A Curry Festival?! Interesting! Save the Date and some Tums Foodies. Kingston’s 1st Curry Festival will be May 22 from 6pm – 12am at Hope Zoo with food, live performances and an artisan village. Early Bird Tickets are now available for $1000JMD. Children under 12 are FREE.
Two of my favourite Curry joints, Lyming at Walkerswood and Murray’s Fish and Jerk Hut will be there! Also, Banyan Catering, Soup King, Sip n’ Go and more.
Part Proceeds from each ticket sold go to the Jamaica Kidney Kids Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting kids with kidney diseases through finance, education and support.
Mark your Calendars and buy your early bird ticket today!
Kingston Curry Festival
For Early Bird $1000JMD Tickets: Go to Adam & Eve Day Spa/ Online at https://touchstoneticketing.com
Instagram: @kingstoncurryfestival
Website: www.kingstoncurryfestival.com
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Suga thinks that the Jamaica Rum Festival was a success!
I went on the Saturday at about 3:30pm when the sun was out in full force. Imagine I was planning on going earlier. I was disappointed that the seminar times were posted online so close to the day, so failed to plan for them and missed out on available spots. I am sure it would have enhanced my experience even more, but perhaps something can be done next year that may not involve tastings and patrons can be involved.
I was early enough to get my Festival cup though! This was definitely a perk appreciated by patrons. You got back your entry money with that already.
I wish the mist being provided for the Sugar cane was provided for patrons at certain points throughout the festival too, or fans. The heat was hard to bear. Thankfully after a walk around the venue, picking up rum samples from the different sponsors and seeing what was on offer, Kande’s Delights had their delicious ice cream to cool you down. They gave you combo options to get a moist, salivating cupcake from Alex’s Creations too! Those cupcakes are one of a kind.
I am all for Brand Jamaica, but I think if local artisans are to be involved in the festival, they should have products more aligned with the theme of the festival. Perhaps like Street Food Saturdays who had Pepper sauces. Items that persons like to pair with rum or persons who take a liking to rum are likely to purchase.
The CB Food Village was a disappointment. Firstly, there was no card machine by the general line to get tickets. That should have been standard. I believe Rainforest Seafoods was probably the only option on the inside that you could buy from and use a card.
I understand that after drinking all that rum, the food did not have to be gourmet and got the idea behind mostly fried foods etc. to soak up the rum, but I still felt like options were limited and the quality of food put out was not that enticing. For instance, the quality of Pan Chicken in Manor Park is far better than that offered by the Pan Chicken winner that was present. I believe I made a good decision to get the Pork Fries from Tooksie Kay Catering. I got the Fried Chicken tacos from Chilitos too, but I believe Tooksie Kay was probably the best, if not, one of the best options there.
With all of that aside, how was the Rum and Entertainment?! After all, that is what we were there for. Monymusk was the only disappointment. Why was Monymusk giving people straight shots of whites?! Good Lord. Then they wanted you to pay for slushes with no rum in them. Wheel and come again.
Kudus to the other sponsors, Appleton Estate, Wray & Nephew, Charley’s J.B. Overproof Rum and Hampten Estate for coming up with creative 3oz sampler cocktails and mixes that were free. I enjoyed them. Big up Charley’s J.B. Overproof Rum from Trelawny who came with their Sprat and Bammy to soak up that strong cullo cullo a.k.a John Crow Batty!
Bottles and cues were for sale from the different sponsors as well.
The vibe did nice! Uncle Wray was there to mingle with patrons and so was Aunty Joy, Master Blender from Appleton Estate.
Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga with Joy Spence, Master Blender of Appleton Estate.
Wray and Nephew did an excellent job with on the spot entertainment, such as mixology competitions. Hosts Sakina Deer and Dufton Shepherd really had the crowd engaged encouraging spontaneous outbursts of laughter.
I thoroughly enjoyed all the performances that I caught. Wayne Marshall, Dance Xpressionz and Aidonia certainly took us through their expansive catalogue of music and dance throughout the years.
Hope Pastures needs to take better care of those dusty grounds and I wish I got prior notice to consider carrying a chair, because once you are there you are likely to stay till the very end! Kudos to the organizers for creating such a memorable, local experience. Looking forward to the next one! #SugaEndorsed
Suga with husband, Randy Burgess at the Jamaica Rum Festival last Saturday, March 9, 2019 (Photo: Kirk Wignall)
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Are you ready?! The greatly anticipated Jamaica Rum Festival begins tomorrow! A festival that should walk us through the history of Jamaican rums via photos, artefacts and a sensory experience.
Sip Sip Sip! Expect to receive Drink Chits upon entry for your complimentary cocktail and samples from each of the sponsors booths.
Seminars and Workshops hosted by Appleton Estate’s Master Blender, Joy Spence and more start from 12:45pm, where you sign in upon entry once spaces are still available.
The festival should also be showcasing live music, arts and crafts and other Jamaican made products presented by local artisans, powered by the Tourism Enhancement Fund and of course, food.
Participating Local Artisans
Patrons will experience the Jamaica Rum Festival Food Court offered by sponsor, CB Foods!
What have you been waiting for? Get your tickets today!
For more information:
Website: www.jarumfestival.com/
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Now that last weekend is over, here is something else to look forward to!
Appleton Estate’s Jamaica Rum Festival will be March 9 – 10, 2019 in Hope Gardens and should be showcasing our country’s excellence in Rum, Food and Music.
Save the Date that you choose to go!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Thatched roofs, bamboo, wooden tables and stools along with courteous staff, nestled in the lush greenery of the Serengeti Zoo, Chillin’ provided a comfortable setting to have dinner with my husband, Randy last Saturday night.
Chillin’ Restaurant emerged as a hot spot over the holidays and seems suitable for teens and up.
When I saw Murray’s Curry Goat on the menu, I instantly knew the owners of Murray’s Fish and Jerk Hut, Clarendon have come to town! It kicked my senses into high gear.
Appetizers
I instantly ordered the Murray’s Curry Goat and Roti Waffle bites.
Murray’s Curry Goat and Roti Waffle bites ($1000JMD) – Jamaican curried goat and mixed leaves on a bed of roti waffles.
The Curry Goat was deboned, tender, juicy and spicy complemented by veggies and a soft Roti Waffle to cool things down.
Salads, Chicken Strips, Wings, Wontons, and Corn-on-the-Cob are other Appetizers on the menu ranging from $900JMD to $1600JMD.
There are also attractive group platters ranging from $2500-$3600JMD with options of healthy servings of Jerked meat, Wontons, Corn and Wings with a variety of sauces.
Our mains were presented attractively in healthy portions, both well cooked and quite savoury. That Chillin’s sticky House Barbeque Sauce is one for the recipe books.
Murray’s popular, seasoned to perfection Curried Goat, Smoked Pork Chop, Peppa Shrimp and Braised Oxtail are other succulent main items on the menu.
Chillin’ Restaurant and Bar seems like the perfect place to have a bite and pregame before a night out or the place to have a savoury, well cooked and seasoned meal accompanied by the sound of good music.
Chillin’ Restaurant is #SugaEndorsed.
Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga at Chillin’ Restaurant last Saturday, January 19, 2019.
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Jamaica Food and Drink Festival (JFDF) kicks off this Saturday with Pork Palooza at Hope Gardens from 7pm – 11pm. It will be an all-inclusive event with drinks and all the succulent pork you can eat for $7000JMD.
They have a stacked lineup of local celebrity chefs. Check out a few of who Suga is interested to see or hear about this Saturday, along with what most of them are cooking here!
Chef Dionne Reid from Hanover’s Smoked Marlin Restaurant made quite an impact last year at Crisp. This year she will be showing her hand with Pork. She will be offering Pomegranate Glazed Ribs and Head Cheese Shooters.
The popular and confident Chef Andre Sewell who caters will have:
Chef Charissa Henry usually has something interesting up her Pink Apron Sleeve. This Saturday it will be:
Moveable Feast’s Chef Michelle Williams has been in the culinary industry for some time now, but I have never had the pleasure of indulging in any of her dishes. I am interested to see how her menu turns out.
Then there is Chef Christian Sweeney who is usually a crowd favourite. He is offering dessert with a touch of candied pork too!
Ticket Information
Enjoy!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Kingston Kitchen had Hope Gardens buzzing with activity last Saturday. It was a great event for family, friends and foodies to unite for the love of food.
The event was well supported, probably the biggest staging I’ve ever seen. The logistics and execution of the event was quite commendable.
Just a few drawbacks for me. One bar was not enough for the event and amount of patrons. It was overcrowded to say the least.
I also believe that our Gastronomy network via the Tourism Industry should have been involved with the event to incorporate tourists from various hotels on the north coast of the island. Kingston Kitchen’s Night Market would have been an eye-opening experience for them to see so much of our culture in one area and in one night. The event would also expose them to Kingston, as many tourists are unaware of the many cultural activities, beauty and places to go that exist in Kingston. For the next Kingston Kitchen, I would like to see them in bus loads!
There were so many vendors to pick, choose and refuse from, Suga and husband went with a hit list.
Here is a reminder of what Kingston Kitchen had to offer in addition to entertainment for adults and kids:
I am proud to say my husband, Randy and I succeeded. We definitely took note of places to try in the near future as well.
Suga’s Breakdown!
MUST-STOPS AND GLAD BAG BUSS
â— Stush in the Bush– A variety of unique Sauces, Spreads and Preserves made with love. Always a crowd pleaser.
Lisa and Chris Binns doing what they do best at Kingston Kitchen last Saturday, July 7, 2018.
â— Lucky Strike Seafood Bar and Grill – Their Seafood bowl is always a hit. My husband approves!
Randy Burgess and wife, Suga a.k.a Gabby from Suga Lifestyle at Kitchen last Saturday
â— Street Food Saturdays – Fresh mint Lemonade, Street corn and more. They kept patrons coming all night!
â— Fish Pot – Flavourful, peppery Fish soup. Great gas buster to prep for food galore.
â—Simo’s Bread and Catering – Pastries, Soursop Popsicles, Dessert, Sauces, Seasonings. Excellent spread as usual from the main hands of it all, Christina Simonitsch.
Delicious Mini Cronuts, Pastries, Sauces and more from Simo’s Bread and Catering at Kingston Kitchen last Saturday.
â— I Love Paella – Rich, flavourful Tapas! From Valencia with love. Bravas, Croquetas and Empañadas cooked right in front of you.
â— Scott van Bonnet -Â New kid on the block from Blue Diamond Shopping Centre, Montego Bay. They had tasty Turkey and Lamb Wraps. Loved the infused flavours.
Coming soon to Kingston, Ocho Rios and Negril. Can’t wait!
â— Topp In Designz Limited – Foodie Gear galore!
Suga had to cop this shirt!
DISAPPOINTMENTS
â— Gypsy House Tapas!
I have never thrown away food at Kingston Kitchen, but there is always a first. Trust me, I tried my best to eat their Seafood and Meat stacked Paella, but I just couldn’t get past the dry rice that nearly choked me and lack of flavour. It was horrible. Chef Enric’s, I Love Paella still stands as the place to go for authentic Valencian Paella.
â— Soup King
They didn’t have any Soup for over an hour after the start time of the event. They seemed to have gotten things going later on in the night though.
SATISFYING STOPS #SugaSnaps
â— Lyming at Walkerswood – Mannish water, Curried Goat and more. Jamaican cooked food that goes right to the heart and makes you feel at home.
â— NCR Sheep Limited –Â Tasty Lamb sausage.
â— Rolly Polly – Ice cream for adults and kids. I enjoyed my topping of Bailey’s rum cream on my Strawberry Cheesecake ice cream. Delish!
PLEASANT SURPRISES
Gustazos BoothÂ
Suga had a ball in the Money Machine to grab as much cash as possible in a short period of time to go towards her Gustazos Account credit.
Patrons enjoyed their small giveaways, boomerang photo booth and money machine! Fun addition to the event.
Save the Date Foodies! Look forward to Live Cooking, Food trucks and gourmet goodies from Fromage, Cafe Dolce, Elini’s, Banyan Catering, Rolly Polly, Deaf Can!, Pink Apron, Street Food Saturdays, Fish Pot and more! #SugaEndorsed
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Suga brought you the low down for Crisp at The Gardens, Jamaica Pegasus ($5000 All Inclusive) and Picante ($7500 All Inclusive) at The Ruins, UWI Mona’s Visitor’s Lodge, so how were the other JFDF events? Suga Bears and Suga Daddies reported!
Most persons like to get bad news out of the way first. The events with the highest price tags were not that impressive for some patrons. That is, Vintage for $12000JMD all-inclusive and Brunch at the Gallery for $20000JMD/$150USD all-inclusive.
VintageÂ
Meals at Vintage at the Manor in Jack’s Hill were described as basic and a low standard for Ortanique on the Mile, one of the restaurants in Florida that was represented by Owner Cynthia Hutson. Suga Bears enjoyed the view and Dessert though.
Brunch at the Gallery
Brunch at the National Gallery, Downtown Kingston presented by Suzanne and Michelle Rousseau was decorated beautifully by Tai Flora and had a sufficient selection of Wines by Select Brands, but the service of food was slow and it arrived to tables cold. The Brunch was from 11am to 4pm and after a long day, patrons were leaving at 4pm and Dessert was just being served. Should the blame go on the Event Planner, the Chefs or both? It was stated that the execution was poor.
The Menu
The Menu for Brunch at the Gallery (Photo Contributed)
The Presentation of some of the meals were also quite sloppy to say the least.
Vegetables and Greens served at Brunch at the Gallery last Sunday (Photo Contributed)
Did the Incredible Hulk have an accident here?! I was in disbelief and gathered that this was the consensus amongst most tables. This looked nothing like the neatly displayed dish on the Event’s social media page. Cold food, slow service and poor, unappetizing presentation is unacceptable for $20,000JMD. I believe things can be shaken up next year. There are so many other talented, efficient Chefs around and I understand the ambience of The National Gallery, but a change in venue could be considered as well.
Chargrilled Rack of Lamb Presented to a table at Brunch at the Gallery last Sunday (Photo Contributed)
Kudus to award-winning baker, Nadine Burie that probably saved both events. Her desserts are offered at Cafe Blue.
Fresh Fruit Pavlova by Nadine Burie (Photo Credit: @jafoodanddrink)
Setting bad news aside, persons fully enjoyed Meet Street and the Market in Downtown, Kingston ($500JMD entry) last Saturday. A patron said she did not know that Downtown could be so nice. The set up and atmosphere was phenomenal and the vendors outdid themselves.
Vendors that pleased at Meet Street and the Market Last Saturday in Downtown, Kingston
Pork Palooza ($6500JMD All Inclusive) at Palm Drive, Hope Gardens that kicked things off for the festival on the Saturday the week before was a hit. The event is usually the favourite for Patrons. Jamaicans love their Pork! It wasn’t the unanimous favourite this year though.
Which event took JFDF 2017?!
Close call! It has been narrowed down to the new event, Chop Stix ($5000JMD All Inclusive) held at Zen Lawn, Hope Zoo last Wednesday that featured fare from the far East and the zesty, Picante!
Based on Food, Weather and Vibe, Chop Stix gets the edge. Picante had the on and off rain, which was uncontrollable with provisions put in place, but Jamaicans love a new event.
The Chefs, Caterers and Restaurants delivered at Chop Stix! Here was the Menu if you missed it. Chop Stix can’t be missed next year!
So what’s next for my Foodies? Restaurant Week!
Yes, I know Restaurant Week has lost its steam. Marketing has been ongoing but should be revised, including the selection of Ambassadors. JFDF being so close to Restaurant Week definitely overshadowed it.
Menus for Restaurants are more of the same, but it makes your choices that much easier. The good ones will pop out at you. So that means you may need to make reservations quickly or maybe not, because places I called yesterday that are normally booked out weeks in advance seemed to have quite a bit of space left.
For now, I am leaving you with my recommendations for the Epicurean and Delectable Categories. Here you go!
Epicurean ($4300 +tax +gratuity +beverages)
> The Terra Nova All Suite Hotel in Kingston.
Despite inconsistencies in service and quality throughout the year, they have managed to keep a good reputation for Restaurant Week so far.
Sidenote: I do not think any Restaurant in Market Place should be placed in the Epicurean Category. The venue is far too casual and a long wait is usually expected.
Out of town? Marguerites by the Sea, Montego Bay. You should expect a spectacular dinner and service with a seaside or picturesque garden view.
There are some other reputable Restaurants listed, but the lack of creativity with their Menus were the deal breakers.
Delectable ($3800JMD +GCT +gratuity +beverages)
> Fromage Bistro on Hillcrest Avenue in Kingston.
Nirvanna Indian Cuisine, Centro-Courtyard by the Marriott and Black Orchid Restaurant at Eden Gardens would be secondary choices.
In the other city? Both options from Mobay are primary choices – Mystic Thai and The Houseboat Grill. So persons can choose between the two based on the Cuisine desired.
***Stay tuned for more Restaurant Week choices from Suga Lifestyle.***
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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