Feeling peckish after the Coffee Festival a few weeks ago on Saturday, April 2, hubby and I finally got to check out Epican Tapas Lounge (Ig: @epicantapas) at The Marketplace (Ig: @themarketplaceja) on Constant Spring Road.
I was disappointed they didn’t have Steak or Lobster Tapas, but opted for Fish Tacos instead.
ðŸ´Flat Bread topped with Chicken & Bell Peppers (I had my quota of dairy for the day, so had it without their cheddar, mozzarella & pepperjack cheese combo)
ðŸ´Herb & Garlic Roasted Chicken with house special gravy, creamy mash & sauteed fresh snap beans.
ðŸ´Fish Tacos
ðŸ¹Mojito
Chill spot for a picker upper.
Epican Tapas Lounge
Location: 67 Constant Spring Road. The Marketplace. Kingston. Jamaica
Ph: 876–672-7262
Instagram: @epicantapas
*Reservations Recommended; Open Everyday, 4 PM*
By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter & TikTok (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Last Saturday at Jamaica Food + Drink Kitchen (Ig: @jafoodanddrinkkitchen), a bit over 30 guests had the pleasure of experiencing a Night in Thailand with Mystic Thai (Ig: @mystic_thai_jamaica) coming in from Montego Bay, Select Brands (Ig: @selectbrandsja) and Debra Taylor-Smith a.k.a Wine Lady Debra (Ig: @wineladydebra).
In the mean time, we had the delight of being taken through 7 courses with the most interesting, some shocking, but tantalizing pairings presented by Wine Lady Debra of Select Brands.
Let Suga take you through!
The Beefeater Gin Cocktail was a bold welcome, tempered by Lemongrass that got guests buzzing, catching up after not seeing each other for a little while, then eventually seated with anticipation for what the rest of the evening had to offer.
Then BOOM came an unexpected shot of Stone’s Ginger Wine topped with Torresella Prosecco paired with Tom Kha Soup! A Ginger Mimosa Shot that got us off to a fast, but great start. The rich, creamy coconut flavour of the Soup was amazing by the way.
One of my faves, the Kung Fu Girl Riesling followed to pair with the Mystic Dragon Roll, where its flavours were even more enhanced by a homemade pepper sauce that was offered. It took a little while for Kung Fu Girl to grow on those who were just introduced, as she is on the dry side, but hints of citrus and white peach perhaps made them appreciate her more as they sipped in between bites.
Truffle Infused Pad Thai Chicken paired with a California Cline Gewurtztraminer definitely spiced up the night again! Pun intended. Wow. I enjoyed that pairing thoroughly.
The highlight if the night for me then arrived.
GREEN CURRY SALMON with Hahn PINOT NOIR…What?! “Life is too short”, said Wine Lady Debra. It is indeed. Naturally a Creamy or Lemon Sauce, or even a Salsa topping on Salmon would pair well with a Traditional White Wine, but I applaud this chance taken. It was a HIT for ME. BRAVO…YOLO.
Crispy Sesame Lamb paired with a Malbec followed. It was tasty, but the small cuts of Lamb were unfortunately overwhelmed by the sauce and crispy texture.
Before we knew it, it was Dessert time! Oh but a bit of an anti-climax for me and my Suga Tasters who have recently traveled to Thailand. They’ve been spoiled by a wide selection of Sticky Rice Puddings, Fried Bananas, Coconut Puddings and other authentic Thai Desserts. Alas, we were served Chocolate Mousse. Owner, Kareena Mahbubani was surprised to know we would have been open to having her Sticky Banana Pudding. Of course, bring it on next time.
Wine Lady Debra did not skip a beat though! The Cocktail paired with the dessert literally fired things up again. An El Dorado Rum Cream Slide with smoky Cinnamon sticks! Delicious! Awesome finale.
Let us remember that Mystic Thai is one of, if not, the best Ethnic Restaurant in Jamaica, so expectations were high. It was truly a fabulous evening. Kudos to Kareena and her team, Jamaica Food + Drink Kitchen for creating such a spectacular space for these Culinary Experiences along with their amazingly attentive and professional team, Select Brands and Wine Lady Debra who all delivered. A fantastic experience. Cheers. 🥂
By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)
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Where do you get your favourite Burger? Suga’s favourite Burger is from Chive Restaurant (Ig: @chivejamaica) ðŸ˜
By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)
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Where are you dining for Valentine’s?! We’ve got the entire weekend! Places may be fully booked already but here’s a tip, book an early time. Also, remember the Super Bowl is this Sunday ladies 😉
Here are Suga’s Top 9 picks in no particular order, to Wine & Dine with Your Valentine from Kingston to Ocho Rios to Montego Bay.
Ambience, Service, Menu choices, Food quality, Location and Value for money all taken into consideration.
*Reservations recommended*
Watch “Suga’s Top 9 to Wine & Dine with Your Valentine!” on YouTube here:
Jamaica Food and Drink Kitchen (Ig: @jafoodanddrinkkitchen), Ph: 876-570-5709. https://jamaicafoodanddrinkkitchen.com/
By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter & TikTok (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Throwback to probably the best Octopus I’ve ever had, 3 Thursdays ago!
Suga had a GNO at Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, a staple of the renewed Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, Florida.
The menu offers prime cuts of beef, signature raw bar & delectable seafood selections, and more. I heard of their state-of-the-art wood fire grills and Josper coal ovens and was eager to try their Lamb Chops, but they were unavailable that night.
So I had the most delish Charred Octopus as a starter with Romesco sauce and roasted Marcona Almonds. Perfectly grilled. Tender, succulent, with a crispy outside and slightly smoky flavour from the wood fire grill.
I then enjoyed the Parmesan crusted Salmon, complemented by a tasty Beurre Blanc sauce with a glass of vino.
Excellent service and food, accompanied by live entertainment. Their menu has high quality options that are value for your money.
**Reservations recommended** Council Oak Steaks & Seafood is #SugaEndorsed.
Council Oak Steaks & Seafood
Location: Base of the Guitar Hotel at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood, Florida.
1 Seminole Way Hollywood, FL 33314
Ph: (954) 327-7625
By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle; Certified Personal Trainer & Sports Nutritionist)
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We’ve come to another stop on Randy’s Birthday Hopping Weekend, Steakhouse on the Verandah (Ig: @steakhouseontheverandah) at Devon House.
It’s been too long. Props to Chef Christian Sweeney (Ig: @chefsweeney) and his team. Perfectly cooked Steaks, great service and ambience topped off by ‘really good’ Dessert.
I don’t think I’ve heard it, but it needs to be said. Happy Hubby, Happy Life. Celebrate them and Celebrate Birthdays! Life is for living 💖💃🎉
By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)
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Hubby and I visited Chive Restaurant (Ig:@chivejamaica) 3 Saturdays ago for his Restaurant hopping Birthday weekend.
Check out some of what we enjoyed here:
Chive continues to be a fully satisfying stop with their twist on International cuisine stemming from unique seasoning and added herbs, of course including Chive.
Chive Restaurant supports fellow local businesses and was a sponsor for Suga Lifestyle’s Christmas Connection. A lucky Suga Bear, Carolyn Reid walked away with a Dinner for 2 valued at $10000 from signing up her Suga Bear Card at the gate!
Congrats Carolyn and thanks again Chive Restaurant!
HINT HINT The owner of Chive Restaurant has NEW and Exciting things coming for early 2022 😉 Remember you heard it from Suga first.
Stop and have a bite at Chive Restaurant this Christmas season.🎄
By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter & TikTok (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Even though it’s not an all inclusive, their current rate is definitely value for money. Seize the opportunity before it goes back up!
The food and presentation from their Zest Restaurant was consistently excellent.
Manager, Vernon was on site everyday, quite hospitable and accommodating along with his staff.
The property was clean. Views were breathtaking. Parking was adequate, which is hard to find in Negril. Wifi was decent. The room was huge and the Smart Tv was great. Just 1 complaint…only water came in the fridge. We would appreciate 2 Red Stripes next time 😎ðŸ»
The Cliff Hotel and its Zest Restaurant are #SugaEndorsed.
The Cliff Hotel
Location:West End Road, Negril, Jamaica
Phone:876-632-0919
Instagram: @thecliffjamaica
By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)
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Miss Lily’s at Skylark Negril Beach Resort on Negril’s Seven Mile Beach!
The music, food and vibes are right everytime. The only good system is a sound system.
I enjoyed their succulent, flavourful Jerk BBQ Pork Spare Ribs with roasted plantains. Finger-licking good.
Hubby, Randy enjoyed the Miss Lily’s mouth-watering Cheeseburger that was sandwiched in cocoa bread.
Vegetarian menu and fresh Juices available too. IÂ had the refreshing Skylark Greens.
Great, speedy and pleasant service. #SugaEndorsed
For my Suga Bears overseas, be sure to check out Miss Lily’s in Soho or East Village NY & Dubai!
By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter & TikTok (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
The award-winning Caribbean’s Leading Boutique Hotel for many years, as well as Jamaica’s Leading Spa Resort for ’14, ’15 is usually booked out for Weddings whenever we are in Negril.
So with much anticipation and quite a reputation, we finally dined at one of the most scenic Restaurants cliffside.
The staff there, led by Gossett definitely got that old school welcoming, Jamaican hospitality that we love. Kudos to them. Their energy working amongst each other was cordial as well.
Seating was close, but I was still able to make myself comfortable.
My Coconut Shrimp starter was delish. We enjoyed the other dishes, Crab Quesadilla, Seafood Linguini with Shrimp and Snapper and the Surf & Surf with seared Snapper and Garlic Shrimp.
They were tasty dishes, but left a little more to be desired. I also only had two bites of the Chocolate Cake. Perhaps expectations were too high or maybe they fell off their game a bit, because other spots are quite impressive! Stay tuned for more this week.
XoXo, Suga💖
By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter & TikTok (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.