New Bar Spot in Kingston!

by Restaurant Reviews & Ratings
Facebook Photo: The Haven at Hillcrest

If you have been wondering why the road on Hillcrest has been packed with cars at night, it’s because The Haven at Hillcrest is open! It opened a few weeks ago and has been getting a lot of patronage so far judging from the past 2 Fridays I have visited.

They have Foodie Fridays, which is not surprising as the managers, Karen Darby and Byron Purkiss are foodies at heart. Two Fridays ago, I had the pleasure of having Roast Fish (1lb) made by Miss Mae from Hellshire with a serving of Festival and Bammy for $1500. It took a little while to get to me but I was not disappointed and didn’t expect to be. Delish! Freshly caught, well seasoned and topped off with the right amount of pepper.

Last Friday they had Fish Tacos, Chipotle Beef Burgers and more. They have hosted Oyster nights on Saturdays too.

Until they get a Resident Chef, a Pan Chicken man is on property, thus food is always available. Decent Pan Chicken too. I had my share last Friday for $450 within two minutes of ordering.

I am sure The Haven at Hillcrest has a lot more in store and what better timing to head there during the Christmas season with family and friends. Stay tuned to their Facebook page, The Haven at Hillcrest to keep up with the nightly activities. Rustic Chic décor, large space, diverse crowd and affordable food and liquor. The Bartender, Andrew also makes you feel at home.

The Haven at Hillcrest

Location: 12 Hillcrest Ave. Kgn. 6.

Ph: 876-648-2115

Opening Hours: Wed.-Thurs., 4pm-12am; Fri.- Sat., 4pm – 2am; Sun. 10am-10pm

By: Gabrielle Burgess
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How is the New Tracks and Records in Ochi?

by Restaurant Reviews & RatingsWhat's Hot
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Gabby from Suga Lifestyle at the entrance of Usain Bolt’s Tracks and Records (Ocho Rios)

Suga visited the new Usain Bolt’s Tracks and Records in Ocho Rios about 2 weeks ago for drinks. The pleasant female bartender served up some tasty cocktails that were creepers. They did warn you on the menu not to drink them too fast!

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(L) Nine.58 (Rum Punch) – $800JMD; (R) Soon Come (Tia Maria, Bailey’s & Amaretto – $800JMD

Loved the innovative décor and use of colours.

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I’ve heard the food is good. I could see persons got decent servings and our service was good.

There is also live band entertainment on Friday nights.

The negative? The location. A landmark Restaurant and Bar like this should be at a more attractive location, easier and safer to access by tourists and locals. So I doubt this franchise will do well.

Usain Bolt’s Tracks and Records (Ocho Rios)

Location: 101b Main Street. New Pineapple Shopping Centre. St. Ann, Ocho Rios

Ph: 876-906-3903

By: Gabrielle Burgess
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How was Rib Roast Rum last Friday?

by Restaurant Reviews & Ratings

Suga had a decent time at Rib Roast Rum last Friday night. The event was obviously scaled down from the larger venue at Police Officer’s Club to The Grillin’ Pit at the corner of Argyle Road and Musgrave Avenue.

There was Secure Parking and organized entry into the venue. Lighting was superb, items were labelled properly and the labels were visible. Servers seemed happy and were very polite.

The advertised menu seemed to have a few changes as well. I was looking forward to the Pulled Pork Summer Rolls and 3-Cheese Mac and Cheese but they were nowhere in sight. I didn’t miss the Pulled Pork but the Mac and Cheese was missed as the side orders were not that enticing. Loaded Baked potatoes would have been a good option as well. Perhaps the side orders should have gone along with the meats because they stood alone with hardly any visitors.

Anyhow, that was a negligible negative along with the fact that the Chicken Pasta had way too much sauce. There were many other items to fill that tiny void and tantalise the taste buds though.

The Crayfish Soup was a nice starter for me. Then I made my rounds. The winner for me was the Chicken! I had both BBQ and Spicy. Well seasoned and cooked. Lovely texture topped off by unique, flavorful sauces. The succulent BBQ Ribs followed with tasty sauces as well.

Paulette Nelson (L) and Latoya fearon (R)

The Dessert options were a hit. Jodicakes had tasty Mini Banana Nut Cupcakes and D.A.M. Good Brownies had Very Berry Vegan Bites and yummy Black Forest Brownie Parfaits.The Kremi Ice Cream cart with self serve toppings to the side was also guiltful but delightful.

Charlotte O’Reilly

The Bar kept liquor flowing quickly. Video Games, Board games and Dominoes kept some patrons happy and occupied.

Good food, Good vibes, Good music and an overall Good night.

By: Gabrielle Burgess


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Medusas is now LEVEL 96, revamped with a new owner!

by Restaurant Reviews & Ratings

Medusas has reopened as LEVEL 96 Bar and Lounge on 96 Hope Road under the new ownership of Dexter Huxtable, who has the business he is well known for, Spokes Apparel downstairs.

Suga visited with friends for drinks last Saturday and the bar has certainly gotten a facelift with Jack Daniel’s branding.

They opened at 5:30pm on Saturday, which was too late for me but I was told they are definitely considering opening earlier on Saturdays.

Steak night continues on Fridays and they still have ‘All you Can Drink’ on Wednesdays. They also now have Seafood night on Tuesdays.

They have bar food available such as Stamp and Go, Wings, Wraps, Soup, Burgers, Jerk Chicken and Jerk Pork with sides of Bread, Fries or Wedges. They also have Pasta available. Prices seem reasonable, ranging from $200 to $2400JMD.

Their Drink menu had a range of Cocktails and Mixes. I tried their Mojito before I went on to my regular consumption of V/X and Pepsi. Their Mojito gets a thumbs up. Refreshing.

Service was good, expected for a reopening. Patrons were scarce in the early evening but more came out later in the night.

Suga always looks forward to a new bar for casual drinking, especially an old favourite and will return.

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Cruising out to Pelican Bar!

by Restaurant Reviews & RatingsWhat's Hot

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Pelican Bar is a rustic bar that was built from wood by a fisherman, Floyd Forbes in 2001 on a sand bank in the middle of the sea. It is half way between Black River and Treasure Beach.

Of course it was named after the flocks of Pelicans that used to rest on the sand bank.

It is now an established attraction as the hotels quickly recognized what a nice get away it is. Local fishermen will ferry you over from Black River and Treasure Beach, that are about 20 minutes out.

Suga enjoyed the Catamaran Cruise about a month ago with Island Routes from an hour and a half away. The boat was anchored about 2 minutes away from the Bar and we were carried over the low waters by a small motor boat that would collect us in an hour.

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Island Routes Boat anchored 2 minutes away from Pelican Bar

Upon arrival we were greeted by the local fishermen that took orders for fish and drinks from the bar. They keep it simple as they are literally out in the middle of the sea so options are limited. For food, the only meal of the day was Brown Stew Fish and rice an peas. Rice and Peas? Yes. Asking for a side of Bammy was a special order. That’s it. As a tourist attraction and for the experience, I found $15US for the food to be quite reasonable. Tourists mostly enjoyed Rum, Red Stripe Beer and Heineken and the food was ready by the time you explored a little and had a drink.

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A man walked around that would etch your names in the wooden floor of the bar, who I am sure collects a lot of tips.

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Some tourists did a bit of swimming and snorkelling and collected sea eggs and sea urchins while I enjoyed chilling in the water, chatting and drinking beer. Before we knew it, it was time for those who came by Island Routes to head back to land.

It was not an oh so spectacular place but it was all about the experience and it was definitely an opportunity to get away, relax and enjoy the simplicity offered. One thing that could really amp up what they had to offer? It’s St. Elizabeth, so they could get some Shrimp aka ‘Peppa Swims’ at that bar!

Awesome, Picturesque Beach Day. Lovely spot to enjoy with family and friends. Explore Jamaica! Suga endorsed.

Pelican Bar

Location: ‘Di middle of di sea’ – St. Elizabeth

Ph: 876-354-4218

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Burger and Beer at NK Deli today!

by Restaurant Reviews & RatingsWhat's Hot

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Last Wednesday, I attended the opening of ‘Burger and Beer’ at NK Deli (above Cuddyz) with my fiancé.

It was advertised to run from 6pm-10pm and I arrived at 8:45pm. Music was still playing but I missed the Happy Hour buzz with the rush of persons who attended after work and had a good vibe going.

For $1500JMD tax included, you can get a Burger (Beef, Chicken or Fish from what I remember) served with wedges or fries and 2 beers. Quite a good deal!

I had the Chicken Burger and wedges and my other half had the Beef Burger with fries. My Chicken Burger was tasty and the Beef Burger was well seasoned and tender on the inside with a bit of crisp on the outside. Fresh meat, bread buns and veggies. Yum! You could also add bacon for a small cost.

Additional beers, wines, rum, vodka and juices were on sale as well. So check out ‘Burger and Beer’ this evening or any other Wednesday from about 6pm-8pm and make it your Happy Hour!

Also note that NK Deli offers lunch and delivery on Mondays to Fridays (closed on Saturdays) at reasonable prices with a good range of dishes, where the menu changes daily. The prices posted for lunches now include GCT.

More to come?!

Lasagne and Tiramisu on Thursdays! $1500JMD+tx (Beverages not included) from 6-10pm and Vegetarian will be one of the options. If I don’t make it soon, Suga bears, do feel free to report!

NK Deli

30 Dominica Drive

New Kingston Business Centre

Ph: 876.754.8714

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Oxtail from The Alibi!

by Restaurant Reviews & Ratings
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Oxtail and Bean

Last Saturday at about 5:30pm, Suga indulged in Oxtail and Beans with rice and peas and steamed vegetables for just $630JMD +tx and ~10% service charge, still bringing it to under $800JMD.

The Alibi is in the Lee Gore Business Centre, formerly known as Peppers.

The decor could use some work such as repainting and new furniture. Also, the high stools by most tables were uncomfortable. However, it was cool without the fans on and was quite a chill, bar environment with big screen tvs for me to take in the races left to run at the ISSA/Grace Kennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics’ Champs.

The service was good with the manager overlooking things, costs were reasonable and the quality of the food was good. The serving of cooked vegetables was meagre but that was not the highlight of the dish anyway. That Oxtail was tender to the bone!

My other half enjoyed his Oxtail as well and the Red Peas soup he had as a starter.

I was feeling adventurous and tried their Alibi’s Hard Lemonade, which was refreshing but still had the presence of the spirits, red rum mostly. Careful ladies, don’t have too much of that one or drink it too fast. It is a creeper.

Happy to hit another spot with good local cuisine in Kingston though. Other favourites such as Curried Goat, Stewed Peas (on Wednesdays), Ackee and Corn Pork, Jerked and Bar-B-Q Chicken, Jerked Pork (Fridays) and Saltish & Beans are available as well for under $730JMD +tax and ~10% service charge.

For a starter, 2 main dishes and 4 alcoholic beverages to all come under $4000JMD inclusive of tax and service charge, is not that bad at all.

Suga endorses The Alibi and will return.

The Alibi

Lee Gore Business Centre

31 Upper Waterloo Road

Ph: 876-632-2063; 924-4645