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How was the New Fromage Brasserie in Market Place for Suga?! – Part 2

Suga returned to Fromage Brasserie that opened recently in the Market Place for dinner with hubby two Saturdays ago at 8pm. I hoped to have better quality food after being disappointed with the first visit.

If you would like to refresh your memory with the experience of my first visit, click here:

How was the New Fromage Brasserie in Market Place for Suga?! – Part 1

It was night time and diners were out. The Restaurant was full and we had no reservations so had no problem with being seated in the Courtyard. The hostess was quite pleasant and accommodating and it was refreshing to see such bubbly, courteous staff compared to the last visit.

We skipped appetizers and went straight for the main and ordered at 8:15pm. I appreciated the waitress coming to inform us that they were plating at 8:35pm, the point at which we would be expecting the food to arrive. The food came out literally 2 minutes later as promised.

My husband had the Crab Stuffed Chicken ($2400JMD) with a side of Rustic Parmesan Potatoes ($700JMD) that we could share. We weren’t sure of the serving size of the entrée but we realised a side order was not totally necessary.

The Chicken was tasty but did not ignite the taste buds.

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Crab Stuffed Chicken – Roasted Chicken Breast stuffed with Local Blue Crab ($2400JMD)

I had the Land & Sea that consisted of Beef Fillet topped off with Shrimp and Crab in a rich Béamaise sauce. I had reservations when it arrived though because after ordering, I realised the waitress made a fundamental error. She did not ask how I would like my Beef prepared. The Courtyard was full and buzzing and we weren’t exactly close to the Restaurant so I was not going to go out of my way to make the request. I ensured I pointed it out to her though and she apologised genuinely and profusely.

The Beef arrived well done, so was not as enjoyable as I would have like it to be. The Béamaise sauce was rich indeed though. It added a spicy touch to the Shrimp and Crab and also complemented the Beef well.

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Land & Sea – Beef Fillet topped with Shrimp & Crab in a Rich Béamaise sauce ($3600JMD)

The quality of food was better this time around, but different types of dishes were chosen. At the end of the day with a full tab plus G.C.T and Service charge, I think the items are too pricey for the mediocre standard of food you are getting despite the Restaurant being at a bigger and better location. I have to revisit Fromage Gourmet Market on Hillcrest but if memory serves me correctly, the quality of food was much better there and I know for a fact the prices for some of the same dishes were much less. So for now, I will stick with the original Fromage.

Fromage Brasserie

Location: Market Place- 67 Constant Spring Road. Kingston.

Ph: 876-649-0820-1

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

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#fbf to Suga’s Bread Pudding from 100!

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Bread Pudding ($1000JMD)

Suga surely enjoyed her Ash Wednesday treat from 100. The Bread Pudding did not arrive as advertised, with most of the crumble missing from the top, but it was quite warm, soft, delicious and moist, just the way I like it.

I give up on trying to find one better than that of Fromage now, as their sweet, nutty crumble on top with caramel and more is unbeatable. However, I definitely endorse the Bread Pudding from 100 and put it 2nd in line.

Appreciated the great service from my waitress on the Terrace as well!

100

Location: 100 Hope Road. Kingston 6
Ph: 876.665-3BET (3238)
Instagram: 100hoperoad
Facebook: 100 Hope Road

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

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Where to Escape this Ash Wednesday!

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Would you like to eat delicious food with that spectacular view and good service?

Blue Ridge Restaurant and Cottages will be open today!

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Blue Ridge Restaurant and Cottages
Location: Salt Hill Lot 9 East Rural, St. Andrew, Blue Mountain
Ph: 562-7580
***Reservations recommended***

By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this promo, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

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Tropical Chinese Cuisine Restaurant

Not cooking this Sunday or need a quick pick-me-upper later? Give Tropical Chinese Cuisine Restaurant a try.

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Beef with spring onions

Tropical Chinese Cuisine Restaurant

Location: Loshusan, Barbican

Ph: 876-978-0696; 876-978-8866

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

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How was the New Fromage Brasserie in Market Place for Suga?! – Part 1

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Suga and a friend visited Fromage Brasserie that opened recently in the Market Place. It is a bigger location for Fromage Gourmet Market on Hillcrest that we know and love. They are one of my favourites.

I loved the elegant, modern decor from the ceiling to the floor. The hostess was pleasant and the waitress was professional. Seating was comfortable but not so sure about the 2-seater tables. They looked a bit too small.

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Lobster Bisque ($700JMD +tx)

I ordered the Lobster Bisque ($700JMD) recommended by the waitress that came out quickly but it was not in the usual Bread Boule that Fromage offers. However, I realised that I did not specify mainly because the waitress did not ask. The salt seemed to have gotten away in the soup so I was disappointed.

The Bacon Shrimp Chowder would need half an hour more to be ready so my friend didn’t bother to order it.

For the main I had trouble deciding because they had so many items on their menu. I think less items should be on the menu, similar to the Fromage on Hillcrest. Sometimes less is more.

I was deciding between the Seafood Risotto that I had seen pictures of and the Lobster Ravioli. Again, the waitress recommended the Lobster dish, saying the Risotto tends to be a bit heavy because of the Saffron cream sauce and I wasn’t in the mood for that so ordered the Lobster Ravioli ($2300JMD).

I recommended that my friend who loves Shrimp Pasta have the Pesto Pasta with Shrimp ($2000JMD).

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Pesto Pasta with Shrimp ($2000JMD+tx)

When the food arrived in reasonable time I wish I recommended that for myself because I clearly made the wrong decision. My friend’s Pesto Pasta with Shrimp was delish. I started to wonder if the waitress just recommended Lobster dishes because it had Lobster. She had seemed confident with her recommendations but she was wrong this time.

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Lobster Ravioli in a subtle Lemon Cream Sauce ($2300JMD+tx)

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I’m not sure if the Chef was having an off day but I know the kitchen wasn’t pressured. There were other diners but the Restaurant was far from full.

As you can see, the presentation was poor. I saw no evidence of a Ravioli wheel or stamp used to properly shape the pasta. The Ravioli was overcooked and/or it had too much flour. It had a doughy taste and the taste of the Lobster was absent. The sauce wasn’t much to be desired for either. It needed more of a lemon zest and perhaps some chopped basil, fresh parsley and a touch of garlic.

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The inside of my Lobster Ravioli

I told the waitress it was horrible and not to recommend it again. Hopefully the Chef gets it right soon or it should be removed from the menu.

I couldn’t let my first visit end on such a bad note after expectations were high. So I ordered the Lobster Mac and Cheese that looked salivating in pictures and on plates passing my table to other diners.

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Lobster Mac & Cheese ($1000JMD)

The Lobster Mac and Cheese ($1000JMD) came out quickly and definitely saved the day. Presentation got 10/10 but the quality got 7/10. Believe it or not, it actually didn’t taste as good as it looked. It was tasty but lacked flavour. I think it needed a more pungent cheese and some garlic and herbs to spice it up. The Lobster Mac and Cheese at The Regency Room, Terra Nova is still a winner.

It was a disappointing visit and I felt robbed paying for that Lobster Ravioli but it is still early days for the Restaurant and I know given the history of the owners they will keep striving for better quality and service. The new Brasserie seems a bit pricey but I shall return in the near future to try some meat dishes such as the Feta Crusted Lamb ($3050JMD), Steak and Frites ($2000JMD) and the Korean BBQ Pork Ribs ($2450JMD).

Stay tuned for Part 2!

Fromage Brasserie

Location: Market Place- 67 Constant Spring Road. Kingston.

Ph: 876-649-0820-1

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

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#tbt to my Lobster Mac & Cheese from the New Fromage Brasserie!

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#tbt to my Lobster Mac & Cheese from the new Fromage Brasserie in Market Place. How was it? Look out for the review soon!

Fromage Brasserie

Location: Market Place- 67 Constant Spring Road. Kingston.

Ph: 876-649-0820-1

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

 

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Beware of Gustazo Lunch time Specials offered by Toss & Roll and ChezMax Catering

It has been a while, but I am still upset about the poor service from ChezMax Catering and Toss & Roll Salad Bar over a Gustazo they offered towards the end of last year.

ChezMax Catering

ChezMax offered $1299JMD for 2 Wraps (Wheat, Spinach, Tomato, Basil etc.) OR Caesar salads with your choice of meat + 2 Strawberry, Mocha or Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothies, Coconut Water or Sorrel with Ginger + 1 Banana Bread that expired December 2, 2016.

My experiences with both establishments were similar, besides the fact that communication with ChezMax was over the phone and that with Toss & Roll was face to face.

My coworker and I love to have something different on Fridays, so I called ChezMax two Fridays before the expiration date and was told they had no ingredients for the Smoothies. I was really looking forward to the Smoothies so I was assured that they should have some the following week. When I called back the following Friday I was told that they still could not offer any of the Smoothies because everything had finished with the large amount of Gustazos being used and it’s almost the final week.

I explained that whether or not it is the final week or day, they should be prepared for the demand, as persons have already spent their money expecting to get a choice from ALL of what was offered.

I already had plans for lunch the following Friday and with the staff’s nonchalant response on the phone and her still being adamant that it was because of the Gustazos, I was not going to wait another week where even less may have been available. I also told her not to argue with the Customer because the Customer is always right, especially since they are in the Customer Service business. I like value for my money so what they did could have been interpreted as false advertising, because as far as I know, persons buy Gustazos based on the guaranteed value of what they are getting at discounted rates.

They delivered the lunch on time for a $200JMD additional charge. I had the Spinach Wrap with Jerked Chicken, Coconut Water and Banana Bread. The Banana Bread was tasty but the Wrap had enough vegetables to feed a rabbit and the Chicken didn’t have a memorable taste so I wasn’t impressed and will never order from them again.

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Spinach Wrap with Jerked Chicken from ChezMax Catering

Toss & Roll Salad Bar

Toss & Roll offered $1399JMD for 2 Main Dishes with a choice of 12″ Wheat or Spinach Wrap with your choice of Meat (Grilled or Jerked Chicken); Sweet and Sour Grilled Chicken; Sweet Chili Chicken served with vegetables or pumpkin rice and toss salad + 2 Natural Juices or Cranwatas + 1 Granola Bar that expired on December 21, 2016.

Over the holidays I was busier than expected, but on one particular day I needed a Wrap that was convenient to eat while I had to drive and run errands. I remembered my Toss & Roll Gustazo expired that day so I went there about 3pm. No Wraps, Cranwatas or Granola Bars were available, all of which I wanted. I was not amused and more upset since this was the 2nd issue within 1 month involving not getting my value for money with a Gustazo and food. Not to mention, I was also very hungry. Take note that some persons may even forget they bought a Gustazo for food because they try to save it for the right moment so it almost feels like a free meal of your choice. When that illusion of a free meal is not granted after being so excited that the day has come to get it, no matter how cheap it is, if it isn’t available, people can become not only upset but disappointed. Gustazos are used to help market what places have to offer so they leave a bad impression when they have poor service and do not deliver what persons bought.

At Toss & Roll I was told I could only get the Chicken dishes and Natural juices. Perhaps they thought since food was still available then that was a sufficient substitute. It was not because that was not what I had in mind, even when I bought the Gustazo.

The cashier had quite a sour face and attitude. She did not check into a resolution since they owe me a granola bar and I could hear her complaining to the Chef. At least the Sweet Chili Chicken was spicy and flavourful and the Juneplum Juice was refreshing and not too sweet, but half of the rice and veggies were left on my car seat and floor mat dodging a pothole. So as simple as it may have seemed, the substitute dish was an inconvenience.

Both experiences were reported to Gustazos but no follow up with me was made. I am hoping that establishments in the future only offer what they can handle and Gustazos finds a way to ensure that is so.

● ChezMax Catering

Location: 2 College Green Avenue

Ph.: 876-585-5996; 876-977-3090

● Toss & Roll Salad Bar

Location: 75 Hope Road. Kingston 6.

Ph.: 876-879-3310; 876-539-6886

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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#tbt to my Lunch from C&C South Beach!

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My Stew Peas lunch for only $650JMD from C&C South Beach last Friday was divine! Get yours tomorrow. If you are not having it there you can call early and order for pick up. Mine was ready and waiting for me when I got there. Good service.

Kudos to South Beach. See you soon!

C&C South Beach Restaurant, Bar & Event Venue

Location: 2 Brompton Road. Kingston 5

Ph: 876-919-3700

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Suga started the New Year with Dinner at Tamarind Continental

Tamarind Continental was one of the few places open on New Year’s Day for a late dinner so I was thankful.

Tamarind Continental, Saffron and Tamarind Indian all fall under the same umbrella, however Tamarind Continental’s menu offers cuisines other than Indian as its name suggests.

Their menu consisted of Soups, Salads and Appetizers in the range of $695 to $1395JMD. The Appetizers looked interesting with items such as Stuffed Mushrooms, Grilled Chicken with Olives, Fish strips, Shrimp bites, Zucchini fries with Onion rings and more.

Their main menu had a range of Pastas (Make your own), Burgers, Pizzas and a variety of Chicken, Salmon, Lamb, Shrimp, Fish and Pork dishes. Mushroom dishes were available for Vegetarians too. Prices were from $1100 to $2495JMD.

I peaked over at 2 tables nearby and the Pizzas didn’t look so enticing so I skipped over that part of their menu.

My husband and I started off with the Mushroom Cappuccino ($695JMD) and Shrimp Bisque ($795JMD) Soups. We thought the wait somewhere between 20 minutes and half hour was too long.

We were happy when they came though. Big servings and the Soups were freshly made and flavourful.

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Shrimp Bisque (above); Mushroom Cappuccino (below)

I wanted something simple for dinner and since I avoided fries during the holidays I enjoyed their Lamb Burger with fries ($1500JMD) even though the whole wheat bun was not available that night. It was not a big burger but I was satisfied since I had their huge Soup before it.

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Lamb Burger ($1500JMD)

My husband enjoyed his dinner as well. He had the Chargrill Sage Garlic Chicken Breast served with mashed potatoes and vegetables ($1500JMD). It tasted just as delicious as it looked.

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Chargrill Sage Garlic Chicken Breast ($1500JMD)

Service throughout the night was good, not great, but I liked the quality of the food and prices were manageable, so I will return. The use of Indian Herbs and Spices in European cuisine gives the food a unique, flavourful taste. My husband already returned for lunch!

Tamarind Continental European Fusion

Location: Shop 14, Orchid Plaza. 18-22 Barbican Road. Kingston

Ph: 876-620-5301; 876-620-5336

By: Gabrielle Burgess
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