Juniper on the Water offers valet parking and has both indoor and outdoor dining, but I can’t see why you would pass up the stellar views by the water to dine indoors.
They specialise in Seafood and offer happy hour daily, dinner nightly and weekend brunch.
Our server was a bit quick on taking away the menus each time, but other than that, she was polite and quite attentive.
Serving sizes were more than generous, as some mains could be shared for two. The seafood was fresh and the dishes were flavourful. We all enjoyed our appetizers and main courses, except for the Seared Red Snapper Fillet. Jamaicans tend to prefer Saltwater fish versus Freshwater fish and appreciate a bit more seasoning.
Red Snapper Filet (USD $28) – Roasted cherry tomatoes, charred cipollini onions, capers in a saffron broth.
Appetizers
Ceviche Mixto (USD $16) – Shrimp, Cod Fish, Octopus, leche de tigre, shaved red onions, micro cilantro, aji amarillo dressing.
The Cioppino (USD $38) (Not photographed) that was a Gulf shrimp, mussels, clams, Atlantic cod, lobster meat Seafood Stew served with grilled bread was delightful as well.
Seafood Paella (USD $38) – Toasted Israeli couscous, walnut pesto, calamari, mussels, clams, gulf shrimp, fish filet, chorizo, English peas, roasted bell peppers.
Their signature Seafood Paella lived up to its prestigious reputation. It was a steamy burst of flavour that I thoroughly enjoyed.
There was no room for Dessert, but Juniper on the Water is #SugaEndorsed.
Juniper on the Water
Location: 1975 S Ocean Dr, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009, United States
Ph: 954-544-3370
Website: https://www.juniperonthewater.com/
Instagram: @juniperonthewater
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Two Powerhouses in the culinary industry, Pink Apron Jamaica and Simo’s Bread and Catering will join forces again to offer Brunch at a neat spot in Kingston, The Courtyard on Lady Musgrave Road this Sunday! Need I say more?
This Brunch is #SugaEndorsed.
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Kushite’s Vegan Brunch was the perfect way to end my summer days. I was pleasantly surprised to see it was not a crowded atmosphere, but still had a steady flow of persons in and out of the restaurant.
I had the Steamed Callaloo and Waffles. The Waffles were flavourful and had the right amount of crisp. The Callaloo was delicious too.
Steamed Callaloo and Waffles
My husband had the steamy Mushroom Paella that was divine. He had to share quite a bit with me.
Gluten free Mushroom Paella
Dessert
The last time I had Vegan Cake that was so good, was at Stush in the Bush. Well done Kushite’s!
Double Chocolate Fudge Cake and Coconut Ice Cream
The only complaint we had was that even though summer was ending, it is still extremely hot and only hot beverage options were offered with the brunch items. Nonetheless, we had no issues hydrating with their infused water.
Looking forward to the next one!
Kushite’s Vegetable Cuisine
Location: 39 Lady Musgrave Road (Inside Eden Gardens)
Ph: 876-375-0642; 876-631-9101
Instagram: @kushitesvegetablecuisine
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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This Suga Taster is always looking for new places nearby her place of residence to dine. Little Hen Breakfast and Eatery opened seven to eight months ago and from the looks of it, business was doing well.
The restaurant, although small in size, is quite quaint in appearance with its farm-style decor. The party of four arrived separately and did not have to wait to be seated. Kudos to the efficient
hostess.
Their server, Augustine came over quickly, introduced himself and gave them a rundown of the menu, including the restaurant faves. The food arrived no more than ten to fifteen minutes after ordering and everything was delightful.
Bourbon Batter French Toast with caramelized apples, fresh strawberries, blueberries and blackberries (USD$12)
Carbonara Omelette with breakfast potatoes and whole wheat toast.
Buttermilk Original Pancakes that was served with warm maple syrup (USD$10).Little Hen Rancheros served with tomato-chili sauce and sliced avocados on a warm corn tortilla (USD$12).
Being content from beginning to end,
there were no complaints about the server, the service, nor the quality of the food.
What could they do better? My Suga Taster suggested that a sign be placed outside the eatery so that patrons could find the restaurant easily. The server informed her that the permit was recently acquired and that the sign should be up sooner than later!
Suga can’t wait to visit Little Hen for Breakfast or Brunch on her next visit to Florida. I mean, check out this Macha Bowl!
Little Hen Breakfast and Eatery
Location:Â 4579 Weston Road. Weston, FL 33331
Ph: 954-626-0855
Edited By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)
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Throwback Tuesday to these scrumptious Chicken and Waffles from Uncorked! Crispy and Golden brown on top and tender on the inside👌 Enjoyed my Sunday Brunch with Mimosas a few Sundays ago. They have a range of delish options. Check them out! #SugaEndorsed
Uncorked!
Location: Sovereign North @Â 29 Barbican Rd, Kingston.
Ph: 876-632-5500
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Here are your JFDF Ticket Ambassadors and Outlets:
Did you know?!
> This year, JFDF will be 100% plastic free!
> Part Proceeds of the event will go towards UTECH’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management Hotel Facility
The Festival will sponsor the complete outfitting of UTECH’s demo kitchen.
Enjoy 7 World Class Food Events at 7 Iconic Kingston Venues.
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
After being open for just a short period of time, the nightly hot spot in upper Manor Park, Cellar 8, now offers Saturday and Sunday Brunch and has outgrown its space. Who knew they could create more?!
Suga checked out their new, well furnished deck last Easter Sunday and will return on a day when the Wine Bar and Bistro is buzzing.
Stay tuned for their updated review!
Cellar 8 Wine Bar
Location: Shop 10, Upper Manor Park Plaza
Ph: 876-613-5934
Opening Hours: Tuesdays-Sundays, 4pm – 11pm
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Simo’s Bread and Catering (Christina Simonitsch) will be doing a Valentine’s Brunch in Kingston with Tooksie Kay Catering (Alexa Von Strolley) on Sunday, February 11!
The Brunch will be at Kayter at 18 Balleter Avenue, Kingston 10 from 12 noon to 4 pm!
It will be 4 stations with All You Can Eat accompanied by Beverages!
It should be a Treat! Treat your Valentine with this Brunch that should have memorable eats.
Today is the last day to sign up for the Early Bird tickets that cost $60USD per person.
Suga brought you the low down for Crisp at The Gardens, Jamaica Pegasus ($5000 All Inclusive) and Picante ($7500 All Inclusive) at The Ruins, UWI Mona’s Visitor’s Lodge, so how were the other JFDF events? Suga Bears and Suga Daddies reported!
Most persons like to get bad news out of the way first. The events with the highest price tags were not that impressive for some patrons. That is, Vintage for $12000JMD all-inclusive and Brunch at the Gallery for $20000JMD/$150USD all-inclusive.
VintageÂ
Meals at Vintage at the Manor in Jack’s Hill were described as basic and a low standard for Ortanique on the Mile, one of the restaurants in Florida that was represented by Owner Cynthia Hutson. Suga Bears enjoyed the view and Dessert though.
Brunch at the Gallery
Brunch at the National Gallery, Downtown Kingston presented by Suzanne and Michelle Rousseau was decorated beautifully by Tai Flora and had a sufficient selection of Wines by Select Brands, but the service of food was slow and it arrived to tables cold. The Brunch was from 11am to 4pm and after a long day, patrons were leaving at 4pm and Dessert was just being served. Should the blame go on the Event Planner, the Chefs or both? It was stated that the execution was poor.
The Menu
The Menu for Brunch at the Gallery (Photo Contributed)
The Presentation of some of the meals were also quite sloppy to say the least.
Vegetables and Greens served at Brunch at the Gallery last Sunday (Photo Contributed)
Did the Incredible Hulk have an accident here?! I was in disbelief and gathered that this was the consensus amongst most tables. This looked nothing like the neatly displayed dish on the Event’s social media page. Cold food, slow service and poor, unappetizing presentation is unacceptable for $20,000JMD. I believe things can be shaken up next year. There are so many other talented, efficient Chefs around and I understand the ambience of The National Gallery, but a change in venue could be considered as well.
Chargrilled Rack of Lamb Presented to a table at Brunch at the Gallery last Sunday (Photo Contributed)
Kudus to award-winning baker, Nadine Burie that probably saved both events. Her desserts are offered at Cafe Blue.
Fresh Fruit Pavlova by Nadine Burie (Photo Credit: @jafoodanddrink)
Setting bad news aside, persons fully enjoyed Meet Street and the Market in Downtown, Kingston ($500JMD entry) last Saturday. A patron said she did not know that Downtown could be so nice. The set up and atmosphere was phenomenal and the vendors outdid themselves.
Vendors that pleased at Meet Street and the Market Last Saturday in Downtown, Kingston
Pork Palooza ($6500JMD All Inclusive) at Palm Drive, Hope Gardens that kicked things off for the festival on the Saturday the week before was a hit. The event is usually the favourite for Patrons. Jamaicans love their Pork! It wasn’t the unanimous favourite this year though.
Which event took JFDF 2017?!
Close call! It has been narrowed down to the new event, Chop Stix ($5000JMD All Inclusive) held at Zen Lawn, Hope Zoo last Wednesday that featured fare from the far East and the zesty, Picante!
Based on Food, Weather and Vibe, Chop Stix gets the edge. Picante had the on and off rain, which was uncontrollable with provisions put in place, but Jamaicans love a new event.
The Chefs, Caterers and Restaurants delivered at Chop Stix! Here was the Menu if you missed it. Chop Stix can’t be missed next year!
So what’s next for my Foodies? Restaurant Week!
Yes, I know Restaurant Week has lost its steam. Marketing has been ongoing but should be revised, including the selection of Ambassadors. JFDF being so close to Restaurant Week definitely overshadowed it.
Menus for Restaurants are more of the same, but it makes your choices that much easier. The good ones will pop out at you. So that means you may need to make reservations quickly or maybe not, because places I called yesterday that are normally booked out weeks in advance seemed to have quite a bit of space left.
For now, I am leaving you with my recommendations for the Epicurean and Delectable Categories. Here you go!
Epicurean ($4300 +tax +gratuity +beverages)
> The Terra Nova All Suite Hotel in Kingston.
Despite inconsistencies in service and quality throughout the year, they have managed to keep a good reputation for Restaurant Week so far.
Sidenote: I do not think any Restaurant in Market Place should be placed in the Epicurean Category. The venue is far too casual and a long wait is usually expected.
Out of town? Marguerites by the Sea, Montego Bay. You should expect a spectacular dinner and service with a seaside or picturesque garden view.
There are some other reputable Restaurants listed, but the lack of creativity with their Menus were the deal breakers.
Delectable ($3800JMD +GCT +gratuity +beverages)
> Fromage Bistro on Hillcrest Avenue in Kingston.
Nirvanna Indian Cuisine, Centro-Courtyard by the Marriott and Black Orchid Restaurant at Eden Gardens would be secondary choices.
In the other city? Both options from Mobay are primary choices – Mystic Thai and The Houseboat Grill. So persons can choose between the two based on the Cuisine desired.
***Stay tuned for more Restaurant Week choices from Suga Lifestyle.***
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Three Mondays ago on a sunny day in Florida, my husband and I went to lunch at Boatyard at 1:30pm.
I was instantly impressed by the courteous staff, who were well uniformed from head to toe. They looked comfortable but professional in their loafers and quite preppy in khaki pants and shorts, topped off by baby blue Polos to complete the look.
Boatyard is known to serve fresh catches from local fishermen and premium cuts of meat. They also boast about having the highest quality raw bar, which usually includes oysters, shrimp and ceviche.
Boatyard offers Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Cocktails and Wine. They are also called Bimini. Their Brunch, familiarly known as ‘Brunch at Bimini’ is quite popular.
You can enjoy unlimited Bloody Mary, Bellini and Mimosas for $25. In addition to that, you can hit the Omelet Station for $14USD or the Benedict Bar for $16USD. If you would like other options, you can order from the main menu that offers Bimini favourites such as Steamed Eggs, Buttermilk Waffles, Shrimp and Grits, Smoked Salmon, Bagel platters and more. So even though I love Tap 42, Suga will switch things up for Brunch at Bimini next time.
What Suga Wanted but Could not Have
I missed out on the Florida Paella that I was looking forward to. The original plan was to have dinner at Boatyard, but we had dinner at our family’s house instead. Realising that the Paella was not on the lunch menu, I expressed my disappointment to our lovely server, G.G. She did her best to check if they could still serve it, but it wasn’t possible because they didn’t prep for it yet. You can imagine the prep that goes into it too, because Paellas are usually stacked with Seafood. Their Paella has Shrimp, Clams, Mussels, Calamari, local Fish, Saffron rice and housemade Chorizo. I definitely will return for it!
G.G. came back to us with other options and really sold us on their Healthy Bowl for the day, which was a Salmon dish. Boatyard is another restaurant in Florida that keeps it fresh. They change items on their menu often, but usually keep the favourites.
Appetizer (Shareable)
We started off with the shareable Charred Octopus ($17USD). I loved that they managed to keep the meat tender and saturated with flavour. It was also value for money with the serving size given.
Charred Octopus ($17USD) with wilted kale, garbanzo, fingerling and chorizo vinaigrette.
Entrees
I decided to have the Grilled Swordfish ($26USD) complemented by a tasty lemon flavoured sauce, along with fresh market greens. It was delish! It had a moist and very meaty texture as it should.
Randy’s Healthy Bowl ($22USD) was quite delightful. Thanks for the recommendation G.G.! It consisted of Grilled Salmon topped off with a Cilantro lime sour cream drizzle, accompanied by Avocado, Mango and Black Bean Salsa, Sweet Corn Salsa and a Petit salad.
Boatyard’s Healthy Bowl for the Day with Salmon ($22USD)
