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

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Lunch at Café El Centro!

by Restaurant Reviews & Ratings
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Smoked Marlin Salad ($1850JMD +tx)

Suga’s Ratings for Café El Centro

Date & Time of Visit: Saturday, March 31, 2018 at 2:15pm.

No. of diners: 2

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★☆☆

Ambience: ★★★★☆

Décor: ★★★★★

Comfort: ★★★★★

Service: ★★★★☆

Speed: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★★★☆

Suga Endorsement: ★★★★☆

Comments: Manager, Tina Newman continues to be an exceptional hostess, making you feel right at home. The Smoked Marlin Salad was tasty and quite filling for a salad. My Grilled Sea Trout that was made to order, came out in 20 minutes as I was told it would. It was well seasoned and cooked. The mango salsa complemented it well. I was given the option of potato mash instead of the bammy and also had a freshly tossed vegetable salad on the side with their house-made vinaigrette. Cosy spot with satisfactory service and food. Value for money. #SugaEndorsed

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Grilled Fish ($1800JMD +tx)

Café El Centro 

Location: 8 Hillcrest Avenue

Ph: 876-927-8415

Opening hours: 9am – 10pm

Email: [email protected]

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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New Restaurant Sighting in Runaway Bay!

by Restaurant Reviews & RatingsWhat's Hot

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Milestone Bar and Grill had a launch party for their Opening last Friday, September 29 in Runaway Bay!

They are located close to Sharkies Seafood Restaurant on the opposite side of the road. The building is so big, you cannot miss it.

I stopped by last Sunday. I love the large, open space overlooking the sea across the road. It seems suitable for cosy dining and hosting events. Although it’s in Runaway Bay and not in a busier town such as Ocho Rios, it can serve as a great chill spot in between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay once they are fully up and running.

They were closed when I stopped by, but still offered to cook up some Fish or Chicken since the Chef was there. I decided not to pressure them, but Suga will return soon!

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The doors are Open at Milestone Bar and Grill, Runaway Bay

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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New Bar Spot in Kingston!

by Restaurant Reviews & Ratings
Facebook Photo: The Haven at Hillcrest

If you have been wondering why the road on Hillcrest has been packed with cars at night, it’s because The Haven at Hillcrest is open! It opened a few weeks ago and has been getting a lot of patronage so far judging from the past 2 Fridays I have visited.

They have Foodie Fridays, which is not surprising as the managers, Karen Darby and Byron Purkiss are foodies at heart. Two Fridays ago, I had the pleasure of having Roast Fish (1lb) made by Miss Mae from Hellshire with a serving of Festival and Bammy for $1500. It took a little while to get to me but I was not disappointed and didn’t expect to be. Delish! Freshly caught, well seasoned and topped off with the right amount of pepper.

Last Friday they had Fish Tacos, Chipotle Beef Burgers and more. They have hosted Oyster nights on Saturdays too.

Until they get a Resident Chef, a Pan Chicken man is on property, thus food is always available. Decent Pan Chicken too. I had my share last Friday for $450 within two minutes of ordering.

I am sure The Haven at Hillcrest has a lot more in store and what better timing to head there during the Christmas season with family and friends. Stay tuned to their Facebook page, The Haven at Hillcrest to keep up with the nightly activities. Rustic Chic décor, large space, diverse crowd and affordable food and liquor. The Bartender, Andrew also makes you feel at home.

The Haven at Hillcrest

Location: 12 Hillcrest Ave. Kgn. 6.

Ph: 876-648-2115

Opening Hours: Wed.-Thurs., 4pm-12am; Fri.- Sat., 4pm – 2am; Sun. 10am-10pm

By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Cellar 8 is the new Hot Spot UPtown!

by Restaurant Reviews & Ratings

There is a new Bar in town that the uptowners of Kingston are raving about. Cellar 8 Wine Bar! Its location in Upper Manor Park where Training Camp used to be, is close to home for most of the persons who were quick to stop by last weekend.

Suga visited last Saturday evening with husband and friend and was delighted to see the tasteful, modern decor from ceiling to floor. There was comfortable seating downstairs and a lounge area upstairs.

Service was on point all around. If we followed our waitress, we would have tried everything on the menu and drank out the bar as well.

One of the teething pains for them though, is the Wine List, which probably should have been their priority seeing that they have named themselves a Wine Bar. Just about 6 Wines were listed on the menu with reasonable prices by the Glass ($700-$950JMD) and Bottle. However, there was an entire wall with Wines to choose from that you were encouraged to walk over to if you desired to do so. If persons were seated by the wall you would not want to invade their privacy or space though. They explained that this issue would be sorted out soon.

Spirits were offered by the cue. V/X for $1100JMD, Overproof for $1200JMD and Johnnie Walker for $1800JMD to give you an idea.

Cocktails were also on the menu such as Mojitos ($800JMD), the Classic Martini ($900JMD) and more.

Persons can go for dinner as well with dishes that pair well with Wines such as Lamb Chops ($2100JMD), Basa Fillet ($1700JMD), Steak ($2500JMD), Pastas ($1400-$1800JMD), Pizzas ($1000-$1200ZJMD) and on the lighter side, Salads ($1000-$1100).

A friend was not happy with her Basa Fillet, which was communicated to her waiter and the Manager. It was described as slippery and slimy, served in small bites with a lot of skin on it, all overpowered by the cream sauce. Apologies everything could not be sugar-coated folks.

The portion of Steak served to her other half was described as quite small for the cost.

With that aside, feedback from others was extremely positive. They not only salivated over the food but it was refreshing to have it come out so fast after ordering in a room full of people. I was very happy to experience and observe that and I hope they keep it up.

Of course, if you didn’t just go for just drinks or dinner, after a couple glasses you are ready to order some tasty bites. Their Signature dish, Oxtail Tacos screamed out at me from the menu and I had no regrets! Delish!

Oxtail Tacos ($1300JMD)

We also had the Chimichuri Angus Beef Sliders that was fantastic as well.

Chimichuri Angus Beef Sliders ($1200JMD)

Wedges, Wings, Mac and Cheese, Pork Sliders, Fine Roasted Thai Shrimp and more in the range of $450-$1700JMD were offered too.

The wide variety of options on the Menu were listed with the Prices subject to G.C.T.

A bar close to home is both a good and bad thing, but I think this one is here to stay. I will be returning for sure.

Word is, last Friday night was so full, everyone could not be seated. There was no need to worry though, because there was a lot of standing room. They enjoyed the vibe, their drinks and conversation. Most importantly, conversation. I was quite pleased that the music was low so I could have and enjoy a good conversation, which is lacking at many bars nowadays.

Cellar 8 Wine Bar was described as being ‘So New York!’.

Have fun checking this one out!

Cellar 8 Wine Bar

Location: Shop 10, Upper Manor Park Plaza

Ph: 876-613-5934

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

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Rib Roast and Rum later!

by Restaurant Reviews & Ratings

Time: 6pm-11pm

Venue: The Grillin’ Pit @ the corner of Argyle Road and Musgrave Ave.

Cost: $4000 All You Can Eat & Drink

This will be the 8th staging of the event although it has been M.I.A for 2 years.

Official Catering Partner: Chef Christian Sweeney

Guest Chefs: 

> David Kay (Azuri Catering & Culinary Services and The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel)

> Tiffany Gooden (Confections of a Sugar Junkie)

> Lianne Chen (Lilee’s Cakes & Catering)

Some of the salivating bites to look out for!

Pulled Pork Summer Rolls, Sesame Chicken Skewers, Rum BBQ Ribs, Slow-Roasted Beef Brisket, Foil wrapped Grilled Fish, Crayfish Soup, Smoked 3-Cheese Mac and Cheese and more!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Cruising out to Pelican Bar!

by Restaurant Reviews & RatingsWhat's Hot

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Pelican Bar is a rustic bar that was built from wood by a fisherman, Floyd Forbes in 2001 on a sand bank in the middle of the sea. It is half way between Black River and Treasure Beach.

Of course it was named after the flocks of Pelicans that used to rest on the sand bank.

It is now an established attraction as the hotels quickly recognized what a nice get away it is. Local fishermen will ferry you over from Black River and Treasure Beach, that are about 20 minutes out.

Suga enjoyed the Catamaran Cruise about a month ago with Island Routes from an hour and a half away. The boat was anchored about 2 minutes away from the Bar and we were carried over the low waters by a small motor boat that would collect us in an hour.

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Island Routes Boat anchored 2 minutes away from Pelican Bar

Upon arrival we were greeted by the local fishermen that took orders for fish and drinks from the bar. They keep it simple as they are literally out in the middle of the sea so options are limited. For food, the only meal of the day was Brown Stew Fish and rice an peas. Rice and Peas? Yes. Asking for a side of Bammy was a special order. That’s it. As a tourist attraction and for the experience, I found $15US for the food to be quite reasonable. Tourists mostly enjoyed Rum, Red Stripe Beer and Heineken and the food was ready by the time you explored a little and had a drink.

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A man walked around that would etch your names in the wooden floor of the bar, who I am sure collects a lot of tips.

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Some tourists did a bit of swimming and snorkelling and collected sea eggs and sea urchins while I enjoyed chilling in the water, chatting and drinking beer. Before we knew it, it was time for those who came by Island Routes to head back to land.

It was not an oh so spectacular place but it was all about the experience and it was definitely an opportunity to get away, relax and enjoy the simplicity offered. One thing that could really amp up what they had to offer? It’s St. Elizabeth, so they could get some Shrimp aka ‘Peppa Swims’ at that bar!

Awesome, Picturesque Beach Day. Lovely spot to enjoy with family and friends. Explore Jamaica! Suga endorsed.

Pelican Bar

Location: ‘Di middle of di sea’ – St. Elizabeth

Ph: 876-354-4218

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Affordable stop on a South Coast country run

by Restaurant Reviews & Ratings

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Suga finally hit the South Coast a few weeks ago and stopped by Murray’s Fish & Jerk Hut.

You can get Steamed fish, Brown Stew fish, Fried fish, Curried Goat, Festival, Bammy and Soup on one side and on the other side you can get the usual Jerked Chicken and Pork and try their Jerked Rabbit!

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Posted sign of Rabbit Meat Facts                 N.B. There is a typo for no. 8

 

I had Fish soup, Jerked Chicken and Jerked Rabbit. The food was decent and affordable. Service was quick too. None of the dishes costed over $1000JMD. Definitely value for money.

Murray’s Fish & Jerk Hut

Location: Toll Gate, Clarendon

Ph: 876-987-1111; 876-367-4967

 

 

10 oz Steak at Medusa Bar and Grill

Grill Night at Medusa’s Bar and Grill tomorrow and every Friday!

by Restaurant Reviews & Ratings
10 oz Steak at Medusa Bar and Grill
10 oz Steak at Medusa Bar and Grill

Grill night has been going on for years at Medusa’s Bar and Grill on Fridays at 96 Hope Road. Always well supported. So if you would like a nice, filling Friday dinner, call them at 876-978-3741 to hold your table. If you are not going right after work, it is best you inform them of what you will be ordering as well because sides go quickly.

It is similar to a Dim Sum where you get papers and tick off what you would like. Ribs, Chicken, Fish and Steak (8oz/10oz) are usually available with various choices of how you would like it cooked along with unlimited sides. Yes, unlimited sides meaning you are not charged for sides! Sides include Potatoes, Mushrooms, Sour cream, Onion, Fries, Corn on the cob and more. Also, imagine, word is they marinate from Monday!

If you did not call in your order you may have a long 35-45 minute wait, so ensure you have some lively company capable of good conversation.

Everything costs under $2000JMD so get going and make your plans tonight for Grill night at Medusa’s tomorrow. Remember seating is limited.