The Macarons at the AC Lounge are delish.
The AC Lounge at the AC Hotel Kingston is the newest hot spot in town and is great for light food and cocktails. Stop by and have a great weekend!
AC Hotel Kingston
Location: 38-42 Lady Musgrave Road. Kingston 5. JA. W.IÂ
Ph: 876-750-3000
Website:Â http://www.achotelkingston.com/
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Have you checked out Lunch at Oak Kitchen?!
The Oak Wine Bar & Cocktail Lounge has opened Oak Kitchen with Lunch menu items on Mondays to Saturdays from 11am to 4pm. Yes, Oak Kitchen is now open on Saturdays too!
Their menu has Jamaican staples such as Fried Chicken, Oxtail and Curried Goat.
Suga has been salivating over their Instagram photos and I went last Thursday to satify my craving. It did not disappoint! My own pot full of Oxtail that was succulent to the bone.
Cool, cozy, indoor environs with modern decor, no crowd, quick and professional service. Oak Kitchen is #SugaEndorsed.
Get your Jamaican style Lunch at Oak Kitchen today!
Oak Wine Bar & Cocktail Lounge
Location: Unit #5, 8 Hillcrest Avenue.Â
Kingston 6, Jamaica
Ph: 876-649-5096
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @oakwineandcocktail
OPENING HOURS:
Tuesdays – Thursdays: 4pm-12am
Fridays & Saturdays: 4pm-2am
*Oak Kitchen: Mondays – Saturdays @ 11am – 4pm
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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TGIF to this Chocolate Mousse from Chive! Enjoy the weekend! We live in a Foodies Paradise.
Chive Restaurant
Location: Shop 15, Orchid Village Plaza. 20 Barbican Road. Kingston 6.
Ph: 876-820-1194
Instagram: @chivejamaica
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Suga Taster, Craig Fleming’s Ratings for AC Hotel Kingston
Date and time of visit: Friday, June 21, 2019 at 1pm
No. of diners: 2 adults
NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximumÂ
Parking: ★★★☆☆
(Should improve with the completion of the multi-level parking garage)
Ambience: ★★★★★
Décor: ★★★★★
Comfort: ★★★★★
Service: ★★★★★
Speed: ★★★☆☆
Food quality: ★★★☆☆
Serving amount: ★★★★☆
Plating: ★★★★☆
Value for $: ★★★☆☆
Suga Taster, Craig Fleming’s Breakdown!
The new kid on the Kingston hospitality block, AC Hotel had its official opening two weeks ago. From the Laura Facey and Andre Woolery commissioned Art installations displayed throughout the lobby to the open air interior design, the AC Hotel (a collaboration between local hoteliers Sandals/ATL Group and the international hotel conglomerate, Marriott Bonvoy) is a beauty in contemporary design and aesthetics.
It’s located on the same compound as the BMW/MINI showroom. The open air feeling makes guests feel welcomed with outdoor/indoor music. Guests can look forward to Starbucks, a multilevel parking garage and potential establishments along the mini boardwalk in the near future too.
I decided to check out the AC Lounge last Friday for a quick lunch. It consists of a HUGE wraparound bar, outdoor pool bar and a cozy, but intimate dining area. If you are like me and have lodged at any other AC Hotel location, you would know what to expect from the millennial targeted brand: simple tapas, basic, but tasty libations, all wrapped in an affordable package. The newest Kingston location does not disappoint in that aspect.
Upon entering the lobby, the hotel staff will direct you to the quaint dining area located directly beside the open bar and you will have a choice to either sit alongside the sound padded cushioned walls or adjacent to the breakfast buffet area separated by a sliding glass casement.
Appetizers
My friend and I started with a simple request of Club soda and lime alongside bottled water, which was promptly sent to our table. We perused the limited menu and being a quintessential foodie, decided to start with Appetizers.
We got the mini Potato bites with sea salt, scallions and garlic+paprika aioli and the Arugula Salad with shaved parmesan, prosciutto and salami. The Potato was fried perfectly, but my only vice is that the aioli be served on the side rather than beneath the mound of fried Potatoes.
The Arugula Salad had the perfect amount of prosciutto and parmesan. They did not have the salami as advertised, which normally would be problematic, but it truly was not necessary for this salad. I also loved that the dressing was not drizzled on it beforehand, as my personal preference is to pour it myself. The server promptly apologized for the unavailability of salami and we continued to order our next lunch course.
Main Dishes
I found the Garden Salad to be more basic than usual, but the Panko Snapper was really tasty. The Fish was flaky, NOT overcooked like a lot of establishments and the panko crust was golden and crispy as it should be. It went well with the butter sautéed root vegetables and garlic remoulade. This was surely the highlight of the meal. The so called parmesan fries on the other hand, were tasteless, limp and one of the worst I have ever had. Pathetic.
Dessert
The Dessert choice was no better. The Molten Chocolate Lava cake tasted like a Betty Crocker cake mix topped with cheap chocolate sauce, far from the expectations of what an actual molten lava cake is supposed to be – decadent and yummy.
Advice: order the Macarons or the Cheesecake.
We ended our meal with Coffee which appeased my disappointment with the fries & Lava cake.
The AC Lounge is a great locale for Drinks and quick bites after work. Hopefully they will follow suit with the other global locations and have discounted Happy Hour drinks and appetizers. There are a few quirks to iron out from the first few days of opening, but the customer service from the get go has raised the bar positively, which is in line with the expectations of the AC Marriott mantra.
AC Hotel Kingston
Location: 38-42 Lady Musgrave Road. Kingston 5. JA. W.IÂ
Ph: 876-750-3000
Website: www.achotelkingston.com/
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Suga’s Ratings for Redbones Blues Cafe
Date and time of visit: Sunday, June 9, 2019 at 8:45pm
No. of diners: 2 adults
NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum and prices quoted do not include 16.5% GCT or Gratuity
Parking: ★★★★★
Ambience: ★★★★★
Décor: ★★★★★
Comfort: ★★★★★
Service: ★★★★☆
Speed: ★★★★☆
Food quality: ★★★★☆
Serving amount: ★★★☆☆
Plating: ★★★★★
Value for $: ★★★★☆
Suga’s Breakdown:
The relocated Redbones has luxurious décor with bold colours greeting you as you step out the elevator on the 5th floor of the new R Hotel. The wall of photos and definitive Redbones stage sign that we know from the previous Argyle road location, were tastefully integrated into the new, more spacious environment.
The Restaurant accommodated indoor and outdoor dining with city views and quite an inviting bar lined off with high chairs for socializing. The only thing missing for me was a TV, but I suppose they didn’t want to interfere with the intimacy and ambience of the dining area. Perhaps it could still be considered for daytime viewing and special events. I would like to return and enjoy some of the items from their affordable Bar Snacks Menu to accompany my Cocktails. Our Whiskey Sours were on point. I’m not sure if it is in the plans, but they should offer a Wine List too.
The staff were courteous and our waiter, Malcolm provided smooth service. The Soup of the Day, a Seafood soup ($550JMD – cup) started off dinner, followed by exquisite, pricey entrees. My husband, Randy’s Beef Tenderloin was done to order, medium rare with a tasty coffee and cocoa crusted char on top. My Bouillabaisse was absolutely delightful.
Beef Tenderloin cooked to perfection!
The Dessert was disappointing, but didn’t ruin the experience because we were still so captivated by our entrees. The Bread Pudding arrived a little hardened on the surface and was too hot from probably being reheated for too long. I like my Bread Pudding warm and freshly baked with a crumble on top. However, it’s early days with room for improvement and hopefully more decadent Dessert options will be offered as well.
We were introduced to Chef Karey at the end of the night, who greeted us warmly. I was happy I took the chance since they just reopened, to ring in my birthday with exquisite dining. Suga will return.
Redbones Blues Cafe at the R Hotel Kingston
Location: 2 Renfrew Rd. KingstonÂ
Ph: 876-968-6222; 876-292-1162
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Suga’s Ratings for Chive Restaurant
Date and time of visit: Saturday, May 18, 2019 at 5:00pm
No. of diners: 2 adults
NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum
Parking: ★★★★☆
Ambience: ★★★★☆
Décor: ★★★★☆
Comfort: ★★★★☆
Service: ★★★★☆
Speed: ★★★★☆
Food quality: ★★★★★
Serving amount: ★★★★☆
Plating: ★★★★☆
Value for $: ★★★★☆
Suga’s Breakdown:
It’s been a long time coming, but Suga finally got the chance to return to Chive last Saturday and I am happy I did!
Our server, Orlando was superb. Loved the variety on their new menu with relatively reasonable prices. Our dishes did not fall short on flavour. Portion sizes were adequate, dishes were well presented and with a comfortable atmosphere, I have no complaints.
Those Mussels were indeed spicy!
***Prices did not include G.C.T and a 10% service charge***
I hope to try one of their tempting Burgers on a cheat day next time!
Chive Restaurant continues to be #SugaEndorsed. Give them a visit for Lunch or Dinner!
Chive Restaurant
Location: Shop 15, Orchid Village Plaza. 20 Barbican Road. Kingston 6.
Ph: 876-820-1194
Instagram: @chivejamaica
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Suga Taster, Randy Burgess’s Ratings for JCT. Kitchen & Bar
Date and time of visit: Wednesday, May 1, 2019
No. of diners: 2 adults
NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum
Parking: ★★★★★
Ambience: ★★★★☆
Décor: ★★★★☆
Comfort: ★★★★☆
Service: ★★★☆☆
Speed: ★★★★☆
Food quality: ★★★★☆
Serving amount: ★★★☆☆
Plating: ★★★☆☆
Value for $: ★★★☆☆
JCT. Kitchen & Bar
Location:Â 1198 Howell Mill Rd #18, Atlanta, GA 30318, USA
Ph: 404-355-2252
Instagram: jctkitchenandbar
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Suga Taster, Randy Burgess’s Ratings for Takorea Asian Fusion Restaurant
Date and time of visit: Thursday, May 2, 2019
No. of diners: 4 adults
NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum
Parking: ★☆☆☆☆
Ambience: ★★★☆☆
Décor: ★★★★☆
Comfort: ★★★★☆
Service: ★★★☆☆
Speed: ★★★☆☆
Food quality: ★★★★☆
Serving amount: ★★★★★
Plating: ★★★★☆
Value for $: ★★★★★
Appetizers/Sides
Entree
Takorea Asian Fusion Restaurant
Location:Â 818 Juniper St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA
Ph: 404-532-1944
Menu: www.mytakorea.com
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Suga’s Ratings for Jakes Restaurant
Date and time of visit: Friday, April 19, 2019 to Sunday, April 21, 2019
No. of diners: 2 adults
NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum
Parking: ★★★☆☆
Ambience: ★★★★☆
Décor: ★★★☆☆
Comfort: ★★★★☆
Service: ★★★★☆
Speed: ★★★★☆
Food quality: ★★★★☆
Serving amount: ★★★★★
Plating: ★★★☆☆
Value for $: ★★★★☆
Suga’s Breakdown:
Quaint and rustic with a thatched roof and seaside view, Suga had the pleasure of eating fresh, farm to table dishes and juices for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner from Jakes Restaurant at reasonable prices. Their menu written on chalkboards daily provides you with enough options, whether you choose to eat healthy or not. Either way, you would be supporting the local farmers from the surrounding hills, mountains and plains in St. Elizabeth.
The staff were pleasant and service was timely. I am pleased to report that none of their dishes were underwhelming to me. However, highlights were their Codfish Fritters, Loaded Nachos, Callaloo Omelette and their Lamb Chops! Those Lamb Chops were seasoned to perfection and juicy to the bone. The best my husband has ever had.
If you decide to visit Treasure Beach any time soon, a stop by Jakes Restaurant is a must. #SugaEndorsed
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Suga’s Ratings for Lovers LeapÂ
Date and time of visit: Sunday, April 21, 2019 at 2:00pm
No. of diners: 2 adults
NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum
Parking: ★★★★★
Ambience: ★★★★☆
Décor: ★★★☆☆
Comfort: ★★★★☆
Service: ★★★★☆
Food quality: ★★★★☆
Serving amount: ★★★★★
Value for $: ★★★★★
Suga’s Breakdown:
Lovers Leap has a breezy, breathtaking view of Jamaica’s southern coast stretching from Rocky Point, Clarendon in the east to Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth in the west. It is truly the best view in Jamaica for Suga. I didn’t want to leave.
The restaurant by Lovers Leap is definitely another local hotspot in St. Elizabeth. The menu pleases the local crowd with favourites such as Fish Tea and Fritters to start with, followed by choices of Oxtail, Curried Goat, Fish any way you like it, with sides of festival, bammy and/or rice and peas.
The food was being served by buffet that Easter Sunday. I’m not sure if it was because it was a holiday, but we had to tell the server when to stop! Food was in abundance and it was juicy and tender to the bone. Real Jamaican style.
Lovers Leap for juicy, Jamaican Cuisine is #SugaEndorsed!
The story behind Lovers Leap
If you don’t remember the Legend of Lovers Leap, here you go!
Yardley Chase Plantation owner, Richard Chardley was in love with his housekeeper, Mizzy, but she was in love with another enslaved African, Tunkey from a neighbouring Plantation. Chardley was aware of this and planned to sell Tunkey to have Mizzy all for himself.
Mizzy and Tunkey decided to try and escape, but were chased to this site by the sea cliffs. In a final embrace, the lovers leapt to their death.
Lovers Leap
Location: Yardley Chase, St. Elizabeth.
(~20mins from Treasure Beach in the direction of Mandeville)
Ph: 876-965-6887; 876-595-2421
Cost of tour: $300JMD/$3.00USD
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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