Quiet restaurant tucked away on the side of Chelsea Avenue that is appropriate for a lunch or dinner date. The location smears aesthetics, but inside is a whole different world, a gypsy world.
The menu has a variety of items falling under the category of international cuisine, but highlights Spanish and Jamaican dishes.
The staff, including Head Chef, Shane Stamp were polite and welcoming. I believe that for such a unique menu, my server, Kereen should have given me a brief introduction to the dishes of various cuisines being offered. The menu takes you from Jamaica to Mexico, over the wall to the USA, deports you back to Puerto Rico, then takes you on a tour as far as Spain and more. Kereen could have been a bit more attentive too, to check how my lunch was going. Afterall, I was by my lonesome.
I am not sure why, but my appetizer and main were served at the same time. I ordered Gypsy House favourites.
Saltfish Ceviche ($500JMD +tx +Serv. charge) – Pick up saltfish served on top of twice fried, pressed green plantainsSeafood Paella ($1000JMD +tx +Serv. charge) – Classic Spanish one pot, yellow rice, vegetables, Chorizo, Seafood and Chicken
Servings were large for a reasonable price. The Saltfish Ceviche was tasty indeed. Their Seafood Paella was nose-running spicy and full of flavour. I enjoyed it.
Kereen informed me that Mama Gypsy Jerk Chicken and Island Pancakes, as well as the Char Sui Pork Belly appetizer are favourites too. So I will probably give those a try next time.
Gypsy House was definitely value for money. I have had food from Gypsy House Tapas at various local events, but I prefer dining there.
Check out Gypsy House Tapas Restaurant for Lunch or Dinner this week!
Gypsy House Tapas Restaurant
Location: 18 Chelsea Avenue. Kingston. Ja
Ph: 876-665-3154
Facebook; Instagram: @gypsyhouseja
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Connect with Tracy Jackson Blake this December 15 at Suga Lifestyle’s Christmas Connection. She will have Handmade Bags, Soaps, Dream catchers, and Quilts.
Get to know Tracy Jackson Blake and her Products from Because It Is For You with 7 Questions from Suga!
Buy Local, Buy Jamaican this DECEMBER 15! 🇯🇲
Tracy Jackson Blake, Because It Is For You
Instagram: @becauseitisforyou
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
GW Art’s new version of ‘Eat Well Travel Often’ on (8×10)” Acrylic on Canvas to hang
Get GW Art in your space today! #BuyLocal
For the Holiday season GW Art will be at Conu’co Market in Ocho Rios on Sunday, December 2nd and at Suga Lifestyle’s Christmas Connection on Saturday, December 15th at The Liguanea Club, New Kingston!
If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
November 18 – 24Â is Pharmacy Week 2018Â under the theme, Diabetes and Kidney Health. Join Fontana Pharmacy at all locations everyday for discounts, sampling, promotions, free blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure checks, expert advice and more!
Good Health is Wealth.
Fontana Pharmacy
Locations: Kingston (Barbican Square), Ocho Rios (Eight Rivers Town Centre), Savanna-la-Mar (Beckford Plaza), Montego Bay (Fairview Shopping Centre)
If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Jamaicans love a new restaurant that looks modern and is easy to get to and that explains why Chive Restaurant is booked out for Restaurant Week (RW). Chive is in the Savoury Category for $2800JMD, where G.C.T and Beverages are at an additional cost.
They definitely took the huge risk to open and participate in Restaurant Week to make a first impression on the public. But bravo! They did well.
The staff was polite, attentive and quite composed for the occasion.
The menu for Restaurant Week offered a good variety of options including Vegetarian, Seafood, Beef, Chicken and Pork dishes. Food came out in a reasonable amount of time and servings were sufficient. The taste of everything was on point and Chive was definitely value for money. Two thumbs up for Restaurant Week!
Appetizers
Crispy Glazed Pork Belly stuffed in a steamed bao bun with Hoisin sauce, ginger and pickled cucumbers.
Firstly, the RW menu said Pork Buns and not Pork Bun. However, we threw that critique out the window after we indulged in a healthy serving of succulent, well seasoned Pork Belly with a crisp that met you upon each bite.
Plump grape tomatoes, grilled garlic lobster and basil drizzled with a honey balsamic reduction on toasted baguette slices.
For the Grilled Lobster Bruschetta, we were wondering if we would get mostly tomatoes, but that was not the case. The Bruschettas were toasted just right and filled with Grilled Lobster. Delightful. Hopefully they can keep up this standard.
Main
Oxtail Alfredo – Traditional ‘fall off the bone’ Oxtail combined with penne pasta tossed in creamy Alfredo sauce.
I must admit that I was not in the mood to be disappointed with another Oxtail Pasta that didn’t really have Oxtail in it. So when ordering, I requested that I do not get ‘the essence’ of the Oxtail and I get my Pasta loaded with tender Oxtail. I can’t guarantee the same for you, but ask and you shall receive!
The Oxtail was tender, well seasoned and tasty. It was not overpowered by a heavy, creamy alfredo sauce. The taste and consistency of the sauce was just right to complement the Oxtail.
Beef Bourguignon – Tender chunks of Beef simmered in a rich red wine gravy served atop garlic, rosemary mashed potatoes and country roasted vegetables.
The Oxtail Pasta was impressive, but we thought the Beef Bourguignon was the winner of the night. The serving could have been bigger, but the flavour was outstanding. The Beef was well seasoned and enhanced by the red wine gravy that was rich indeed with a citrus flavour. #SugaSnaps.
Dessert
Warm Bread Pudding with Buttery Rum Sauce.
I was told when ordering that there was no Vanilla Bean Ice Cream to accompany the Bread Pudding as stated. This disturbed me since Sovereign supermarket is across the road and so is Devon House Ice Cream.
Nanda Dukharan, one of the owners who checked on our table from time to time to gather feedback and ensure everything was going smoothly, actually makes ice cream. When that was explained to us, I understood that they wished to keep the authenticity of their Ice Cream once they iron out a few kinks. So you cannot expect the Pineapple Ginger Ice Cream with Scotch Bonnet Brittle either, which was also on the menu.
I then thought my serving of Bread Pudding should have been larger to compensate. Thankfully it was warm and savoury.
Decadent Bailey’s Irish Cream Cheesecake.
The Cheesecake was definitely decadent and a great finale for our dinner.
Chive Restaurant still has a full dining and bar menu to finalize post Restaurant Week, so they are definitely on Suga’s radar. For now, Chive Restaurant is #SugaEndorsed.
I hope they keep it up because I am looking forward to a new spot to eat and drink for the holiday season! Aren’t you?
(L-R) Friends and Foodies, Jehan Knight, Randy Burgess and wife, Gabrielle a.k.a Suga feeling quite content after a fulfilling RW dinner at the new Chive Restaurant.
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Come out this Sunday from 2pm – 4pm at the Convent of Immaculate Conception High to see budding and experienced talent at the same time. Past and present students of Immaculate High will be showcasing their works of Art.
GW Art will be there. Come and meet me! Part proceeds of sales go towards the renovations of the school’s art studios.
The exhibition runs from this Thursday, November 15th to next Tuesday, November 20th from 10am to 6pm at St. Francis Hall by the Convent on the grounds of Immaculate Conception High School.
If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
The St. Andrew Rotary Club donated two white boards to a classroom at Curlin Johnson Basic School at 1 Saunders Avenue, Kingston about two weeks ago. They were well received.
However small, projects like these have a huge impact on the recipients and these projects inspire others to make an impact and change as well.
Kudos to the St. Andrew Rotary Club for their charitable services. Our Children are our Future.
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Feature, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Many of you may be seasoned Restaurant Week (RW) attendees by now. Since Suga is in the same boat, I have selected restaurants whose menus have stood out and are different from what they usually have for RW. They also have a reputation for good service, good quality food and value for money.
For those who still have a lot to experience with Restaurant Week, take a gamble if you do not see your choice on my list. You never know, you may end up with a winner for dinner.
Let’s get to it!
***The Price of each category includes a choice of appetizer, main course and dessert. Beverages, G.C.T and gratuity additional***
EPICUREAN ($4300JMD***)
Fromage Brasserie in Kingston! Best menu on the Epicurean list.
Fromage Brasserie’s Signature Dish of Lobster, Shrimp & scallop tossed in white wine mornay sauce & stuffed in lobster tails.
DELECTABLE ($3800JMD***)
Nirvanna Indian Restaurant in Kingston! Best Ethnic Restaurant in Kingston. Great choice for an authentic, Indian feast.
Flingback Friday to Suga and husband, Randy Burgess’s dinner at Nirvanna Indian Cuisine
SAVOURY ($2800JMD***)
KINGSTON
• Chive Eatery in Village Plaza, Kingston – New kids on the block with a killer menu of Pork buns, Oxtail Alfredo, their Signature dish of Crispy, glazed Pork Belly stuffed in a steamed bao bun with hoisin sauce, ginger and pickled cucumbers and more! They may be the dark horse of RW!
• Jamaica Liquor Warehouse in Kingston – One of my favourites. I would eat anything on their menu. Great variety, taste, good service and value for money.
• Tamarind Indian Cuisine in Kingston –Never usually disappoints. Savoury, authentic Indian food with good service.
MONTEGO BAY
• Pelican Grill has served well for many years. I would go with them if choosing this category in the second city.
I would also take a gamble with:
• Bubble & Spice, Coral Cliff
• Pier 1
• Uncorked West
OCHO RIOS
• Anglers – A family pleaser with a mouth-watering seafood menu.
Fling Back Friday to my Steamaz from Anglers!
• Evita’s Italian Restaurant – They practically have the same menu each year, but it is so extensive that you can keep trying new savoury dishes in a delightful ambience with good service.
• Seaside Dutchie– Great seafood by the sea with unique presentation. This visit could be a fun family day or evening out. Their seafood is usually served in reasonable time compared to others.
TASTY ($1850JMD***)
• Sharkies Bar Grill & Tours in Runaway Bay– You may run the risk of a long wait, but it’s usually worth it. Great seafood by the sea.
• Smoked Marin Restaurant in Hanover – Delicious food by the sea with big portions. Their Signature Jerked Calamari dish looks interesting.
Smoked Marlin’s Jerked calamari with brown butter remoulade and glazed carrots.
NYAM & SCRAM (30% off/Discounted Lunch Specials)
• Devon House Bakery for sweeting up the palate after a reduced size main.
• Fish Pot for serving up value for money for the people. They have a healthy salmon dish and a creamy coconut lobster pasta!
• Kushites Vegetable Cuisine -Take advantage of their deals! Best vegetarian restaurant in Jamaica.
â— Super’s Spicy Doubles– I’ve never been, but I would take a gamble with those curry dish deals for $600JMD or less.
MORNING BITES (Discounted Breakfast Specials)
Mr. Breakfastlooks like a deal!
Reservations are recommended for all categories except for Nyam and Scram and Morning Bites. I suggest you still call ahead or just before you make your way for the restaurants that aren’t fast food ones in the Nyam and Scram category.
Check out Restaurant Week’s Website,  http://go-jamaica.com/rw/ to see full menus and to find contact information and locations for the Restaurants.
Enjoy!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
GW Art’s ‘Island Set’ Acrylic on Canvas Painting, adding colour to the walls of a new home.GW Art’s ‘Island Set’ Acrylic on (16*20)” Oval Canvas up close, which was replicated from the original that premiered and sold at the GW Art show on September 26, 2018 at the Reggae Mill Bar, Devon HouseÂ
Get GW Art in your space today! #BuyLocal
For the Holiday season GW Art will be at Conu’co Market in Ocho Rios on Sunday, December 2nd and at Suga Lifestyle’s Christmas Connection on Saturday, December 15th at The Liguanea Club, New Kingston!
If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Suga is throwing it back to a delicious Chicken Parmigiana that was enjoyed some time ago! Crispy Parmesan chicken, melted mozzarella, marinara pasta.
As Restaurant Week quickly approaches, it is time to peruse menus if you haven’t already and book your desired spots as soon as possible.
Two important tips for Restaurant Week in Jamaica
1. It is best to go during the week. There is fewer people, better service and a better overall experience.
2. If it has to be a weekend night, make reservations for an early time such as 6 or 7pm to avoid the rush.
Fromage Bistro on Hillcrest Avenue is usually my preferred choice over Fromage Brasserie in the Market Place, but have you seen Fromage Brasserie’s menu?!
Fromage Brasserie is in the Epicurean Category ($4300JMD+ Beverages & taxes).
For Appetizers, local blue crab chunks, creamy spinach and tortilla chips as well as Crispy salmon & cream cheese rolls with sweet Habanero sauce have caught my eye.
Fromage Brasserie’s Signature Dish of Lobster, Shrimp & scallop tossed in white wine Mornay sauce & stuffed in lobster tails.
Dessert doesn’t have their signature Bread Pudding on the menu, but the options look just as divine.
If Fromage Brasserie weathers the rush of Market Place diners with smooth service and executes their fine dishes, they should be one of Restaurant Week’s winners for dinner.
Check out Restaurant Week’s Website, http://go-jamaica.com/rw/ to browse categories and what the Restaurants have to offer before the big issue in The Gleaner this Thursday.
***The Price of each category includes a choice of appetizer, main course and dessert. Beverages, G.C.T and gratuity additional***
*Reservations recommended*
Fromage Brasserie
Location: Market Place – 67 Constant Spring Road. Kingston.
Ph: 876-649-0820-1Â
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
