happy to see almond milk as an ingredient option. Many other places need to do so. Straying a bit from that healthy note, they also had a salivating video on Instagram of their creative preparation and plating of Shrimp. That is on my list as well.
Kudos to Chef Lloiid and his team who remained pleasant and professional with a hungry set of almost 20 demanding diners and still produced predominantly good food to please the majority.
Organic Seafood Network – Restaurant, Bar, Market
Location: 19 Balmoral Avenue
Ph: 876-620-9242
Facebook: Organic Seafood Restaurant
Instagram: @organicseafoodrestaurant
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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The B.O.B Burger ($14.95USD) from Margaritaville Ocho Rios last Sunday on New Year’s Eve
Suga hasn’t had a decent Burger in a while, but this B.O.B Burger from Margaritaville, Ocho Rios hit the spot! But when I ate it, I felt no pain.
Layered with smoked Applewood Bacon, shoe string Onion Rings, Bleu Cheese dressing, lettuce and tomatoes, you would think that is all the flavour you need. But they went even further and topped it off with Gorgonzola Cheese crumbles and served it on a Brioche Bun.
My friends got other Burgers from the menu too, all served on a wooden guitar, but the B.O.B Burger was the clear winner. Just tease your eyes now and reward yourself the next time you are in Ocho Rios! #SugaEndorsed
Suga’s Ratings for Margaritaville Ocho Rios!
Suga Endorsement: ★★★★â˜â€
Comments: They shouldn’t just turn up the music and entertainment when tourists from the ship arrive. Good service otherwise and Best Burger for Suga right now!
Margaritaville, Ocho Rios
Location: Island Village Plaza
Ph: 876-675-8800
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Suga Endorsement: ★★★★â˜â€
Comments: Great Service in a cosy setting. Authentic Jamaican cuisine with portions to leave you satisfied and not overfed. Attentive, courteous staff that leave you wanting to return.
The Pallet, owned by Chef Shea Stewart has been tempting me with salivating Jamaican dishes on their Instagram page for some time now.
The Pallet started Lunch Orders last September 29th and I finally got to visit them while I was on vacation from work. My husband and I visited last Friday at about 2pm.
Lounge areas seem to also be available for rental. They can be seen upon entering the venue.
We were greeted by their jovial and welcoming Host and Entertainment Coordinator, Keon. We then grabbed a table in the shade with the Bar in view and it was actually quite cool. The staff was attentive, our waitress was pleasant and service was quick.
We had to swat a fly or two but we still enjoyed our Lunch. Their BBQ Chicken had an authentic, smoky flavour complemented by a flavourful sauce that was not overwhelming. The Mac & Cheese to accompany it was delicious, while my healthier side option of Roasted Garlic Potatoes was tasty as well.
Three Mondays ago on a sunny day in Florida, my husband and I went to lunch at Boatyard at 1:30pm.
I was instantly impressed by the courteous staff, who were well uniformed from head to toe. They looked comfortable but professional in their loafers and quite preppy in khaki pants and shorts, topped off by baby blue Polos to complete the look.
Boatyard is known to serve fresh catches from local fishermen and premium cuts of meat. They also boast about having the highest quality raw bar, which usually includes oysters, shrimp and ceviche.
Boatyard offers Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Cocktails and Wine. They are also called Bimini. Their Brunch, familiarly known as ‘Brunch at Bimini’ is quite popular.
You can enjoy unlimited Bloody Mary, Bellini and Mimosas for $25. In addition to that, you can hit the Omelet Station for $14USD or the Benedict Bar for $16USD. If you would like other options, you can order from the main menu that offers Bimini favourites such as Steamed Eggs, Buttermilk Waffles, Shrimp and Grits, Smoked Salmon, Bagel platters and more. So even though I love Tap 42, Suga will switch things up for Brunch at Bimini next time.
What Suga Wanted but Could not Have
I missed out on the Florida Paella that I was looking forward to. The original plan was to have dinner at Boatyard, but we had dinner at our family’s house instead. Realising that the Paella was not on the lunch menu, I expressed my disappointment to our lovely server, G.G. She did her best to check if they could still serve it, but it wasn’t possible because they didn’t prep for it yet. You can imagine the prep that goes into it too, because Paellas are usually stacked with Seafood. Their Paella has Shrimp, Clams, Mussels, Calamari, local Fish, Saffron rice and housemade Chorizo. I definitely will return for it!
G.G. came back to us with other options and really sold us on their Healthy Bowl for the day, which was a Salmon dish. Boatyard is another restaurant in Florida that keeps it fresh. They change items on their menu often, but usually keep the favourites.
Appetizer (Shareable)
We started off with the shareable Charred Octopus ($17USD). I loved that they managed to keep the meat tender and saturated with flavour. It was also value for money with the serving size given.
Charred Octopus ($17USD) with wilted kale, garbanzo, fingerling and chorizo vinaigrette.
Entrees
I decided to have the Grilled Swordfish ($26USD) complemented by a tasty lemon flavoured sauce, along with fresh market greens. It was delish! It had a moist and very meaty texture as it should.
Randy’s Healthy Bowl ($22USD) was quite delightful. Thanks for the recommendation G.G.! It consisted of Grilled Salmon topped off with a Cilantro lime sour cream drizzle, accompanied by Avocado, Mango and Black Bean Salsa, Sweet Corn Salsa and a Petit salad.
Boatyard’s Healthy Bowl for the Day with Salmon ($22USD)
