Suga Revisits Westmoreland! First Stop, Pelican Lookout!

Sometimes it takes a few months before you get the urge to take the 4-hour drive to Negril, but when you do, it’s so worth it!

First stop, Pelican Lookout restaurant and bar by West End, Negril.

It was overcast upon arrival, but then the sun came out and you know Negril heat hits differently, so go in the evening or night when the vibes and temperature are right.

Very attentive staff, big up Rohan and most of all, the Chef! Food ‘propa’.

A variety of Octopus dishes were on the menu, but looks like we just missed the season. We have to return to try those!

There were still great options for Seafood, Pastas, Burgers and Beverages. We opted for traditional Jamaican Conch Fritters, Oxtail and Curried Goat. They all hit the spot. Di Oxtail tender tender and slide off the bone. Well seasoned and wicked flavours.

Conch Fritters (US$8)
Oxtail and Beans
Oxtail and Beans (USD $17)
Curried Goat (USD$15)

Eye-catching rustic, artistic décor & view, rhythmic music, timely food and I can see the place lights up at night.

Pelican Lookout is #SugaEndorsed. Visit them when next on the West End.

Pelican Lookout

Location: West End. Negril, Jamaica

Ph: 876-801-3293

Instagram: @pelican_look_out

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

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Girls Day Out at Broken Plate!

(L-R) Gillian Jackson, Gabrielle Burgess and Kimario Rose-Stewart

Suga’s Ratings for Broken Plate
Date and time of visit: Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 2:00pm
No. of diners: 3
NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum
Parking: ★★★★★
Ambience: ★★★★☆
Décor: ★★★★☆
Comfort: ★★★★★
Service: ★★★★★
Speed: ★★★★☆
Food quality: ★★★★★
Serving amount: ★★★★★
Plating: ★★★★★
Value for $: ★★★★★

Suga’s Breakdown: 

Last Saturday, with no weddings, someone to watch the kids and complete or postponed errands, us girls finally made time for Lunch, Vino & Cocktails! Can you relate? If not, it’s totally worth it.

Balance is key Suga Bears and thankfully, the recently Award-Winning Game Changer Restaurant Broken Plate
did not disappoint.

They don’t facilitate reservations, but it’s somewhat understandable in these times when a party may not show up and not give notice. We were seated quickly enough and our waitress was polite and attentive.

Loved the modern, simple yet tasteful decor.

The Restaurant was full to capacity, but comfortable and they still managed to send out our Appetizers, Beverages and Mains in good time.

We enjoyed Calamari, Duck Breast Bruschetta, the Smoked Marlin Salad, Grilled Salmon and BBQ Spare Ribs. The girls took their Dessert to-go.

Calamari ‘Pop’ (J$1750)
Duck Breast Bruschetta (J$2050)
Smoked Marlin Salad (J$2250)
Grilled Salmon (J$3650)
BBQ Spare Ribs (J$3950)

I asked for my Bruschetta to be lightly toasted and it was honoured, arriving with tasty, tender Duck Breast. I also switched out the creamy sauce for my Salmon with grilled pineapple & corn salsa. You can enjoy healthier choices when you’re out too!

A Restaurant for the young, old & in-between. It took me a while to visit, but I definitely prefer the changes made and this new location. Broken Plate is now #SugaEndorsed

Broken Plate

Location: 24-28 Barbican Rd. , Kingston. Ja

Ph: 876-667-6891

Instagram: @brokenplateja

A Sentimental Visit to the Relocated Summerhouse where Hubby Proposed

Suga’s Ratings for Summerhouse
Date and time of visit: Saturday, May 22, 2021 at 2:30pm
No. of diners: 4.5
NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum
Parking: ★★★★★
Ambience: ★★★★★
Décor: ★★★★★
Comfort: ★★★★★
Service: ★★★★★
Speed: ★★★★★
Food quality: ★★★★☆
Serving amount: ★★★★★
Plating: ★★★★★
Value for $: ★★★★★

Suga’s Breakdown

It’s always a pleasure to visit Harmony Hall, that dates backs to the 19th century, now the home of Summerhouse.

Exquisite outdoor dining with superior service and delectable courses that I enjoyed with my husband, Randy, friends and Suga Tasters, Ashleigh and Tennyson Arnold and Suga Baby, Blaire Arnold.

Suga Tasters, Ashleigh and Tennyson Arnold with Suga Baby, Blaire Arnold.

I could almost say our culinary experience was excellent from start to finish, but with fair warning, disappointing Dessert loomed the air. Bread Pudding is usually a common, highly anticipated request by us Jamaicans, where the calories are worth it. When ordered with a side of their dairy-free ice cream, the ice cream didn’t help it. It was dry and left unfinished. The other Dessert options weren’t satisfying either and sometimes this may leave a lasting impression, but definitely not this time. It’s early days, with many naturally talented bakers emerging during Covid. They should be able to find a superb Pastry Chef.

The Appetizers and Starch dishes were large enough to share, the Coal-Fired Proteins were divine and we had a few Cocktails. The Strawberry Bellini was on point👌🏾. Executive Chef Dennis McIntosh paid us a visit for feedback and he was lauded.

Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga of Suga Lifestyle with Strawberry Bellini in hand at Summerhouse last Saturday, May 22, 2021.

We enjoyed scrumptious Saltfish Fritters with a spicy dipping sauce, mouth-watering cheesy Callaloo dip with Crostini, Curried Ackee Wontons, juicy Local Beef Tenderloin cooked as ordered, Sweet Potato Gnocchi, tasty Orzo, mixed Mushrooms, savory Fresh Grouper, delish Ripe Plantain Gratin and one of specials of the day, Grilled Tuna with a heavenly lemon & cilantro butter. Feast your eyes.

Quite a delightful experience and currently considered one of the Best places to Brunch on a Sunday. Kudos to Suzanne and Michelle Rousseau, Jamaican sisters who have found a new home, where it’s always Summer, providing us with the pleasure of embracing modern, heritage dining with a side of fresh, Caribbean Sea breeze.

Summerhouse

Location: Harmony Hall, St. Mary.

Reservations: 876-603-3777; 876-858-0031

Instagram: @summerhouseja

Website (Including Menus): www.summerhouseja.com/

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.

Brunching Outside at CRU Bar & Kitchen!

Suga’s Ratings for CRU Bar & Kitchen
Date and time of visit: Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 2:30pm
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 Comments: 

Suga enjoyed the weekend before lockdown with hubby, Randy at Cru Bar & Kitchen’s Saturday Brunch.

Rooftop dining is quite sunny in the early afternoon, but we had a bit of breeze and some seating areas were partially covered or shaded. I welcome back the fans anytime though.

I appreciate the Scan Barcode menu anywhere I go. #SugaSnaps #CopingwithCovid

We enjoyed their consistently tasty and authentic Murray’s Curried Goat, as well as their Grilled Salmon along with refreshing Cocktails. We had two rounds of the Blue Lagoon Mojito and Whiskey Sour.

Murray’s Curried Goat served with handmade roti, bammy and steamed veggies (J$2100 +10% serv. charge +tx)
CRU Grilled Salmon with mashed potato, steamed veggies and sweet cilantro, lime glaze served on the side (J$2800 +10% serv. charge +tx)

Service was slow, but our waiter was attentive and we were just thankful for being outside, listening to the DJ play and seeing and waving to people from a distance. Seeing a few younger millennials in action was entertaining as well. The lighting on the rooftop seemed to be perfect for selfies.

Looking forward to returning to Brunch at CRU after the lockdown weekends.

…Until next time!

CRU Bar & Kitchen

Location: 71 Lady Musgrave Rd. Kgn. Ja

Ph: 876-571-1168

Reservations: 876-667-2323

Instagram: @crubarjamaica

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.

Seaside Dining by a Hidden Gem along Tower Isle!

With the upcoming lockdown weekends, I am happy my hubby, Randy and I didn’t put off visiting this hidden gem of a restaurant along Tower Isle, Ocho Rios two weeks ago.

The Rocks Restaurant & Bar, Villa Viento, Ocho Rios

Suga’s Ratings for The Rocks Restaurant & Bar
Date and time of visit: Sunday, March 14, 2021 at 4:00pm
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:

The Rocks Restaurant & Bar is located on the seaside directly across from Harmony Hall and has breathtaking views, attentive staff and food done to order.

We enjoyed Escargot (could have been a bit spicier), Roast Chicken and quite a commendable Curry Goat. #SugaSnaps

Escargot (USD$15)
Roasted Chicken (USD$12)
Curried Goat (USD$15)

The Crème Brûlée was deliciously rummy! A pleasant surprise.

Crème Brûlée (USD$8)

The Rocks Restaurant & Bar is #SugaEndorsed. Thanks for the hospitality. I will have Cocktails from the Bar next time around!

The Rocks Restaurant & Bar

Location: Villa Viento. Tower Isle, Ocho Rios. Jamaica.

Ph: 876-810-4179

Instagram: @the_rocks_restaurant_n_bar

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! Head over to The Jamaica Pegasus’s Poolside Lyme After Work Later!

✔Good Music ✔Good Food ✔Good Vibes

All Covid-19 protocols observed.
Food and Drinks on Sale!

Reservations recommended, but it’s a big poolside, so socially distanced seating should still be available.

Have yourself a good time before curfew. Cheers!

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.

JD’s Urban Pub has found a Home at The Liguanea Club!

Suga’s Ratings for JD’s Urban Pub!

Dates and times of visits: Saturday, November 21, 2020 at 7:00pm & Friday, November 27, 2020
No. of diners: 5; 1
NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum
Parking: ★★★★★
Ambience: ★★★★☆
Décor: ★★★★☆
Comfort: ★★★★★
Service: ★★★★☆
Speed: ★★★★☆
Food quality: ★★★★★
Serving amount: ★★★★★
Plating: ★★★★★
Value for $: ★★★★★

Suga’s Comments: 

The Summerhouse at The Liguanea Club is no longer and JD’s Urban Pub has found a new home.

JD for Jason Delvaille, opened JD’s Urban Pub at The Liguanea club almost 2 weeks ago, on Friday, November 20th. With the closing of Summerhouse for some time now, The Liguanea Club was in desperate need to have a new Restaurant/Bar open for members, visitors and guests.

I hosted a small launch of www.sugalifestyle.com at The Liguanea Club a day after their opening and decided to try them right away after my launch with hubby and friends.

It was refreshing to see the staff genuinely excited to politely welcome diners and maintain attentive service throughout. It was quite a comfortable atmosphere and quiet, calming ambience. A bit too quiet though, some background music was needed. No worries though, that was fixed when I visited on my own a week later. They smoothed out bar and billing glitches the second time around and the food on both occasions was excellent. Adequate servings, great presentation, tasty and value for money.

I had their freshly made Lentil and Mushroom Burger (J$1500) for my first visit and last Friday, with my waitress, Keron’s advice, I had the Boneless Curry Goat Wrap (J$1200). That wrap was delicious! The meat was tender, seasoned to perfection and full of flavour. Bravo Chef!

My friends have tried and enjoyed the signature JD Burger (J$1800) and 6-piece Hot Wings (J$1200).

JDs Burger
Hot Wings

Owner, Jason Delvaille has made rounds checking on guests and gathering feedback. We know how important it is for Restaurant Owners to always be present. I have seen many Restaurants/Bars come and go at The Liguanea Club, but if JD’s keeps this up, they may be there to stay.

Suga is looking forward to their Sunday Brunch from 11AM – 5PM and to visit their Pub for drinks with friends. You should too!

(L-R) Sherene Radcliffe, Ryan McKenzie, Randy Burgess, Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga and Shane Walters enjoying the new Restaurant and Pub in town, JD’s Urban Pub. [November 21, 2020]

Location: The Liguanea Club, 5 Kutsford Blvd. Kingston 5. JA. W.I.

Jason Delvaille’s Restaurant, JD’s Urban Pub

Ph: 876-926-8144; 876-833-0627

Instagram: @jds_urban_pub

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.

Suga Taster, Jody Hits DC’s Best Cuban Rum Bar & Restaurant!

Suga Taster, Jody Dixon at Casta’s Rum Bar in Washinton, DC a few weeks ago.

Open for just over a year now, Casta’s Rum Bar has racked up street credit for not only being Washington DC’s Best Cuban Rum Bar, but one of the hottest Bars in DC!

Suga cannot wait to travel again and hit this spot. Soooo jealous of Suga Taster, Jody Dixon! She visited a few weeks ago with friends and said her smiles were courtesy of Passionfruit and Tequila!

Check out the juicy, salivating Dishes and refreshing Cocktails that she and her friends enjoyed here!

The Menu is online! If you’re in DC, this looks like a spot to hit for sure!

Casta’s Rum Bar
Location: 1121 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037
Ph: +1 202-660-1440
Website: www.castasrumbar.com
*Menu is on Website*
Instagram: @castasrumbar

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.

Open Fire Cooking by Chef Conroy Arnold During Love in the Time of Corona!

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Chef Conroy Arnold cooking up a storm by his open fire grill for diners at The Broken Rudder Beach Bar and Grill last Saturday, June 13, 2020.

Suga’s Ratings for The Broken Rudder Beach Bar and Grill at Hermosa Cove

Date and time of visit: Saturday, June 13, 2020 @ 2:00pm

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!

As Restaurants open up and we slowly get back to a new normal, this may be the last review for the series of ‘During Love in the Time of Corona’. Not to worry though, there is so much more to expect from Suga Lifestyle! Thanks so much for enjoying the series with me. So Suga had to add an outdoor, seaside dining experience to the series and of course, my Birthday escapades! I am still celebrating! Geminis rule!

Christopher’s at Hermosa Cove is not fully open as yet, but you can call ahead to set a time with Chef Conroy Arnold for the time you would like to visit. In the mean time, Chef Arnold a.k.a Stuttering Chef has been busy open fire cooking by the nearby, Broken Rudder Beach Bar and Grill!

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Team Gandy (Gabby and Randy)’s Piña Colada and Hummingbird Blended Drinks from Broken Rudder

My hubby, Randy and I got to the beach early and we were all by ourselves. Hermosa Cove is quite a large property, so even though we knew other persons were there, they were far away. We had the Broken Rudder Beach Bar bring down Blended Drinks to us and by about 2pm we had our open fire cooked Pizzas!

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Open fire cooked Chicken and Vegetable thin crust Pizza!

We had 8″ thin crust Pizzas with Chicken and Vegetables that we thoroughly enjoyed. You know Stuttering Chef is Farm to Table, so imagine freshly cooked Okra and Mushrooms on your Pizza, plus Carrot with a hint of sweetness and more! Stimulating.

When we decided to have drinks by the Bar itself, we saw a group of persons that were celebrating the Birthday of a young one. It was truly impressive to see how fast Stuttering Chef fired up their Burgers, Hot Dogs and other requests without a hitch. Efficiency at its best. The other members of staff were courteous and attentive as well.

The Broken Rudder Beach Bar and Grill at Hermosa Cove is open and ready for you to join them.

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Team Gandy has reported that The Broken Rudder Beach Bar and Grill is #SugaEndorsed!

***It is recommended to call ahead though. Remember Social Distancing is still being observed.***

The Broken Rudder Beach Bar and Grill at Hermosa Cove

Location: Hermosa Lane, Pineapple, Ocho Rios. JA.

Ph: 876-974-3699; 876-552-0963

Website: http://www.thebrokenrudder.com

Instagram: @thebrokenrudder; @christophersjamaicaaaw; @stutteringchef

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20200616_155714

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.

Brunching at The Rib Kage Grill During Love in the Time of Corona!

20200609_103749
Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga and husband, Randy Burgess at The Rib Kage Grill last Sunday, June 7, 2020.

Suga’s Ratings for The Rib Kage Grill

Date and time of visit: Sunday, June 7, 2020 @ 11:30am

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!

During Love In The Time of Corona, Suga and hubby, Randy Burgess brunched outside! As restaurants slowly start to reopen, we jumped at the opportunity to try The Rib Kage Grill located in Sovereign North and kick-start Suga’s Birthday week as well.

Still taking precautions, we made reservations for their opening time at 11:30am and we were their first and only diners at that time, where everything was clean and spotless. We only saw a family pick up a take-out order.

Mandella was our waiter and the service was superb from we entered until we left. We appreciated Mandella. Another positive coming out of Corona is the extra effort to offer great customer service and for customers to be pleasant and thankful on the receiving end as well. I hope it lasts!

I don’t eat Pork often, but I have been craving their Crispy Pork Belly Waffles since they posted it. So I definitely ordered that, Randy ordered the Korean Chicken and Waffles and we shared the Smoky Ackee and Tostones, which was a tasty starter.

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Smoky Ackee and Tostones ($1200JMD) – Crunchy twice fried Green Plantain topped with Ackee and Smoked Herring.

Crispy Pork Belly does not have much meat if any, but I would have liked if the few bits I had were more tender with melt-in-your-mouth fat after I got past the tasty, crispy char. My waffles were crisp, but I wanted them to be a bit more fluffy in the middle. So I was slightly disappointed, but it was filling and I was still able to enjoy it.

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Crispy Pork Belly Waffles ($1650JMD+tx) – Vietnamese Crispy Pork Belly with Waffles *There was no Green Papaya Salad as the menu stated.

Randy’s Waffles were perfect. Stick to what you know! Golden brown with a huge serving of delish Korean style Fried Chicken. Mandella also enthusiastically offered us some freshly whipped cream on the side.

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Korean Chicken and Waffles ($1650JMD +tx) – Crispy Belgian Waffles with Korean Style Fried Chicken and Cucumber Kimchee.

Of course we had to drink while we brunched! We had the refreshing Dirty Mojito and Lychee Lemongrass Freeze Cocktails. Cheers!

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Dirty Mojito Cocktail ($950JMD +tx) – Mint, Wet sugar, Lime juice, Myers Rum, Appleton, Angostura Bitters; Lychee Lemongrass Freeze Cocktail  ($950JMD +tx)

The Rib Kage Grill

Location: Sovereign North, 29 Barbican Road

Ph: 876-778-7427; 876-632-4994

Instagram: @theribkagegrill

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