Suga revisits the Deck at Cellar 8!

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Suga’s Ratings for Cellar 8

Date and time of visit: Friday, May 11, 2018 at 10:00pm

No. of diners: 2

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★★★

Ambience: ★★★★☆

Décor: ★★★☆☆

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★☆☆

Speed: ★★★☆☆

Food quality: ★★★★☆

Serving amount: ★★★★☆

Plating: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★★☆☆

SuGa Endorsement: ★★★☆☆

Comments: Cellar 8 has not only made changes to their space with a Deck, but their staff and management as well. Courteous, enthusiastic staff and delicious food. Service time could have been quicker and quality of drinks could have been better. Cellar 8 has always been a bit overpriced, but is no longer the new ‘it’ bar and has lost a superb mixologist. They should probably consider reducing their prices so customers can feel they are getting value for money.

Suga’s Breakdown

I thought Cellar 8 would have been busier 3 Friday nights ago, but with the opening of new Bars such as the Sky Lounge, they seemed to have lost their Friday night buzz. However, members of their new staff were courteous and the presence and supervision of the new management was felt. Since it wasn’t a full night, I thought service could have been a bit quicker, but our server, Davion was quite attentive and kept us up to date.  Drinks were decent, but the gifted hands of their mixologust, Milton Wisdom who is no longer there, were missed. The quality of food was good, but the wrong Pasta dish was served to my husband, Randy. We wondered if the Chef was trying to sneak in the wrong dish, since it was similar to what was ordered and we were not told that the desired dish was finished. Anyhow, it was replaced soon after with my husband’s secondary dish of choice that he still enjoyed.

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My Glazed Snapper Fillet with cous cous and veggies – $2600JMD+tx + 5% serv. charge
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Randy’s Pasta Marinara and Basil with added Shrimp – $1400 + $800JMD+tx + 5% serv. charge

We were about to call it a night, but we were smartly interrupted by a purposeful temptation of a trolley full of Dessert wheeled to us to choose from.

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We couldn’t pass that up. So I had the Strawberry Cheesecake and Randy had the Chocolate cheesecake. Sumptuous!

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Strawberry Cheesecake – $800JMD+tx +5% serv. charge

Cellar 8 Wine Bar

Location: Shop 10, Upper Manor Park Plaza

Ph: 876-613-5934

Opening Hours: Tuesdays-Sundays, 4pm – 11pm

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Bake Expo this Sunday at The Jamaica Pegasus!

Don’t forget that the Sweetart Bake Expo will be at The Jamaica Pegasus this Sunday!

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Our Jamaican Bakers’ Skill and Creativity will be put to the test! There will be a Cake Decorating Challenge for the Bakers with the theme, ‘Movie night’, a Pre-decorated Cake Competition with the 4 themes, Wedding, Cartoon, Topsy Turvy and Fast Food. For persons who would like to have fun and are also inspired to be like our Bakers, there will be Cake Decorating classes.

Check out these elaborate Cakes from some of our Jamaican Bakers!

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Don’t miss out!

Ticket Information:

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Children under 12 are FREE!

Presold: $800JMD

***Available at Monarch Pharmacy (Sovereign Centre Liguanea & Portmore), Fontana Pharmacy (Islandwide), York Pharmacy – Half Way Tree, Health Plus Pharmacy on Brunswick Ave., Spanish Town***

At the Door: $1000JMD

Sweetart Bake Expo

Ph: 876-807-5748

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @sweetartbakeexpoja

 

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Suga Spies a NEW Restaurant with her 4 Eyes

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New Restaurant, Summerhouse at The Liguanea Club, New Kingston is Opening to the Public sooner than you know!

Who’s responsible? Remember Two Sisters and a Meal? It’s the Rousseau sisters, Suzanne and Michelle Rousseau.

Stay tuned!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Suga takes a Culinary trip to Valencia in Jamaica with I Love Paella!

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Suga’s Ratings for I Love Paella

Date and time of visit: Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 1:00pm

No. of diners: 3

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum and the criteria has been altered since it is a Pop-Up Kitchen

Parking: ★★★★★

Service: ★★★★☆

Speed: ★★★★☆

Food quality: ★★★★☆

Serving amount: ★★★★☆

Plating: ★★★★★

Value for $: ★★★★★

SuGa Endorsement:  ★★★★☆

Comments: 

Rich flavours were present throughout the dishes. Pleasant, courteous Chef. Superior service, speed and food quality. Serving amounts were adequate for a reasonable cost, as some meals were shareable. Chef Enric is from Valencia and he represents! Suga and friends enjoyed authentic Valencian Paella.

Suga’s Breakdown

From what I know, Chef Enric Escriva has been on the Jamaican culinary scene since January last year. Until he gets a suitable spot for his restaurant, he has been catering and doing Pop-up kitchens. I Love Paella is currently and temporarily in what used to be Cafe Nita’s space on Phoenix Avenue. So there is limited indoor and outdoor seating. The latter is the more comfortable choice with the hope of good weather.

I met two of my girlfriends for lunch around 1pm. Chef Enric greeted us politely and took us through the menu in which all prices included G.C.T. They did not have a Drinks menu, but basic drinks were available including wine, a simple white and red. We ordered a bottle of Chardonnay. They also have a Party Menu for groups.

The starters ranged from $850 – $1400JMD in cost, with some being shareable. Starters included Calamari, Tortillas, Croquetas and more.

We shared Bravas, a classic Valencian dish made from Fried Potatoes, a spicy brava sauce and allioli.

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Bravas ($850JMD)

We also enjoyed the Empanadas, freshly made artisan stuffed pastries. The Chicken Empanadas were stuffed with smoked paprika chicken and served with brava sauce. While the Black Bean Empanadas were stuffed with spicy black bean and served with allioli sauce. The sauces were on point!

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Chicken Empanadas ($850JMD)

We went specifically for Paella so that’s what we had. The Paellas are done to order, cooked and served in the traditional Paella pan that can serve 2 – 3 persons. However, prices shown on the menu are per person ranging from $2250JMD for the Vegetarian Paella to $3250JMD for the Seafood Paella with black rice from the squid’s ink.

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Seafood Paella ($2950JMD) with King Prawns, Squid, Mussels and Rice.

That Seafood Paella was as delicious as it looks with just the right amount of spiciness.

They don’t just serve Paella though. There are other mains available such as larger Tortillas and Empanadas ($1600JMD), Calamari sandwiches ($2400JMD) and Mediterranean salads ($1900JMD).

After all that spice, our palates demanded a bit of sweet. We completed lunch with Churros and Dark Chocolate. Fantastic ending to our lunch.

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Chef Enric serving Suga and friends some Churros with Dark Chocolate

I Love Paella Pop-Up Kitchen

***Reservations recommended***

Contact via Social Media messaging or Ph: 876-404-2867

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By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Labour Day Projects are under way!

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The New Kingston Rotary Club along with the Rotaract club they sponsor, New Kingston Rotaract Club are currently painting a Pedestrian crossing on one of the busiest roads in New Kingston, Jamaica.

I am sure it will be appreciated.

Both clubs are part of the non-profit organization, Rotary International. Good work Rotarians and Rotaractors!

Happy Labour Day Suga Bears! What’s your Labour Day Project? Have a productive day, whether at home or in the streets.

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Topp In Designz, a hit at Expo Jamaica 2018

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Gabby a.k.a Suga from Suga Lifestyle buying local at the Topp in Designz booth at Expo Jamaica on Saturday, April 21, 2018

Topp In Designz may be familiar to quite a bit of people by now, but the more events they go to, the more people know about them and the more they are inspired to expand their production line.

Topp In is a Design studio that designs modern and handy Pouches for Men and Women, Beach bags, Thermoses, Wine bags, Decorative Stones for the garden, Mugs, Luggage tags and more. They have something fit for every occasion.

Their Beach bags are fairly new and some were produced for Expo Jamaica about a month ago. Suga loved them. I definitely had to get my ‘Sun, Sand and Rum in Hand’ Beach tote!

Check them out! #BuyLocal and support #BrandJamaica #SugaEndorsed

Topp In Designz

Location: Shop 21, Ardenne Emirates on 7-9 Ardenne Rd. Kingston 10, Ja

Ph: 876-506-1088

Email: [email protected]

Website: toppindesignz.com/

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Agro Fest 2018 is this Saturday in Hope Pastures!

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It’s time for AgroFest again! The 22nd staging won’t be at Jamaica College this year. It will be at The Jamaica Horticultural Society Show Ground Hope Estate, Hope Pastures at the corner of Gibson Close and Gibson Dr., Kingston 6.

The Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show put on by the Kingston and St. Andrew Association of Branch Societies along with the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) will feature Horticultural displays, a Farmers Market, a Champion Blue Mountain Farmer Competition and more.

It will be a fun day out for the family with a Kiddies Village and Entertainment.

Grow What We Eat and Eat What We Grow!

Ticket Information:

Admission: $600JMD for Adults and $100JMD for Children at the Gate

For Additional Information Contact JAS:

Ph: 876-922-0610; 876-948-2901

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Rasta Man Soup - $350JMD+tx

Suga hits the North Coast and visits Seaside Dutchie!

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Suga’s Ratings for Seaside Dutchie

Date and time of visit: Sunday, May 6, 2018 at 3:00pm

No. of diners: 2

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★★★

Ambience: ★★★☆☆

Décor: ★★★☆☆

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★☆☆

Speed: ★★★☆☆

Food quality: ★★★★☆

Serving amount: ★★★☆☆

Plating: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★★★☆

SuGa Endorsement: 3.5/5

Comments: 
Rustic, but refined Restaurant tucked
away on Altery Beach in Priory, St. Ann. Seaside Dutchie has comfortable dining options with a seaside view and courteous, attentive staff. They specialize in Jamaican cuisine and both the food and drink menus have a wide variety of items to satisfy whatever craving you may have. Service time is reasonable, the preparation and presentation of their food in Dutch pots is unique and dishes are flavourful. Reasonable prices and value for money. #SugaEndorsed

Suga’s Breakdown

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I took pleasure in the rustic ambience and comfortable seating with a seaside view. It was so comfortable, I was quite alright with sitting by the Bar with my husband, Randy. A small wedding was about to start, where they had a room reserved with food and tables for the reception. Free entertainment was ahead with music playing already.

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Randy Burgess enjoying his Soup while sitting by the bar at Seaside Dutchie on Sunday, May 6, 2018.

Their Starters looked interesting for the most part. For instance, they had Johnny Be Good listed that included four Deep Fried Johnny Cakes stuffed with spicy Shrimp and Callaloo for $500JMD+tx or Black Beans and Corn Salsa for $400JMD.

Sweet and Sticky Wings that consisted of Pineapple Flavoured Chicken Wings with a hint of Molasses for $700JMD+tx caught my eyes too.

I had been craving the Conch Fritters with Escoveitched mayonnaise ($500JMD+ tx), but I was stopped in my tracks before ordering when our server, Demonia a.k.a Mona listed a few items that were not available on the menu.

I had the Tostones.

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Tostones: Deep Fried Pressed Plantain topped with Coconut Curry Saltfish – $400JMD+tx

The Coconut Curry Saltfish had a sharp, but delicious flavour, while the Pressed Plantains were on point! They hit the spot.

Randy had the Rasta Man Soup, which he enjoyed. Everything arrived in Dutch pots. Loved it!

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Rasta Man Soup – Vegetarian style Red Peas soup simmered with coconut milk $350JMD+tx

There were countless options for the main. They had Wraps, Burgers and Sandwiches ranging from $600-$1000JMD+ tx. Salads, Pizzas and Pastas were available too for less than $1400JMD+tx.

Being on the North coast, Island favourites are a must. They had Jerk Chicken and Pork, Curried Goat, Oxtail, Fried Chicken and Fish done any style ranging from $800-$2200JMD+tx.

If you felt like stepping things up, gourmet dishes such as Steak ($3000JMD+ tx) and Pan Seared Blackened Salmon ($2000JMD+ tx) were available.

A wide range of reasonable beverages accompanied the food options, including Blended Cocktails that can be whipped up by the Bartender.

We chose to dine Island style. Our main had an interesting preparation and presentation. I had Roast Fish and my husband, Steamed. We were told when ordering that they would debone the fish, then fry the bone.

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Steamed Fish and Bammy – $1800JMD+ tx (N.B. Bigger Fish are available for $3000JMD+ tx)

I felt robbed of some of my fish meat, but it was still satisfying. If you desired the best of both worlds, you could peck away some fried fish.

Interesting, but enjoyable experience. Suga will return.

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Seaside Dutchie

Location: Altery Beach, Priory St. Ann. Jamaica

Ph: 876-367-9277

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Review, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Recycling Tips from Wisynco

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Wisynco promoted their ongoing Recycling ‘Eco’ campaign at Expo Jamaica a few weeks ago.

Plastics are not biodegradable, so they do not disappear or break down naturally when they are thrown on our streets and wash down into our gullies, blocking drains. To help prevent flooding and keep Jamaica clean, we need to recycle.

You can start your own recycling journey by calling Wisynco today to get Recycle bags and bins for your home, office of curbside.

You can also drop off your collection of plastics to the following locations:

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Wisynco

To start your own recycling journey,

Ph: 876-665-9000

Website: www.wisynco.com

Who to contact for depot locations and collections:

Recycling Partners of Jamaica

Location: 22A Lyndhurst Rd.

Ph: 876-948-7391; 888-429-5738

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Start your week Healthy with Olive Cove Restaurant!

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Grilled Mushrooms and cous cous from Olive Cove Restaurant

Olive Cove Restaurant offers creative, tasty and healthy Vegetarian and Pescatarian dishes for Breakfast and Lunch daily.

Check them out and see what’s on their Healthy menu today!

Olive Cove Restaurant

Location: 94M Old Hope Road. Kingston 6. (Across from Toyota Ja and FLA)

Ph: 876-995-9903; 876-390-9833

Instagram Page: @the_olivecove

Opening Hours: 7:30am-5:00pm

Deliveries: 10am-1pm

By: Gabrielle Burgess (Certified Personal Trainer & Sports Nutritionist)

If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.