The Chef’s Advocate and Pop-Up Gourmet Jamaica present Taste, an evening of Culinary Tapestry on the East lawns of Devon House on Friday, July 26, 2019!Â
The Chef’s Advocate, out of Brooklyn, New York, is a marketing and events management firm that supports Chefs in the culinary industry across the USA, Canada and the Caribbean. Annette Davidson, who founded the company in 2017, is also known for ‘Savouring Jamaica’, which was held last November at the James Beard House in Manhattan, New York. The event highlighted our country, culture and chefs with an exclusive menu. The James Beard House was once the home of legendary gastronome James Beard, who hosted the very first television food program in 1946.
Pop-Up Gourmet Jamaica is Jamaica’s first ‘foodie-centric’ platform dedicated to the celebration of Food in its many forms, taking you on a never-ending epicurean experience across Jamaica; from delicious recipes and trendy, hot, new ‘foodie’ spots, to Jamaican Chefs’ insights and extraordinary gourmet experiences islandwide.
What to Expect?!
Imagine the kind of night to expect, now that The Chef’s Advocate and Pop-Up Gourmet Jamaica have teamed up to host Taste!
Five Chefs, George Matthews, Hugh Sinclair (Chef Irie), Jacqui Tyson, Alex D-Great and Lucian Dunn joined by Patisserie Terri Brown Palmer will combine their skills and a myriad of flavours and textures to create an intricately tantalizing six (6) course tasting experience which, will be further enhanced with Wines from Caribbean Producers Jamaica and signature Cocktails.
Meet your Chefs and Patisserie!
TASTE has been marketed locally and internationally. Be a part of Jamaica, continuing to rise as a Foodies Paradise.
‘When you think TASTE, think
PREMIUM! Think Champagne, Fine Wines, Signature Cocktails, Sumptuous Cuisine and White Glove Service‘. Book your tickets now!
***Ticket Information***
Tickets are available via a Concierge service for Patrons wishing to purchase tickets for TASTE by credit or debit card.
You can contact Pop-Up Gourmet’s Booking Office to schedule your concierge visit or to get the link to pay online by eventbrite.com!
Note that there is ***LIMITED SEATING***(Tables of 10)
Service is available within the Corporate Area on Tuesdays & Wednesdays ONLY.
FOLLOW Pop-Up Gourmet Jamaica on Instagram @popupgourmetjamaica
Facebook: @PopUpGourmet
Website: www.popupgourmetjamaica.com
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Oxtail served with rice and peas and fried plantain from Oak Kitchen ($1500JMD +G.C.T+Service charge)
Have you checked out Lunch at Oak Kitchen?!
The Oak Wine Bar & Cocktail Lounge has opened Oak Kitchen with Lunch menu items on Mondays to Saturdays from 11am to 4pm. Yes, Oak Kitchen is now open on Saturdays too!
Their menu has Jamaican staples such as Fried Chicken, Oxtail and Curried Goat.
Suga has been salivating over their Instagram photos and I went last Thursday to satify my craving. It did not disappoint! My own pot full of Oxtail that was succulent to the bone.
Cool, cozy, indoor environs with modern decor, no crowd, quick and professional service. Oak Kitchen is #SugaEndorsed.
Get your Jamaican style Lunch at Oak Kitchen today!
Oak Wine Bar & Cocktail Lounge Location: Unit #5, 8 Hillcrest Avenue. Kingston 6, Jamaica
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The new kid on the Kingston hospitality block, AC Hotel had its official opening two weeks ago. From the Laura Facey and Andre Woolery commissioned Art installations displayed throughout the lobby to the open air interior design, the AC Hotel (a collaboration between local hoteliers Sandals/ATL Group and the international hotel conglomerate, Marriott Bonvoy) is a beauty in contemporary design and aesthetics.
Laura Facey and Andre Woolery commissioned Art installations displayed throughout the Lobby.
It’s located on the same compound as the BMW/MINI showroom. The open air feeling makes guests feel welcomed with outdoor/indoor music. Guests can look forward to Starbucks, a multilevel parking garage and potential establishments along the mini boardwalk in the near future too.
I decided to check out the AC Lounge last Friday for a quick lunch. It consists of a HUGE wraparound bar, outdoor pool bar and a cozy, but intimate dining area. If you are like me and have lodged at any other AC Hotel location, you would know what to expect from the millennial targeted brand: simple tapas, basic, but tasty libations, all wrapped in an affordable package. The newest Kingston location does not disappoint in that aspect.
Upon entering the lobby, the hotel staff will direct you to the quaint dining area located directly beside the open bar and you will have a choice to either sit alongside the sound padded cushioned walls or adjacent to the breakfast buffet area separated by a sliding glass casement.
Appetizers
My friend and I started with a simple request of Club soda and lime alongside bottled water, which was promptly sent to our table. We perused the limited menu and being a quintessential foodie, decided to start with Appetizers.
Mini Potato Bites
We got the mini Potato bites with sea salt, scallions and garlic+paprika aioli and the Arugula Salad with shaved parmesan, prosciutto and salami. The Potato was fried perfectly, but my only vice is that the aioli be served on the side rather than beneath the mound of fried Potatoes.
Arugula Salad with shaved parmesan, prosciutto.
The Arugula Salad had the perfect amount of prosciutto and parmesan. They did not have the salami as advertised, which normally would be problematic, but it truly was not necessary for this salad. I also loved that the dressing was not drizzled on it beforehand, as my personal preference is to pour it myself. The server promptly apologized for the unavailability of salami and we continued to order our next lunch course.
The Dessert choice was no better. The Molten Chocolate Lava cake tasted like a Betty Crocker cake mix topped with cheap chocolate sauce, far from the expectations of what an actual molten lava cake is supposed to be – decadent and yummy.
Molten Chocolate Lava cake.
Advice: order the Macarons or the Cheesecake.
We ended our meal with Coffee which appeased my disappointment with the fries & Lava cake.
The AC Lounge is a great locale for Drinks and quick bites after work. Hopefully they will follow suit with the other global locations and have discounted Happy Hour drinks and appetizers. There are a few quirks to iron out from the first few days of opening, but the customer service from the get go has raised the bar positively, which is in line with the expectations of the AC Marriott mantra.
AC Hotel Kingston
Location: 38-42 Lady Musgrave Road. Kingston 5. JA. W.IÂ
Ph: 876-750-3000
Website: www.achotelkingston.com/
[Photos and Review contributed by Suga Taster, Craig Fleming]Edited By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)
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The Restaurant accommodated indoor and outdoor dining with city views and quite an inviting bar lined off with high chairs for socializing. The only thing missing for me was a TV, but I suppose they didn’t want to interfere with the intimacy and ambience of the dining area. Perhaps it could still be considered for daytime viewing and special events. I would like to return and enjoy some of the items from their affordable Bar Snacks Menu to accompany my Cocktails. Our Whiskey Sours were on point. I’m not sure if it is in the plans, but they should offer a Wine List too.
The staff were courteous and our waiter, Malcolm provided smooth service. The Soup of the Day, a Seafood soup ($550JMD – cup) started off dinner, followed by exquisite, pricey entrees. My husband, Randy’s Beef Tenderloin was done to order, medium rare with a tasty coffee and cocoa crusted char on top. My Bouillabaisse was absolutely delightful.
Red Thai Curry Bouillabaisse ($4900JMD) – Fish Filet, Salmon, Shrimp, Calamari, Jasmin Rice
The Dessert was disappointing, but didn’t ruin the experience because we were still so captivated by our entrees. The Bread Pudding arrived a little hardened on the surface and was too hot from probably being reheated for too long. I like my Bread Pudding warm and freshly baked with a crumble on top. However, it’s early days with room for improvement and hopefully more decadent Dessert options will be offered as well.
White Chocolate Guava Bread Pudding ($900JMD)
We were introduced to Chef Karey at the end of the night, who greeted us warmly. I was happy I took the chance since they just reopened, to ring in my birthday with exquisite dining. Suga will return.
Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga at the entrance of Redbones Blues Cafe at the R Hotel Kingston.
Redbones Blues Cafe at the R Hotel Kingston
Location: 2 Renfrew Rd. KingstonÂ
Ph: 876-968-6222; 876-292-1162
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Gabby Burgess a.k.a Suga of Suga Lifestyle at The Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards last night at The Devon House.
TGIF! How fun was the Jamaica Observer Food Awards last night?!
I don’t think many persons found the GCG Events booth around the back, but their surprise cocktails handed to you were one of the highlights to my night. Not to mention their spicy JACKFRUIT CRÈME BRÛLÉE! 😠Stay tuned and follow Suga Lifestyle for more OFA highlights!
Enjoy the weekend!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
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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Suga’s make-your-own Pizza with Arugula, Pesto sauce, Chicken breast, Mushrooms, a touch of blue cheese and more!
For those who aren’t ready to jump back on the healthy wagon just yet!
Flashback Friday to Suga’s Pizza from Fiorella’s Italian Kitchen by the National Harbor in Washington DC!
Delicious Pizza and tasty cocktails with great service and riverside views. Ideal for a family outing. #SugaEndorsed
Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a. Suga with niece, Ariana Williams at Fiorella’s Italian Kitchen over the holidays.
Fiorella’s Italian Kitchen
Location: 152 National Plaza (National Harbor), Oxon Hill, MD 20745, USA
Ph: 301-839-1811
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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The Immaculate Conception High School Alumnae will be hosting the Movie Premiere of ‘Nobody’s Fool’ (Rated R), starring Tiffany Haddish and Tika Sumpter at CARIB 5 on Tuesday, October 30, 2018!
Cocktails begin at 7:30pm and Showtime is at 8:30pm.
***ALL Proceeds go towards providing Scholarships and Funding for Immaculate students in need***
Please come out, support and have many laughs too!
Ticket Information
Regular Tickets: $2500JMD; VIP: $3000JMD
Contact: Rasine Hamilton (Ig: @rasicharyn; Ph: 876-489-5005)
OR
Nailah Bishop (Ig: @nailahbish; Ph: 876-854-4459)
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Comments: Panoramic view of the mountains, good service, tasty cocktails and savoury dishes and desserts with excellent presentation at a high price. Prices could be reduced for full value for money. Also, quite a few items were unavailable from the menu. Perhaps more preparation should be made for busier periods when the cottages are full and persons drive up to escape the heat on the flats.
Suga’s Breakdown
After some disappointing visits earlier this year in April and May from Suga Bears with regards to poor quality food and slow service, I was relieved to have a pleasant experience last Sunday from start to finish. I was impressed with my first visit to Blue Ridge Restaurant almost 3 years ago, so I was curious about what could have changed. I was told that one of their Chefs is no longer there for about two months now. We may not know for sure, but that could be one of the reasons. General Manager, Zoe Alexander was present and seen overlooking operations of the restaurant. Kudos to her and her courteous staff for a memorable visit.
What did we have?
Appetizers
My husband, Randy and Suga Bear friends, Ashleigh and Tennyson Arnold, started off with a tasty Tortilla soup, tomato based with black beans, corn, carrot and Chipotle seasoning, topped off with crunchy tortillas and cheese ($850 JMD + Tx+S.c).
However, I think everyone was quite jealous when I had the very last Creamy Crab dip that the restaurant had to offer. It was served with artichokes and roasted garlic ($1600 JMD +Tx +S.c). The taste of the crab was rich and it was delicious.
Cocktails
The cocktails were excellent. We had Sangria, Mojitos and Moscato infused Strawberry slushies.
Tennyson enjoyed his Land and Sea Special, which was Chicken breast stuffed with seasoned crab topped with grilled shrimp and creamy garlic sauce ($4300 JMD +Tx+Sc).
Linguini with Shrimp in creamy cilantro sauce ($3800 JMD+Tx+Sc.)
My husband Randy enjoyed his Shrimp pasta. The sauce was not too heavy and was zesty with the right amount of herbs.
Ashleigh and I had the Salmon fillet in cilantro cream sauce ($3800 JMD + tx+Sc.) with a side of garlic mashed green banana ($400 JMD tx +Sc.).
Potatoes may be scarce at this time of year, but the mashed green banana as a side needs to be replaced. It was too chunky with no evidence of garlic.
We were quite satisfied with the healthy serving of well cooked Salmon served on veggies, that was enough on its own.
Dessert
Oreo Cheesecake ($1200 JMD+tx +Sc.)
I was going to pass on dessert, until I took a bite of Randy’s Oreo Cheesecake and ordered my own to pile on those calories that were definitely worth it.
Ashleigh and Tennyson fought it out too. It was a similar situation, where Ashleigh probably regretted ordering the Hot Chocolate, although she enjoyed that too.
It was a great day out and a refreshing break from routine activities and the humidity of the flats. If you decide to head up there and give them a try or revisit, ensure that you go up early to make it back before night-time and in a vehicle that can handle the rocky road.
Make the best of the rest of summer and head on up to Blue Ridge Restaurant, because they are once again, Suga Endorsed!
***Reservations recommended***
Blue Ridge Restaurant and Cottages
Location: Salt Hill Lot 9 East Rural, St. Andrew, Blue Mountain
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Comments:Â
Rustic, but refined Restaurant tucked
away on Altery Beach in Priory, St. Ann. Seaside Dutchie has comfortable dining options with a seaside view and courteous, attentive staff. They specialize in Jamaican cuisine and both the food and drink menus have a wide variety of items to satisfy whatever craving you may have. Service time is reasonable, the preparation and presentation of their food in Dutch pots is unique and dishes are flavourful. Reasonable prices and value for money. #SugaEndorsed
Suga’s Breakdown
I took pleasure in the rustic ambience and comfortable seating with a seaside view. It was so comfortable, I was quite alright with sitting by the Bar with my husband, Randy. A small wedding was about to start, where they had a room reserved with food and tables for the reception. Free entertainment was ahead with music playing already.
Randy Burgess enjoying his Soup while sitting by the bar at Seaside Dutchie on Sunday, May 6, 2018.
Their Starters looked interesting for the most part. For instance, they had Johnny Be Good listed that included four Deep Fried Johnny Cakes stuffed with spicy Shrimp and Callaloo for $500JMD+tx or Black Beans and Corn Salsa for $400JMD.
Sweet and Sticky Wings that consisted of Pineapple Flavoured Chicken Wings with a hint of Molasses for $700JMD+tx caught my eyes too.
I had been craving the Conch Fritters with Escoveitched mayonnaise ($500JMD+ tx), but I was stopped in my tracks before ordering when our server, Demonia a.k.a Mona listed a few items that were not available on the menu.
I had the Tostones.
Tostones: Deep Fried Pressed Plantain topped with Coconut Curry Saltfish – $400JMD+tx
The Coconut Curry Saltfish had a sharp, but delicious flavour, while the Pressed Plantains were on point! They hit the spot.
Randy had the Rasta Man Soup, which he enjoyed. Everything arrived in Dutch pots. Loved it!
Rasta Man Soup – Vegetarian style Red Peas soup simmered with coconut milk $350JMD+tx
There were countless options for the main. They had Wraps, Burgers and Sandwiches ranging from $600-$1000JMD+ tx. Salads, Pizzas and Pastas were available too for less than $1400JMD+tx.
Being on the North coast, Island favourites are a must. They had Jerk Chicken and Pork, Curried Goat, Oxtail, Fried Chicken and Fish done any style ranging from $800-$2200JMD+tx.
If you felt like stepping things up, gourmet dishes such as Steak ($3000JMD+ tx) and Pan Seared Blackened Salmon ($2000JMD+ tx) were available.
A wide range of reasonable beverages accompanied the food options, including Blended Cocktails that can be whipped up by the Bartender.
We chose to dine Island style. Our main had an interesting preparation and presentation. I had Roast Fish and my husband, Steamed. We were told when ordering that they would debone the fish, then fry the bone.
Steamed Fish and Bammy – $1800JMD+ tx (N.B. Bigger Fish are available for $3000JMD+ tx)
I felt robbed of some of my fish meat, but it was still satisfying. If you desired the best of both worlds, you could peck away some fried fish.
Interesting, but enjoyable experience. Suga will return.
Seaside Dutchie
Location: Altery Beach, Priory St. Ann. Jamaica
Ph: 876-367-9277
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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