There is still time to Resister for the Kingston City Marathon! You have until tomorrow to register on the website, www.kingstoncityrun.com or the JHTA Office at 2 Ardenne Road.Â
You can register for the full marathon (26.2 miles), half marathon (13.1 miles), 5k or 10k.
Race day is Sunday, March 17, 2019 on a certified course with chip timing.
Kingston City Run is now IAAF/AIMS (International Association of Athletics Federations/Association of International Marathons and Distance Races) Certified. So you can run and use your official time to qualify for other international marathons.
Start times: Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K start at 4:30 a.m., while the 5K Run/Walk starts at 7:00 a.m.
Other activities:
Other activities associated with the event will be the Welcome Party on Friday, March 15th, the Lifestyle Expo and Pre-Race a.k.a Carb loading Party at The Jamaica Pegasus on Saturday, March 16th. There will be an Awards Ceremony and Finish Line ‘Reggae’ Party after the run on Sunday too.
The Kingston City Marathon will be raising funds for various Charities as well. Help them hit their 2019 target of JMD$5 million to support Alpha Boys Institute, The Open Arms Development Centre, Marie Atkins Night Shelter, Food for the Poor, Dare to Care and Do your Share and Missionaries of the Poor.
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Suga thinks that the Jamaica Rum Festival was a success!
I went on the Saturday at about 3:30pm when the sun was out in full force. Imagine I was planning on going earlier. I was disappointed that the seminar times were posted online so close to the day, so failed to plan for them and missed out on available spots. I am sure it would have enhanced my experience even more, but perhaps something can be done next year that may not involve tastings and patrons can be involved.
I was early enough to get my Festival cup though! This was definitely a perk appreciated by patrons. You got back your entry money with that already.
I wish the mist being provided for the Sugar cane was provided for patrons at certain points throughout the festival too, or fans. The heat was hard to bear. Thankfully after a walk around the venue, picking up rum samples from the different sponsors and seeing what was on offer, Kande’s Delights had their delicious ice cream to cool you down. They gave you combo options to get a moist, salivating cupcake from Alex’s Creations too! Those cupcakes are one of a kind.
I am all for Brand Jamaica, but I think if local artisans are to be involved in the festival, they should have products more aligned with the theme of the festival. Perhaps like Street Food Saturdays who had Pepper sauces. Items that persons like to pair with rum or persons who take a liking to rum are likely to purchase.
The CB Food Village was a disappointment. Firstly, there was no card machine by the general line to get tickets. That should have been standard. I believe Rainforest Seafoods was probably the only option on the inside that you could buy from and use a card.
I understand that after drinking all that rum, the food did not have to be gourmet and got the idea behind mostly fried foods etc. to soak up the rum, but I still felt like options were limited and the quality of food put out was not that enticing. For instance, the quality of Pan Chicken in Manor Park is far better than that offered by the Pan Chicken winner that was present. I believe I made a good decision to get the Pork Fries from Tooksie Kay Catering. I got the Fried Chicken tacos from Chilitos too, but I believe Tooksie Kay was probably the best, if not, one of the best options there.
With all of that aside, how was the Rum and Entertainment?! After all, that is what we were there for. Monymusk was the only disappointment. Why was Monymusk giving people straight shots of whites?! Good Lord. Then they wanted you to pay for slushes with no rum in them. Wheel and come again.
Kudus to the other sponsors, Appleton Estate, Wray & Nephew, Charley’s J.B. Overproof Rum and Hampten Estate for coming up with creative 3oz sampler cocktails and mixes that were free. I enjoyed them. Big up Charley’s J.B. Overproof Rum from Trelawny who came with their Sprat and Bammy to soak up that strong cullo cullo a.k.a John Crow Batty!
Bottles and cues were for sale from the different sponsors as well.
The vibe did nice! Uncle Wray was there to mingle with patrons and so was Aunty Joy, Master Blender from Appleton Estate.
Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga with Joy Spence, Master Blender of Appleton Estate.
Wray and Nephew did an excellent job with on the spot entertainment, such as mixology competitions. Hosts Sakina Deer and Dufton Shepherd really had the crowd engaged encouraging spontaneous outbursts of laughter.
I thoroughly enjoyed all the performances that I caught. Wayne Marshall, Dance Xpressionz and Aidonia certainly took us through their expansive catalogue of music and dance throughout the years.
Hope Pastures needs to take better care of those dusty grounds and I wish I got prior notice to consider carrying a chair, because once you are there you are likely to stay till the very end! Kudos to the organizers for creating such a memorable, local experience. Looking forward to the next one! #SugaEndorsed
Suga with husband, Randy Burgess at the Jamaica Rum Festival last Saturday, March 9, 2019 (Photo: Kirk Wignall)
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Are you ready?! The greatly anticipated Jamaica Rum Festival begins tomorrow! A festival that should walk us through the history of Jamaican rums via photos, artefacts and a sensory experience.
Sip Sip Sip! Expect to receive Drink Chits upon entry for your complimentary cocktail and samples from each of the sponsors booths.
Seminars and Workshops hosted by Appleton Estate’s Master Blender, Joy Spence and more start from 12:45pm, where you sign in upon entry once spaces are still available.
The festival should also be showcasing live music, arts and crafts and other Jamaican made products presented by local artisans, powered by the Tourism Enhancement Fund and of course, food.
Participating Local Artisans
Patrons will experience the Jamaica Rum Festival Food Court offered by sponsor, CB Foods!
What have you been waiting for? Get your tickets today!
For more information:
Website: www.jarumfestival.com/
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Non-Profit Organization, Rotary Club of St. Andrew North will be hosting a Fish Fry Fundraiser this Friday, where you can support their future Community projects with your support.
Tickets cost $1700JMD per person for lunch cooked by the popular Miss May and her staff.
Please support the Rotary Club of St. Andrew North’s initiative.
#BetheInspiration
For tickets:
Call Nakia Rowe: 876.317.7337
For Pick Up:
12-2pm at 17 Retirement Road, Kingston.
For Delivery:
***Must be 5 or more orders to same location***
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus, called the endometrium, migrates and grows outside of the uterus.
Cause
There is no known cause of Endometriosis, but it is highly likely that certain genes predispose women to develop the disease.
Symptoms of Endometriosis
Women may experience various pains, especially during menstruation, where it may be severe, but there are a variety of methods and treatments that can help to reduce the pain.
Excessive bleeding and infertility are other known symptoms.
How is Endometriosis Diagnosed?
The test to definitively diagnose Endometriosis is Laparoscopy. Laparoscopy is an operation performed in the abdomen or pelvis through small incisions with the aid of a camera. The laparoscope aids diagnosis or therapeutic interventions.
Diagnosis can also be made based on one’s clinical history.
Consult your Gynaecologist if you think you may have Endometriosis.
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The 2nd annual Blue Mountain Coffee Festival starts today! Blue Mountain Coffee has the reputation of being one of the most expensive and sought-after coffees in the world over the past few decades.
This event hopes to attract tourists and international coffee buyers, as well as create awareness of the rapidly growing coffee culture amongst us as local consumers.
Friday, March 1st – Trade Day
The Festival kicks off today with a networking and learning experience for farmers allowing them to showcase their coffee and coffee byproducts.
Saturday, March 2nd – Festival Marketplace
Last year’s view from Newcastle at the 1st staging of the Marketplace at the Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival
After you finish with Suga Lifestyle’s Nutrition session tomorrow, the Festival Marketplace in Newcastle will be buzzing with activity. You can then browse and purchase coffee to put in your protein shakes each morning!
There will be coffee galore, coffee byproducts and live demos if you are a barista at home, as well as live musical entertainment and crafts on showcase from local artisans. You would also learn about coffee related tours.
Festival Marketplace Ticket costs: $1500 (Adults); $500 (Children 2-12 years and students with ID)
***Complimentary round trip Shuttle Services will be provided from UTECH Library Car Park to Newcastle starting at 9am***
If you would like to make a weekend of it, there are activities on Sunday too!
Sunday, March 3 – The Culinary Trail (Reservation Only)
There will be a Coffee-themed Brunch at Strawberry Hill and other eateries along the Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Trail should have a signature Blue Mountain Coffee infused dish on their menu that day.
Enjoy!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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It’s been a long time coming, but I finally made the trek to Street Food Saturdays. Was it worth it? Not really, but I went for the experience nonetheless.
The Menu
Persons like myself and my husband who go with the intention to try different dishes may be disappointed. We were not given the option to mix meats even when requested and the plates were small, especially for the prices. I hardly eat Pork, but wanted to taste their Smoked Pork Belly. That taste cost me $2,000JMD. It was succulent and crackling, but a bit too salty.
Smoked Pork Belly ($2000JMD) from Street Food Saturdays last Saturday, February 23, 2019.
The event was filled with patrons. Thankfully they had good crowd control. The wait for food wasn’t long and even though you couldn’t get all your food options at one station, they seemed to have a good system going. ‘Chefs Dwight and Celine’ were on Meats, and Chef Simone Walker-Barrett with her assistants were on Seafood, with her added special of Jerked Lamb Chops.
The Meat Station at Street Food Saturdays
It was a hot day. They had seating under tents, but my husband and I scoped out a table down by the river that was much cooler with more scenic surroundings.
Rosemary Pan Chicken ($1000JMD)
The Rosemary Pan Chicken was nothing to write home about, but the Tangerine and Guava sauces provided were tasty and complemented the meats well.
The greatly anticipated Lobster Pasta was not visually appealing. A small serving of lobster on some cheesy elbow macaroni was served to others, so we passed on that.
This finally brings me to the good stuff. The Jerked Fish was seasoned to perfection and accompanied by tasty Parmesan Polenta.
Jerked Fish with Parmesan Polenta ($2000JMD)
Chef Simone Walker-Barrett’s Special was indeed special. The Jerked Lamb Chops were savoury.
Jerked Lamb Chops with Parmesan Polenta ($3000JMD)Suga a.k.a Gabby Burgess at Street Food Saturdays last Saturday, February 23, 2018.
After we finished our lunch, there was nothing that kept us interested to stay, so we made it back home in time to watch the Gibson Relays. I think the event has the potential to be better; maybe some entertainment or a farmer’s market. We enjoyed our meals, but it was an underwhelming experience based on the marketing of the event and it was not value for money. It was marketed as wood fire gourmet, but although the quality of some of the dishes was good, there was nothing signature about them, with regard to presentation or taste. After a long drive we spent $8,400JMD for street food, with walk up service, in an outdoor setting. Sorry Suga Bears, this event is not #SugaEndorsed.
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I had a quick, satisfying lunch at Bella’s Vegan Eats with my husband, Randy last Friday at a neat spot tucked away on Windsor Avenue off Old Hope Road.
Bella’s Vegan Eats was prompt if you would like to pick up and has comfortable seating for you to have a quick bite for lunch. Even if it’s a hot day, the trees make the area cool and the picnic table umbrellas provide sufficient shade.
The area was clean, parking was hassle-free and service came with a smile. Haleem Card, Executive Chef and Director/Co-owner of Bella’s Vegan Eats made us feel right at home. Note that Haleem was the 2015 recipient of the Observer Food Awards’ Chef on the Rise.
What’s their Menu like?!
Their menu is fully Vegan, but still pleasing to the palate if you’re not Vegan. The menu changes daily with options of Soup, Wraps, Sandwiches, Chana Masala, Pasta and more, plus freshly made juices, Smoothies and even Dessert. The people’s favourite seems to be their Umami Black Bean Burger ($1200JMD).
I had the Coconut Chana Masala. I am not a fan of Coconut milk, especially since it has a high content of Saturated fat, but they used it lightly and it did not overpower the taste at all. I had it with plantain, a tasty raw vegetable salad and Peanut rice! The Peanut rice was a pleasant surprise and definitely increased the fiber content of the meal.
Chana Masala with Peanut rice from Bella’s Vegan Eats ($1000JMD)
Main dishes are usually $750JMD, with an additional charge of $250JMD for side options. Their Natural Fruit Juices, that are low in sugar come in two sizes, the 12oz for $400JMD and 16oz for $650JMD. I had the what’s Up Doc a.k.a Carrot Juice that was light in consistency and quite refreshing.
Remember Suga’s Nutrition Session is this Saturday! If you missed the first one, try to make time for this one. Bella’s Vegan Eats was definitely added to the ‘Places to Eat’ List. They are #SugaEndorsed.
Bella’s Vegan Eats
Location: 6 Windsor Ave. Kingston. Ja.
Ph: 876-455-8804
*Delivery available by Quick Plate
Open Mon-Fri., 11am – 4pm
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Now that last weekend is over, here is something else to look forward to!
Appleton Estate’s Jamaica Rum Festival will be March 9 – 10, 2019 in Hope Gardens and should be showcasing our country’s excellence in Rum, Food and Music.
Save the Date that you choose to go!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Follow the food and the flavour! Head up to Street Food Saturdays hosted by Chef Simone Walker-Barrett by Mount James District, Golden Spring, St. Andrew tomorrow any time from 12-6pm! There will be quite a variety, so there should be something to satisfy any craving you may have.
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