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The Other JFDF Events and Suga’s Epicurean & Delectable Choices for Restaurant Week!

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.

Vintage 

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

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The Menu for Brunch at the Gallery (Photo Contributed)

The Presentation of some of the meals were also quite sloppy to say the least.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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So what’s next for my Foodies? Restaurant Week!

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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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Suga’s Birthday Dinner at the Marriott!

My husband, Randy wanted to treat me to Dinner for my Birthday a few weeks ago. I preferred to go somewhere that I hadn’t been before, so I checked my list and chose the Courtyard by Marriott that is by Emancipation Park.

On Saturday, June 10 at 8pm, we arrived at the Marriott to pleasant greetings and clean, modern décor.

I immediately noticed that there was access to televisions in the seating booths. I was happy I could see the races from the Racers Grand Prix up close and did not have to cut dinner short or keep walking to the Bar counter to see the races properly.

We ordered soon after we browsed the menu and everything arrived to the table like clockwork.

Soups, Salads, Appetizers, Snacks & Sandwiches

Randy had the Chef’s Soup of the Day, which was a Vegetable Soup ($5.50US). It was a big serving that was tasty and he enjoyed it.

I had the Zesty Fried Shrimp with a flavourful Passion fruit sauce for $12US.

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Zesty Fried Shrimp with Passion fruit sauce

They have Salad Options that range from $9.50US to $12.50US and Appetizers such as Quesadillas, Wings and thin crust Pizza that range from $6.50US to $10.50US. They also offer Sandwiches and Burgers a bit less than $16US.

Entrées

I had the Smoked House Bliss that included Smoked Salmon, Smoked Chicken and Smoked Turkey tossed in a creamy Alfredo sauce ($23US).

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Smoked House Bliss ($23US) – Smoked Salmon, Chicken and Turkey in Alfredo sauce

I appreciated the fact that my Alfredo sauce was light and I loved the pronounced flavours of the Smoked Meats in the Pasta, which were not lost in the sauce.

I enjoyed my dinner with a Hummingbird, which was not on the Drinks menu, but the Bartender agreed to make it and did a good job too.

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Classical Duo ($30US) – Garlic Shrimp and Braised Beef Ribs with a Red Wine sauce

My husband also lucked out with the Classical Duo ($30US) consisting of succulent Garlic Shrimp complemented by a delightful sauce and deliciously seasoned, Braised Beef Ribs with a Red Wine sauce. He enjoyed his main with a strong Rum Punch.

Other Entrées included a variety of Pastas with costs ranging from $15.50US to $23US and a variety of Rib dishes ranging from $22US to $30US. There were also options such as Garlic Shrimp ($29.50US), Grilled Salmon for $25.50US, Pork Chops ($25US), Hoisin Glazed Snapper ($18.50US), Southern Fried Chicken ($19.50US) and most interestingly, Spiked Over-Proof Curried Goat for $22US.

Desserts

More Birthday Dessert for Suga!

The pleasant lady in charge who seemed like the Maître d’, came to our table mid-course, wished me Happy Birthday since she took the reservation and also ensured that service was going well. She then told us that our Dessert would be Complimentary for my Birthday and we should enjoy and return to the Marriott soon.

Randy and I shared the Oreo Cheesecake, which was divine!

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Oreo Cheesecake ($6.50US)

Other Dessert choices on the menu included Cakes, Puddings and Fruit medleys that ranged from $5.50-$6.50US.

Suga’s Endorsement

Marriott is pricey but totally worth it. The food was delicious across the board with good presentation and our waiter, Andrew was very attentive and courteous throughout our courses. #sugaendorsed.

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A happy Birthday Girl, Gabby from Suga Lifestyle dining at the Courtyard by Marriott with her husband, Randy Burgess.

Courtyard by Marriott

Location: 1 Park Close. Kingston 5. Jamaica

Ph: 876-618-9900

Website: www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/kincy-courtyard-kingston-jamaica/

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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