Jack Sprat Bar and Restaurant is known as the neighbourhood hotspot. The locals hit the rum bar or play ludi and dominos with music playing in the background. There were sufficient seating areas and I sat on the deck overlooking the sea.
They had an efficient system for taking your order and then getting your food to you in record time, regardless of the amount of persons there. By observation, there wasn’t the usual wait for fresh, grilled Seafood. The sizes of those fishes were off the plate! I had the Pizza, which they are also known for. It wasn’t the best or Italy’s finest, but it still hit the spot.
Medium sized Jerked Chicken Pizza from Jack Sprat Restaurant and Bar ($1280JMD)
If you want to top things off, there is ice cream. Great, rustic, local spot for family and friends to gather, eat and have a good time.
Out of cash? No excuses, because Jack Sprat has an ATM! Jack Sprat Bar and Restaurant is value for money and is #SugaEndorsed.
Jack Sprat Bar and Restaurant
Location: Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth
Ph: 876-564-8983
They will deliver your Pizza!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Stop by and have a cold Red Stripe while you enjoy the view or have some Fish any way you like it!
Enjoy the Weekend!
The Longboarder Bar & Grill
Location: Coast Road, Rozelle, St. Thomas. Jamaica.
Ph: 876.427.0408
Open Tues. to Sunday, 12-8pm
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Mike’s Supper Club at The Trident Hotel had spectacular service and ambience enhanced by rhythmic live jazz, where the band used Trident’s one of a kind Ferrari red 1917 Steinway baby grand piano. Some of the best voices in world, jazz and bop music have left their nightly signature on it.
Beverages were grand, but I can’t say the same about their dishes.
We started things off with Pumpkin Soup and a Goat Cheese Salad. The Pumpkin Soup was probably the largest dish of the night.
Pumpkin Soup with coconut, lemongrass and spiced chicken (US$12 +G.C.T +Serv. charge)Fresh Greens and Goat Cheese Salad – Fried Cheese, Pickled Onion, Red Grapes, charred Pepper and Red Radish (US$15 +G.C.T +Serv. charge)
The Goat Cheese Salad was quite tasty and flavourful, but our entrees followed and disappointed in that aspect and more. We had the Rack of Lamb and Surf n Turf. Both dishes were extremely small servings. In addition to an already exorbitant cost of US$50 for the Surf and Turf, sides of Vegetables and Starches were additional for US$3 and $US6 respectively before tax and service charge.
Rack of Lamb – Pistachio crust, Wine Tamarind Jus, roasted Vegetable and Butternut Puree (US$32 +G.C.T +Serv. charge)Surf n Turf – Angus Beef Fillet, seared Shrimps, roasted Seaweed and smoked Pepper Coulis (US$50 +G.CT +Serv. charge)
To add to the disappointment of small servings, even though our meats were medium rare as requested, the Lamb and Beef lacked proper seasoning and flavour.
The food may not have been value for money, but it was certainly a pleasurable experience.
Mike’s Supper Club at The Trident Hotel
Location: Port Antonio
Ph: 876-633-7100; 1(800) 300-6220
Website (Menu available): www.thetridenthotel.com
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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From the hillside to the sea, diners can experience the best of both worlds, while seated at Cliff Hanger’s rustic and comfortable Restaurant and Lounge.
My husband and I received hospitable service and our food arrived in a timely manner. Afterall, we ordered the Drunken Lion Fish and would not want that process to be rushed. What made it drunken? The sauce consisted of Red Stripe Beer, White Rum and Red Wine.
Drunken Lion Fish ($27USD + G.C.T + 15% Serv. Charge)
All three spirits were evident in the Drunken Lion Fish sauce and the dish was quite tasty. I am afraid it was not value for money though. For the Lion Fish dish ($27USD) and a Cocktail ($7.50USD), the damage ended up being a little over $6000JMD per person, i.e. $12,157.82 for the both of us after G.C.T and Service charge were added, which is far too expensive. Suga suggests they provide a local rate for their menu.
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The view from the restaurant at Kanopi House, Portland
Two Saturdays ago I had lunch at Kanopi House, Portland that is nestled in 100ft banyan trees with a breathtaking view of the Blue Lagoon.
There weren’t many options on the menu, so my husband and I went with Chicken and Fish sliders with a side of freshly made potato chips.
Chicken sliders with Potato chips ($27USD) from Kanopi House, Portland
Service was quick and the staff was courteous. The food was pricey, so thankfully it was tasty too. With that view and comfort, why complain though?
A small bar was available to get spirits from as well.
Of course, nothing is too predictable in the relaxed parish of Portland. The menu varies from day-to-day and I was told by one of their Chefs, Cecile Watt that items on their dinner menu have an Asian twist. Perhaps we will try them for dinner when we go back to that side of our beautiful island.
Suga a.k.a Gabby Burgess (L) and husband, Randy Burgess with Chef Cecile Watt from Kanopi House on Saturday, February 16, 2019.
Kanopi House
Location: Blue Lagoon, San San, Port Antonio (7-10mins away from Blue Lagoon) Ph: 876.632.3213 US: Â 800.790.7971 UK (London): 0203.318.1191 Canada: 416.800.9157 Email: [email protected] Website: www.kanopihouse.com
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Thatched roofs, bamboo, wooden tables and stools along with courteous staff, nestled in the lush greenery of the Serengeti Zoo, Chillin’ provided a comfortable setting to have dinner with my husband, Randy last Saturday night.
Chillin’ Restaurant emerged as a hot spot over the holidays and seems suitable for teens and up.
When I saw Murray’s Curry Goat on the menu, I instantly knew the owners of Murray’s Fish and Jerk Hut, Clarendon have come to town! It kicked my senses into high gear.
Appetizers
I instantly ordered the Murray’s Curry Goat and Roti Waffle bites.
Murray’s Curry Goat and Roti Waffle bites ($1000JMD) – Jamaican curried goat and mixed leaves on a bed of roti waffles.
The Curry Goat was deboned, tender, juicy and spicy complemented by veggies and a soft Roti Waffle to cool things down.
Salads, Chicken Strips, Wings, Wontons, and Corn-on-the-Cob are other Appetizers on the menu ranging from $900JMD to $1600JMD.
There are also attractive group platters ranging from $2500-$3600JMD with options of healthy servings of Jerked meat, Wontons, Corn and Wings with a variety of sauces.
Our mains were presented attractively in healthy portions, both well cooked and quite savoury. That Chillin’s sticky House Barbeque Sauce is one for the recipe books.
Murray’s popular, seasoned to perfection Curried Goat, Smoked Pork Chop, Peppa Shrimp and Braised Oxtail are other succulent main items on the menu.
Chillin’ Restaurant and Bar seems like the perfect place to have a bite and pregame before a night out or the place to have a savoury, well cooked and seasoned meal accompanied by the sound of good music.
Chillin’ Restaurant is #SugaEndorsed.
Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga at Chillin’ Restaurant last Saturday, January 19, 2019.
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Suga’s Seafood Cheese Tortellini (Cheese filled Pasta with Lobster, Shrimp, Calamari, Mussels, Conch and Octopus tossed in a creamy seafood sauce from Ribbiz Ocean Lounge last Saturday, January 5, 2018.
TGIF to this Seafood Cheese Tortellini! Last Saturday I indulged in a creamy, cheesy Seafood Pasta from Ribbiz Ocean Lounge. The Lobster that topped it all off was a bit cold, but other than that, it was quite scrumptious and enjoyable. I wish I could say the same about the limited parking options and intolerable service. My experience was unreviewable. I will not be returning to that location, but the Seafood Cheese Tortellini is on the menu at Ribbiz Ultra Lounge in Loshusan Centre, Barbican! Go get it there!
Have a great weekend!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Quiet restaurant tucked away on the side of Chelsea Avenue that is appropriate for a lunch or dinner date. The location smears aesthetics, but inside is a whole different world, a gypsy world.
The menu has a variety of items falling under the category of international cuisine, but highlights Spanish and Jamaican dishes.
The staff, including Head Chef, Shane Stamp were polite and welcoming. I believe that for such a unique menu, my server, Kereen should have given me a brief introduction to the dishes of various cuisines being offered. The menu takes you from Jamaica to Mexico, over the wall to the USA, deports you back to Puerto Rico, then takes you on a tour as far as Spain and more. Kereen could have been a bit more attentive too, to check how my lunch was going. Afterall, I was by my lonesome.
I am not sure why, but my appetizer and main were served at the same time. I ordered Gypsy House favourites.
Saltfish Ceviche ($500JMD +tx +Serv. charge) – Pick up saltfish served on top of twice fried, pressed green plantainsSeafood Paella ($1000JMD +tx +Serv. charge) – Classic Spanish one pot, yellow rice, vegetables, Chorizo, Seafood and Chicken
Servings were large for a reasonable price. The Saltfish Ceviche was tasty indeed. Their Seafood Paella was nose-running spicy and full of flavour. I enjoyed it.
Kereen informed me that Mama Gypsy Jerk Chicken and Island Pancakes, as well as the Char Sui Pork Belly appetizer are favourites too. So I will probably give those a try next time.
Gypsy House was definitely value for money. I have had food from Gypsy House Tapas at various local events, but I prefer dining there.
Check out Gypsy House Tapas Restaurant for Lunch or Dinner this week!
Gypsy House Tapas Restaurant
Location: 18 Chelsea Avenue. Kingston. Ja
Ph: 876-665-3154
Facebook; Instagram: @gypsyhouseja
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Jamaicans love a new restaurant that looks modern and is easy to get to and that explains why Chive Restaurant is booked out for Restaurant Week (RW). Chive is in the Savoury Category for $2800JMD, where G.C.T and Beverages are at an additional cost.
They definitely took the huge risk to open and participate in Restaurant Week to make a first impression on the public. But bravo! They did well.
The staff was polite, attentive and quite composed for the occasion.
The menu for Restaurant Week offered a good variety of options including Vegetarian, Seafood, Beef, Chicken and Pork dishes. Food came out in a reasonable amount of time and servings were sufficient. The taste of everything was on point and Chive was definitely value for money. Two thumbs up for Restaurant Week!
Appetizers
Crispy Glazed Pork Belly stuffed in a steamed bao bun with Hoisin sauce, ginger and pickled cucumbers.
Firstly, the RW menu said Pork Buns and not Pork Bun. However, we threw that critique out the window after we indulged in a healthy serving of succulent, well seasoned Pork Belly with a crisp that met you upon each bite.
Plump grape tomatoes, grilled garlic lobster and basil drizzled with a honey balsamic reduction on toasted baguette slices.
For the Grilled Lobster Bruschetta, we were wondering if we would get mostly tomatoes, but that was not the case. The Bruschettas were toasted just right and filled with Grilled Lobster. Delightful. Hopefully they can keep up this standard.
Main
Oxtail Alfredo – Traditional ‘fall off the bone’ Oxtail combined with penne pasta tossed in creamy Alfredo sauce.
I must admit that I was not in the mood to be disappointed with another Oxtail Pasta that didn’t really have Oxtail in it. So when ordering, I requested that I do not get ‘the essence’ of the Oxtail and I get my Pasta loaded with tender Oxtail. I can’t guarantee the same for you, but ask and you shall receive!
The Oxtail was tender, well seasoned and tasty. It was not overpowered by a heavy, creamy alfredo sauce. The taste and consistency of the sauce was just right to complement the Oxtail.
Beef Bourguignon – Tender chunks of Beef simmered in a rich red wine gravy served atop garlic, rosemary mashed potatoes and country roasted vegetables.
The Oxtail Pasta was impressive, but we thought the Beef Bourguignon was the winner of the night. The serving could have been bigger, but the flavour was outstanding. The Beef was well seasoned and enhanced by the red wine gravy that was rich indeed with a citrus flavour. #SugaSnaps.
Dessert
Warm Bread Pudding with Buttery Rum Sauce.
I was told when ordering that there was no Vanilla Bean Ice Cream to accompany the Bread Pudding as stated. This disturbed me since Sovereign supermarket is across the road and so is Devon House Ice Cream.
Nanda Dukharan, one of the owners who checked on our table from time to time to gather feedback and ensure everything was going smoothly, actually makes ice cream. When that was explained to us, I understood that they wished to keep the authenticity of their Ice Cream once they iron out a few kinks. So you cannot expect the Pineapple Ginger Ice Cream with Scotch Bonnet Brittle either, which was also on the menu.
I then thought my serving of Bread Pudding should have been larger to compensate. Thankfully it was warm and savoury.
Decadent Bailey’s Irish Cream Cheesecake.
The Cheesecake was definitely decadent and a great finale for our dinner.
Chive Restaurant still has a full dining and bar menu to finalize post Restaurant Week, so they are definitely on Suga’s radar. For now, Chive Restaurant is #SugaEndorsed.
I hope they keep it up because I am looking forward to a new spot to eat and drink for the holiday season! Aren’t you?
(L-R) Friends and Foodies, Jehan Knight, Randy Burgess and wife, Gabrielle a.k.a Suga feeling quite content after a fulfilling RW dinner at the new Chive Restaurant.
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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
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