What’s for Dessert this Weekend?

V-Day weekend is going to be lit with Dessert options at Suga Lifestyle’s V-Day Pop Up Shop at The Jamaica Pegasus this SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12 !

Watch “What’s for Dessert this Weekend?” on YouTube here:

https://youtube.com/shorts/7fkmbfUO-Fg?feature=share

The Bread Pudding Factory (Ig: @thebreadpuddingfactory), Mylk Dairy-free Ice Cream (Ig: @mylkjamaica), Chorlavi’s (Ig: @chorlavis), Chocollor Chocolate (Ig: @chocollorchocolate) and Sweet Obsession (Ig: @sweetobsessionja) return with their Confectionery goodies!

The BEST Bread Pudding in Jamaica, probably the only place to get Babka, flavourful dairy-free ice cream like cafe brew, rocky road and more, Tipsy Pepper Jams, Chutneys, Granolas, Pimento Liqueur, bean to bar Chocolate in various flavours and variety packages plus the Chocolate Fountain and container licking dessert options from Sweet Obsession! You can’t miss it!

Sponsored by The Jamaica Pegasus, Kingston’s preferred Hotel.

***Masks are required, Covid 19 protocols will be observed & ENTRY is FREE***

Stay tuned as Suga Lifestyle presents more of the participating Suga Artisans & some NEW NEW ones too 😉

Support Local and show some Small Business Love this Valentine’s.

XoXo, Suga 💖

By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter & TikTok (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

#tbt to The Bread Pudding Factory Visiting Me With Goodies!!!

Gabby Burgess, Founder of Suga Lifestyle with Owner of The Bread Pudding Factory, Nikeisha Reynolds.

If You Know You Know! I’m sure Suga Bears missed Nicky from The Bread Pudding Factory (Ig: @thebreadpuddingfactory) at Christmas Connection in December. There were some mishaps that occurred in the kitchen and it halted mass production.

Many of us missed out on that one of a kind goodness that only The Bread Pudding Factory can produce. I am so happy she still paid me a visit at the show and I could enjoy Babka, Bread and more for the season!

They are back in business! Order up for the weekend, especially if you earned it! #SugaEndorsed

Babka!!! Ask for the flavours!

The Bread Pudding Factory

Ph: 876-508-3154

Instagram: @thebreadpuddingfactory

By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter & TikTok (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

The Bread Pudding Factory is Coming to Town This Saturday!!!

I cannot contain my excitement! The Bread Pudding Factory from Linstead is going to totally BRING IT with their mouth-watering, scrumptious Bread Puddings THIS SATURDAY at The Liguanea Club from 12 NOON to 6PM (if they last!) at Suga Lifestyle’s GW Art Exhibition!

Rum & Raisin, Coconut Pineapple Upside Down, Chocolate Chip with Salted Caramel and the Plain Surprise are the Flavours! ALL of them are good.

Single boxes cost JMD$650 and the Boxes of 4 cost $JMD$2250.

Come on out now, because the proof is in the Pudding! 😉😋💃Feel free to pre-order today for pick up on Saturday too! The Bread Pudding Factory without a doubt is #SugaEndorsed.

The Bread Pudding Factory
Location: Linstead
Ph: 876-508-3154
Instagram: @thebreadpuddingfactory

By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

TGIF to Mouth-Watering, Delicious Bread Pudding from The Bread Pudding Factory!

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Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of indulging in mouth-watering, delicious Bread Pudding from The Bread Pudding Factory!

The Bread Pudding Factory opened in June of this year, a pivoting act around Covid-19 by Nikeisha Reynolds out of her home in Linstead, with the intention of acquiring a location. So the delicious Bread Puddings are currently available by delivery only.

You have the options of Rum & Raisin, Coconut Pineapple Upside Down, Chocolate Chip with Salted Caramel and the Plain Surprise.

Suga tried all flavours except for the Coconut Pineapple Upside Down. Although I love a Caramel crumble on top, they were all good! They had the right ratio of moisture to firmness and the flavours were really distinct. It was hard to determine, but the Chocolate Chip with salted caramel was my favourite.

Nikeisha, foodie turned baker, believes bread is a Jamaican staple that comforts the soul. She thinks it is quite versatile to use in the kitchen and so of course, she has other recipes for more flavours up her sleeve!

The cost for a mixed box of 4 is $2200JMD with an additional cost of $350JMD for delivery. Payment is COD or via Online Transfer. Order yours! The Bread Pudding Factory is #SugaEndorsed.

The Bread Pudding Factory

Location: Linstead

Ph: 876-508-3154

Instagram: @thebreadpuddingfactory

By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Winners and Highlights from the Sweetart Bake Expo!

The Sweetart Bake Expo held at The Jamaica Pegasus two Sundays ago had patrons in awe at the creativity of Cakes decorated and probably sent everyone’s sweet tooth into overdrive with the samples given.

There were On-stage demos and Presentations on Cake Decorating, as well as classes that were conducted, including one that was by a local instructor.

Sometimes a Cake is decorated well and doesn’t taste as good as it looks, but the proof is in the pudding. Suga was most impressed with the Piña Colada cupcake by Alex’s creations (@alexcreationsja). I tasted the rum first, followed by the coconut flavour,  then was hit with the sweet accentuated by the icing. Fantastic!

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Other tasty highlights for Suga:
*Instagram tags in brackets

• Cheesecake by Kelsey’s Kreations (@kelseyskreations_ja)

• Bread Pudding by Skimo’s Pastries (@skimos_pastries)

• Banana Bread by La Jazz Sweet Tooth (@lajazzp_c)

• Carrot Cake by Jhaneal Solomon (@savouritja)

• Beer Jelly by Su Yen Green (@bakedbysue)

• Nestle’s offering of mouth-watering Bread pudding and other desserts made by using their products. Not to mention the Nestle Frappélatte that seems to be a hit everywhere it goes. It’s made with coffee and ice cream and is richly flavoured.

I know persons are straying from the traditional Fruit cakes for Weddings, but I only got two to taste that were not up to standard. Perhaps Blissful Bites by Delvena came close. Lemon cakes are now a popular choice for Weddings, but none of them hit the spot.

The presence of well-known Bakers was missed, but there are many on the rise with potential who were present and have been working on their craft for years. The Cake Decorating Competitions displayed high levels of skill and creativity, making things look so real.

Here are most of the Winners!
Pre-decorated Cake Competitions by Theme:

• Fast Food 
Winner

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The Bucket Meal by @alissweetfantasy won 1st place. It was also voted the People’s Choice winner for the show!

2nd Place

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The Subway Meal by @cakesbyqueata won 2nd place.

Decorated by Students!
• Fast Food theme Winner

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Winner of the Student Category was Annalise Powell of @baked876.

• Wedding 
Winner

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The winning Cake was Decorated by @thesweetspotja

• Topsy Turvy 
Winner

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First time entrant who just started Baking last year of @doms.delights was in tears after the announcement and moved even a few members of the audience to tears too.

Runner up

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@fabulous_cakesja came 2nd.

• Jungle Theme
Winner

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Winner of the Jungle Theme Pre-decorated Cake Competition by #sweetimpressionsja

CONGRATS to the WINNERS and See you at the 5th Anniversary Edition, #sweetartbakeexpo2019!

Save the date! It will be May 26,2019 with 5 days of activities.

Sweetart Bake Expo

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @sweetartbakeexpoja

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

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#fbf to Suga’s Bread Pudding from 100!

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Bread Pudding ($1000JMD)

Suga surely enjoyed her Ash Wednesday treat from 100. The Bread Pudding did not arrive as advertised, with most of the crumble missing from the top, but it was quite warm, soft, delicious and moist, just the way I like it.

I give up on trying to find one better than that of Fromage now, as their sweet, nutty crumble on top with caramel and more is unbeatable. However, I definitely endorse the Bread Pudding from 100 and put it 2nd in line.

Appreciated the great service from my waitress on the Terrace as well!

100

Location: 100 Hope Road. Kingston 6
Ph: 876.665-3BET (3238)
Instagram: 100hoperoad
Facebook: 100 Hope Road

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this blog, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

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Jamaican Food at Michael’s Restaurant & Coffee Shop

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Not many persons may know about this tiny restaurant hidden behind the gas station at Mary Brown’s corner on Constant Spring Road, but they certainly have an active Instagram page that I have been following for a little while. I finally got to check it out on my day off last Friday to see how they handled their usual work day flow. I reached a little bit later than I wished, about 2:15pm. It was easy to find because everyone knows that gas station and you cannot miss the sign. Parking is limited but if there is difficulty with access, there is more than enough space to park by the gas station and walk around. I didn’t need to do that though because a spot was available, much to the unnecessary annoyance of a ‘parking assistant’ that was either confused about his nationality or deported from the UK. Why can’t Jamaicans just go to and fro in peace?

Anyhow, I was impressed to walk in and see a fairly full restaurant with adequate, comfortable seating. The logistics for such a small area were on point. A plasma television and music were there for entertainment. There was nobody present to take an order, but a patron quickly pointed out that I should ring the bell and out came someone immediately. Prices were not cheap, but they were not expensive either. I ordered the $580JMD (two piece) Jerked chicken that came with rice and peas and vegetables. There was a $700JMD and odd option too. I also added their fried dumpling that was advertised as one of the best Johnny cakes in town.

I took a seat by the cafe area and my food was out in two minutes. The verdict? Quality rice and peas. No ‘clumpy clumpy’ or uncooked grains like other lunch establishments. A good fried dumpling, not the best. I am still waiting on a Johnny Cake experience like back in the day from a fish shop in Manor Park. A big fat juicy one bigger than a tennis ball in a brown paper bag. Perhaps J & R Grocery & Snacks ‘aka’ ‘The Dumpling Shop’ on 44E Waltham Park Road, nominated and featured at last year’s Table Talk Jamaica Observer Food Awards has come the closest.

Why do they call it a Johnny cake anyway? Of course with Jamaicans the name has probably been altered over the years by Chinese telephone. They were actually called Journey cakes because slaves used to carry them on long trips in saddle bags and baked them along the way.

Back to the meal. The Jerked chicken and sauce were tasty and a bit spicy but not too spicy. Very filling serving as well. When I almost finished, I spotted a server slicing what looked like bread pudding from a far, my weakness. I asked her if that was what it was, she confirmed and I instantly had a slice of yummy bread pudding that they bake fresh. Although other items in their cafe such as the cookies and cakes are brought in, they sometimes do their own banana pudding and chocolate cake, along with the bread pudding.

The server asked if it was my first time visiting and asked me my name. Surely a homey, feeling. They serve Continental breakfast and other items on their menu include BBQ chicken, Oxtail, Fried Chicken, Cow foot, Stew peas and more.

Suga Lifestyle definitely endorses Michael’s Restaurant and Coffee Shop as a decent spot to enjoy some good Jamaican food. Follow their Instagram page, michaelsrestaurantja for specials and daily menus as well as their Facebook page, Michael’s Restaurant and Coffee Shop.

Michael’s does catering and delivering as well. Their delivery charge is $300JMD as long as you are not too far, for instance, Spanish Town.

Michael’s Restaurant & Coffee Shop

Address: 141B Constant Spring Road (Mary Brown’s Corner)

Ph.: 876.969.2403; 876.969.7707

Opening hours: Monday – Friday, 7am-7pm, Saturday, 9am-7pm and Sunday, 9am-4pm.

Gimbilyn at Alhambra Inn Meets Expectations for RW and is Booked Out!

SuGa Readers have been dining up a storm and found that Gimbilyn was fully equipped with staff to tackle Restaurant week with very little wait time and a floor supervisor overseeing the area and checking on waiters as it should be.

Staff was pleasant and even the Chef came out to address diners regardless of the pressures in the kitchen. Commendable that he had things under control to escape the heat a little.

Staff was also well-trained in offering suggestions from the menu and selection of wines.

Reviews came in that the Shrimp salad was tasty but had a small serving in comparison to the Pepper Pot soup. However, if you ordered a Shrimp salad followed by Grilled Pork chops, they were sure to make up for it, as they were thick portions.

The Tucker Chicken Florentine with layers of creamed callaloo, cheese and tender Chicken breast topped with panko bread crumbs and parmesan cheese looked and tasted delicious. The Grilled Salmon with Tamarind and Ginger Glaze was good and their signature Bread pudding was divine.

Kudos to Gimbilyn!

Where to Nyam and Scram (30% off) for Restaurant week!

The Nyam and Scram Category finally has some actual deals this year!

Asia’s Cafe in York Pharmacy will offer their OMG Burger, Soup and Bread pudding all for $595JMD. While Michael’s Restaurant and Coffee Shop on Constant Spring Road will have Hot and Spicy Fried Chicken with Sweet Potato Salad and a Chocolate Chip Cookie for $440JMD.

Brick Oven will have a combo with Shrimp Patty, Apple Pie and a scoop of Ice Cream for $550JMD that sounds fattening and awesome at the same time.

Check out Suzie’s Bakery and Coffee Bar for their decadent Jerked Chicken Pasta, succulent Shrimp or Chicken Noodle Stir Fry, juicy chunks of Curried Chicken plus lovely sides, all for $995 each, inclusive of tax.

Super’s Spicy Doubles (Indian cuisine) in Mona is also a place to check out with meals ranging from $400JMD to $600JMD.

Oasis on the Oxford will offer combos of Curry Goat and Roti with vegetables and juice for $550JMD and Chicken Satay, Pumpkin rice cakes with vegetables and juice for $490JMD.

Have great lunches starting this Friday, November 14 to Saturday, November 22!

Go to http://www.go-jamaica.com/rw/ for more information.

Gabby from SuGa Lifestyle Checks Out What the New Chef has to Offer at Strawberry Hill

Last Sunday evening for a dinner date, I headed up to Strawberry Hill in the heart of Jamaica’s Blue Mountains in Irish Town, just 20 minutes from Papine by the foot of the hill. Upon arrival, the breathtaking, picturesque view of the mountains, botanical gardens, Georgian-style cottages and infinity-edge pool, formed the perfect ambience for romance.

We were greeted pleasantly by 2 waitresses simultaneously that happened to be coming from different directions. Now that was a reflection of their eagerness to show hospitality and a sign of good things to come.

It was Marva who seated us and issued or menus instantly. I was excited to see what their new French Chef had to offer. Over the years, I think Strawberry Hill has had their ups and downs where good quality food is concerned, but thankfully less of the latter. They seem to have a commendable reputation regardless.

I heard Chef Martin started at Strawberry Hill in March of this year. The variety of Appetizers popped out more to me compared to the Main dishes, however I am sure if persons wanted to try something they haven’t had in a while, they would surely find something they could choose.

I started with the Smoked Marlin cannelloni with cucumber and caper dressing. Doesn’t that sound interesting? It surely was. A unique blend of flavours that worked well together teasing my taste buds.

Braised shank of Lamb with Jerk and orange sauce, mashed pumpkin and glazed vegetables followed, tender to the cut and succulent. I was also pleased to find out that they buy local. Their meats are from a variety of local farmers, particularly small farmers, such as St. John’s Boscos, a local butchery in Mandeville, which funds orphans and teaches them the trade.

I indulged in warm Bread Pudding for dessert, of which it was the sauce that enhanced the taste. I tried a bit of the Stuffed Puffs with Coconut Ice Cream that was enjoyable but seemed to be missing the Hot Chocolate sauce that was mentioned on the menu.

Other tempting items on the dinner menu included Escoveitch Shrimps, stuffed and spicy Crab Backs, Tomato and Mozzarella Stacks salad, Vegetarian Lasagna with Callaloo and Tomato and an 8oz of Tenderloin of spicy Grilled Beef. A wide selection of Beverages are available as well. Ladies should have Marva mix them that special Piña Colada, its fire!

The service was on point throughout, ‘on cue to top up my glass’ style. Food came out in a timely manner but still with sufficient time to converse and enjoy the lovely ambience. The serving sizes were decent, slightly more than some restaurants but just right because I left feeling full but not stuffed.

Strawberry Hill continues to impress and sustain excellent service with an ambience like no other.

Strawberry Hill Resort

Ph#: 876-944-8400

Address: Irish Town

Date of visit: 10/8/14

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★★★

Ambience: ★★★★★

Decor: ★★★★☆

Comfort: ★★★★★

Service: ★★★★★

Speed: ★★★★★

Food quality: ★★★★★

Serving amount: ★★★★★

Plating: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★★★★

SuGa Endorsement: ★★★★★