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Open Fire Cooking by Chef Conroy Arnold During Love in the Time of Corona!

by Brand JamaicaChefs, Bakers and Caterers
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Chef Conroy Arnold cooking up a storm by his open fire grill for diners at The Broken Rudder Beach Bar and Grill last Saturday, June 13, 2020.

Suga’s Ratings for The Broken Rudder Beach Bar and Grill at Hermosa Cove

Date and time of visit: Saturday, June 13, 2020 @ 2:00pm

No. of diners: 2

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★★★

Ambience: ★★★★★

Décor: ★★★★★

Comfort: ★★★★★

Service: ★★★★★

Speed: ★★★★★

Food quality: ★★★★★

Serving amount: ★★★★★

Plating: ★★★★★

Value for $: ★★★★★

Suga’s Breakdown!

As Restaurants open up and we slowly get back to a new normal, this may be the last review for the series of ‘During Love in the Time of Corona’. Not to worry though, there is so much more to expect from Suga Lifestyle! Thanks so much for enjoying the series with me. So Suga had to add an outdoor, seaside dining experience to the series and of course, my Birthday escapades! I am still celebrating! Geminis rule!

Christopher’s at Hermosa Cove is not fully open as yet, but you can call ahead to set a time with Chef Conroy Arnold for the time you would like to visit. In the mean time, Chef Arnold a.k.a Stuttering Chef has been busy open fire cooking by the nearby, Broken Rudder Beach Bar and Grill!

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Team Gandy (Gabby and Randy)’s Piña Colada and Hummingbird Blended Drinks from Broken Rudder

My hubby, Randy and I got to the beach early and we were all by ourselves. Hermosa Cove is quite a large property, so even though we knew other persons were there, they were far away. We had the Broken Rudder Beach Bar bring down Blended Drinks to us and by about 2pm we had our open fire cooked Pizzas!

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Open fire cooked Chicken and Vegetable thin crust Pizza!

We had 8″ thin crust Pizzas with Chicken and Vegetables that we thoroughly enjoyed. You know Stuttering Chef is Farm to Table, so imagine freshly cooked Okra and Mushrooms on your Pizza, plus Carrot with a hint of sweetness and more! Stimulating.

When we decided to have drinks by the Bar itself, we saw a group of persons that were celebrating the Birthday of a young one. It was truly impressive to see how fast Stuttering Chef fired up their Burgers, Hot Dogs and other requests without a hitch. Efficiency at its best. The other members of staff were courteous and attentive as well.

The Broken Rudder Beach Bar and Grill at Hermosa Cove is open and ready for you to join them.

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Team Gandy has reported that The Broken Rudder Beach Bar and Grill is #SugaEndorsed!

***It is recommended to call ahead though. Remember Social Distancing is still being observed.***

The Broken Rudder Beach Bar and Grill at Hermosa Cove

Location: Hermosa Lane, Pineapple, Ocho Rios. JA.

Ph: 876-974-3699; 876-552-0963

Website: http://www.thebrokenrudder.com

Instagram: @thebrokenrudder; @christophersjamaicaaaw; @stutteringchef

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By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)

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

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TGIF to Drinks last Weekend by the Poolside Bar at The Jamaica Pegasus!

by Brand JamaicaRestaurant Reviews & RatingsWhat's Hot
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Kareem Tomlinson, Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga, Michael Campbell and Jhanille Brooks enjoying Drinks by the Poolside Bar at The Jamaica Pegasus last Saturday, May 30, 2020.

I finally got a few friends to come and have some drinks with me in the open air by the Poolside Bar at The Jamaica Pegasus!

We observed social distancing as much as possible, our waitress was attentive and wore her mask and we wore ours to enter and leave. They gave us cute poolside table lamps too!

The Poolside Bar was actually closed a little earlier that day, but they had no issues facilitating our preference to be in open air and brought drinks down to us from The Blend Bar upstairs.

It was surely a nostalgic feeling to pour Drinks at a bar and ask my friends to pass the ice bucket with their clean hands. Then drink with just enough time to make curfew 😉 As Restaurants and Bars slowly start to reopen, thanks to The Jamaica Pegasus for never closing their doors with all necessary protocols observed, remaining Kingston’s preferred Hotel. We appreciate you👌🏾🍻 #SugaSnaps #SugaEndorsed 

By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)

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

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Save the Date for Jabba’s Seafood River Pop-up!

by Chefs, Bakers and Caterers

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Do you remember all the spicy and cheesy goodness from Jabba’s Peppa Swims at Kingston Kitchen?! Well, he’s back with a Seafood River All-You-Can-Eat Pop-up by Ensfield, Gordon Town for $3500/$4000JMD  depending on your choices on Sunday, August 25th!

There will be Live Music, Guest DJs and Drink Specials, all from 2pm – 6pm.

Save the Date!

For More Information and where to get Tickets:

Ph: 876-296-7304

Ig: @jabbaspeppaswims

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

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Suga Taster, Kimberly Nesbeth’s Review of the Summer Special at The Trident, Portland!

by Restaurant Reviews & Ratings

Suga introduces you to Suga Taster, Kimberly Nesbeth!

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Suga Taster, Kimberly Nesbeth

Kimberly is an Aquatic Exercise Instructor as well as an Auditor. Her favourite dish is Smoked Pork Chops. Kimberly frequenty travels out of town and her favourite casual spot is Blue Mahoe, Negril and her favourite choice for an occasion is The Trident Hotel, Portland. She has travelled to 20 countries including Thailand, Singapore, India, Brazil, Spain and France! Kimberly enjoys trying new things and detests eating at the same places. Let’s see where Suga Taster, Kimmy dined and what she had to say!

Suga Taster, Kimberly Nesbeth’s Ratings for the Summer Special, Bottomless Prosecco and Pasta Dinner at The Trident Hotel

Date and time of visit: Late afternoon in June

No. of diners: 5

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★★★

Décor: ★★★★★

Comfort: ★★★★★

Service: ★★★★★

Speed: ★★★★★

Food quality: ★★★★★

Serving amount: ★★★★★

Plating: ★★★★★

Value for $: ★★★★★

Suga Taster, Kimmy’s Breakdown!

After a splendid day at Frenchman’s Cove, Suga Taster, Kimmy’s party was famished. So with two Canadians in tow, she thought it would be a great opportunity for them to view the exquisite Trident Hotel whilst enjoying a pleasant meal.

They felt welcomed from the entrance to the parking lot. Their server was quite hospitable and recommended they order from the Bottomless Prosecco & Pasta Dinner Menu for USD$30 per person. The options were limited, but enough for them to all order something different. After trying to get their Prosecco refill, they were notified that the Prosecco in fact wasn’t bottomless. However, due to the misleading menu title, they received a complimentary refill.

Their server was remarkably attentive and the food was truly tasty. After their meal, they received a full tour of the property and one of the villas.

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The Trident Hotel

Location: Port Antonio

Ph: 876-633-7100; 1(800) 300-6220

Website (Menu available): http://www.thetridenthotel.com

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Edited By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)

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

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TGIF to these Macarons from the Newest Hot Spot in Town!

by Restaurant Reviews & RatingsWhat's Hot
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Strawberry and Vanilla Macarons from the AC Lounge at the AC Hotel Kingston.

The Macarons at the AC Lounge are delish.

The AC Lounge at the AC Hotel Kingston is the newest hot spot in town and is great for light food and cocktails. Stop by and have a great weekend!

AC Hotel Kingston

Location: 38-42 Lady Musgrave Road. Kingston 5. JA. W.I 

Ph: 876-750-3000

Website: http://www.achotelkingston.com/

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

 

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How is the AC Lounge at the NEW AC Hotel Kingston?!

by Restaurant Reviews & Ratings

 

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Suga Taster, Craig Fleming’s Ratings for AC Hotel Kingston

Date and time of visit: Friday, June 21, 2019 at 1pm

No. of diners: 2 adults

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum 

Parking: ★★★☆☆

(Should improve with the completion of the multi-level parking garage)

Ambience: ★★★★★

Décor: ★★★★★

Comfort: ★★★★★

Service: ★★★★★

Speed: ★★★☆☆

Food quality: ★★★☆☆

Serving amount: ★★★★☆

Plating: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★★☆☆

Suga Taster, Craig Fleming’s Breakdown!

The new kid on the Kingston hospitality block, AC Hotel had its official opening two weeks ago. From the Laura Facey and Andre Woolery commissioned Art installations displayed throughout the lobby to the open air interior design, the AC Hotel (a collaboration between local hoteliers Sandals/ATL Group and the international hotel conglomerate, Marriott Bonvoy) is a beauty in contemporary design and aesthetics.

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Laura Facey and Andre Woolery commissioned Art installations displayed throughout the Lobby.

It’s located on the same compound as the BMW/MINI showroom. The open air feeling makes guests feel welcomed with outdoor/indoor music. Guests can look forward to Starbucks, a multilevel parking garage and potential establishments along the mini boardwalk in the near future too.

I decided to check out the AC Lounge last Friday for a quick lunch. It consists of a HUGE wraparound bar, outdoor pool bar and a cozy, but intimate dining area. If you are like me and have lodged at any other AC Hotel location, you would know what to expect from the millennial targeted brand: simple tapas, basic, but tasty libations, all wrapped in an affordable package. The newest Kingston location does not disappoint in that aspect.

Upon entering the lobby, the hotel staff will direct you to the quaint dining area located directly beside the open bar and you will have a choice to either sit alongside the sound padded cushioned walls or adjacent to the breakfast buffet area separated by a sliding glass casement.

Appetizers

My friend and I started with a simple request of Club soda and lime alongside bottled water, which was promptly sent to our table. We perused the limited menu and being a quintessential foodie, decided to start with Appetizers.

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Mini Potato Bites

We got the mini Potato bites with sea salt, scallions and garlic+paprika aioli and the Arugula Salad with shaved parmesan, prosciutto and salami. The Potato was fried perfectly, but my only vice is that the aioli be served on the side rather than beneath the mound of fried Potatoes.

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Arugula Salad with shaved parmesan, prosciutto.

The Arugula Salad had the perfect amount of prosciutto and parmesan. They did not have the salami as advertised, which normally would be problematic, but it truly was not necessary for this salad. I also loved that the dressing was not drizzled on it beforehand, as my personal preference is to pour it myself. The server promptly apologized for the unavailability of salami and we continued to order our next lunch course.

Main Dishes

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Garden Salad served with toast.
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Panko Fried Snapper Fillet with butter sautéed root vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, carrot and Brussel sprouts) and garlic remoulade.

I found the Garden Salad to be more basic than usual, but the Panko Snapper was really tasty. The Fish was flaky, NOT overcooked like a lot of establishments and the panko crust was golden and crispy as it should be. It went well with the butter sautéed root vegetables and garlic remoulade. This was surely the highlight of the meal. The so called parmesan fries on the other hand, were tasteless, limp and one of the worst I have ever had. Pathetic.

Dessert

The Dessert choice was no better. The Molten Chocolate Lava cake tasted like a Betty Crocker cake mix topped with cheap chocolate sauce, far from the expectations of what an actual molten lava cake is supposed to be – decadent and yummy.

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Molten Chocolate Lava cake.

Advice: order the Macarons or the Cheesecake.

We ended our meal with Coffee which appeased my disappointment with the fries & Lava cake.

The AC Lounge is a great locale for Drinks and quick bites after work. Hopefully they will follow suit with the other global locations and have discounted Happy Hour drinks and appetizers. There are a few quirks to iron out from the first few days of opening, but the customer service from the get go has raised the bar positively, which is in line with the expectations of the AC Marriott mantra.

AC Hotel Kingston

Location: 38-42 Lady Musgrave Road. Kingston 5. JA. W.I 

Ph: 876-750-3000

Website: www.achotelkingston.com/

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[Photos and Review contributed by Suga Taster, Craig Fleming]
Edited By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)

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

 

The view from the restaurant at Kanopi House, Portland

Throwback Thursday to Lunch with a View of the Lagoon

by Chefs, Bakers and CaterersRestaurant Reviews & RatingsWhat's Hot
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The view from the restaurant at Kanopi House, Portland

Two Saturdays ago I had lunch at Kanopi House, Portland that is nestled in 100ft banyan trees with a breathtaking view of the Blue Lagoon.

There weren’t many options on the menu, so my husband and I went with Chicken and Fish sliders with a side of freshly made potato chips.

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Chicken sliders with Potato chips ($27USD) from Kanopi House, Portland

Service was quick and the staff was courteous. The food was pricey, so thankfully it was tasty too. With that view and comfort, why complain though?

A small bar was available to get spirits from as well.

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Of course, nothing is too predictable in the relaxed parish of Portland. The menu varies from day-to-day and I was told by one of their Chefs, Cecile Watt that items on their dinner menu have an Asian twist. Perhaps we will try them for dinner when we go back to that side of our beautiful island.

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Suga a.k.a Gabby Burgess (L) and husband, Randy Burgess with Chef Cecile Watt from Kanopi House on Saturday, February 16, 2019.

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Kanopi House

Location: Blue Lagoon, San San, Port Antonio (7-10mins away from Blue Lagoon)
Ph: 876.632.3213
US:  800.790.7971
UK (London): 0203.318.1191
Canada: 416.800.9157
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.kanopihouse.com

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By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

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How was Street Food Saturdays?

by Chefs, Bakers and Caterers

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It’s been a long time coming, but I finally made the trek to Street Food Saturdays. Was it worth it? Not really, but I went for the experience nonetheless.

The Menu

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Persons like myself and my husband who go with the intention to try different dishes may be disappointed. We were not given the option to mix meats even when requested and the plates were small, especially for the prices. I hardly eat Pork, but wanted to taste their Smoked Pork Belly. That taste cost me $2,000JMD. It was succulent and crackling, but a bit too salty.

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Smoked Pork Belly ($2000JMD) from Street Food Saturdays last Saturday, February 23, 2019.

The event was filled with patrons. Thankfully they had good crowd control. The wait for food wasn’t long and even though you couldn’t get all your food options at one station, they seemed to have a good system going. ‘Chefs Dwight and Celine’ were on Meats, and Chef Simone Walker-Barrett with her assistants were on Seafood, with her added special of Jerked Lamb Chops.

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The Meat Station at Street Food Saturdays

It was a hot day. They had seating under tents, but my husband and I scoped out a table down by the river that was much cooler with more scenic surroundings.

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Rosemary Pan Chicken ($1000JMD)

The Rosemary Pan Chicken was nothing to write home about, but the Tangerine and Guava sauces provided were tasty and complemented the meats well.

The greatly anticipated Lobster Pasta was not visually appealing. A small serving of lobster on some cheesy elbow macaroni was served to others, so we passed on that.

This finally brings me to the good stuff.  The Jerked Fish was seasoned to perfection and accompanied by tasty Parmesan Polenta.

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Jerked Fish with Parmesan Polenta ($2000JMD)

Chef Simone Walker-Barrett’s Special was indeed special. The Jerked Lamb Chops were savoury.

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Jerked Lamb Chops with Parmesan Polenta ($3000JMD)
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Suga a.k.a Gabby Burgess at Street Food Saturdays last Saturday, February 23, 2018.

After we finished our lunch, there was nothing that kept us interested to stay, so we made it back home in time to watch the Gibson Relays. I think the event has the potential to be better; maybe some entertainment or a farmer’s market. We enjoyed our meals, but it was an underwhelming experience based on the marketing of the event and it was not value for money. It was marketed as wood fire gourmet, but although the quality of some of the dishes was good, there was nothing signature about them, with regard to presentation or taste. After a long drive we spent $8,400JMD for street food, with walk up service, in an outdoor setting. Sorry Suga Bears, this event is not #SugaEndorsed.

Street Food Saturdays

Location: Mount James District; Golden Spring

Ph: 876-414-0016; 876-313-0735; 876-395-3614

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @streetfoodsaturdays

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

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TGIF! Street Food Saturdays is Tomorrow!

by Chefs, Bakers and CaterersWhat's Hot

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Follow the food and the flavour! Head up to Street Food Saturdays hosted by Chef Simone Walker-Barrett by Mount James District, Golden Spring, St. Andrew tomorrow any time from 12-6pm! There will be quite a variety, so there should be something to satisfy any craving you may have.

Garlic Lobster Pasta is back on the menu!

 For more Information:

Call/Whatsapp: 876-414-0016; 876-313-0735; 876-395-3614

Email: [email protected]

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

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Suga has Eyes on Cellar 8’s NEW Deck!

by Restaurant Reviews & RatingsWhat's Hot
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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.