Suga revisits Blue Ridge Restaurant in the Mountains

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Suga’s Ratings for Blue Ridge Restaurant and Cottages

Date and time of visit: Sunday, August 12, 2018 at 3:30pm

No. of diners: 4 adults

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★☆☆☆

Ambience: ★★★★☆

Décor: ★★★★☆

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★★☆

Speed: ★★★★☆

Food quality: ★★★☯️ ☆☆ (3.5)

Serving amount: ★★★★☆

Plating: ★★★★★

Value for $: ★★★☆☆

Comments: Panoramic view of the mountains, good service, tasty cocktails and savoury dishes and desserts with excellent presentation at a high price. Prices could be reduced for full value for money. Also, quite a few items were unavailable from the menu. Perhaps more preparation should be made for busier periods when the cottages are full and persons drive up to escape the heat on the flats.

Suga’s Breakdown

After some disappointing visits earlier this year in April and May from Suga Bears with regards to poor quality food and slow service, I was relieved to have a pleasant experience last Sunday from start to finish. I was impressed with my first visit to Blue Ridge Restaurant almost 3 years ago, so I was curious about what could have changed. I was told that one of their Chefs is no longer there for about two months now. We may not know for sure, but that could be one of the reasons. General Manager, Zoe Alexander was present and seen overlooking operations of the restaurant. Kudos to her and her courteous staff for a memorable visit.

What did we have?

Appetizers

My husband, Randy and Suga Bear friends, Ashleigh and Tennyson Arnold, started off with a tasty Tortilla soup, tomato based with black beans, corn, carrot and Chipotle seasoning, topped off with crunchy tortillas and cheese ($850 JMD + Tx+S.c).

However, I think everyone was quite jealous when I had the very last Creamy Crab dip that the restaurant had to offer. It was served with artichokes and roasted garlic ($1600 JMD +Tx +S.c). The taste of the crab was rich and it was delicious.

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Cocktails

The cocktails were excellent. We had Sangria, Mojitos and Moscato infused Strawberry slushies.

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Suga’s Moscato infused Strawberry Slush

Entrées

Tennyson enjoyed his Land and Sea Special, which was Chicken breast stuffed with seasoned crab topped with grilled shrimp and creamy garlic sauce ($4300 JMD +Tx+Sc).

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Linguini with Shrimp in creamy cilantro sauce ($3800 JMD+Tx+Sc.)

My husband Randy enjoyed his Shrimp pasta. The sauce was not too heavy and was zesty with the right amount of herbs.

Ashleigh and I had the Salmon fillet in cilantro cream sauce ($3800 JMD + tx+Sc.) with a side of garlic mashed green banana ($400 JMD tx +Sc.).

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Potatoes may be scarce at this time of year, but the mashed green banana as a side needs to be replaced. It was too chunky with no evidence of garlic.

We were quite satisfied with the healthy serving of well cooked Salmon served on veggies, that was enough on its own.

Dessert

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Oreo Cheesecake ($1200 JMD+tx +Sc.)

I was going to pass on dessert, until I took a bite of Randy’s Oreo Cheesecake and ordered my own to pile on those calories that were definitely worth it.

Ashleigh and Tennyson fought it out too. It was a similar situation, where Ashleigh probably regretted ordering the Hot Chocolate, although she enjoyed that too.

It was a great day out and a refreshing break from routine activities and the humidity of the flats. If you decide to head up there and give them a try or revisit, ensure that you go up early to make it back before night-time and in a vehicle that can handle the rocky road.

Make the best of the rest of summer and head on up to Blue Ridge Restaurant, because they are once again, Suga Endorsed!

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***Reservations recommended***

Blue Ridge Restaurant and Cottages

Location: Salt Hill Lot 9 East Rural, St. Andrew, Blue Mountain

Ph: 876-562-7580

Website: www. blueridgeja.com

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @blueridgeja

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

 

FREE Back to School Medical this Saturday!

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Take the Children (Ages 3 – 16) out this Saturday to New Kingston Rotaract Club’s FREE Back to School Medical at Nannyville Community Center by Mountain View. Take advantage of all the FREE Services and save!

The children will get FREE Dental checks, Eye screening and Medical checks.

***Immunization Cards or Health Passbooks are Required***

Directions to Nannyville Community Centre:

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Follow The New Kingston Rotaract Club on Instagram, @nkrcjamaica and see how you can join the Club, participate or donate to their Projects. Help to Build a Better Jamaica.

By: Gabrielle Burgess 

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

Rotaract St. Andrew gives over $70,000 worth of Toiletries to the Golden Age Home

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Two Sundays ago, the Rotaract Club of St. Andrew visited the Golden Age Home on St. Joseph’s Avenue in Kingston. They handed over about $70,000JMD worth of toiletries and fellowshipped with the residents.

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Members of the Rotaract Club of St. Andrew fellowshipping with Residents of the Golden Age home two Sundays ago. They had a fun-filled day.

If you would like to also donate to the Golden Age Home,

Ph: 876-928-1017; 876-928-4312; 876-618-0021

Location: 3 St. Joseph’s Avenue. Kgn. 3. Ja. W.I.

How can you join or assist and keep up with the Rotaract Club of St. Andrew?

DM and follow them on Instagram: @rotaractstandrew

Facebook: Rotaract Club of St. Andrew

Attend their meetings: 1st & 3rd Wednesdays at 6:30pm at the Footprints Cafe, New Kingston

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Workshop for Jamaican Start-ups Seeking Angel Financing

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Are you the Founder of an innovative Jamaican venture seeking Angel financing to start or expand your business?

Sign up for Development Bank of Jamaica and Biz Tactics Ltd.’s Investment Readiness Workshop to be held on August 11 and 12, and you may be on your way to success!

Click on the link below to sign up:
https://t.co/hntNuoqNyF

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Have you tried the Roasted or Scotch Bonnet Flavours from The Jamaican Peanut Butter Factory?!

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Suga sampled the new Roasted flavour from The Jamaican Peanut Butter factory a few weeks ago at the Potter’s Fair in Hope Gardens and it was an instant buy for the home.

Word is that samples of the new Scotch Bonnet Flavour were given out at the Devon House Expo last weekend and persons loved it too!

Keep up with The Jamaican Peanut Butter Factory as they expand their flavour line and distribution outlets! #SugaEndorsed #BuyLocal #BrandJamaica

The Jamaican Peanut Butter Factory 

Distributes to: Loshusan, John R. Wong and General Foods Supermarkets

Insragram: @jamaica_peanut_butter_factory

Email: [email protected]

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

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Register for Branson’s Workshop for Creating Operational Excellence!

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Date: Saturday, August 25, 2018
Time: 9am – 1pm
Location: The Jamaica Pegasus, 81 Knutsford Blvd, Kingston.

Admission:

General: Branson – $4500JMD; Public: $6000JMD

Branson’s Centre of Entrepreneurship Caribbean will be hosting a workshop to allow entrepreneurs or potential entrepreneurs to learn the framework for creating operational excellence for both service and manufacturing companies.

The workshop will last half the day and  should provide focus on using innovative process improvements to create a sustainable value chain.

Ready to make the first step in your organization’s journey to industry-leading performance? If so, check the link below:

https://t.co/yU5TeNBTW3

***REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Friday, August 10, 2018***

For more Information:

Ph: 876.632.5134 

Email: [email protected]

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

What to Expect at Denbigh 66!

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The oldest, largest and most dynamic Agricultural show in the English-speaking Caribbean will be this weekend!

The 66th staging of Denbigh will be this Saturday, August 4th to Monday, August 6th at the Denbigh Showground, May Pen, Clarendon. Exhibits will be open between 8am to 5pm.

***Tickets cost $1000JMD for Adults and $400JMD for Children***

The theme this year is, ‘Grow What You Eat, Eat What You Grow: Agriculture Securing Our Future’.

Patrons should ensure that they take advantage of purchasing fresh produce from farmers who represent farms across the island at the Farmers’ Market.

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Source: www.jas.gov.jm

There will be numerous Attractions and Entertainment such as:

– Agricultural and Horticultural Exhibits

– National Champion Farmer Competition

– Farm Queen Competition

– Youth in Agriculture Competition

– An Assimilation Exercise on Climate Change and the Impact of Technology

– Greenhouse Farmer Competition showcasing linkages within the Tourism and Agricultural Processing sectors.

JUTC is providing a PARK-AND-RIDE Shuttle Service from Kingston over the 3 days!

Roundtrip Ticket Costs: $1400JMD (Adults); $1200JMD (Children)

Ticket outlets:

JUTC Office, Shop 126b, Greater Portmore Shopping Centre, Spanish Town Transport Centre on Burke Road, Half-Way-Tree Transport Centre and JUTC Downtown Hub, 9 East Parade.

Departure times from locations in Kingston:

Spanish Town Transport Centre: 10am – 1pm
Half-Way-Tree Transport Centre: 8:30am – 11am
Portmore Mall: 9am – 12noon

Departure times from Denbigh: 7:30pm and 10:30pm daily

#BuyLocal #EatFresh #SugaEndorsed

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Odyssey by Yendi!

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Yendi Phillips with her daughter, Israel at her Odyssey Pop-Up Shop at The Spanish Court Hotel on Sunday, July 22, 2018.

I missed Odyssey by Yendi’s Launch late last year. However, I woke up and saw a promo for a Pop-Up first thing in my Social media feed one morning a few weeks ago. I was inspired and instantly decided I was going to support it. Reconnecting with my childhood friend, Yendi was a bonus.

At the Pop-Up shop, I was greeted warmly by Yendi and introduced to her products and of course, her young Odyssey model and daughter, Israel.

Strong, positive, uplifting, faith-based messages were illustrated on her products. Some of the most popular ones were, ‘I can do all things – Philippians 4:13’, ‘Power, Love, Sound Mind – 2 Timothy 1:7’, ‘Clothed in Strength and Dignity’ and ‘Pray More’.

Yendi hand pours her Candles, which are available in two sizes and various delightful scents. There was Coconut Lime, Cinnamon Vanilla, White Tea, Beach Linen, Clean Cotton, Black Raspberry Vanilla and more. I went home with the Green Tea Lemon Grass candle.

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Tank tops, T-shirts and Baby Ts for the ladies are now in colours other than black and white. I picked up the olive, ‘I can do all things’ tank.

Mugs, Notebooks, Onesies for kids, T-shirts for Men and Women were also available.

I couldn’t leave with everything, but I have my eyes on so much more, especially the stationery.

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Sweatshirts, Slippers, Leggings and many other items are now available as well.

The Odyssey line of products were inspired by Yendi’s spiritual journey and connection with God, fueling her to keep moving forward and providing her with hope after facing various uncertainties.

By supporting Yendi’s Odyssey, she states that she prays the items will serve as a reminder to never give up, trust the journey, and surrender all to God.

Odyssey by Yendi is now available online and you can follow it on Instagram or stay tuned to Suga Lifestyle to find out when the next Pop-up shop will be!

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Odyssey By Yendi

Website: www.odysseybyyendi.com

Instagram: @odysseybyyendi

Email: [email protected]

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Happy Emancipation Day Jamaica!

Happy Emancipation Day from Suga!

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Another GW Art ‘Natty Music’ tote bag is off for delivery on our holiday. There are ONLY 3 LEFT in this batch! Get yours for Independence Weekend!

Enjoy the holiday 😊🇯🇲

Support Brand Jamaica!

***Shipping to the USA Available***

GW Art

Email: [email protected]

Ph: 876-422-3769

Website (Gallery): 

http://www.sugalifestyle.com 

Instagram: @gwartbygabby

Facebook: Suga Lifestyle

By: Gabrielle Burgess (Artist)

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