Throwing it Back to Kenny’s Italian Café for My Birthday!

With an NBA Finals game on my Birthday and when in Negril, I had to choose Kenny’s Italian Café (Ig: @italiancafejamaica)! So familiar to me with great Italian food, good Bartenders, good vibes and TV screens. That’s all I needed 😁🎉

We had their Soup of the Day, a tasty Caprese Salad, followed up by delish, flavourful, herby Shrimp Spaghetti Puttanesca and I swapped my Shrimp Alfredo to Tomato sauce. I still asked them to work on a Pesto or light White Wine sauce for the Pastas, but they were delectable nonetheless.

Watch “Throwing it Back to Kenny’s Italian Cafe for My Birthday!” on YouTube here:

https://youtu.be/2f8STUZDtCM

Thanks sooo much for making my Birthday even more special. There were two others in the house and we rocked it to different songs. Appreciated that Mr. DJ!

Kenny’s Italian literally got the entire staff to chime in for the Birthday serenade, like WOW, plus a Free Birthday Shot. Okrrrr Partayyy 💃🥃🥃🎉

Thanks for showing Suga Amore always…I returned the following night for Drinks too. Dangerous Bartender you have there, but not calling any names 😃💖

Kenny’s Italian Cafe continues to be #SugaEndorsed.

Kenny’s Italian Café Jamaica

Location: Norman Manley Blvd., Negril. Jamaica

Ph: 876.957.4032

Instagram: @italiancafejamaica

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.

Like Fine Wine, Suga’s Birthday Month continues at Trio Wine Bar & Grill!

Happy Winesday!

Gabby Burgess a.k.a Suga, owner of Suga Lifestyle at Trio Wine Bar and Grill last Wednesday, June 15, 2022.

Check out the 50% off your 2nd Bottle of Wine Bottle Today + Pasta Specials from 4PM-7PM at Trio Wine Bar and Grill (Ig: @triowinebar64) at 64 Hope Road!

Watch “Like Fine Wine, Suga’s Birthday Month continues at Trio Wine Bar & Grill!” on YouTube here:

https://youtube.com/shorts/u4thftXRwfI?feature=share

It’s White Wine season for the Summer, best with Seafood. You have to try their Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon 👌🏾 If Reds and Meats are your choice, carry on too. Get Happy. Happy Hump Day! 🥂

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.

Suga Finds the Key to the Pie at Blue Skies Beach Resort!

Fairly new from welcoming first guests last year and published earlier this year by The Jamaica Observer, we learnt that US civil rights attorney, Dana Kurtz opened Blue Skies Beach Resort (Ig: @blueskiesbeachresort) and realised her dream. This led to her also driving the dreams of aspiring Jamaican Chefs.

I can appreciate the old authenticity of shacks and huts on Negril beach, but appreciate modernizing it even more. Negril is one of the top tourist destinations in the world and we should move with the times and strive to keep it as such.

If strolling on Negril’s 7 mile beach, you cannot miss the Blue Skies Beach Resort. Bright blue and new furnishings on its wooden sea deck with not one, but 2 bars and blazing music. They also advertised having the best Coffee on the beach, but we were on a Rum run.

Fast forward to night time, we approached from Norman Manley Boulevard where they have a bit of construction happening for greater things to come. There was a Baby Shower happening on the top deck, but we were still able to get suitable parking.

With the event happening, more staff should have been on deck (literally) that night, but Chef Sanika Clarke picked up double duty and greeted us like guests to her own home. She took our order and still attended to us even when our server, Veronica introduced herself to us mid-service. Veronica was quite hospitable as well.

Blue Skies Beach Resort focuses on Jamaican cuisine, but had International and Italian options as well.
We enjoyed the enhanced flavours of each dish by local herbs, spices and fresh farm veggies, topped off by freshly made, scrumptious dessert made by Chef Sanika herself.

🍴Spicy Crayfish soup (spicy and tasty!)
🍴Chicken soup (tasty!)

🍴Fried Farm Fresh Okra (delish!)


🍴Roasted Conch (yum, nom nom!)
🍴Oxtail (a bit too heavy on the spices & herbs, but still tasty)
🍴Bread Pudding (the Rum Caramel sauce was 🔥)
🍴Key Lime Pie (Perfection👌🏾👏🏾)

Blue Skies Beach Resort is definitely #SugaEndorsed.

Blue Skies Beach Resort

Location: Norman Manley Boulevard, Negril, Jamaica

Ph: 876-882-4500

Instagram: @blueskiesbeachresort

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.

Call Suga. I Found Some Good Oxtail on Negril Beach!

Suga dining seaside by Indies 957 at White Sands Negril last Saturday, June 11, 2022.

It just took a walk on Negril beach to find some fairly new spots with good, Jamaican food.

Indies957 at White Sands Negril (Ig:@whitesandsnegril) is the spot for Oxtail!

Control yourself with portions and save space for dinner😀

Oxtail with rice and peas and raw veggies.

The right balance in seasoning, but also a good cut of Oxtail! Tender to the bone. Cut and slide 👌🏾

Indies 957 is a neat spot for Lunch with a view of the Caribbean sea from up top and courteous, down to earth staff.

You can check out Indies 957 at White Sands Negril for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner. #SugaEndorsed

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.

#tbt to Dinner at this Hot Family Dining Spot!

Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga of Suga Lifestyle at South Avenue Grill last March 19, 2022.

It’s been a little while since we made this visit towards the end of March. Nonetheless, South Avenue Grill (Ig: @southavenuegrill) used to be an old favourite for us, especially for Steak and we spontaneously revisited it one Saturday night for dinner.

The restaurant was buzzing with a full house of diners, mostly families, in addition to persons waiting to be seated. We quickly realised this is a place you have to make reservations. The wait wasn’t long to be seated, but Apps took half hour to come out and our Mains, a bit over half hour after that. We appreciated our server, Carlene being attentive with giving us updates and checking on us though.

Check out what we had!

Fowl pon fire, that needed a bit more wood for the fire. More heat please!

Wings
Thai Coconut Curry Chicken
Steak with black beans and mashed potatoes.

We also had Wings, Thai Coconut Curry Chicken, Steak with black beans and mashed potato. The Steak wasn’t as juicy as it used to be and though presentation may not be the best, it was still some decent food and we left feeling satisfied.
We still saw their usual huge servings of Burgers and cheesy Shrimp Pastas pass us by!

Happy to see South Avenue Grill
still buzzing. I would revisit in the day time during the week with reservations.

South Avenue Grill

Location: 20A South Avenue, Kingston. Ja.

Ph: 876-575-6276

Instagram: @southavenuegrill

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.

TGIF! Cheers to Fine Dining at Couples Tower Isle!

Suga at Bayside Restaurant at Couples Tower Isle, St. Mary, Jamaica during Easter Weekend 2022

Eight Rivers! We’re back again and will keep returning. Superb service from Shenara last Easter weekend. Eight Rivers took us through a fine dining experience with Sorbet palate cleansers in between courses.

Everything was perfection, except for dessert, but no complaints here.

Watch “Cheers to Fine Dining at Couples Tower Isle!” on YouTube here:

https://youtube.com/shorts/gguPE0j7pNA?feature=share

We started off with a Seafood Tasting, Coconut & Herb Crusted Crab Cakes, Jerk rubbed Beef Carpaccio with pickled Beets, crumbled feta and more, hand poured Thyme roasted Shrimp Bisque with Sherry, followed up by a succulent cut of Cracked Black Pepper Crusted Beef Fillet Mignon and then dessert!

Another night we headed over to Bayside! Authentic Asian cuisine at its best and spiciest!

We were introduced to Bayside with a tasting platter of Thai fried Butterfly Shrimps, Garlic & Honey Chicken Skewers, Spring and Summer Rolls and Korean Cabbage Cakes accentuated by amazing dipping sauces – peanut, sweet chili and sriracha honey!

Then what better starter than the flavour that defines Thailand! Thai Tom Yam Goong Hot and Sour Soup with Shrimp, Chicken and Veggies. Yum! We also had the tasty Indonesian Rice Noodle Salad.

We tried almost everything from Thai Green Curry Beef, Manchurian Chicken, Chinese stir-fry Shrimps to Red Curry Pan-seared Snapper Fillet. Thick, rich, spicy, authentic curries paired well with the fresh seafood and meats and veggies to cool off the tastebuds.

Then the night was complete with tasty Coconut Cake made with a Green Tea Custard and candied orange sauce!
Fantastic experience for Couples. As quoted in the Eight Rivers menu, ‘There is no sincerer love than the love of food – George Bernard Shaw’

Gabby and Randy Burgess, Owners of Suga Lifestyle at Couples Tower Isle, St. Mary, Jamaica

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.

Weekend Time = Brunch Time. Brunchin’ at Chive Restaurant…Always a Vibe


Consistently delish food from Chive Restaurant in Orchid Village Plaza, Liguanea👌🏾

Watch “Brunchin’ at Chive!” on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/0Dqexfk69-o

Chive Restaurant
Location: Shop 15, Orchid Village Plaza. 20 Barbican Road. Kingston 6.
Ph: 876-820-1194
Instagram: @chivejamaica

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.

Happy Stew Peas Wednesday! Where do you like to get Yours?

Pot a boil! You like yours with Pig’s Tail too? I do!

FEATURED: Ig: @jabbaspeppaswims (Ph: 876.376.9347)

If you’re treating yourself to some juicy Stew Peas today, where you gonna get it?!
Igs @jabbaspeppaswims, @jangas.soundbar, @soniashomestylecooking, @jenskitchenja, @karparkcarwashandbar, YuModdaPot BIG UP YUSELF!

Drop your favourite spot for Stew Peas in the comments Suga Fam.

Have a great Day!

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.

Get Over Hump Day with this Salad from Coppers!

Smoked Marlin Pasta Salad (J$2250)
Smoked Marlin with crisp greens, beets, tomato, cucumber, eggs, cheese, pickled onions with Coppers’ house dressing

Just WOW!

Thoroughly enjoyed this low calorie Smoked Marlin Pasta Salad from The Coppers Jamaica (Ig: @thecoppersja) about three weeks ago.

Great service continues.

*Reservations recommended*

The Coppers Jamaica

Location: 9 Haining Road. Kingston. Jamaica

Ph: 876.815.5609

Instagram: @thecoppersja

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.

Mystic Thai: One Night in Kingston?!

When Mystic Thai comes to Kingston, foodies unite! (L-R) Le Cordon Bleu Paris Graduate & Blogger, Craig Fleming, Blogger, Vanessa Lalasingh, Owners of Suga Lifestyle, Gabrielle and Randy Burgess with Suga Taster, Ashleigh Arnold.

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).

It’s what you would call a precursor to Mystic Thai coming to Kingston! Yes, you read right. Mystic Thai will be opening a higher end version of their restaurant some time within the next 6 to 8 months. Envision Sea Bass and Steaks prepared by a mix of new Chefs coming from India, while you are surrounded by the finest of Thai décor. Can’t wait!


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.

The Papaya Salad Wraps paired with Rosé cooled things down a bit with delicate flavours and well-rounded acidity.

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.

Wine Lady Debra in action, assisting to pour the last Cocktail of the night.
Wine Lady Debra with Gabby Burgess

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. 🥂

Randy and Gabby Burgess of Suga Lifestyle with friends and Suga Tasters, Tennyson and Ashleigh Arnold.
Gabby Burgess with Owner of Mystic Thai, Kareena Mahbubani.

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.