Not attending Diner en Blanc this Saturday? Looking for something simple, fun and casual to do? Consider supporting, non-profit organization, New Kingston Rotaract Club’s 4th Annual Wing Sauce Competition at Red Stripe Playfield on Spanish Town Road. Suga Lifestyle will be judging to assist them with deciding who is the real Sauce Boss!
For a restaurant that opened mid-last year to be so good but off the radar, it must be a hidden gem. I was instantly impressed as I stepped into the restaurant last Saturday night at about 7:50pm. Lovely ambience and cosy decor with even a fish pond full of beautiful koi on the left side where my friend and I were seated. The hostess and waitress were polite but not pleasant.
Main dishes were ordered, then with a change of heart we wished to order appetizers as well. We felt stranded at sea, beckoning for a waitress with none to our rescue. Luckily the catch of the day came within a few minutes. Seafood freshly cooked to order, taking just under 20 minutes, really?! Awesome. I ordered the Shrimp in garlic sauce with Mashed Potatoes ($1800JMD+tx). No complaints about the Shrimp, they were delicious. The Mashed Potatoes were a bit tough. Got milk? The Steamed Fish was HUGE for just ($1500JMD+tx) with a side of Bammy. It was perfect, bursting with flavour. Definitely more than value for our money. Maybe Chef and Restaurant owner, Yan Yao who has been a restaurateur for almost 15 years was responsible for that unique, burst of flavour.
So, great night, but I could do without the live DJ. The table beside us shared the same sentiment and asked for the music to be turned down, then it was tolerable.
The restaurant also offers other meat varieties and even vegetarian dishes. However, the front of the menu couldn’t be more accurate, ‘Sea Deck – Finest Seafood Dishes in Town’. Suga Lifestyle cannot wait to return and taste the other seafood varieties they offer such as King Crab, Mussels, Lobster, Conch, Squid and more.
Opening hours – Sundays to Thursdays: 12 noon to 10pm and Fridays to Saturdays: 12 noon to 11pm.
Ph. : 876-702-4032
I have been invited to C&C South Beach Cafe twice in one month after a long while, Â so I knew something had to be different. They are now under new management and their presence was definitely felt. The hostesses that meet you from the parking lot are extremely polite and friendly, in a genuine way.
Last Friday night after being seated, my beau and I were neglected for a little while, so called for a waitress. We were told one would be coming shortly, then immediately came Shara who apologised profusely that she was not aware we were seated. Thankfully, Shara is one of a kind, a comedian in fact.
We ordered and the food came out soon after. My order of Burger Sliders was missing the fries, but Shara continuing to be full of jokes and fun, made me forget quickly that any issue arised and ensured that the fries came soon after. The Sliders were tasty and I loved that they didn’t just heat up frozen meat. It was obviously freshly cooked. They also got me to eat the small vegetable salad that accompanied it because of the tasty vinaigrette. The Chicken Quesadillas were not as spicy as advertised but had a lovely flavour as well. Happily, we made the right choice in Cocktails. The Mai Tai (Dark rum, Light rum, Pine Juice, Orgeat Syrup, Lime juice) was good, but I preferred the Caribbean Surf (Blue Curacao, Appleton, Vodka, Pine juice) that was refreshingly good. I was also impressed with the fact that the Blue Curacao did not overpower the drink, making it taste too minty or like menthol as some other bars do.
There is a wide range of dishes on the menu and most items seem to be reasonably and appropriately priced. What should be noted is that the prices on the menus issued at the bar already include GCT and there is no service charge. High-end dishes have high-end prices. For instance, entrees range from a Chicken Mushroom Marsala at $1650JMD to a Grilled Fillet Mignon at $4500JMD. Therefore, in alignment with prices at more reputable establishments. Was that the smart thing to do so early? We will see but they are clearly setting a high standard for themselves. Not perfect yet, but hey, neither are the others. Grilled Fillet of Atlantic Salmon ($2750JMD), Lamb Chops and Lobster Thermidor ($3800JMD) and Linguini Primavera ($2250JMD) are just a few of the other entrees on the menu. Cocktails range from $500-$750JMD.
Mr. David Thompson, Marketing Executive along with two others calmly but efficiently supervised the area and also checked if everything was ok.
Also, it is evident that parking is not sufficient in front of South Beach but you don’t have to park on the side of the road. Parking has been made available at a nearby, suitable venue up the road, from which they now provide a shuttle service. Suga likes the changes and will be returning soon and definitely asking for Shara.
Since Suga’s review of Bamboo Blu last November, waitresses have definitely improved their service. Last Ash Wednesday was not only a Public Holiday but a Ship Day, with many tourists docking from their cruise. However, with a busy kitchen and bar, waitresses were pleasant and food and drinks arrived quickly.
There was nothing special about the Jerk Chicken, but their Jerk Chicken Wrap was quite tasty and spicy. It was all about the sauce. Their sweet potato mash was savoury as well, but their fries are way too oily.
Improvement appreciated though. Thanks as well to Pop-Up Gourmet for me being able to get a huge discount, making it easier for the waitress to get a good, well deserved tip.
TGIF’s service has been on quite a decline, but they have made a complete 360º turnaround. For a full night last week, persons were seated in a reasonable amount of time. Waitresses checked that everything was alright around the clock and the quality of the food remained consistently savoury. They also seemed to have not one, but two ‘managers’ supervising tables and interacting briefly with diners. No wonder the waitresses were dotting their Ts and crossing their Is.
For my appetizer, the Loaded Potato Skins were alright, but needed to be flavoured with herbs and a sharper tasting cheese. The Jack Daniel’s Chicken was on point. The chicken breast was cooked to perfection.The Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta had too much sauce but it was spicy as expected and flavourful. Then of course, the Double Chocolate Fudgy Brownie was huge and definitive of ‘#foodporn’. Their Lynchburg Lemonade made with Jack Daniels Whiskey, Triple sec and Lemon lime soda for just $500JMD was refreshingly good. All very affordable as well.
Keep that rhythm going, lots and lots of rhythm! It’s Friday! Hit ’em up today!
Finger lickin’ good and imagine this is just half a rack!
Francois Pasquier started the concept of Le Dîner en Blanc in 1988 in Paris with a simple gathering of friends, all dressed in white to identify each other in a public place to have a picnic. The event gained momentum as friends invited more friends and it spread to other locations in Paris and eventually various cities, provinces etc. around the world. For instance, Montreal, New York, Brisbane, Québec, Barcelona, Boston and Sydney to name a few.
The event is designed to promote Ethics and Values, Friendship, Secrecy, Effort, Joie de Vivre (The joy of living), Heritage and Magic.
Here is the breakdown of the concept:
– Hosts usually include a who’s who of influencers in various spheres. There will also be volunteers.
– Hosts and volunteers invite their friends and family to the picnic, then any space that’s left goes to those on the waiting list
– Organizers and volunteers are informed of the location only hours prior to the dinner, but other attendees would not know until they arrive via transportation provided by Dîner en Blanc
РThe location should be an amazing place. For instance, a D̨ner en Blanc has occurred at the Eiffel Tower
– The event has no limitation in terms of culture or age
– ~1000 persons carry tables and chairs, gourmet food and wine
– Persons arrive dressed in all white and are guided to pre-assigned seating by table leaders
– Persons set up their white tables, chairs and tablecloths; as well as china and silverware
– Persons wave their white dinner napkins and begin to eat
– Persons drink only wine or champagne and socialize
– Persons light sparklers once dinner is complete to light up the night and to open the dance floor for the party
– Persons party and dance the night away
– Persons will clean up, pack up, then head out
It has also been observed that persons become quite comfortable talking with each other, carry personal fans and intricate table arrangements or decor.
See the video below:
Le D̨ner en Blanc International РEnglish Version: http://youtu.be/9D6Uv1Vcvus
Of course, Jamaicans love to copy everything. But in this case, why not? It is an excellent concept. Stay tuned for ‘What is Le Dîner en Blanc – Part 2’ as Suga Lifestyle breaks down Jamaica’s good and not so good plans, credit card fiascos and more.
Expensive (~$4000-$5000JMD per person)
1. Rojo at Spanish Court Hotel
2. Strawberry Hill
3. Terra Nova All Suite Hotel (The Terrace)
Mid-range (~$2500-$3500JMD per person)
4. Majestic Sushi and Grill, Villa Ronai
5. The Blue Window at The Jamaica Pegasus
Affordable (~$1500-$2800JMD per person)
6. South Avenue Grill
7. EITS Cafe at Mount Edge Guesthouse, Newcastle
*Considering at least 2 courses, not including beverages
Newly inducted member of the Rotaract Club of Kingston, Amashika Lorne, organised a clean up of the Wag Water River for her birthday with friends. She had 42 volunteers, including 2 who were disabled.
55 garbage bags and other huge items like tyres, pieces of furniture, buckets, refrigerators etc. were collected.
Amashika’s commendable act did not stop there. After the clean up, a Presentation on Environmental Awareness was conducted by Patrice Gilpin of NEPA and herself to residents of the Boone Hall Oasis Community. Amashika also thanked Boone Hall Oasis, NEPA, Nestle Jamaica, Ribbiz Ultra Lounge, Respect Jamaica, Rotaract Club of Kingston, her family and friends for their Assistance and a very special birthday.
Great job Amashika and friends for doing their part in the campaign, ‘Nuh Dutty Up Jamaica’.
If you don’t have one, sign up at www.popupgourmetjamaica.com today!