*I didn’t get the chance to purchase Capers, but for those who like Capers with Salmon, it is not needed with the strong taste of Ashebre’s Spicy Dairy-Free Pesto sauce
*Ashebre’s Spicy Dairy-Free Pesto can be sourced at John R. Wong Supermarket, Kingston Ja
Method (Serves: 2)
Salmon Fillets
1. Tilt the Salmon fillet up/Lift and bend it to make several slits on the skin side of the Salmon with a very sharp knife. (This makes the Salmon cook quicker, the skin crispier and does not let the Salmon curl up in the heat)
*Don’t slice too deep or you will overcook the Salmon
2. Season the Salmon with Salt and Black pepper
3. Lightly grease frying pan with Olive oil over medium heat
4. Place Salmon fillets in pan skin side down to prevent overcooking
3. Look out for a distinct white line in the middle of the fillet at about 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the Salmon. When you see it, the Salmon is cooked halfway through
4. Flip the Salmon and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the skin is crispy.
5. Turn off the heat, cover the pan and steam your Salmon for about 10 minutes to be cooked medium. Add an extra 2-3 minutes to cook medium-well.
Pasta
1. Cook Thin Spaghetti until tender and drain in coriander.
2. Add sliced Cherry tomatoes and mix in some of Asbebre’s Spicy Dairy-free Pesto Sauce.
Creamy Sauce
Make your own healthy version of a Creamy Sauce instead of using an Alfredo sauce or Coconut cream sauce to put on your Fish or your Pasta.
Melt olive oil, garlic powder, onion, cream cheese, grated parmesan cheese and almond/skimmed milk in a pot, with varying amounts to create your desired consistency.
Plating
Plate Spaghetti with Salmon fillet on top. Add a little Pesto sauce to the Salmon and layer your homemade creamy sauce on top. Yum!
Enjoy!
By: Gabrielle Burgess (Certified Personal Trainer & Sports Nutritionist)
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Comments:Â Modern, new, cosy spot with seating upstairs and downstairs complemented by free Wifi. Tasty Breakfast and Lunch options. Some Breakfast Options are overpriced, but I am happy there were healthy options available for both Breakfast and Lunch. I was disappointed by the fact that I couldn’t get a simple Frappuccino. They had Frozays a.k.a syrup and ice cream. My wait was a quick 8 minutes for Lunch and the standard 15 minutes for Breakfast when they had a full house. Members of Staff were pleasant.
The upstairs Lounge/Dining area at Cafe Dolce
When did Cafe Dolce Open?
Mid-December last year.
Who owns it?
Restauranteurs Lisa-Gaye and Kirk Chin, owners of Fromage Gourmet Market & Bistro, Fromage Brasserie and the Oak Wine Bar.
What did I have?
Lunch:
I had the Bruschetta Chicken Panini ($900JMD +tx) with Wheat bread, Chicken, Basil Pesto, Mozzarella, Tomato and Balsamic aioli. It was fresh, filling and flavorful.
I also had a Parfait ($500JMD+tx)Â that included healthy, plain Greek Yoghurt.
Breakfast:
I had the Smoked Salmon Bagel ($850JMD+tx)Â with lettuce, tomato, onion and cream cheese, Buttermilk Pancakes with Bacon ($600JMD+tx) and a Hazelnut Iced Coffee ($450JMD+tx).
I was disappointed that I didn’t get any capers with my Smoked Salmon Bagel, but I was satisfied since it was made fresh and it was tasty. I also enjoyed my Pancakes with Bacon.
What do they serve?
â— Coffee, Tea, Smoothies, Shakes and other Beverages
◠Breakfast, Salads, Soup, Sandwiches, Wraps, Paninis, Parfaits, Pastries, Snacks, and Dessert made fresh daily
After a horrible review from a Suga Bear late December last year, I gave Cafe Dolce some time and visited last Saturday and Sunday for Lunch and Breakfast respectively.
I was quite relieved I did not have her experience of an hour-long wait and poorly cooked food with a poor presentation. It was the total opposite for me. I am pleased to see that they seemed to have worked out their teething pains. If anyone had a distasteful experience there, I encourage you to revisit Cafe Dolce and I look forward to going back soon!
Cafe Dolce
Location: 114 Constant Spring Road (Inside of Tile City). Kingston 10.
Ph: 876-649-9971
Opening Hours:
Mon-Thurs, 7am-7pm
Fri-Sat, 7am-8pm
Sun, 7am-5pm
Instagram: @cafedolceja
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Grilled Chicken Breast with Steamed Callaloo and Boiled Sweet Potato ($550JMD)
Remember Suga Bears that directly across from Dunrobin Plaza, you can get a tasty and healthy Lunch from Gym’s Kitchen. It actually has a gym beside it!
They offer a range of options with a different menu according to a theme each day. For those that don’t eat Chicken, there is usually an option for Salmon and sometimes there may be Ackee dishes on the menu.
I took a few bites from my Lunch before I thought that I should snap it and share, but they do properly portioned Lunches. I have been ordering from them for some time now and I love that I can consistently get a healthy, tasty, reasonable Lunch from them. #SugaEndorsed
Check them out! They deliver too. However, ensure that you give them an earlier time than desired.
No excuses for January on your road to health and fitness!
Market 17 is known for local farm fare and their adventurous option of Dining in the Dark.
Their menu has a list of products supplied from farms that meet their standards and are available.
The Dining in the Dark Experience takes place in a special dark room. A Blindtasting menu is served after all food allergies, dietary restrictions and extreme dislikes are declared. The goal is to heighten the senses without the help of sight. The Blindtasting menu starts at $75USD per person, excluding Beverages and taxes).
All of my friends were not in agreement to do the Dining in the Dark Experience, so we decided to go with the main menu.
Two Saturday nights ago, my friends and I were out and ready to dine at 8:30pm. We were pleasantly greeted and seated at our reserved table for seven. Our waiter, Daniel was unforgettable. He reeled off the menu from his head, explaining our options and giving suggestions eloquently. He had a personality that definitely kept the mood light.
He took our orders when we were ready and the Appetizers and Drinks came out quickly. They have a wide selection of Wines, Craft Beers and a few listed Cocktails.
It was said that the Appetizers were shareable, however hints were given as to what we may not want to share.
The Crispy Miso Pork Belly was succulent, but the portion was small.
Rock Shrimp, Chicken, Ceviche, Meatballs and Salads were also available as Appetizers. However, their menu changes quite often and the Restaurant’s website is updated accordingly.
The Housemade Charcuterie served with Chutneys and Picklings usually stays on the menu. We made our own platter with our choices of Meats and Cheeses that was delightful.
Just when I started to wonder when our greatly anticipated Entrees were coming out, Daniel informed our table that our Entrees were coming forthwith! They surely did.
Tasting options were available for the Entrees at a reduced cost. When Daniel mentioned the pairing of Antelope Filet with Whole Key West Pink Shrimp at the start of Dinner, it created a ripple effect amongst the Suga Daddies*.
I definitely had to try it. The Grilled Antelope Filet, that was cooked medium rare, did not disappoint. It was tender and juicy with fresh farm to table greens, of which the Okra was a hit. The Whole Keywest Pink Shrimp that I tasted was delish! Sadly, the salt seemed to have gotten away from the Chef again on one of the Shrimp Tastings. This information was relayed to Daniel, who remedied the situation by removing it from the bill, since another serving was not desired at that time.
Tastings of Yellowfin Tuna (left) and Grilled Antelope Filet (right)
The Tasting portions definitely made up for the small portions of Appetizers. Imagine what the actual Entree portion may look like. Persons were satisfied by the end of the night, therefore since the small portions of Appetizers sufficed, perhaps the pricing could be reconsidered.
I paired my Tasting of Grilled Antelope Filet with Togorashi Seared Rare Yellowfin Tuna that was cooked medium rare. It was divine. Have you had Black Rice?! Phenomenal. It was refreshing to get such exquisite healthy options while dining out. Black rice has more micronutrients than Brown and White rice. Ancient Chinese mythology claims that Black rice was reserved solely for the Emperor and the Royal Family, due to its nutritional content and healing abilities. In those days, your life would be in danger if you were caught eating it without permission.
Togorashi Seared Rare Yellowfin Tuna $20/$37USD) – Coconut Black Rice, Tamarind, Cauliflower, Pak Choi, Tomatoes, Celery, Sesame, Clementine, Sambal
The Grilled Grassfed Beef Filet Mignon and Pan Roasted Chicken Breast did not spend much time on the table. They were thoroughly enjoyed.
The Pan Roasted Chicken Breast ($18/$33USD) was accompanied by Spiced Bulgur Wheat, Roasted Cauliflower, Squash, Pickled onion, Kale, Charred Eggplant Pudding and Marinated Tomatoes.
Dessert topped off the night for a few. Thankfully I did not indulge. Market 17’s strong points seem to be their Entrees and Beverage selections. The Vanilla Cake with Pastry cream was just up to typical standard.
Dessert Options range from $8 to $18 USD and included Cookies, Brownies, Parfaits, Ice Creams, Sorbets and a Cheese court.
Market 17 is a fine dining Restaurant to dress up and go to with excellent service, delish and unique Entree options, along with fine Beverages. Head to Market 17 and Eat like Royalty!
Gabby and one of her Suga Bears, Jehan Knight
*Suga Daddies – Men who think they are too manly to be called a Suga Bear (Foodie in association with Suga Lifestyle)
Market 17
***Reservations Recommended***
Location: 1850 Southeast 17th St. Fort Lauderdale, FL. USA
There has been a surge of various brands of Banana, Cassava and Plantain Chips on the supermarket shelves lately. After the Soldanza brand (originally manufactured in the Dominican Republic) took off, Brand Jamaica followed suit. That’s a good thing! Soldanza Plantain Chips were actually not that healthy anyway, considering its 10% Saturated Fat content.
Note that as much as we love Banana Chips or Cassava Chips, they have too much Saturated Fat and sodium. Jamaicans are already prone to high blood pressure.
If you are looking for a similar taste with larger sized chips, locally made St. Mary’s Plantain Chips (slightly salted) and National Chachita’s Plantain Chips (lightly salted) are the brands for you! Healthy and tasty. A win-win with enough chips in the bag.
Both brands have 0g Trans Fats, 0mg Cholesterol and an impressively low percentage of Saturated Fat, 6%. They are not equal to or less than the ideal 5% Saturated Fat, but they are close enough. They are also slightly/lightly salted so the sodium content is low enough and not off the charts like others on the market. Another important factor is fiber. Do they keep you fuller for longer? They aren’t whole grain or whole wheat, but have a small amount of fibre that can do the job of sustaining your energy and curbing hunger between meals.
If you decide to have Plantain chips as a side to your meal instead of a snack, that is a good idea as well. For instance, to replace Rice and Peas alongside Jerked Chicken. You will end up consuming fewer calories and it’s a difference from the monotony, especially if you spice up the taste with a little guacamole or chimichurri sauce.
One should eat 5/6 meals per day depending on how long you are awake for and that includes 2 snacks. A typical 5-meal day should have the order of Breakfast, Snack, Lunch, Snack, Dinner.
So keep it Jamaican and incorporate these healthy snacks in your diet today!
By: Gabrielle Burgess (Certified Personal Trainer & Sports Nutritionist)
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Oven Roasted Plantains stuffed with Black Beans, Pepper Jack Cheese and Cilantro Sauce
This is a smart, tasty and spicy idea for a Meatless Monday! Awesome way to switch things up for the Vegetarian diet. Note that the Black Beans provide additional fiber.
To go completely healthy, you can substitute the Pepper Jack Cheese with Borden’s Fat-Free Pepper Jack Cheese that can be found at Wal-Mart or with another spicy, flavourful Fat-Free Cheese of your choice based on availability.
Check out The Kitchenista’s blog for the full Recipe!
4 eggs
1/4 cup almond milk/skimmed milk
1/4 tsp. salt
1 medium tomato (chopped)
1 tsp. escallion (chopped)
1/4 tsp. oregano
black pepper
3/4 cup cooked callaloo ***(Rich in Iron, Calcium and Vitamin B12)
1/2 cup Kraft fat-free shredded mozzarella cheese
N.B. The more eggs you add, the thicker the Frittata
Instructions
◠Preheat the oven to 400°F.
â— Spray skillet with cooking spray and set aside.
â— In a bowl, whisk the eggs, salt, a dash of black pepper, 1/4 tsp. oregano and almond milk/skimmed milk.
â— Add chopped escallion, tomato, cooked callaloo and half of the cheese. Stir, then whisk to combine mixture.
â— Pour mixture into prepared skillet and sprinkle the other half of the cheese on top.
â— Bake for 15-20 mins, then remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 mins.
â— Slice then serve!
Enjoy!
By: Gabrielle Burgess (Certified Personal Trainer and Sports Nutritionist)
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Suga visited Hajarie last Saturday for Lunch at about 3:30pm. Hajarie has been open for about a month now at what I would like to call the Phoenix Avenue Complex of Eateries. Hajarie is not entirely new, but they have expanded their repertoire. They are familiarly known as The Teapot that used to be located in Sovereign Centre. A Suga Bear used to go there frequently for their refreshing Teas.
Persons have the option of comfortable indoor or outdoor dining with a scenic garden view.
We were seated instantly by our pleasant, professional waitress. I observed two groups of content and comfortable diners that included a Birthday celebration. A new place pleasing big groups was a good sign already.
I appreciated the well-tailored Menu. It offered suitable variety without overwhelming options.
My husband, Randy and I started off with the Soup of the Day ($400JMD) that was a Pepper Pot Soup. It was rich in taste with the expected level of spicy.
Our dishes came out like clockwork with a little time to talk in between. Just how I like it. We had the appetizing Smoked Herring Salsa ($650JMD) that complemented our preferred side of Eggplant Chips well. The Olive wood and mother of pearl plates were a fine touch.
Smoked Herring tossed with a fresh combination of tomato, cucumber, scotch bonnet pepper served with biscuits or preferred side option ($650)
My Avocado and Chickpea Wrap with added Chicken was perfection even though they didn’t have whole wheat tortillas. The Wrap was a sweet combination of grilled plantains, balsamic marinated cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado and chickpea.
Avocado Chickpea – wrapped ($900JMD) with added Chicken ($400JMD).
Hajarie serves Wine by the Bottle only. We opted to have their refreshing White Berry and Lemon Mint Iced Teas ($400JMD each). Ginger Honey was the other option.
We didn’t have Dessert, but their Brazilian Banana Cake is highly recommended by local Chef Anthony Fleming and I need to be there the next time they bake the Apple Cinnamon Torte!
So one can eat healthy, unhealthy or a little bit of both at Hajarie.
Veggie Campus has been a favourite of a Suga Bear for a while now and I finally decided to try them. Veggie Campus prepares and delivers Caribbean, Vegan food at an affordable cost in Kingston. Gluten Free and Soy Free options are available too.
Last Wednesday, I ordered the Ackee Wrap, Steamed Callaloo and Ripe Plantains for $500JMD for Lunch.
Making my order via whatsapp was quick and effective. However, I asked for 12pm delivery and they were half an hour late. I had called at 12:15pm and was told they were 5 minutes away. 5 minutes turned into 15 minutes, but I am happy they at least answered the phone unlike other places that you would not get at that time.
The food was a bit on the plain side, lacking spice, but they definitely facilitated clean eating and the food was not oily. I still felt a little peckish afterwards, but I know for more fibre I should have ordered the Curried Chick Pea Wrap with Steamed Callaloo and Ripe Plantain for $650JMD. I did not feel for Curry that day though.
Entree options that may offer more satisfaction are their Curried Veggie Chunks ($500JMD) that includes side options such as sweet potato mash, steamed callaloo or basmati pumpkin rice and their Fettuccine Alfredo with summer squash.
Natural Juices with no sugar added such as Carrot and Pineapple cost $200JMD.
I will probably try Veggie Campus another day to try one of their Entree options, but when I have a later lunch time to order ahead of time of course.
Veggie Campus Jamaica Call, Txt, Whatsapp: 876-321-5298 Delivery: Mon-Fri from 12pm-5pm for $200JMD Email: [email protected] Instagram/Facebook: Veggie Campus Ja
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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