(L-R) Friends and Foodies, Jehan Knight, Randy Burgess and wife, Gabrielle a.k.a Suga feeling quite content after a fulfilling RW dinner at the new Chive Restaurant.

Did the NEW Chive Restaurant make a good first impression?

by FoodpornRestaurant Reviews & RatingsWhat's Hot

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Suga’s Ratings for Chive Restaurant

Date and time of visit: Wednesday, November 13, 2018 at 8:00pm

No. of diners: 3 adults

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★★☆

Ambience: ★★★★☆

Décor: ★★★★☆

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★★☆

Speed: ★★★★☆

Food quality: ★★★★★

Serving amount: ★★★★☆

Plating: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★★★★

Suga’s Breakdown:

Jamaicans love a new restaurant that looks modern and is easy to get to and that explains why Chive Restaurant is booked out for Restaurant Week (RW). Chive is in the Savoury Category for $2800JMD, where G.C.T and Beverages are at an additional cost.

They definitely took the huge risk to open and participate in Restaurant Week to make a first impression on the public. But bravo! They did well.

The staff was polite, attentive and quite composed for the occasion.

The Restaurant is small, but comfortable with modern décor that was tastefully put together.

The menu for Restaurant Week offered a good variety of options including Vegetarian, Seafood, Beef, Chicken and Pork dishes. Food came out in a reasonable amount of time and servings were sufficient. The taste of everything was on point and Chive was definitely value for money. Two thumbs up for Restaurant Week!

Appetizers

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Crispy Glazed Pork Belly stuffed in a steamed bao bun with Hoisin sauce, ginger and pickled cucumbers.

Firstly, the RW menu said Pork Buns and not Pork Bun. However, we threw that critique out the window after we indulged in a healthy serving of succulent, well seasoned Pork Belly with a crisp that met you upon each bite.

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Plump grape tomatoes, grilled garlic lobster and basil drizzled with a honey balsamic reduction on toasted baguette slices.

For the Grilled Lobster Bruschetta, we were wondering if we would get mostly tomatoes, but that was not the case. The Bruschettas were toasted just right and filled with Grilled Lobster. Delightful. Hopefully they can keep up this standard.

Main

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Oxtail Alfredo – Traditional ‘fall off the bone’ Oxtail combined with penne pasta tossed in creamy Alfredo sauce.

I must admit that I was not in the mood to be disappointed with another Oxtail Pasta that didn’t really have Oxtail in it. So when ordering, I requested that I do not get ‘the essence’ of the Oxtail and I get my Pasta loaded with tender Oxtail. I can’t guarantee the same for you, but ask and you shall receive!

The Oxtail was tender, well seasoned and tasty. It was not overpowered by a heavy, creamy alfredo sauce. The taste and consistency of the sauce was just right to complement the Oxtail.

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Beef Bourguignon – Tender chunks of Beef simmered in a rich red wine gravy served atop garlic, rosemary mashed potatoes and country roasted vegetables.

The Oxtail Pasta was impressive, but we thought the Beef Bourguignon was the winner of the night. The serving could have been bigger, but the flavour was outstanding. The Beef was well seasoned and enhanced by the red wine gravy that was rich indeed with a citrus flavour. #SugaSnaps.

Dessert

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Warm Bread Pudding with Buttery Rum Sauce.

I was told when ordering that there was no Vanilla Bean Ice Cream to accompany the Bread Pudding as stated. This disturbed me since Sovereign supermarket is across the road and so is Devon House Ice Cream.

Nanda Dukharan, one of the owners who checked on our table from time to time to gather feedback and ensure everything was going smoothly, actually makes ice cream. When that was explained to us, I understood that they wished to keep the authenticity of their Ice Cream once they iron out a few kinks. So you cannot expect the Pineapple Ginger Ice Cream with Scotch Bonnet Brittle either, which was also on the menu.

I then thought my serving of Bread Pudding should have been larger to compensate. Thankfully it was warm and savoury.

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Decadent Bailey’s Irish Cream Cheesecake.

The Cheesecake was definitely decadent and a great finale for our dinner.

Chive Restaurant still has a full dining and bar menu to finalize post Restaurant Week, so they are definitely on Suga’s radar. For now, Chive Restaurant is #SugaEndorsed.

I hope they keep it up because I am looking forward to a new spot to eat and drink for the holiday season! Aren’t you?

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(L-R) Friends and Foodies, Jehan Knight, Randy Burgess and wife, Gabrielle a.k.a Suga feeling quite content after a fulfilling RW dinner at the new Chive Restaurant.

Chive Restaurant

Location: Shop 15, Orchid Village Plaza. 20 Barbican Road. Kingston 6.

Ph: 876-820-1194

Instagram: @chivejamaica

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

 

Cookies and Cream with gummy bears on top from Tai Tai Ice cream rolls last Saturday night.

Suga visits Tai Tai Ice Cream, the newest spot for rolled Ice Cream in Kingston!

by Restaurant Reviews & RatingsWhat's Hot

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Suga’s Ratings for Tai Tai Ice Cream Rolls

Date and time of visit: Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 10:00pm

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★★☆

Ambience: ★☆☆☆☆

Décor: ★★★☆☆

Comfort: ★★★☆☆

Service: ★★★★★

Speed: ★★★★☆

Food quality: ★★★★☆

Serving amount: ★★★★★

Presentation: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★★★☆

Suga’s Breakdown:

Kingston needed another ice cream shop and we got it! Cute, ice cream shop tucked away in Northside Plaza with a warm greeting as you step in and great service. The workers seem happy and serve you up your ice cream with a smile as they should. They have a variety of flavours to choose from and give you the options to have with a waffle or two ($150 – $350JMD) and to add liquor on top for $150 – $250JMD.

If you are confused about the steps when ordering ice cream rolls, it’s pretty easy. Tell the cashier your choices as follows:

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You will see your ice cream poured, chopped, spread and rolled on cold steel, your toppings added and voila!

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Cookies and Cream ice cream rolls with gummy bears on top from Tai Tai Ice cream rolls last Saturday.

Tai Tai Ice Cream Rolls

Location: 20 Northside Drive. Shop #1, Liguanea (Northside Plaza)

Ph: 876.627.8891

Email: [email protected]

Instagram; Facebook: @taitaiicecreamrolls

Opening Hours: Tues. – Thurs. 12pm-10pm; Fri. – Sun. 12pm – 11pm

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Spicy Rosemary Mussels - $JMD

Broken Plate or Broken Teeth? New Restaurant in Town

by Restaurant Reviews & RatingsWhat's Hot
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Gabby a.k.a Suga from Suga Lifestyle (L) with her ‘Eat Good Crew’ coming to a Restaurant near you! – Tiffany Simmonds (C) and Gillian Jackson (R) took it to the streets with Suga for GNO last Saturday, June 2, 2018 with Broken Plate as the first stop.

Suga’s Ratings for Broken Plate

Date and time of visit: Saturday, June 2, 2018 at 8:15pm

No. of diners: 3

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★★★

Ambience: ★★★☆☆

Décor: ★★★★☆

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★☆☆

Speed: ★★★☆☆

Food quality: ★★☆☆☆

Serving amount: ★★★★☆

Plating: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★☆☆☆

SuGa Endorsement: ★★☆☆☆

Comments: 

New restaurant with modern décor and comfortable indoor and outdoor seating by a faux garden. It was an expected full house on a Saturday night, 3 weeks after opening. I think the full house affected the attentiveness of the staff and the speed of the kitchen. The quality of the food was fair, borderline poor and at the end of the night I felt like I made a bad gamble in Vegas and lost. A Wine and Spirits list is currently available. A Bar with Blended drinks and Cocktails are in future plans. The Restaurant has potential and I will probably return, but I am in no rush to do so.

Suga’s Breakdown

Appetizers

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Spicy Rosemary Mussels – $1350JMD +tx

We started off with the Spicy Rosemary Mussels and Duck Bruschetta. The Mussels were flavourful, succulent and indeed spicy. The Duck was tasty, but the bread was over toasted. It was deeply charred instead of golden brown. We could not bite into it. The use of tomatoes, which are traditionally added to Bruschettas was absent.

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Duck Breast Bruschetta – $1250JMD +tx

Entrées

The Oxtail Bolognese only had a trace of Oxtail and was predominantly minced Beef. When two of us ordered the Oxtail Bolognese, we were told it would have some minced Beef in it. We said no problem, but when it arrived, although it was savoury, it was predominantly minced Beef with a trace of Oxtail. I told our waiter, Chris that they need to rename the dish on the menu. Maybe they ran out of Oxtail too, but if so, we should have been advised.

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‘Oxtail’ Bolognese – $1850JMD +tx

Thankfully our friend who was just returning from Cabo and tasted authentic, richly flavoured Tacos enjoyed her Seafood Tacos even though she said the shrimp was a bit salty.

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Seafood Tacos with Shrimp – $2150JMD +5x

Dessert

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Crispy Duffle Sandwich (Top- $1550JMD+tx) and Maple Glazed Bacon Cookie Sandwich (Below- $1300JMD+tx)

The Maple Glazed Bacon Cookie Sandwich and Crispy Duffle Sandwich for dessert was tough as rocks. No wonder it was served with a kitchen knife. Note that we made that choice for dessert because the Fruit Parfait looked like a mixture of yogurt and canned fruit. But we still didn’t win. Tough cookies. Literally.

Service

I could see that with the full house, they tried and probably did their best, but the full house affected how attentive they were. Appetizers took too long to come out as well as our bottle of wine. The Wine we wanted was not chilled, so we told Chris that he could bring it out with the main. He seemed to have forgotten, so by the time we got his attention, we were almost through and just asked for a glass.

Suggestions from Suga

★ Hire additional staff for the Opening rush.

★Revise the Dessert menu.

★ Have the supervisor or manager take a walk around the restaurant now and then to get honest feedback from diners.

Good Luck to Broken Plate because I understand the concept and vision. We need more Restaurants that think outside the box, breaking away from the traditional menu in Kingston!

Broken Plate

Location: 14 Canberra Crescent off Munroe Road. Kgn. 6. Ja.

Ph: 876-667-6891

Email: [email protected]

Opening Hours: Mondays to Saturdays, 11am to 10pm

Facebook & Instagram: @brokenplateja

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Review, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Randy's Pasta marinara - $JMD +tx

Suga revisits the Deck at Cellar 8!

by FoodpornRestaurant Reviews & Ratings

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Suga’s Ratings for Cellar 8

Date and time of visit: Friday, May 11, 2018 at 10:00pm

No. of diners: 2

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★★★

Ambience: ★★★★☆

Décor: ★★★☆☆

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★☆☆

Speed: ★★★☆☆

Food quality: ★★★★☆

Serving amount: ★★★★☆

Plating: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★★☆☆

SuGa Endorsement: ★★★☆☆

Comments: Cellar 8 has not only made changes to their space with a Deck, but their staff and management as well. Courteous, enthusiastic staff and delicious food. Service time could have been quicker and quality of drinks could have been better. Cellar 8 has always been a bit overpriced, but is no longer the new ‘it’ bar and has lost a superb mixologist. They should probably consider reducing their prices so customers can feel they are getting value for money.

Suga’s Breakdown

I thought Cellar 8 would have been busier 3 Friday nights ago, but with the opening of new Bars such as the Sky Lounge, they seemed to have lost their Friday night buzz. However, members of their new staff were courteous and the presence and supervision of the new management was felt. Since it wasn’t a full night, I thought service could have been a bit quicker, but our server, Davion was quite attentive and kept us up to date.  Drinks were decent, but the gifted hands of their mixologust, Milton Wisdom who is no longer there, were missed. The quality of food was good, but the wrong Pasta dish was served to my husband, Randy. We wondered if the Chef was trying to sneak in the wrong dish, since it was similar to what was ordered and we were not told that the desired dish was finished. Anyhow, it was replaced soon after with my husband’s secondary dish of choice that he still enjoyed.

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My Glazed Snapper Fillet with cous cous and veggies – $2600JMD+tx + 5% serv. charge
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Randy’s Pasta Marinara and Basil with added Shrimp – $1400 + $800JMD+tx + 5% serv. charge

We were about to call it a night, but we were smartly interrupted by a purposeful temptation of a trolley full of Dessert wheeled to us to choose from.

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We couldn’t pass that up. So I had the Strawberry Cheesecake and Randy had the Chocolate cheesecake. Sumptuous!

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Strawberry Cheesecake – $800JMD+tx +5% serv. charge

Cellar 8 Wine Bar

Location: Shop 10, Upper Manor Park Plaza

Ph: 876-613-5934

Opening Hours: Tuesdays-Sundays, 4pm – 11pm

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Review, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

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How to make Easter Mini Cheesecakes!

by RecipesWhat's Hot
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Photo: Kraftrecipes.com

 

Prep Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 3 Hours 20 mins (Don’t worry, it includes 2 hours chilling time in the fridge)
Servings: 18

Ingredients
– 1 cup Graham cracker crumbs
– 3/4 cup and 2 tbsp. Sugar, divided
– 3 tbsp. Butter or Margarine, melted
– 3 pkg. (8 oz. each) Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened
– 1 tsp. Vanilla
– 3 Eggs
– 1 cup and 2 Tbsp. Baker’s Angel Flake Coconut, toasted
– 54 (3 per mini cheesecake) speckled malted milk eggs/Chocolate eggs

Method

1. Heat oven to 325°F.

2. Mix Graham crumbs, 2 tbsp. Sugar and Butter, then press onto bottoms of 18 paper-lined muffin cups.

3. Beat Cream cheese, Vanilla and remaining Sugar with mixer until blended. Add Eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low-speed after each, just until blended.

4. Spoon mixture over crusts.

5. Bake 25 to 30 min. or until centers are almost set.

6. Cool completely. Refrigerate 2 hours.

7. Top each mini Cheesecake with 1 tbsp. coconut and shape to resemble bird’s nest. Add 3 malted milk eggs to each.

Recipe Source: Kraftrecipes.com

Don’t have the time?
Although cooking from scratch usually tastes better, you can get the Betty Crocker No-Bake Cheesecake Mix that includes the crumb base.

Here is how you buy less ingredients and cut 7 steps to 4!

Ingredients
– Betty Crocker Cheesecake Mix
– 90g melted Butter
– 400ml cold Whole Milk (or Almond Milk to cut down on the sat. fat)
– 1 cup and 2 Tbsp. Baker’s Angel Flake Coconut, toasted
– 54 (3 per mini cheesecake) speckled malted milk eggs/Chocolate eggs

 

Method
1. Blend biscuit crumbs with melted butter. Press into base of paper cup in pan.

2. Beat mix with milk in large bowl on low-speed until moistened. Scrape the bowl and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until thick and creamy.

3. Spread on top of biscuit base. Put in fridge to chill for at least 2 hours.

4. Decorate with Coconut and Chocolate Eggs, and serve!

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Voila! (Photo: Kraftrecipes.com)

Enjoy and Have a Happy and Holy Easter!

By: Gabrielle Burgess 

If you liked this Recipe, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.   

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Last Day for Chairman’s Egg Nog at Cafe Blue!

by Restaurant Reviews & RatingsWhat's Hot

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My friend and I weren’t amused when we went to Cafe Blue in Sovereign Mall over the holidays specifically for Egg Nog and they didn’t have it.

Maybe I will give them another chance today, although the season is over and my annual Egg Nog partner is back in Florida.

Last Day to get it folks! Have a great Weekend!

Enjoy at Sovereign Mall, Irish Town or NMIA in Kingston or Shoppes at Rose Hall or Fontana in Montego Bay!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

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How was Sunday Dinner for Suga at The Terra Nova for Restaurant Week (Epicurean)?!

by FoodpornRestaurant Reviews & RatingsWhat's Hot

Last Sunday at 6:30pm, I had Dinner at The Terrace, Terra Nova All Suite Hotel. The Terrace is in the Epicurean category ($4300JMD) for Restaurant Week and my husband, Randy and I were looking forward to having sumptuous dishes.

We had a great start with the Appetizers. I preferred the Seafood Medley.

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Coquille de Mer – Medley of Seafood in a rich cream sauce with mushroom and cheese
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Confit of Pimento Chicken – On a medallion of hard dough bread and a drizzle of pineapple pepper jelly

We both had the Lobster Bisque to follow, which was rich Lobster Soup, finished with cream and Brandy. I appreciated that the Soup was not salty. It was rich indeed and tasty.

Apart from a long wait before the Entrees, service was smooth. When we were waiting a little bit more than half an hour with no update on the arrival of the Entrees, a waiter caught my eye looking around and said that our Entrees were coming out shortly and they did. Besides that hiccup, the staff were cordial and quite attentive. The food was sumptuous as expected too.

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Terra Nova Petit Fillet – Petit prime Filet Mignon grilled, topped with Shrimp and Blue Mussel scampi with Scallop Potato and roasted Vegetable.

With the above salivating description of a Surf n’ Turf, I think they could have served more than a single Shrimp and Mussel. Props to the Chef though, because that cut of meat was perfection  and cooked to order, medium rare, exactly how we like it. Same goes for the Lamb Chops! No disappointment there, because Terra Nova is known to have the best on the island. I thoroughly enjoyed those portions.

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Terra Nova Half Rack of Lamb – Marinated New Zealand Lamb crusted with garlic and rosemary, roasted and served with mint and Pomegranate Au Jus

Dessert was decadent and quite a delightful ending to our Sunday Dinner.

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Dessert served at The Terrace, Terra Nova All Suite Hotel last Sunday, November 12, 2017.

The three courses with the addition of a beverage, service charge and G.C.T came to about $6000JMD per person. The Terrace at the Terra Nova All Suite Hotel was definitely value for money and is Suga Endorsed for Restaurant Week.

There are still three nights left for Restaurant Week and it may not be too late to make those Reservations!

Enjoy!

The Terrace at the Terra Nova All Suite Hotel 

***Reservations Recommended***

Location: 17 Waterloo Road. Kgn. 10.

Ph: 876-926-2211; 876-926-9334

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this article, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

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Flawless Service from Fromage Gourmet Market & Bistro for Restaurant Week’s Delectable Category!

by FoodpornRestaurant Reviews & RatingsWhat's Hot

Suga had a fabulous date with husband, Randy Burgess last Saturday night. Reservations were for 7pm at Fromage Gourmet Market & Bistro on Hillcrest Avenue and we were on time.

This Fromage was listed under the Delectable Category ($3800JMD) for Restaurant Week (RW). So dinner with a beverage including 5% service charge and tax can run you up to $5500JMD for one person.

We chose an early time for dinner, when the newly refurbished and slightly more spacious Fromage would not have been filled to capacity as yet. It reached full capacity midway through dinner though.

The Staff were courteous and extremely attentive without being overwhelming. All members of Staff were on the floor, paying attention to the tables whether they were serving that table or not. A sign of well-trained staff. Our server was Dimel, who I am familiar with. Always a pleasure.

Food came out like clockwork and water glasses were topped up when necessary. Great service.

The Appetizers were flavourful.

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Bacon wrapped maple smoked Prawns

I had the Bacon wrapped maple smoked Prawns and Randy had the Marlin Corn Fritter Stack. I always enjoy Fromage’s house-made Pepper Jelly that has that divine mix of spicy and sweet as the name suggests.

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Marlin Corn Fritter Stack – Sweet Corn Fritter stack topped with Marlin and Pepper Jelly

As we wrapped up with the Appetizers, JPS had a promotion going on throughout the night for RW diners to download their JPS App and drop their card with contact information into a bag. They came during dinner service to do the first raffle draw for the night.

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Suga a.k.a Gabby from Suga Lifestyle was the first lucky winner at Fromage Gourmet Market & Bistro for downloading the ‘My JPS’ App!

Our Main dishes came out shortly after the excitement of shaving $5000JMD off of our next Light bill.

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Guinness BBQ Ribs with Sweet Potato Mash and Steamed Market Fresh Vegetables

My BBQ Ribs pleased my taste buds as described. They were lean, juicy, well seasoned and slow-cooked to a tender perfection.

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Steak Au Poivre РPeppercorn Crusted Beef Tenderloin in a Brandy cream sauce with Saut̩ed Potatoes and Steamed Market Fresh Vegetables

Randy’s Steak Au Poivre was cooked to order. It was so succulent. Bravo Chef!

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Medium rare Steak cooked to order!
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Caramel Bread Pudding

Without a doubt, dinner came to a close for me with their popular Caramel Bread Pudding. It was warm and scrumptious as usual with their salivating caramel crumble on top.

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Bailey’s Ice Cream Sundae

Randy thoroughly enjoyed his Bailey’s Ice Cream Sundae.

Fromage Gourmet Market & Bistro is Suga Endorsed for Restaurant Week. Pay them a visit if you can and continue to enjoy.

Stay tuned for Terra Nova’s review for the Epicurean Category!

Remember that the Menus with Restaurant Locations and Contact numbers are online at:

http://go-jamaica.com/rw/

***Prices for each category include choice of Appetizer, Main Course and Dessert. Beverages, G.C.T and Gratuity additional.***

Fromage Gourmet Market & Bistro

***Reservations Recommended – 15 minutes holding time***

Ph#: (876) 622-9856; (876) 927-7062

Address: 8 Hillcrest Ave., Kingston 6

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this article, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.