The Award-Winning Christopher’s at Hermosa Cove

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View from the Veranda at Christopher’s at Hermosa Cove. (Photo: Suga Lifestyle)

Add the award-winning Restaurant, Christopher’s at Hermosa Cove to your Post Covid-19 Bucket List!

I had a wonderful experience there a few years ago and I am overdue to return.

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Traditional Jamaican dish served for Breakfast at Christopher’s at Hermosa Cove. (Ig Photo: @christophersjamaicaaaw)

Christopher’s serves locally sourced gourmet fare such as farm to table greens and freshly caught seafood on an ocean-view veranda.

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Freshly caught Lobster delivered to Christopher’s at Hermosa Cove. (Ig Photo: @christophersjamaicaaaw)
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Christopher’s at Hermosa Cove’s award-winning Chef Conroy Arnold. (Photo: www.christophersjamaica.com)

Their award-winning Chef Conroy Arnold creates traditional island dishes with a contemporary international flair for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Here you go, feast your eyes until you can go. When you go, you know! #SugaEndorsed #PostCovid19BucketList

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Classic Oxtail from Christopher’s at Hermosa Cove. (Ig Photo: @christophersjamaicaaaw)
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Grilled King Fish served with roasted eggplant. (Ig Photo: @christophersjamaicaaaw)
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Ribeye Steak (Ig Photo: @christophersjamaicaaaw)

Christopher’s at Hermosa Cove

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

Ph: 876-974-3699

Website: www.christophersjamaica.com

Instagram: @christophersjamaicaaaw

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

The Terrace at The Terra Nova Continues to be Top-Notch for Fine Dining

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Escargots baked in Herb Garlic Butter (USD$18.95)

Suga’s Ratings for The Terrace at the Terra Nova All Suite Hotel 

Date and time of visit: Monday, December 30, 2019 @ 8:30pm

No. of diners: 4

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum 

Parking: ★★★★★

Ambience: ★★★★★

Décor: ★★★★★

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★★☆

Speed: ★★★★☆

Food quality: ★★★★★

Serving amount: ★★★★★

Plating: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★★★★

Suga’s Breakdown!

The Terrace continues to be one of the few dependable fine dining restaurants in Jamaica. The quality of the food remains top-notch. The service is up there too, but the waiters could loosen up a little. Though professional, they could be more pleasant and use a bit of charm.

The Terrace has a quiet setting with ambience ideal for conversation as we enjoyed our courses.

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Caribbean Marlin Plate – Thinly sliced Caribbean Marlin served with Marlin Ceviche, Herbed Cream Cheese and Tropical Fruit Salsa, Lime and Balsamic Vinaigrette (USD$17.95)
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Seafood Risotto with creamy Arborio Rice, Grilled Lobster, Shrimp, Scallops, Mussels, Herbs and Parmesan (USD$35.95)
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Grilled Filet Mignon with sautéed Mushrooms and Béarnaise sauce (USD$46.50)
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Crème brûlée !

If you have visitors for business or pleasure, a special date or occasion, The Terrace at Terra Nova is #SugaEndorsed.

The Terrace at the Terra Nova All Suite Hotel 

***Reservations Recommended***

Location: 17 Waterloo Road. Kgn. 10.

Ph: 876-926-2211; 876-926-9334

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Suga returns to Chive!

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Chive’s ‘Dark and Stormy’ cocktail with Rum #SugaEndorsed

Suga’s Ratings for Chive Restaurant

Date and time of visit: Saturday, May 18, 2019 at 5:00pm

No. of diners: 2 adults

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★★☆

Ambience: ★★★★☆

Décor: ★★★★☆

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★★☆

Speed: ★★★★☆

Food quality: ★★★★★

Serving amount: ★★★★☆

Plating: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★★★☆

Suga’s Breakdown:

It’s been a long time coming, but Suga finally got the chance to return to Chive last Saturday and I am happy I did!

Our server, Orlando was superb. Loved the variety on their new menu with relatively reasonable prices. Our dishes did not fall short on flavour. Portion sizes were adequate, dishes were well presented and with a comfortable atmosphere, I have no complaints.

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Marlin Canapes ($1290JMD) – Smoked Marlin, scotch pepper jelly, capers and cream cheese on top of a plantain filled puff pastry.
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Chive style Mussels ($1400JMD) – Mussels simmered in a spicy broth served with garlic bread.

Those Mussels were indeed spicy!

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Garlic Herb Pasta ($1100JMD) with added Grilled Chicken ($650JMD) – Spaghetti tossed with an infused herb and garlic olive oil.
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Channa Vegetable Pot ($1650JMD) – Curried Chickpeas simmered with potatoes and vegetables served with basmati rice.

***Prices did not include G.C.T and a 10% service charge***

I hope to try one of their tempting Burgers on a cheat day next time!

Chive Restaurant continues to be #SugaEndorsed. Give them a visit for Lunch or Dinner!

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Chive Restaurant

Location: Shop 15, Orchid Village Plaza. 20 Barbican Road. Kingston 6.

Ph: 876-820-1194

Instagram: @chivejamaica

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Another Spot for Lamb Chops Bad to the Bone and more!

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Suga’s Ratings for Jakes Restaurant

Date and time of visit: Friday, April 19, 2019 to Sunday, April 21, 2019

No. of diners: 2 adults

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★☆☆

Ambience: ★★★★☆

Décor: ★★★☆☆

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★★☆

Speed: ★★★★☆

Food quality: ★★★★☆

Serving amount: ★★★★★

Plating: ★★★☆☆

Value for $: ★★★★☆

Suga’s Breakdown:

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Quaint and rustic with a thatched roof and seaside view, Suga had the pleasure of eating fresh, farm to table dishes and juices for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner from Jakes Restaurant at reasonable prices. Their menu written on chalkboards daily provides you with enough options, whether you choose to eat healthy or not. Either way, you would be supporting the local farmers from the surrounding hills, mountains and plains in St. Elizabeth.

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Grilled King Fish with Cous Cous, Black bean and Corn and Kale.

The staff were pleasant and service was timely. I am pleased to report that none of their dishes were underwhelming to me. However, highlights were their Codfish Fritters, Loaded Nachos, Callaloo Omelette and their Lamb Chops! Those Lamb Chops were seasoned to perfection and juicy to the bone. The best my husband has ever had.

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Loaded Nachos
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Shrimp Tacos
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Grilled Lamb Rack with Mint Glaze ($2650JMD +tx and serv. Charge)

If you decide to visit Treasure Beach any time soon, a stop by Jakes Restaurant is a must. #SugaEndorsed

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Jakes Restaurant
Location: Calabash Bay PA, Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth
Ph: 876-491-0649; 876-965-3000; 876-564-3000  
Website: https://jakeshotel.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.

Dinner and Jazz at Mike’s Supper Club at The Trident Hotel, Portland

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Suga’s Ratings for Mike’s Supper Club

Date and time of visit: Saturday, February 16, 2019 at 9:15pm

No. of diners: 2 adults

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★★★

Ambience: ★★★★★

Décor: ★★★★★

Comfort: ★★★★★

Service: ★★★★★

Speed: ★★★★★

Food quality: ★★★☆☆

Serving amount: ★★★☆☆

Plating: ★★★★★

Value for $: ★★★☆☆

Suga’s Breakdown:

Mike’s Supper Club at The Trident Hotel had spectacular service and ambience enhanced by rhythmic live jazz, where the band used Trident’s one of a kind Ferrari red 1917 Steinway baby grand piano. Some of the best voices in world, jazz and bop music have left their nightly signature on it.

Beverages were grand, but I can’t say the same about their dishes.

We started things off with Pumpkin Soup and a Goat Cheese Salad. The Pumpkin Soup was probably the largest dish of the night.

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Pumpkin Soup with coconut, lemongrass and spiced chicken (US$12 +G.C.T +Serv. charge)
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Fresh Greens and Goat Cheese Salad  – Fried Cheese, Pickled Onion, Red Grapes, charred Pepper and Red Radish (US$15 +G.C.T +Serv. charge)

The Goat Cheese Salad was quite tasty and flavourful, but our entrees followed and disappointed in that aspect and more. We had the Rack of Lamb and Surf n Turf. Both dishes were extremely small servings. In addition to an already exorbitant cost of US$50 for the Surf and Turf, sides of Vegetables and Starches were additional for US$3 and $US6 respectively before tax and service charge.

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Rack of Lamb – Pistachio crust, Wine Tamarind Jus, roasted Vegetable and Butternut Puree (US$32 +G.C.T +Serv. charge)
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Surf n Turf – Angus Beef Fillet, seared Shrimps, roasted Seaweed and smoked Pepper Coulis (US$50 +G.CT +Serv. charge)

To add to the disappointment of small servings, even though our meats were medium rare as requested, the Lamb and Beef lacked proper seasoning and flavour.

The food may not have been value for money, but it was certainly a pleasurable experience.

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Mike’s Supper Club at The Trident Hotel

Location: Port Antonio

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

Website (Menu available): www.thetridenthotel.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.

There’s a NEW Hot Spot to Eat in Town!

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Suga’s Ratings for Chillin’ Restaurant

Date and time of visit: Saturday, January 19, 2019 at 9:00pm

No. of diners: 2 adults

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★★☆

Ambience: ★★★★☆

Décor: ★★★★☆

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★★☆

Speed: ★★★★☆

Food quality: ★★★★★

Serving amount: ★★★★★

Plating: ★★★★★

Value for $: ★★★★★

Suga’s Breakdown:

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.

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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.

Main Dishes

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Serengeti Grilled Barbeque Chicken ($1200JMD) – Chicken quarter grilled and brushed with Chillin’s sticky House Barbeque Sauce, served with sautéed vegetables and any select side. Randy chose mashed potatoes.
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Healthy, Almond and Pineapple crusted Salmon ($2600JMD) – Cast iron toasted almond with oven-roasted pineapple crusted Atlantic Salmon served with sautéed vegetables and my chosen side of sweet potato croquettes.

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.

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Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga at Chillin’ Restaurant last Saturday, January 19, 2019.

Chillin’ Restaurant and Bar

Location: Gibson Close, Hope Zoo. Kingston.

Ph: 876-630-7183; 876-542-5757

Social Media: @chillinrestaurant

Opening Hours: Tues. – Thurs. @ 4pm -11pm; Fri. – Sat. @4pm – 1am

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Suga has a Healthy Dinner from Tamarind Cuisine

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Cilantro Lime Chicken ($1600JMD)

Suga’s Ratings for Tamarind Cuisine

Date and time of visit: Sunday, December 9, 2018 at 8:00pm

No. of diners: 2 adults

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★★☆

Ambience: ★★★★☆

Décor: ★★★☆☆

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★★☆

Speed: ★★★★☆

Food quality: ★★★★☆

Serving amount: ★★★★★

Plating: ★★★☆☆

Value for $: ★★★★☆

Suga’s Breakdown:

Tamarind Continental, Saffron and Tamarind Indian all fall under the same umbrella, however Tamarind Continental’s menu offers cuisines other than Indian as its name suggests.

If you are dining at Tamarind Indian,  you have the luxury of ordering from Tamarand Continental that is 2 doors away and vice versa. I wanted a healthy dish with a light sauce, so I ordered from the Tamarand Continental menu, while my husband ordered from the Tamarind Indian menu.

The Staff were courteous and attentive. Service was within reasonable time and we enjoyed our meals. I had the Cilantro lime Chicken, which was quite tasty.

I was pleased to see that Tamarind Cuisine continues to serve dinner with a high standard and I look forward to returning. Tamarind cuisine is suited for family outings, dinner dates and business meetings. #SugaEndorsed

Tamarind Cuisine

Location: Shop 28, Orchid Plaza. 18-22 Barbican Road. Kingston

Ph: 876-622-5582; 876-977-0695; 876-702-3486

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Suga does Lunch Gypsy style at Gypsy House Tapas!

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Suga’s Ratings for Gypsy House Tapas Restaurant

Date and time of visit: Saturday, November 24, 2018 at 2:00pm

No. of diners: 1 adult

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★☆☆

Ambience: ★★★★☆

Décor: ★★★★☆

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★☆☆

Speed: ★★★★☆

Food quality: ★★★★☆

Serving amount: ★★★★★

Plating: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★★★★

Suga’s Breakdown:

Quiet restaurant tucked away on the side of Chelsea Avenue that is appropriate for a lunch or dinner date. The location smears aesthetics, but inside is a whole different world, a gypsy world.

The menu has a variety of items falling under the category of international cuisine, but highlights Spanish and Jamaican dishes.

The staff, including Head Chef, Shane Stamp were polite and welcoming. I believe that for such a unique menu, my server, Kereen should have given me a brief introduction to the dishes of various cuisines being offered. The menu takes you from Jamaica to Mexico, over the wall to the USA, deports you back to Puerto Rico, then takes you on a tour as far as Spain and more. Kereen could have been a bit more attentive too, to check how my lunch was going. Afterall, I was by my lonesome.

I am not sure why, but my appetizer and main were served at the same time. I ordered Gypsy House favourites.

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Saltfish Ceviche ($500JMD +tx +Serv. charge) – Pick up saltfish served on top of twice fried, pressed green plantains
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Seafood Paella ($1000JMD +tx +Serv. charge) – Classic Spanish one pot, yellow rice, vegetables, Chorizo, Seafood and Chicken

Servings were large for a reasonable price. The Saltfish Ceviche was tasty indeed. Their Seafood Paella was nose-running spicy and full of flavour. I enjoyed it.

Kereen informed me that Mama Gypsy Jerk Chicken and Island Pancakes, as well as the Char Sui Pork Belly appetizer are favourites too. So I will probably give those a try next time.

Gypsy House was definitely value for money. I have had food from Gypsy House Tapas at various local events, but I prefer dining there.

Check out Gypsy House Tapas Restaurant for Lunch or Dinner this week!

Gypsy House Tapas Restaurant

Location: 18 Chelsea Avenue. Kingston. Ja

Ph: 876-665-3154

Facebook; Instagram: @gypsyhouseja

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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.

Did the NEW Chive Restaurant make a good first impression?

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Suga’s Ratings for Chive Restaurant

Date and time of visit: Wednesday, November 13, 2018 at 8:00pm

No. of diners: 3 adults

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★★☆

Ambience: ★★★★☆

Décor: ★★★★☆

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★★☆

Speed: ★★★★☆

Food quality: ★★★★★

Serving amount: ★★★★☆

Plating: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★★★★

Suga’s Breakdown:

Jamaicans love a new restaurant that looks modern and is easy to get to and that explains why Chive Restaurant is booked out for Restaurant Week (RW). Chive is in the Savoury Category for $2800JMD, where G.C.T and Beverages are at an additional cost.

They definitely took the huge risk to open and participate in Restaurant Week to make a first impression on the public. But bravo! They did well.

The staff was polite, attentive and quite composed for the occasion.

The Restaurant is small, but comfortable with modern décor that was tastefully put together.

The menu for Restaurant Week offered a good variety of options including Vegetarian, Seafood, Beef, Chicken and Pork dishes. Food came out in a reasonable amount of time and servings were sufficient. The taste of everything was on point and Chive was definitely value for money. Two thumbs up for Restaurant Week!

Appetizers

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Crispy Glazed Pork Belly stuffed in a steamed bao bun with Hoisin sauce, ginger and pickled cucumbers.

Firstly, the RW menu said Pork Buns and not Pork Bun. However, we threw that critique out the window after we indulged in a healthy serving of succulent, well seasoned Pork Belly with a crisp that met you upon each bite.

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Plump grape tomatoes, grilled garlic lobster and basil drizzled with a honey balsamic reduction on toasted baguette slices.

For the Grilled Lobster Bruschetta, we were wondering if we would get mostly tomatoes, but that was not the case. The Bruschettas were toasted just right and filled with Grilled Lobster. Delightful. Hopefully they can keep up this standard.

Main

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Oxtail Alfredo – Traditional ‘fall off the bone’ Oxtail combined with penne pasta tossed in creamy Alfredo sauce.

I must admit that I was not in the mood to be disappointed with another Oxtail Pasta that didn’t really have Oxtail in it. So when ordering, I requested that I do not get ‘the essence’ of the Oxtail and I get my Pasta loaded with tender Oxtail. I can’t guarantee the same for you, but ask and you shall receive!

The Oxtail was tender, well seasoned and tasty. It was not overpowered by a heavy, creamy alfredo sauce. The taste and consistency of the sauce was just right to complement the Oxtail.

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Beef Bourguignon – Tender chunks of Beef simmered in a rich red wine gravy served atop garlic, rosemary mashed potatoes and country roasted vegetables.

The Oxtail Pasta was impressive, but we thought the Beef Bourguignon was the winner of the night. The serving could have been bigger, but the flavour was outstanding. The Beef was well seasoned and enhanced by the red wine gravy that was rich indeed with a citrus flavour. #SugaSnaps.

Dessert

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Warm Bread Pudding with Buttery Rum Sauce.

I was told when ordering that there was no Vanilla Bean Ice Cream to accompany the Bread Pudding as stated. This disturbed me since Sovereign supermarket is across the road and so is Devon House Ice Cream.

Nanda Dukharan, one of the owners who checked on our table from time to time to gather feedback and ensure everything was going smoothly, actually makes ice cream. When that was explained to us, I understood that they wished to keep the authenticity of their Ice Cream once they iron out a few kinks. So you cannot expect the Pineapple Ginger Ice Cream with Scotch Bonnet Brittle either, which was also on the menu.

I then thought my serving of Bread Pudding should have been larger to compensate. Thankfully it was warm and savoury.

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Decadent Bailey’s Irish Cream Cheesecake.

The Cheesecake was definitely decadent and a great finale for our dinner.

Chive Restaurant still has a full dining and bar menu to finalize post Restaurant Week, so they are definitely on Suga’s radar. For now, Chive Restaurant is #SugaEndorsed.

I hope they keep it up because I am looking forward to a new spot to eat and drink for the holiday season! Aren’t you?

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(L-R) Friends and Foodies, Jehan Knight, Randy Burgess and wife, Gabrielle a.k.a Suga feeling quite content after a fulfilling RW dinner at the new Chive Restaurant.

Chive Restaurant

Location: Shop 15, Orchid Village Plaza. 20 Barbican Road. Kingston 6.

Ph: 876-820-1194

Instagram: @chivejamaica

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

 

Save the Date Foodies!

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The Caribbean’s No. 1 Urban Food Festival starts Saturday, October 20! 

Save the dates and look into securing your tickets! Season bands are on sale this year too.

All days should be a treat. If you must choose, stay tuned to your favourite Chefs and Restaurants’ social media pages and see where they will be.

The website,  http://www.jafoodanddrink.com may feature them soon and tickets are on sale now on the website.

Here are your JFDF Ticket Ambassadors and Outlets:

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Did you know?!

> This year, JFDF will be 100% plastic free!

> Part Proceeds of the event will go towards UTECH’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management Hotel Facility

The Festival will sponsor the complete outfitting of UTECH’s demo kitchen.

Enjoy 7 World Class Food Events at 7 Iconic Kingston Venues.

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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