There is a NEW Spot to Pig Out on Ribs in Town!

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Suga’s Ratings for Zack’s Smoke Shack

Date and time of visit: Saturday, January 4, 2019 @ 8pm

No. of diners: 2

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum 

Parking: ★★★★★

Ambience: ★★★☆☆

Décor: ★★★★★

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★☆☆

Speed: ★★★★☆

Food quality: ★★★☆☆

Serving amount: ★★★★☆

Plating: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★★★☆

Suga’s Breakdown!

There is a new Barbecue Smoke Pit in town and it looks like enterprising restaurateur, Kirk Chin of Fromage and more has something to do with it 😉

The new Southern style spot opened its doors just last Thursday, January 2, 2019. It is close to the entrance of Market Place avoiding all current Market Place construction and gives you a Texas vibe upon entry where they nailed the modern ‘Pig Pen’ decor, literally.

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Suga visited last Saturday for Dinner. There is indoor and outdoor seating, but at the moment, it seems like you need to go to the cashier to order, then take the number for your table and pick your desired spot if dining.

The staff is green, but pleasant and attentive. My husband, Randy does not eat Pork (go figure!), so was looking forward to their Beef Brisket. We would have to return for that though, because its coming soon. Otherwise, their Menu, which is likely to change looked like this!

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We ordered a 1/2 pound of the Ribs, 1/4 pound of the Chicken, a large Mac & Cheese, Fries and 2 Beers. Our bill came to roughly $6000JMD, which I found to be quite reasonable because we were also quite satisfied after the meal.

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The Chicken was a bit on the dry side, but they had such a variety of tasty sauces to cover that up and why go to a Pig Pen for Chicken?! The Ribs and Bun Fyah sauce were fire! *I must say that Bun Fyah sauce was quite similar to Stush in the Bush’s Blow Fyah sauce. The formula to spicy heaven.

Tender, juicy ribs that were definitely some of the best that I’ve ever had, with buttery soft corn muffins that had the right touch of sweet really hit the spot.

The Mac & Cheese needed salt, a sharper cheese or some herbs though. But again, their sauces could help with that. I saw some kids at another table plaster their Mac & Cheese with sauce. The Bourbon sauce was quite good.

The Fries were quite tasty if you need another recommended side option.

Anyhow, Zack’s Smoke Shack is a casual, reasonable, family friendly dining spot that should do well and Suga will return.

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Zack’s Smoke Shack

Location: 67 Constant Spring Road. Market Place. Kingston 10. JA

Ph: 876-404-5265

Opening Hours: Sundays – Thursdays @ 11am – 10pm; Fridays – Saturdays @ 11am – 11pm

Instagram: @zackssmokeshack

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Suga Tasters, Tennyson and Ashleigh Arnold enjoy a Michelin Star Dish in Singapore!

Suga introduces you to Suga Tasters, Tennyson and Ashleigh Arnold!

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Suga Tasters, Tennyson and Ashleigh Arnold at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore in September 2019. [📸: Ten80p Photography (Ig: @ten80p_photography)]
The Arnolds have been married for 6 years. Tennyson proposed to Ashleigh in flight, so how appropriate that their anniversary celebrations usually take them on a trip to see more of the world. This September, they chose Singapore, Bali and Vietnam.

At home in Kingston, Jamaica, they enjoy eating casually at Uncorked and for special occasions, The Terrace at the Terra Nova Hotel in Kingston and The Sugar Mill Restaurant in Montego Bay.

Suga has had the pleasure of being out with the A-Team and can tell you that these foodies have an insatiable love for all cuisines and they always have room for Dessert!

Suga Taster, Ashleigh Arnold’s Rating for Hawker Chan, China Town, Singapore

Date and time of visit: September 27, 2019 @ 2pm 
No. of diners: 2 adults

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Hawker Chan gets an overall Value for $ rating of 4/5.

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Hawker Chan is in the China Town Food Centre in Singapore and serves as a feature of Singapore’s culinary offerings and culture. It can be regarded as a walk-in fast food restaurant and was awarded by Singapore’s Best Foods in 2017. Their primary concern seems to be getting as many plates out as quickly as possible, given the long lines versus Décor, Professional Service, Cleanliness and Comfort.
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Suga Taster, Ashleigh’s Breakdown!

Hawker Chan, formally known as Liao Fan Hong Kong Soy Sauce Chicken and Noodle, is the world’s first Hawker to be awarded a Michelin Star! It is located in the China Town Food Centre, China Town, Singapore. The dish for which they were awarded a Michelin Star is the Singapore favourite, Chicken and Rice, which, though simple, is exceptionally flavourful. It stands out as one of the most tender pieces of chicken we have ever eaten. This is a must try while in Singapore, where every savoury bite is worth the long cues that one has to endure for a US$8 meal!
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Hawker Chan’s Michelin star dish, Chicken and rice.

Edited By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Suga Taster, Kimmy hits The Meena House in Port of Spain, Trinidad!

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Suga Taster, Kimberly Nesbeth’s Ratings for The Meena House, Port of Spain, Trinidad

Date and time of visit: August 16th @ 6pm

No. of diners: 7

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★★★

Décor: ★★★★★

Comfort: ★★★★★

Service: ★★★★★

Speed: ★★★★★

Food quality: ★★★★★

Serving amount: ★★★★★

Plating: ★★★★★

Value for $: ★★★★★

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Suga Taster, Kimberly Nesbeth of Suga Lifestyle

Suga Taster, Kimmy’s Breakdown!

Who can resist visiting an Indian Restaurant while in Trinidad? The Meena House is known to offer Modernistic Indian Cuisine and this encompassed not only the menu, but the atmosphere.
The restaurant is outfitted with modern minimalist furniture married with Victorian-Indo-Saracenic accents.
Appetizers
My party of 7 ordered the Tandoori Nawaazish and the Breadfruit Masala Crepes as appetizers for sharing. Both appetizers totaled ~USD$40.
Main Dishes
The Lamb in the Tandoori Nawaazish appetizer was remarkable, which made the Kadhmiri Nalli (Lamb) a must have!
We ordered Butter Chicken, Matar Pneer, Pork Vindalo and Kovalam Chicken too. These dishes were accompanied by Basmati rice, Biryani rice, Garlic naan, Caramelized onion and Goat Cheese naan and Shyamli Shrimp naan.
Main dishes came to about USD $185. Everything was quite tasty. The Biryani rice was a fun item,  but it was blown out of the water by the Shyamli Shrimp naan! SPOILER ALERT! It was blue black because it had squid ink, which not only added the dramatic colour, but also an unexpected, yet pleasant flavour. It was stuffed with shrimp, saffron and cheese. Chef Umesh Meena even stopped by our table to ensure we were pleased with our meal.
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Shyamli Shrimp naan
Dessert
My party was full and satisfied, but we had to surrender to the dessert menu!
The Lemon & Rosemary Sorbet, Rose Pannacotta, Gulab Jabum and Baba Aur Rasili and the Chocolate tasting chose us! I won’t ruin the surprise that was dessert, but I will say it was the PERFECT finale to an extremely enjoyable dining experience!
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A few of the Dessert options from The Meena House

The Meena House, Port of Spain, Trinidad

Location: 3 Alcazar St., St. Clair, Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, W.I.

Ph: (868) 332-6450

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.themeenahouse.com

By: Kimberly Nesbeth (Suga Taster, Suga Lifestyle)

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

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New Restaurant Sighting in Runaway Bay!

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Milestone Bar and Grill had a launch party for their Opening last Friday, September 29 in Runaway Bay!

They are located close to Sharkies Seafood Restaurant on the opposite side of the road. The building is so big, you cannot miss it.

I stopped by last Sunday. I love the large, open space overlooking the sea across the road. It seems suitable for cosy dining and hosting events. Although it’s in Runaway Bay and not in a busier town such as Ocho Rios, it can serve as a great chill spot in between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay once they are fully up and running.

They were closed when I stopped by, but still offered to cook up some Fish or Chicken since the Chef was there. I decided not to pressure them, but Suga will return soon!

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The doors are Open at Milestone Bar and Grill, Runaway Bay

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Jerk ‘Everythang’ Today at 2wo A Seafood Restaurant and Bar off Ruthven Road!

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Have you ever been to 2wo A Seafood Restaurant and Bar on Strathairn Avenue off Ruthven Road? If not, now is your chance.

TGIF! Every Last Friday starting Today, 2wo A Seafood will have Jerked meat for you to eat! There will be locally sourced Rabbit, Chicken, Fish and Pork for affordable prices with Drink Specials.

I was treated to a tasty, complimentary Fish Tea at my first visit to 2wo A Seafood last December. It was a Thursday night when they usually have Live Performances.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Japanese duo, DJs Ackee and Saltfish who have been in Jamaica since 1994. They should give Rankin Pumpkin on Magnum Kings & Queens of Dancehall a few tips.

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Gabby from Suga Lifestyle sandwiched between Japanese DJs Ackee & Saltfish, who called her their Dumpling. (Photo taken  – December 22, 2016)

Waitresses were pleasant and Drinks were very reasonable. For instance, a cue of White rum costed $800JMD, a cue of V/X, $1000JMD and a cue of Johnnie Walker Black, $1200JMD.

Although the Fish took a little while, as it is cooked to order, I recommend their Signature Jerk Fish ($1300JMD/lb), which had a tantalising flavour.

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2wo A Seafood’s Signature Jerk Fish ($1300JMD/lb)

2wo A Seafood has cosy seating and a garden atmosphere with small palms and intricate lighting by the Entertainment area. Patrons also assemble by the bar that has both high stools and comfortable barrel-chair seating.

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Give 2wo A Seafood Restaurant and Bar a visit tonight and Enjoy!

2wo A Seafood Restaurant and Bar

Location: 2A Strathairn Avenue (Off Ruthven Road)

Ph: 876-803-3290

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Beware of Gustazo Lunch time Specials offered by Toss & Roll and ChezMax Catering

It has been a while, but I am still upset about the poor service from ChezMax Catering and Toss & Roll Salad Bar over a Gustazo they offered towards the end of last year.

ChezMax Catering

ChezMax offered $1299JMD for 2 Wraps (Wheat, Spinach, Tomato, Basil etc.) OR Caesar salads with your choice of meat + 2 Strawberry, Mocha or Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothies, Coconut Water or Sorrel with Ginger + 1 Banana Bread that expired December 2, 2016.

My experiences with both establishments were similar, besides the fact that communication with ChezMax was over the phone and that with Toss & Roll was face to face.

My coworker and I love to have something different on Fridays, so I called ChezMax two Fridays before the expiration date and was told they had no ingredients for the Smoothies. I was really looking forward to the Smoothies so I was assured that they should have some the following week. When I called back the following Friday I was told that they still could not offer any of the Smoothies because everything had finished with the large amount of Gustazos being used and it’s almost the final week.

I explained that whether or not it is the final week or day, they should be prepared for the demand, as persons have already spent their money expecting to get a choice from ALL of what was offered.

I already had plans for lunch the following Friday and with the staff’s nonchalant response on the phone and her still being adamant that it was because of the Gustazos, I was not going to wait another week where even less may have been available. I also told her not to argue with the Customer because the Customer is always right, especially since they are in the Customer Service business. I like value for my money so what they did could have been interpreted as false advertising, because as far as I know, persons buy Gustazos based on the guaranteed value of what they are getting at discounted rates.

They delivered the lunch on time for a $200JMD additional charge. I had the Spinach Wrap with Jerked Chicken, Coconut Water and Banana Bread. The Banana Bread was tasty but the Wrap had enough vegetables to feed a rabbit and the Chicken didn’t have a memorable taste so I wasn’t impressed and will never order from them again.

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Spinach Wrap with Jerked Chicken from ChezMax Catering

Toss & Roll Salad Bar

Toss & Roll offered $1399JMD for 2 Main Dishes with a choice of 12″ Wheat or Spinach Wrap with your choice of Meat (Grilled or Jerked Chicken); Sweet and Sour Grilled Chicken; Sweet Chili Chicken served with vegetables or pumpkin rice and toss salad + 2 Natural Juices or Cranwatas + 1 Granola Bar that expired on December 21, 2016.

Over the holidays I was busier than expected, but on one particular day I needed a Wrap that was convenient to eat while I had to drive and run errands. I remembered my Toss & Roll Gustazo expired that day so I went there about 3pm. No Wraps, Cranwatas or Granola Bars were available, all of which I wanted. I was not amused and more upset since this was the 2nd issue within 1 month involving not getting my value for money with a Gustazo and food. Not to mention, I was also very hungry. Take note that some persons may even forget they bought a Gustazo for food because they try to save it for the right moment so it almost feels like a free meal of your choice. When that illusion of a free meal is not granted after being so excited that the day has come to get it, no matter how cheap it is, if it isn’t available, people can become not only upset but disappointed. Gustazos are used to help market what places have to offer so they leave a bad impression when they have poor service and do not deliver what persons bought.

At Toss & Roll I was told I could only get the Chicken dishes and Natural juices. Perhaps they thought since food was still available then that was a sufficient substitute. It was not because that was not what I had in mind, even when I bought the Gustazo.

The cashier had quite a sour face and attitude. She did not check into a resolution since they owe me a granola bar and I could hear her complaining to the Chef. At least the Sweet Chili Chicken was spicy and flavourful and the Juneplum Juice was refreshing and not too sweet, but half of the rice and veggies were left on my car seat and floor mat dodging a pothole. So as simple as it may have seemed, the substitute dish was an inconvenience.

Both experiences were reported to Gustazos but no follow up with me was made. I am hoping that establishments in the future only offer what they can handle and Gustazos finds a way to ensure that is so.

● ChezMax Catering

Location: 2 College Green Avenue

Ph.: 876-585-5996; 876-977-3090

● Toss & Roll Salad Bar

Location: 75 Hope Road. Kingston 6.

Ph.: 876-879-3310; 876-539-6886

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Little Caesars Pizza in Manor Centre!

Hot-n-Ready 1/2 Pepperoni;1/2 Cheese

Have you stopped by Little Caesars in Manor Centre as yet? It is sharing the same space with the new Popeyes! 

It is the most affordable and convenient way to get Pizza right now. Just pay $1000 and a Hot-n-Ready Pepperoni/Cheese/ 1/2 Pepperoni and 1/2 Cheese Pizza will be handed to you!

If they have a lot of people attending to and tell you it will be ready in 10 minutes, they mean it!

Basic toppings such as Onions, Tomatoes, Mushrooms etc. can all be added for $270JMD and Premium toppings such as Bacon etc. can be added for about $390JMD.

Combos with the Hot-n-Ready Pizza including a 2ltr soda are also available for $1600JMD.

Early days but pleasant, efficient staff.

The taste? I would still give Dominoes the edge and have it at about the same level as Pizza Hut. However, it is extremely tempting and easy to grab a Pizza on the go or other items such as Breadsticks ($400JMD) and Wings ($700JMD) that are already hot and ready as well.

Little Caesars Pizza

Shop A20 Manor Centre, Manor Park

By: Gabrielle Burgess
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How was Rib Roast Rum last Friday?

Suga had a decent time at Rib Roast Rum last Friday night. The event was obviously scaled down from the larger venue at Police Officer’s Club to The Grillin’ Pit at the corner of Argyle Road and Musgrave Avenue.

There was Secure Parking and organized entry into the venue. Lighting was superb, items were labelled properly and the labels were visible. Servers seemed happy and were very polite.

The advertised menu seemed to have a few changes as well. I was looking forward to the Pulled Pork Summer Rolls and 3-Cheese Mac and Cheese but they were nowhere in sight. I didn’t miss the Pulled Pork but the Mac and Cheese was missed as the side orders were not that enticing. Loaded Baked potatoes would have been a good option as well. Perhaps the side orders should have gone along with the meats because they stood alone with hardly any visitors.

Anyhow, that was a negligible negative along with the fact that the Chicken Pasta had way too much sauce. There were many other items to fill that tiny void and tantalise the taste buds though.

The Crayfish Soup was a nice starter for me. Then I made my rounds. The winner for me was the Chicken! I had both BBQ and Spicy. Well seasoned and cooked. Lovely texture topped off by unique, flavorful sauces. The succulent BBQ Ribs followed with tasty sauces as well.

Paulette Nelson (L) and Latoya fearon (R)

The Dessert options were a hit. Jodicakes had tasty Mini Banana Nut Cupcakes and D.A.M. Good Brownies had Very Berry Vegan Bites and yummy Black Forest Brownie Parfaits.The Kremi Ice Cream cart with self serve toppings to the side was also guiltful but delightful.

Charlotte O’Reilly

The Bar kept liquor flowing quickly. Video Games, Board games and Dominoes kept some patrons happy and occupied.

Good food, Good vibes, Good music and an overall Good night.

By: Gabrielle Burgess


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Rib Roast and Rum later!

Time: 6pm-11pm

Venue: The Grillin’ Pit @ the corner of Argyle Road and Musgrave Ave.

Cost: $4000 All You Can Eat & Drink

This will be the 8th staging of the event although it has been M.I.A for 2 years.

Official Catering Partner: Chef Christian Sweeney

Guest Chefs: 

> David Kay (Azuri Catering & Culinary Services and The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel)

> Tiffany Gooden (Confections of a Sugar Junkie)

> Lianne Chen (Lilee’s Cakes & Catering)

Some of the salivating bites to look out for!

Pulled Pork Summer Rolls, Sesame Chicken Skewers, Rum BBQ Ribs, Slow-Roasted Beef Brisket, Foil wrapped Grilled Fish, Crayfish Soup, Smoked 3-Cheese Mac and Cheese and more!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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