The Restaurant to go to for privacy, excellent service and a savoury meal. Their sauces that complement the dishes are divine and serving amounts are beyond satisfactory. #SugaEndorsed
Pasta Carbonara with ShrimpSnapper Fillet served with mashed potatoes.
Black Orchid Restaurant
Location: Eden Gardens Wellness Resort & Spa @ 39 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston
Ph: 876-946-9977
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Quiet restaurant tucked away on the side of Chelsea Avenue that is appropriate for a lunch or dinner date. The location smears aesthetics, but inside is a whole different world, a gypsy world.
The menu has a variety of items falling under the category of international cuisine, but highlights Spanish and Jamaican dishes.
The staff, including Head Chef, Shane Stamp were polite and welcoming. I believe that for such a unique menu, my server, Kereen should have given me a brief introduction to the dishes of various cuisines being offered. The menu takes you from Jamaica to Mexico, over the wall to the USA, deports you back to Puerto Rico, then takes you on a tour as far as Spain and more. Kereen could have been a bit more attentive too, to check how my lunch was going. Afterall, I was by my lonesome.
I am not sure why, but my appetizer and main were served at the same time. I ordered Gypsy House favourites.
Saltfish Ceviche ($500JMD +tx +Serv. charge) – Pick up saltfish served on top of twice fried, pressed green plantainsSeafood Paella ($1000JMD +tx +Serv. charge) – Classic Spanish one pot, yellow rice, vegetables, Chorizo, Seafood and Chicken
Servings were large for a reasonable price. The Saltfish Ceviche was tasty indeed. Their Seafood Paella was nose-running spicy and full of flavour. I enjoyed it.
Kereen informed me that Mama Gypsy Jerk Chicken and Island Pancakes, as well as the Char Sui Pork Belly appetizer are favourites too. So I will probably give those a try next time.
Gypsy House was definitely value for money. I have had food from Gypsy House Tapas at various local events, but I prefer dining there.
Check out Gypsy House Tapas Restaurant for Lunch or Dinner this week!
Gypsy House Tapas Restaurant
Location: 18 Chelsea Avenue. Kingston. Ja
Ph: 876-665-3154
Facebook; Instagram: @gypsyhouseja
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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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 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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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?
(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.
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Vegan Steak with Quinoa from Kushite’s Vegetable Cuisine (Gluten and Soy free)
Kushite’s Vegetable Cuisine
Location: 39 Lady Musgrave Road (Inside Eden Gardens)
Ph: 876-375-0642; 876-631-9101
Instagram: @kushitesvegetablecuisine
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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My husband and I were greeted by courteous staff. We had a 15-minute wait to be seated and it was observed that tables could have been cleared more quickly.
Food was served in reasonable time, which was excellent considering it was a full house. The serving size was more than adequate. Our Steaks were cooked to order (medium rare), well seasoned and grilled to perfection. My Chimichurri sauce tantalised my taste buds with spice. It was much preferred to my husband’s creamy sauce that did not have the flavour of Peppercorn. Best place to eat Steak in Kingston right now for a reasonable price. Best place in Jamaica? Marguerites Seafood by the Sea in Montego Bay!
Cocktails disappointed with no banana for my Hummingbird and no mint leaves for the Mojito. We also heard someone shout that there was no more steamed rice. Mega Mart is just up the road. No excuses.
Also, after so many years of going to this restaurant, I still have difficulty reading the menu and would appreciate more lighting while dining. String lights and perhaps uplighting from the garden and sides of the pool would suit their rustic-garden ambience.
Why is South Avenue Grill Buzzing with Diners?Â
It is no white glove service and plating is far from extravagant, but service is decent, food is in abundance on the plate, it tastes good and the price is right!
Our waiter, Kenyon was a bit nervous, but quite attentive and hospitable with a touch of humour. I would be happy to return and have him or one of the other pleasant waiters or waitresses serve my table.
My husband and I’s Succulent Steaks! #SugaEndorsed
8oz Fillet of Steak Churasso Style ($2600JMD+tx): 8oz fillet of Steak prepared South American style. Beef tenderloin marinated with South Avenue’s Chimichurri sauce recipe with red pepper flakes, oregano, olive oil, sea salt and parsley. Grilled and served with black beans, steamed vegetables and a side of your choice.8oz Fillet Mignon and Creamy Peppercorn sauce ($2450JMD+tx) 8oz Fillet Mignon lightly seasoned and grilled, topped with South Avenue’s Peppercorn and herb sauce served with steamed vegetables and a side of your choice.
*** Reservations Recommended ***
South Avenue Grill
Location: 20A South Ave, Kingston. JA. W.I.
Ph:Â 876.754.1380
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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White Fish Ceviche and Shrimp Cocktail by Chef Gregory Gooden from the fine dining Island Prime Restaurant at Cayman Brac Beach Resort, Cayman Islands. (Photo Credit: Tameka Davis)
***Open on Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday evenings***
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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This Veal Chop from Sugar Mill Restaurant was well seasoned and cooked to medium rare perfection. Since veal is from calves, the meat was lighter and more tender compared to a Beef Tenderloin.
The reputable, fine-dining restaurant, Sugar Mill is rated Suga’s Best Restaurant in Jamaica to date and was the well deserved recipient of the ‘Restaurant of the Year’ award at the Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards once again this year, May.
***Prices quoted attract an additional 10% G.C.T and 15% Service charge. Locals get 20% off the bill***
Sugar Mill Restaurant
Location: Spring Farm Drive. Half Moon, Rose Hall, Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Hashtag for Twitter, Facebook, Instagram: #SugarMillJamaica
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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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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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:Â Saturday, June 2, 2018 at 8:15pm
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.
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.
‘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.
Seafood Tacos with Shrimp – $2150JMD +5x
Dessert
Crispy Duffle Sandwich (Top- $1550JMD+tx) and Maple Glazed Bacon Cookie Sandwich (Below-Â $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.
