Suga Hits North Coast Restaurants for Independence Weekend!

It was so refreshing to leave town last Independence weekend and Restaurant hop!

Of course, with so many culinary gems on the north coast, I didn’t get to go everywhere I wanted to go, but definitely made a few stops worth mentioning.

First stop for Lunch last Friday, Evita’s Italian Restaurant!

Attentive staff with face shields, great, timely service, tasty dishes and a picturesque view.

We enjoyed Grilled Octopus, Smoked Marlin, Curried Shrimp and Chicken Breast and Chicken Breast Tortellini.

Grilled Marinated Octopus served with a fresh tomato and olive salsa (USD$8.50)
Smoked Marlin ‘Carpaccio’ sliced thin, topped with capers and marinated onion rings (USD$7.50)
Ja Curry ‘Supreme’ – Shrimp and Chicken Breast in Curry Mango-Chutney, white wine sauce (USD$16.50)

I concluded lunch with their Tiramisu. I was wondering why they didn’t dust the top of my Tiramisu with cocoa powder though.

Tiramisu

Stay tuned to see Suga’s next stop in St. Ann with Excellent Tiramisu!

Evita’s Italian Restaurant

Location: Eden Bower Road. Ocho Rios

Ph.: 876-974-2333

By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)

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Italian Job, the first Stop for Suga’s Weekend in Portland

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Suga’s Ratings for Italian Job

Date and time of visit: Friday, February 15, 2019 at 8:45pm

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:

Last weekend was filled with sun, sea, food and rum for Suga and husband, Randy in the scenic parish of Portland.

Our first stop last Friday night was The Italian Job owned by Chef Gianmaria Pedroli who calls himself, The Pizza Man.

It’s a quaint restaurant on the side of the road on Harbour street that seemed to attract a lot of Europeans visiting the island. The Pizza Man was hospitable and made us feel quite comfortable. He seemed to have two local Chefs working for him that night, who he checked on from time to time after he took our order.

Randy started things off with a classic Italian Minestrone soup and I had Bruschetta, where the bread was toasted just right. The tomato was fresh complemented well with herbs and a light touch of vinegar.

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Bruschetta – Toasted Bread topped with garlic, olive oil, freshly diced tomato, vinegar and herbs

Our mains arrived theatrically with steam still coming off the plates. We thoroughly enjoyed our flavourful pastas, mine a little less loaded with seafood than Randy’s. Lobster was still abundant throughout my dish and the shells served with the dishes weren’t just for presentation, but contained meat as well. The sauce was not heavy, so despite the size of the dishes, we did not feel gluttonous at the end, but fully satisfied with its lightness, freshness, flavour and authenticity.

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Linguini con Aragosta ($3000JMD incl. tx) – Pasta with Lobster, white wine, tomato, parsley and garlic

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Linguini The Italian Job ($3000JMD incl. tx) – Pasta with Lobster, Clams, Shrimps, Mussels, Calamari, freshly diced tomato

Prices were beyond reasonable and Dessert was available too.

The Italian Job is definitely #SugaEndorsed. We returned the next day to pick up our Pizza order!

Stay tuned to see other foodie stops we made for the rest of the weekend!

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Chef Gianmaria Pedroli a.k.a The Pizza Man and Randy Burgess after Randy was served his Linguini Italian Job with steam abound.

The Italian Job Pizzeria and Restaurant

Location: 29 Harbour Street. Port Antonio.

Ph: 876-573-8603

Opening Hours: 12pm – 10pm; Closed on Sundays and Mondays

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Family, Friends & Foodies Unite for the Love of Food at Kingston Kitchen!

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:

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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

● Stush in the Bush A variety of unique Sauces, Spreads and Preserves made with love. Always a crowd pleaser.

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Lisa and Chris Binns doing what they do best at Kingston Kitchen last Saturday, July 7, 2018.

● Lucky Strike Seafood Bar and Grill – Their Seafood bowl is always a hit. My husband approves!

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Randy Burgess and wife, Suga a.k.a Gabby from Suga Lifestyle at Kitchen last Saturday

● Street Food Saturdays – Fresh mint Lemonade, Street corn and more. They kept patrons coming all night!

● Fish Pot – Flavourful, peppery Fish soup. Great gas buster to prep for food galore.

●Simo’s Bread and Catering – Pastries, Soursop Popsicles, Dessert, Sauces, Seasonings. Excellent spread as usual from the main hands of it all, Christina Simonitsch.

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Delicious Mini Cronuts, Pastries, Sauces and more from Simo’s Bread and Catering at Kingston Kitchen last Saturday.

● I Love Paella – Rich, flavourful Tapas! From Valencia with love. Bravas, Croquetas and Empañadas cooked right in front of you.

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● Scott van Bonnet - 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!

● Topp In Designz Limited – Foodie Gear galore!

Suga had to cop this shirt!

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DISAPPOINTMENTS

● 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.

● 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

● Lyming at Walkerswood – Mannish water, Curried Goat and more. Jamaican cooked food that goes right to the heart and makes you feel at home.

● NCR Sheep Limited – Tasty Lamb sausage.

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● 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 Booth 

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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.

MISSED OPPORTUNITIES #SugaSpieswithHer4Eyes

> Fromage Bistro and Brasserie, Cafe Dolce, Pita Grill, Deaf Can! Coffee, Chocolate Dreams, Until We Eat Again, Cannonball Cafe, Pink Apron Jamaica, Tea Tree Créperie and Sip ‘n’ Go Juice Bar.

Suga didn’t get to stop by the usual crowd faves mentioned above, but I could see that they continued to please!

PLACES TO EXPERIENCE IN THE NEAR FUTURE #SugasRadar

> Eatopia Jamaica, WTF Burgers and 25 Wafflerie

Kudos to Director Leisha Wong, Melanie Miller and their team for their hard work, efforts and a well executed Foodie affair. #SugaEndorsed

Until the next one!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Suga has Pizza and Beer at Debut Brick Oven Pizzeria

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Suga’s Ratings for Debut Brick Oven Pizzeria!

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★☆☆☆

Ambience: ★★☆☆☆

Décor: ★★★☆☆

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★★★

Speed: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★★★☆

Suga Endorsement: ★★★☆☆

Comments: Parking is far too tight for the entire Plaza. Definitely not a place for Wine with a limited selection, so I see why they seem to now go by Debut Brick Oven Pizzeria instead of Debut Fine Wine and Grill – Brick Oven Pizza. Good Service and filling, tasty Pizzas. Love the incorporation of spice. Affordable prices. Simple, cosy spot for lunch.

Suga visited Debut Brick Oven Pizzeria two Saturdays ago at about 3:45 pm.

Even though they are known mainly for Pizza and that is what I went there for, I browsed their menu and it had a variety of items other than Pizza at affordable prices. Appetizers such as Buffalo Wings, Spicy Nachos, Mozzarella sticks, Calamari and more are available in the range of $648 – $1298JMD.

There are Paninis for $998 – $1198JMD, Salads for $698 – $798JMD and Pastas for $1698 – $1998JMD.

Jamaican Specialties such as Jerked Chicken, Escoveitched and Steamed Fish, Pepper Shrimp and more are available for under $3000JMD.

Vegetarians are not left out. There are Veggie Cheese Kebabs, Veggie Pizza options and more. The Pizza Siciliana (Grilled Eggplant, capers, tomato sauce, mozzarella) and Pizza Manchurian (Veggie balls, tomato sauce, mozzarella) look like a treat, whether you are Vegetarian or not.

Most importantly, quite a variety of Pizzas are available in the range of $1398 – $1898JMD. You can pick, choose and refuse from the traditional Pepperoni, Hawaiian, Margherita and Jerk Chicken Pizzas or you can go with Pizzas that have more divine toppings such as the Pacifica (Smoked Pacific Salmon, capers, sour cream, tomato sauce) and Pizza Marinara (Shrimp, Calamari, Fish, tomato sauce and cheese). You can also customize your own Pizza with protein and veggies.

Dessert is available as well, but with limited options.

It was quite lonely when my husband, Randy and I went there, but we were told by our hospitable hostess that the place really comes alive at night and when the cruise ships come in. The Cafe that was two shops down

got a lot of traffic when I was there though.

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Indian Spiced Chicken – Chicken Tikka, Cheese, Green Pepper, Onion ($1498JMD)

Our Pizzas arrived within 20 minutes of ordering. Randy, who loves spice thoroughly enjoyed his Indian Spiced Chicken Pizza. I can confirm it was as good as it looks. It was a mouthful of spicy, flavourful and cheesy goodness, not just because I tasted it, but because he finished eating his Pizza before me. That’s a record! Indians own the restaurant, hence a few dishes showcasing Indian cuisine and the incorporation of Indian spices and flavoured protein toppings on the Pizzas.

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Pizza Meatza – Jerk Chicken, Pepperoni, Jerk Sausage, Onion ($1698JMD)

I had the Pizza Meatza, that was like a full house. It was stacked with Jerk Chicken, Pepperoni, Jerk Sausage and Onion. Scrumptious!

Refreshing Red Stripe Beers were the perfect combo with our Pizzas. Pizzas from Debut Brick Oven Pizzeria are #SugaEndorsed.

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Gabrielle a.k.a Suga and husband, Randy Burgess enjoying Pizza and Beer at Debut Brick Oven Pizzeria on Saturday, March 3, 2018.

***Prices quoted are before G.C.T***

Debut Brick Oven Pizzeria

Location: Shop #15 Bay Harbour Plaza (Next to Burger King); 1-3 Gloucester Ave. (Hip Strip), Montego Bay

Ph: 876-971-6566

Facebook: Debut Pizza

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Support our budding Jamaican Chefs!

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UTECH, Jamaica School of Hospitality & Tourism Management Final Year Students are launching an International Cuisine series starting tomorrow!

Every Friday evening from February 23- March 23, 2018 at Lillian’s Restaurant, the following cuisines will be featured:

Feb. 23    – KOREA

March 2  – WEST AFRICA

March 9  – MIDDLE EAST

March 16 – BRAZIL

March 23 – ITALY

Show our ‘Chefs to be’ some support while enjoying delicious cuisines from across the world!

***Reservations Recommended***

Lillian’s Restaurant

Location: 237 Old Hope Road. Kgn 6

Ph: 876-560-8111 (Orville Waugh); 876-391-1016 (Shanique Stephenson)

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @international_cuisine2018

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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TGIF to this Wood-Fired Neapolitan Pizza from Fort Laudy!

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Left side: Pesto Pizza with Mozzarella, Pine Nuts and Basil; Right side: Pizza Bianca with Double Pepperoni and Mozzarella

MidiCi Fort Lauderdale makes wood-fired Neapolitan Pizzas. Neapolitan Pizzas are authentic Italian style Pizzas that are made with San Marzano tomatoes grown on volcanic plains in Italy and Mozzarella cheese made with milk from water buffalo that are raised in the marshlands of Italy. The Mozzarella cheese used is known as ‘white gold’ because of its high premium quality and taste.

MidiCi has a Daily Happy Hour from 3-7pm and all day on Thursdays. They also do Wine and Cheese on Wednesdays for $19.95USD.

They have quite a salivating Instagram page. Looks like they are worth a try on my next trip!

MidiCi Fort Lauderdale

The Neapolitan Pizza Company

Location: 510 North Federal Highway. Fort Lauderdale. Florida

Ph: (954) 908-1938

***Menu Online and Online Ordering Available***

Website: www.MyMidici.com/

Opening Hours: Sun.-Thurs. @ 11am-10pm; Fri.-Sat. @ 11am-12am

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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TGIF to this Delish Tiramisu from Toscanini Italian!

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Tiramisu from Toscanini Italian

Toscanini Restaurant & Bar

Location: A3 Highway, Tower Isle. Ocho Rios

Ph: 876-975-4785

***Prices***

Appetizers range from $5-$20 USD. 
Pastas range from $16-$32 USD.
Other main courses range from $22-$45 USD.
Desserts range from $7-$9 USD.

Opening Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays-12-2pm; 7-10pm (Closed on Mondays)

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Check out this Christmas Dinner in July!

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Instagram photo: @thekitchenista

I have been following Angela Davis on Instagram, who is a self-taught home cook, recipe developer, private chef and author located in Maryland, D.C.

She had a Sunday Dinner Party two weekends ago, titled ‘Christmas in July’. It was also hosted by Clinton Mitchell and his wife. There were 12 guests, who were a mixture of followers, friends and clients that hit it off quickly and had rave reviews, using the hashtag, #KitchenistaSundays on Instagram.

The Dinner was the Feast of 7 Dishes with an Italian Seafood theme. The prelude included Crostinis with anchovy butter and radishes, an Italian Seafood salad, a Vegetable salad and stuffed Clams.

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A slow roasted pistachio crusted Salmon followed for the main course. A guest said it was the best Salmon they have ever had.

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All of that was topped off with Roasted figs along with whipped goat cheese and a Lemon Olive Oil Cake.

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The Kitchenista also did a live Pasta making demo that streamed on twitter. You can check her website link below for more information, get added to her mailing list for upcoming events and check out some of her recipes as well.

For all my Suga Bears in DC, don’t wait till I get there. Send this Kitchenista an email so you can taste her magic because there will be more Kitchenista Sundays!

Kitchenista Diaries

Location: Maryland, Washington DC

Email: [email protected]

Website: kitchenistadiaries.com/

Instagram: @thekitchenista

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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TGIF from Toscanini Italian!

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Toscanini’s Lobster Thermidor

It’s Lobster season alright and Suga indulged in Toscanini’s salivating, flavourful Lobster Thermidor three Fridays ago.

Note that their vegetables are farm to table and the seafood is freshly caught. Owner, Lella Ricci usually has first pick on the Lobster!

For my Kingstonians, take a drive out to Toscanini Italian for Lunch or Dinner. It’s only an hour away now and definitely worth the trip and the price!

Toscanini Restaurant & Bar

Location: A3 Highway, Tower Isle. Ocho Rios

Ph: 876-975-4785

***Prices***

Appetizers range from $5-$20 USD. 
Pastas range from $16-$32 USD.
Other main courses range from $22-$45 USD.
Desserts range from $7-$9 USD.

Opening Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays-12-2pm; 7-10pm (Closed on Mondays)

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Suga Visits Italian Café in Negril

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Suga went to Negril last weekend and The Italian Café also known as Kenny’s Italian Café was the first stop.

My husband and I got to Negril late in the night after 11pm so we knew we could only get Pizza at that time. No Problem. I heard the Pizzas are authentic Italian, so I was still looking forward to it.  The owner, Kenny married an Italian lady and after being a Chef working in the tourism industry for years in Jamaica, he took a few years to learn cooking Italian cuisine from his wife and others in Italy.

A Suga Bear, Helen Da Costa, stopped by earlier in the evening for Dinner at Italian Café before she went back to Kingston. She enjoyed Bruschetta and Shrimp Pasta. Regardless of the fact that she disliked that they topped off the Bruschetta with lettuce and they didn’t use fresh Basil, she thought it was delicious.

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Pasta and Bruschetta from Italian Café (Photo: Helen DaCosta)

My husband and I had Pizza and Beer. We shared the Rasta Pasta ($15.50USD) that was served with crushed pepper and parmesan cheese. It was made fresh, tasty and flavourful.

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Rasta Pizza ($15.50USD) – tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, mushrooms, onions, black olives and green peppers

Their menu has quite a variety of Pastas and Pizzas. There are also a few options for Appetizers, Salads, Seafood and Dessert. Prices are quoted in USD but still reasonable. Of course if you go with a high end dish such as Steak, Seafood or a Full House Pizza, it may be a bit pricey.

The atmosphere was buzzing with many locals and tourists, accompanied by lively music. Service and Plating were excellent and I loved the modern décor and lighting with a hint of rustic.

The Ladies’ bathroom could use some attention from the cleaning staff and Parking was limited given its location on the popular Norman Manley Boulevard ‘Negril strip’. If you sat close by the sidewalk, you were likely to be approached by locals selling CDs or other things, but they were not persistent if you showed no interest to purchase.

Italian Café is a chill spot for persons who would like to stop by and have authentic Italian Lunch, Dinner or just Lounge with friends over Cocktails while listening to some good, lively music.

Italian Café

Ph#: 876-957-4032

Address: Norman Manley Boulevard (Accross from Merrils Beach Resort). Negril, JA

Date of visit: 28/4/17

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★☆☆☆☆

Ambience: ★★★☆☆

Decor: ★★★★☆

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★★★

Speed: ★★★★★

Food quality: ★★★★☆

Serving amount: ★★★★★

Plating: ★★★★★

Value for $: ★★★★★

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Suga Endorsement: ★★★★☆

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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