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.

GW Art is in Things Jamaican Stores!

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GW Art Tabletop/Desktop pieces that are currently in Things Jamaican Stores in various sizes, L – R: ‘Cheers’, ‘Mi Ackee’, ‘Coffee Fix’ and ‘It’s Always Wine O’Clock’

Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), one of the premier business support organizations in Jamaica, has distributed GW Art Tabletop/Desktop pieces at their Things Jamaican store locations islandwide for sale and décor.

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GW Art at Things Jamaican, Devon House

Things Jamaican represents products that have been produced in Jamaica and serves as the marketing support services unit of the JBDC. Gabby a.k.a Suga is extremely happy to have GW Art amongst other products representing Brand Jamaica for tourists to take a piece of Jamaica back home with them.

GW Art tabletop/desktops are compact (5×7)”, (8×10)” and (9×12)” pieces convenient for souvenirs, gifting and travel and are in Things Jamaican stores near you!

Buy Jamaican and Build Jamaica

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Things Jamaican store at Devon House

Things Jamaican Locations

Devon House . Norman Manley International Airport . JBDC’s Corporate Office (14 South Camp Road)

GW Art

Email: [email protected]

Ph: 876-422-3769

Website (Gallery): 

http://www.sugalifestyle.com 

Instagram: @gwartbygabby

Facebook: Suga Lifestyle (GW Art Album)

By: Gabrielle Burgess (Artist)

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.

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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.

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.

 

Art & Craft Summer Fair this Weekend at The Jamaican Horticultural Society!

The Association of Jamaica Potters presents Art & Craft Fair Summer edition!

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Get unusual one of a kind items by local artists and artisans this weekend!

Support Brand Jamaica and Buy Local. #SugaEndorsed

Contact Information:
Ph: 876.421.3423
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

You have to taste these Coconut Drops!

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Ronetta Crooks-Allen of RSS Naturalll Delites with one of her daughters, Shaunell Allen at Christmas in July, a Tropical Wonderland Trade Show put on by THF at The Jamaica Pegasus last Thursday, July 19, 2018.

Suga visited Christmas in July at The Jamaica Pegasus last Thursday. It was the 4th staging of the event titled, ‘Tropical Wonderland Trade Show’ put on by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (THF). It is a Tourism Linkages Network Initiative showcasing unique Jamaican products available for wholesale and retail by local businesses. Products are usually suitable for Gifts, especially Corporate gifting and Souvenirs.

There were quite a few eye-catching displays, however I was particularly impressed by the invitation and pitch from Mrs. Ronetta Crooks-Allen of RSS Naturalll Delites to try her flavoured Coconut Drops. I am not a fan of Coconut Drops, so I was pleasantly surprised with how appetizing her Cranberry flavoured Coconut Drops tasted. I was even more impressed that it was not too sweet or overpowered by the cranberries. The essence of coconut was still highlighted and quite delightful to the palate.

See Contact Information for RSS Naturalll Delites below to give those Cranberry flavoured Coconut Drops a try! Grater Cakes and other flavours of Coconut Drops are available as well.

Stay tuned to see where these yummy Coconut Drops may pop up in the future too! #BuyLocal

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Yummy Coconut Drops and Grater Cakes from RSS Naturalll Delites #SugaEndorsed

RSS Naturalll Delites

Location: 138 Rhone Park Estate. Old Harbour, St. Catherine. JA. W.I.

Ph: 876.486.7469

Email: [email protected]

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Beat the Summer Heat and join Pool Aerobics with Kim!

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Beat the Summer heat and get Aqua Fit by doing Pool Aerobics with Kim!

Classes are performed in waist-deep water and involve forcing your body to move despite the resistance of the water. So the muscles and joints will benefit too!

Fun Pool Aerobics Facts by Kim

● Despite being low to no impact exercise, persons who do water exercise can burn just as much body fat and build as much muscle as those who engage in land-based exercise programmes

● Exercising in water builds cardiovascular stamina, strength and flexibility

● Pool aerobics burns fat, increases circulation and can help rehabilitate healing muscles and joints

…and of course

● Working out in the water helps to cool the body from getting too hot!

Pack your Swim gear and Join Today!

Classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30pm! #SugaEndorsed

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Pool aerobics with Kim

Location: Aquaworx Jamaica at 22 Hopefield Ave. Kgn. 6 (Entrance on Seymour Ave.)

Ph: 876-327-4758

Instagram: @poolaerobics

Facebook: Pool Aerobics by Kim

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

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