Gloria’s come a town?! No, it’s Sea Deck in Orchid Village Plaza, Barbican!

For a restaurant that opened mid-last year to be so good but off the radar, it must be a hidden gem. I was instantly impressed as I stepped into the restaurant last Saturday night at about 7:50pm. Lovely ambience and cosy decor with even a fish pond full of beautiful koi on the left side where my friend and I were seated. The hostess and waitress were polite but not pleasant.

Main dishes were ordered, then with a change of heart we wished to order appetizers as well. We felt stranded at sea, beckoning for a waitress with none to our rescue. Luckily the catch of the day came within a few minutes. Seafood freshly cooked to order, taking just under 20 minutes, really?! Awesome. I ordered the Shrimp in garlic sauce with Mashed Potatoes ($1800JMD+tx). No complaints about the Shrimp, they were delicious. The Mashed Potatoes were a bit tough. Got milk? The Steamed Fish was HUGE for just ($1500JMD+tx) with a side of Bammy. It was perfect, bursting with flavour. Definitely more than value for our money. Maybe Chef and Restaurant owner, Yan Yao who has been a restaurateur for almost 15 years was responsible for that unique, burst of flavour.

So, great night, but I could do without the live DJ. The table beside us shared the same sentiment and asked for the music to be turned down, then it was tolerable.

The restaurant also offers other meat varieties and even vegetarian dishes. However, the front of the menu couldn’t be more accurate, ‘Sea Deck – Finest Seafood Dishes in Town’. Suga Lifestyle cannot wait to return and taste the other seafood varieties they offer such as King Crab, Mussels, Lobster, Conch, Squid and more.

Opening hours – Sundays to Thursdays: 12 noon to 10pm and Fridays to Saturdays: 12 noon to 11pm.

Ph. : 876-702-4032

South Beach Cafe, now C&C South Beach Cafe is revived!

I have been invited to C&C South Beach Cafe twice in one month after a long while,  so I knew something had to be different. They are now under new management and their presence was definitely felt. The hostesses that meet you from the parking lot are extremely polite and friendly, in a genuine way.

Last Friday night after being seated, my beau and I were neglected for a little while, so called for a waitress. We were told one would be coming shortly, then immediately came Shara who apologised profusely that she was not aware we were seated. Thankfully, Shara is one of a kind, a comedian in fact.

We ordered and the food came out soon after. My order of Burger Sliders was missing the fries, but Shara continuing to be full of jokes and fun, made me forget quickly that any issue arised and ensured that the fries came soon after. The Sliders were tasty and I loved that they didn’t just heat up frozen meat. It was obviously freshly cooked. They also got me to eat the small vegetable salad that accompanied it because of the tasty vinaigrette. The Chicken Quesadillas were not as spicy as advertised but had a lovely flavour as well. Happily, we made the right choice in Cocktails. The Mai Tai (Dark rum, Light rum, Pine Juice, Orgeat Syrup, Lime juice) was good, but I preferred the Caribbean Surf (Blue Curacao, Appleton, Vodka, Pine juice) that was refreshingly good. I was also impressed with the fact that the Blue Curacao did not overpower the drink, making it taste too minty or like menthol as some other bars do.

There is a wide range of dishes on the menu and most items seem to be reasonably and appropriately priced. What should be noted is that the prices on the menus issued at the bar already include GCT and there is no service charge. High-end dishes have high-end prices. For instance, entrees range from a Chicken Mushroom Marsala at $1650JMD to a Grilled Fillet Mignon at $4500JMD. Therefore, in alignment with prices at more reputable establishments. Was that the smart thing to do so early? We will see but they are clearly setting a high standard for themselves. Not perfect yet, but hey, neither are the others. Grilled Fillet of Atlantic Salmon ($2750JMD), Lamb Chops and Lobster Thermidor ($3800JMD) and Linguini Primavera ($2250JMD) are just a few of the other entrees on the menu. Cocktails range from $500-$750JMD.

Mr. David Thompson, Marketing Executive along with two others calmly but efficiently supervised the area and also checked if everything was ok.

Also, it is evident that parking is not sufficient in front of South Beach but you don’t have to park on the side of the road. Parking has been made available at a nearby, suitable venue up the road, from which they now provide a shuttle service. Suga likes the changes and will be returning soon and definitely asking for Shara.

Waitresses step it up at Bamboo Blu, Mammee Bay

Since Suga’s review of Bamboo Blu last November, waitresses have definitely improved their service. Last Ash Wednesday was not only a Public Holiday but a Ship Day, with many tourists docking from their cruise. However, with a busy kitchen and bar, waitresses were pleasant and food and drinks arrived quickly.

There was nothing special about the Jerk Chicken, but their Jerk Chicken Wrap was quite tasty and spicy. It was all about the sauce. Their sweet potato mash was savoury as well, but their fries are way too oily.

Improvement appreciated though. Thanks as well to Pop-Up Gourmet for me being able to get a huge discount, making it easier for the waitress to get a good, well deserved tip.

TGIF’s Service Finally Improves!

TGIF’s service has been on quite a decline, but they have made a complete 360º turnaround. For a full night last week, persons were seated in a reasonable amount of time. Waitresses checked that everything was alright around the clock and the quality of the food remained consistently savoury. They also seemed to have not one, but two ‘managers’ supervising tables and interacting briefly with diners. No wonder the waitresses were dotting their Ts and crossing their Is.

For my appetizer, the Loaded Potato Skins were alright, but needed to be flavoured with herbs and a sharper tasting cheese. The Jack Daniel’s Chicken was on point. The chicken breast was cooked to perfection.The Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta had too much sauce but it was spicy as expected and flavourful. Then of course, the Double Chocolate Fudgy Brownie was huge and definitive of ‘#foodporn’. Their Lynchburg Lemonade made with Jack Daniels Whiskey, Triple sec and Lemon lime soda for just $500JMD was refreshingly good. All very affordable as well.

Keep that rhythm going, lots and lots of rhythm! It’s Friday! Hit ’em up today!

 

Spicy Jerk Shrimp Pasta @ Macau

Service is still not the best at Macau, but their spicy Jerk Shrimp Pasta is extremely spicy and delicious! Penne and fettuccine pastas are so common, I was impressed to see them serve bow tie pasta. It was filling and the sauce was on point. Ensure water is present though. They had a 2-for-1 Heineken special last Friday, but it wasn’t clear how long that promotion may last. Then ofcourse, using my Pop-Up Gourmet Advantage card dropped the bill even lower.

Ruby Tuesday in ATL just Average

On Saturday, I just needed a quick, late afternoon lunch. Decided to dine at Ruby Tuesday, since it was at a location close to some stores I needed to go to. I was greeted pleasantly and seated quickly but had to wait too long for a waitress to take my order. I requested same and one came shortly after with a smile and apologies.

I ordered the New Orleans Seafood (Spicy broiled Tilapia topped with sauteed Shrimp and rich Parmesan cream sauce served with a choice of two sides) for $14.99US +tx. I have to mention the bread biscuits that followed. Soft and flavourful. Best I’ve tasted. I would take those over garlic bread any day. The food came in a reasonable amount of time and was hot! Loved that. The dish looked nothing like the picture on the menu though. The presentation was not appealing and the portion size of the Tilapia that was not even near spicy, could be slightly bigger. The fish and shrimp were overcooked and the sauce was nothing to write dear Ja about, but it could be eaten and satisfied my hunger.

The atmosphere was decent with a little sports bar and there was a fresh garden bar that looked interesting and more appetizing.

Average food chain restaurant. Not likely to return.

Location: 3010 Panola Road, Lithonia, GA 30038

Telephone number: (678) 418-0847

Date and time of visit: 19/12/14; 3:50pm

 

Have you been 689’d by this Oxtail Lasagne yet?

Check out 689 by Brian Lumley’s restaurant located below the QUAD in New Kingston for this divine, sinful Oxtail Lasagne that melts in your mouth. This may be your last chance since the menu will be changing in January. Also, it is only available on Wednesdays and Sundays.

It’s pricy but I guess you have to remember you are getting food from a Celebrity Chef.

It costs $2650JMD +GCT + Service charge but it is definitely worth a try. Surely do not forget your Pop Up Gourmet Advantage card to bring the cost below $3000JMD.

Bamboo Blu waitresses have no clue

I went to Bamboo Blu a few weeks ago. It was a lovely beach day. Bamboo Blu is one of the beaches by Mammee Bay, Ocho Rios that isn’t usually crowded and they just ask that you support the restaurant and bar. Their cabanas are rentals and not for free. So carry your own beach mat or chair if you are not up for that. Depending on the season, if cruise ships are not coming in, you can get them for a reasonable price.

The service that day was horrible though. I’ve heard people have had better but I ordered food for a certain time, an hour and a half before I was ready for it. When the time came, no food. The waitress looked like she had amnesia. The order was not put in and I had to wait half an hour for appetizers. I had the Fried Calamari followed by their Cheeseburger with what was to be seasoned fries. The fries were not good at all. Soft and oily. They came with plain fries at first, when I ordered seasoned. Then it looked like they just sprinkled a spice on it that had no flavour whatsoever. The Calamari was ok though.

Their bar service was slow as well. Clearly the waitresses need some training, as they were not pleasant, attentive or efficient. Thank God I could use my Pop-Up Gourmet Card to somewhat compensate for that pathetic service.

Gabby goes to Founding Farmers for Breakfast, just 3 blocks away from the White House!

After a late night in the DC streets 2 weekends ago, I was ready for some grub in the morning. My brother picked the perfect place, Founding Farmers, just 3 blocks from the White House where we would go sight-seeing afterwards. The place was filled with people, like The Cheesecake Factory lines to get a table. But apparently they have just started giving the option of making reservations. We didn’t know that, so just decided to wait until spots by the bar were vacant, since that would be quicker. Sitting by the bar didn’t look much less comfortable than booths or tables. It seemed cozy nonetheless. The two-story restaurant had old, wooden, farm table decor mixed with modern crafted elements throughout. It was a beautiful day with the sunlight flooding through the glass windows, highlighting various features and finishes of the designs by award-winning CORE architecture and design.

I ordered a Hot Chocolate immediately, which was divine. Then I ordered the Farmer’s Fare that consisted of Breakfast Chicken & Waffles with a side of Eggs anyway you liked it, white gravy and syrup. Despite the more than ‘full house’, my breakfast arrived quickly in less than 10 minutes and at a glance, I was salivating. Then the taste, mmmm. The Waffle was so big and thick, but light and fresh. The Scrambled Eggs were fluffy topped off with that Farm Fresh Fried Chicken. The Breakfast Fare was just $12USD, which was more than worth it. My stomach was full and satisfied. I mean, it was just typical ‘Breakfast food’ right? But it was so delicious. IHOP and Waffle House what?!

It was also a delight to experience such great service in a busy atmosphere. Heading to DC or the US Capitol anytime soon? Founding Farmers is a MUST STOP for Breakfast. Can you imagine they are practically open all day for lunch and dinner too?! Can’t wait to revisit and try those menus.

The award-winning Founding Farmers is also located in Montgomery County, Maryland and will soon be adding a new location in Tysons Corner, Virginia this fall. They have various Certifications showing that they are dedicated to environmentally friendly practices, including being a Certified Green Restaurant. Their products are sourced from local farmers with seasonal menu changes to always contain local produce.

For more information, visit http://www.wearefoundingfarmers.com.

Founding Farmers True Food and Drink, Washington D.C.

Ph#: 202.822.TRUE (8783)

Address: 1924 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, D.C. 20006

Date of visit: 19/10/14

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★★☆

Ambience: ★★★☆☆

Decor: ★★★★★

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★★☆

Speed: ★★★★★

Food quality: ★★★★★

Serving amount: ★★★★★

Plating: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★★★★

SuGa Endorsement: ★★★★★