Suga revisits the Deck at Cellar 8!

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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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Wine and Dine for a cause at Mystic Thai next Tuesday!

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The Menu

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Mystic Thai along with CPJ Ltd. will be hosting a 6-Course Wine paired Dinner with part proceeds in aid of the Sarah’s Children Charity next Tuesday, May 22nd.

About Sarah’s Child

The Sarah’s Children Charity was recently launched on March 8, 2018 on International Women’s Day at the Hilton Rose Hall Hotel and Spa in St. James, Montego Bay.

The focus of the charity is to spread awareness that it is not ok to remain silent when witnessing abuse. They wish to provide all the protection possible for our children and our elderly.

Sarah’s Children is the result of realising founder, Janet Silvera’s dream as well as her friends’ with the same vision to honour her mother, Sarah Darling-Findlay who led by example. They also share the same desire to give a voice to those without a voice.

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Photo: Jamaica Gleaner (Published  – March 18, 2018)

Mystic Thai is one of Suga’s favourite and #SugaEndorsed Restaurants in Montego Bay, so it’s a win-win.

Book now!!!

***Limited spaces available, so Reservations Recommended***

RSVP to: [email protected]

OR Call: 876-889-2430

____________

Mystic Thai (Asian & Thai Cuisine)

Location: B11 – Fairview Towne Centre Unit, Montego Bay

Ph: 876-633-6535

Website: http://www.mysticthaijamaica.com

Opening Hours: Mondays – Sundays, 11:30am – 10pm

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Rasta Man Soup - $350JMD+tx

Suga hits the North Coast and visits Seaside Dutchie!

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Suga’s Ratings for Seaside Dutchie

Date and time of visit: Sunday, May 6, 2018 at 3:00pm

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: 3.5/5

Comments: 
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

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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Seaside Dutchie

Location: Altery Beach, Priory St. Ann. Jamaica

Ph: 876-367-9277

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Suga has Eyes on Cellar 8’s NEW Deck!

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Photo: Cellar 8

After being open for just a short period of time, the nightly hot spot in upper Manor Park, Cellar 8, now offers Saturday and Sunday Brunch and has outgrown its space. Who knew they could create more?!

Suga checked out their new, well furnished deck last Easter Sunday and will return on a day when the Wine Bar and Bistro is buzzing.

Stay tuned for their updated review!

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 blog, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

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Suga has Pizza and Beer at Debut Brick Oven Pizzeria

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Suga’s Ratings for Debut Brick Oven Pizzeria!

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★☆☆☆

Ambience: ★★☆☆☆

Décor: ★★★☆☆

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★★★

Speed: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★★★☆

Suga Endorsement: ★★★☆☆

Comments: Parking is far too tight for the entire Plaza. Definitely not a place for Wine with a limited selection, so I see why they seem to now go by Debut Brick Oven Pizzeria instead of Debut Fine Wine and Grill – Brick Oven Pizza. Good Service and filling, tasty Pizzas. Love the incorporation of spice. Affordable prices. Simple, cosy spot for lunch.

Suga visited Debut Brick Oven Pizzeria two Saturdays ago at about 3:45 pm.

Even though they are known mainly for Pizza and that is what I went there for, I browsed their menu and it had a variety of items other than Pizza at affordable prices. Appetizers such as Buffalo Wings, Spicy Nachos, Mozzarella sticks, Calamari and more are available in the range of $648 – $1298JMD.

There are Paninis for $998 – $1198JMD, Salads for $698 – $798JMD and Pastas for $1698 – $1998JMD.

Jamaican Specialties such as Jerked Chicken, Escoveitched and Steamed Fish, Pepper Shrimp and more are available for under $3000JMD.

Vegetarians are not left out. There are Veggie Cheese Kebabs, Veggie Pizza options and more. The Pizza Siciliana (Grilled Eggplant, capers, tomato sauce, mozzarella) and Pizza Manchurian (Veggie balls, tomato sauce, mozzarella) look like a treat, whether you are Vegetarian or not.

Most importantly, quite a variety of Pizzas are available in the range of $1398 – $1898JMD. You can pick, choose and refuse from the traditional Pepperoni, Hawaiian, Margherita and Jerk Chicken Pizzas or you can go with Pizzas that have more divine toppings such as the Pacifica (Smoked Pacific Salmon, capers, sour cream, tomato sauce) and Pizza Marinara (Shrimp, Calamari, Fish, tomato sauce and cheese). You can also customize your own Pizza with protein and veggies.

Dessert is available as well, but with limited options.

It was quite lonely when my husband, Randy and I went there, but we were told by our hospitable hostess that the place really comes alive at night and when the cruise ships come in. The Cafe that was two shops down

got a lot of traffic when I was there though.

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Indian Spiced Chicken – Chicken Tikka, Cheese, Green Pepper, Onion ($1498JMD)

Our Pizzas arrived within 20 minutes of ordering. Randy, who loves spice thoroughly enjoyed his Indian Spiced Chicken Pizza. I can confirm it was as good as it looks. It was a mouthful of spicy, flavourful and cheesy goodness, not just because I tasted it, but because he finished eating his Pizza before me. That’s a record! Indians own the restaurant, hence a few dishes showcasing Indian cuisine and the incorporation of Indian spices and flavoured protein toppings on the Pizzas.

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Pizza Meatza – Jerk Chicken, Pepperoni, Jerk Sausage, Onion ($1698JMD)

I had the Pizza Meatza, that was like a full house. It was stacked with Jerk Chicken, Pepperoni, Jerk Sausage and Onion. Scrumptious!

Refreshing Red Stripe Beers were the perfect combo with our Pizzas. Pizzas from Debut Brick Oven Pizzeria are #SugaEndorsed.

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Gabrielle a.k.a Suga and husband, Randy Burgess enjoying Pizza and Beer at Debut Brick Oven Pizzeria on Saturday, March 3, 2018.

***Prices quoted are before G.C.T***

Debut Brick Oven Pizzeria

Location: Shop #15 Bay Harbour Plaza (Next to Burger King); 1-3 Gloucester Ave. (Hip Strip), Montego Bay

Ph: 876-971-6566

Facebook: Debut Pizza

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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TGIF to these Lamb Chops from Steak House on the Verandah!

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Lamb Chops in Mint Gastrique from Steak House on the Verandah

Salivating Lamb Chops in Mint Gastrique from Steak House on the Verandah!

What’s Gastrique? A sweet-and-sour sauce, where sugar or sometimes honey is caramelized and combined with the same portion of vinegar, ultimately making a slightly thickened syrup after it’s reduced.

Go get those Lamb chops and have a great weekend!

Steak House on the Verandah

***Reservations Recommended***

Location: Devon House

Ph: 876-616-8833

Facebook: @steakhouseja

Instagram: @thesteakhouseja

Opening Hours:

Mon. to Thurs. @ 12 noon – 9:30 pm

Fri. & Sat. @ 12 noon – 10:30 pm

***Closed on Sundays*** 

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

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Suga has Pig Ears Thai Style in Jamaica!

Suga’s Ratings for Mystic Thai!

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★★★

Ambience: ★★★★★

Décor: ★★★★☆

Comfort: ★★★★★

Service: ★★★★★

Speed: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★★★★

Suga Endorsement: ★★★★★

Comments: Great Service and Authentic Thai Cuisine dishes infused with a well-balanced variety of herbs, spices and flavours in satisfactory portions for affordable prices. Ambience and lighting for a romantic dinner, but also a neat spot to meet for lunch or dinner with family and/or friends over drinks.

I challenged Mystic Thai in Montego Bay to cook me Pig Ears Thai style and they did not disappoint!

I visited Mystic Thai two weekends ago to not only try the Pig Ear dish prepared for me, but to also enjoy other dishes for dinner on Saturday night at about 8:45pm with my husband, Randy who does not eat pork.

Randy started off with a fiery Tom Yum Vegetable Soup ($4USD), which was a mixture of lemon grass, Thai herbs and chilli paste. It’s not for the light-hearted. It was a burst of flavour defining all herbs that later offered the taste buds some relief with the cool, minty effect of lemon grass.

He then enjoyed the Crispy Fried Okra Appetizer ($8USD) that I highly recommended.

In my last article on Pig Ears, I took my readers through several countries and how they usually prepare Pig Ears for their cuisines. So I wasn’t surprised when Chef Bansi Joshi came to our table presenting a Pig Ears Salad. The Pig Ears were boiled first, then cut longitudinally and deep-fried.

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Pig Ears Salad with lemon juice, cilantro, scallion, tomato and onion.

I thought that was going to be it, but out came another Pig Ears dish!

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Kapow style Pig Ears with Thai Chilli, garlic and other spices.

This time the Pig Ears arrived Kapow style, that is, based in soy sauce and cooked with garlic, chilli and other spices. I am not a fan of soy sauce, but appreciated the spicy flavour brought on by the Thai Chilli that accompanied it, along with other added spices. It was sweet, then immediately followed by a hit of spicy.

The Pig Ears had a bit of crisp and slightly rubbery texture as expected for both dishes and they were prepared the same way. I preferred the Salad that was lighter with a more highlighted taste and texture of the Pig Ears, along with the refreshing taste of lemon juice and cilantro.

I actually could not accommodate much more food. I had a few of my delish Shrimps in Panang curry, then sampled a bit of Randy’s Basil Naan and Lobster in Red Thai Curry. The Lobster was tasty, meaty and its sauce complemented it well.

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A. Shrimp in Panang Curry based in Red Chillies and Peanuts topped off with coconut cream sauce ($14USD) B. Basil Naan ($3USD) C. Lobster in Red Thai Curry, a blend of Dried Red Chillies, Kaffir Lime rind, Coriander root and Cumin ($18USD)

We were both stuffed and satisfied, especially after the gastronomic day we had, but I ensured space was made for the Fruit and Nut Chocolate Naan that I missed out on the last time I visited. I am paying for that Nutella at the gym right now but it was worth it!

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Fruit and Nut Chocolate Naan

Suga snaps to Owner, Kareena Mahbubani for taking on and facilitating my Pig Ears challenge, Chef Bansi for great execution and the staff for their usual great hospitality and attentiveness.

Hope to visit again soon! #SugaEndorsed

Mystic Thai (Asian & Thai Cuisine)

Location: B11 – Fairview Towne Centre Unit, Montego Bay

Ph: 876-633-6535

Website: http://www.mysticthaijamaica.com

Opening Hours: Mondays – Sundays, 11:30am – 10pm

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

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TGIF to this Grilled Octopus from Byblos Miami!

Byblos Miami had a saucy Ribeye that looked salivating at the Wine and Food Festival two weeks ago in Miami.

Check them out and check out their Signature Grilled Spanish Octopus!

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Grilled Spanish Octopus from Byblos Miami (Instagram Photo: @byblosmiami)

Suga wishes we could get that quality Octopus in Jamaica. Thankfully, Miami is not too far away.

Enjoy the weekend Suga Bears!

Byblos Miami Mediterranean Restaurant

Location: 1545 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA

Ph: 305-508-5041

Website: http://www.byblosmiami.com

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

 

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TGIF to Lobster Scampi from Jamaica Liquor Warehouse!

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Lobster Scampi in white wine sauce from Jamaica Liquor Warehouse

Suga’s Ratings for Jamaica Liquor Warehouse, Deli & Bar!

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★★★

Ambience: ★★★☆☆

Décor: ★★★★☆

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★★☆

Speed: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★★★☆

Suga Endorsement: ★★★★☆

Comments: Modern décor. Consistently good food, service and drinks. Menu with variety and reasonable prices. The white wine sauce used on the pasta was divine. I appreciated that it wasn’t a heavy, creamy sauce. #SugaEndorsed

Jamaica Liquor Warehouse, Deli & Bar

Location: 17 Lindsay Crescent, Kingston

Ph: 876-925-9427

***Closed on Mondays***

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Late with Dinner/Spa Reservations? Where to go Today in Ja!

Happy Ash Wednesday and Happy Valentine’s Day Suga Bears!

Suga has shortlisted a few places for Dinner for the late or spontaneous planners that do not want to spend the day at home. These Restaurants have been chosen based on their Prices per Couple, Reputation in Quality of Food and Service, Ambience and of course, their advertised Menu options.

Mystic Thai ($6990 per couple incl. Tx)

Location: B11 – Fairview Towne Centre Unit, Montego Bay

Ph: 876-633-6535

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The Palms at CC South Beach ($8625JMD per couple incl. Tx and Service Charge

Location: 2 Brompton Rd. Kgn. 5

Ph: 876-919-3700

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Jamaica Liquor Warehouse ($9487.50JMD per couple incl. Tx & Service Charge)

Location:  17 Lindsay Crescent, Kingston

Ph: 876-925-9427

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100 Hope Road ($11500JMD per couple incl. Tx & Service charge)

Location: 100 Hope Road. Kgn. 6

Ph: 876-665-3238

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The Steak House on the Verandah ($12647.84JMD per couple incl. of Tx & Service Charge)

Location: Devon House, Waterloo Road. Kgn.

Ph: 876-616-8831/876-616-8833

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The Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel  ($17600JMD per couple incl. Tx & Service Charge)

Location: 17 Waterloo Road. Kgn. 10.

Ph: 876-926-2211; 876-926-9334

If you would like to really go all out, A la Carte Fine-dining at the Terra Nova may be the choice for you!

The Terra Nova is offering a Valentine’s Day Dinner with two options, Poolside Buffet dining and A la Carte Fine-dining by The Terrace. The Buffet option is slightly less per couple, but I prefer and recommend dining that is less public with less forced interaction and the temperature and quality of food A la Carte is usually better. Jazz after Dark will follow too! Give them a call for more information and to make reservations.

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If you would like to pamper your loved one or even treat yourself, this Spa option is Suga’s #1 Recommendation:

 The White Orchid Spa at The Jamaica Pegasus!

Location: The Jamaica Pegasus at 81 Knutsford Blvd., Kgn 5.

Ph: 876-926-3690

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Enjoy!

~ With Love from Suga ~

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Suga a.k.a Gabby with husband, Randy Burgess, enjoying Valentine’s Day Brunch hosted by Simo’s Bread and Catering (Christina Simonitsch) and Tooksie Kay Catering (Alexa Von Strolley) on Sunday, February 11 at Kayter on 18 Balleter Avenue.

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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