Thanks so much Carlos Maxbrown for hosting me and hubby for my Birthday Dinner. Yall know when it’s JUNE, I celebrate all Month!
I was delighted to close out Gemini Season at TRIO – One of the best outdoor spots in Kingston for a date night, special occasion or even just casual lunch and dinner. Suga has done it all there and I’ve never been disappointed.
They take their time with service, but the ambience is just right especially at night and when the food arrives, “yuh belly feel arite”.
Whether Seafood, Meats or Both are your fave, kudos to their Chef for mastering them all. They do a killer Surf and Turf and I celebrated Gemini Season with their succulent and sufficiently sized Lamb Chops.
They left me yearning for that Chargrilled Octopus Appetizer though, so I am definitely returning for that soon.
Their Wine List is extensive and is perfect for pairing. Bottle Service is also available in a private section if you are taking your special occasion dining to the next level.
Check out TRIO Grill Wine Bar ! They continue to be #SugaEndorsed.
Cheers to another Weekend!
By: Gabrielle Burgess (CEO, Suga Lifestyle)
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Randy and Gabrielle Burgess, Owners of Suga Lifestyle
On Christmas Eve we visited the new Trio Grill Wine Bar on 64 Hope Road. You would never believe Kingston’s newest Restaurant, Lounge and Bar was the original home of Chilitos. They surely did a lot with the place, including a visible private lounge that hosted a Birthday party.
Great ambience and I loved the friendly, attentive, festive mood of the staff.
We thought based on our wait, Chef Haleem Card went to hunt and kill the Lamb, but our dishes were superb upon arrival and thankfully worth the wait.
We had tasty Calamari and Crab Cakes for starters, followed by a delish Surf and Turf with my Hubby, Randy’s Steak cooked to order, medium rare and sizeable juicy, tender Lamb Chops.#SugaSnaps Chef Card.
Surf and Turf served with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables.Lamb Chops served with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables.
I’m looking forward to returning to try those signature jumbo Prawns.
Trio Grill Wine Bar
Location: 64 Hope Road. Kingston. Jamaica.W.I.
Ph: 876-616-4784; 876-872-3659
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat; 2PM – 9PM
Instagram: @triowinebar64
By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)
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Quaint and rustic with a thatched roof and seaside view, Suga had the pleasure of eating fresh, farm to table dishes and juices for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner from Jakes Restaurant at reasonable prices. Their menu written on chalkboards daily provides you with enough options, whether you choose to eat healthy or not. Either way, you would be supporting the local farmers from the surrounding hills, mountains and plains in St. Elizabeth.
Grilled King Fish with Cous Cous, Black bean and Corn and Kale.
The staff were pleasant and service was timely. I am pleased to report that none of their dishes were underwhelming to me. However, highlights were their Codfish Fritters, Loaded Nachos, Callaloo Omelette and their Lamb Chops! Those Lamb Chops were seasoned to perfection and juicy to the bone. The best my husband has ever had.
Loaded Nachos
Shrimp Tacos
Grilled Lamb Rack with Mint Glaze ($2650JMD +tx and serv. Charge)
If you decide to visit Treasure Beach any time soon, a stop by Jakes Restaurant is a must. #SugaEndorsed
Jakes Restaurant
Location: Calabash Bay PA, Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth
Ph: 876-491-0649; 876-965-3000; 876-564-3000Â Â
Website: https://jakeshotel.com
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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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.
If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
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 plantains
Seafood 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
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Randy Burgess and wife, Gabrielle a.k.a Suga from Suga Lifestyle by the Waterwheel at the front of the Sugar Mill Restaurant last Friday, May 4. The Waterwheel is the only surviving structure of the Running Gut Estate that was established in 1676.
Suga’s Ratings for Sugar Mill RestaurantÂ
Date and time of visit:Â Friday, May 4, 2018 at 7:00pm
Comments:Â The Sugar Mill Restaurant lived up to its reputation for a high standard of service and food quality surrounded by the perfect ambience in an authentic, rustic garden setting. Seating at this fine-dining restaurant was spacious and sufficient, giving diners multiple options, including by the actual Waterwheel.
The menu is diverse, offering international cuisine with a Jamaican flair. Dishes arrived in a timely manner. The meats were cooked to perfection, well seasoned and complemented by other items for added, unique flavours. Well mixed drinks from the bar accompanied our dinner. Sugar Mill Restaurant is the perfect place to impress a date or to enjoy with family. #SugaEndorsed
Sugar Mill Restaurant has quite an assortment of breads with dips to tease the appetite, such as Cho cho with saltfish, a Blue Cheese dip and an Escoveitch dip. If you’re not careful, you will be left with very little space for your main or dessert.
My husband and I received a taste of Tuna with spicy aioli to start us off, compliments of the Chef.
Have a look at our other divine dishes!
Smoked Marlin ($19USD) – Filled with Crab meat and Shrimp, radish, roasted beets and pickled white onions
Crayfish Bisque ($15USD) with Breadfruit and Papaya seed crackers
Rack of Lamb – 14oz/400g ($52USD) with Tangelo Fruit Chutney and a side of Yam Risotto ($8.50USD)
How did their Lamb Chops surpass that of Terra Nova’s for Suga?
The satisfying serving size was similar, but slightly larger than Terra Nova’s Lamb chops. Both are well seasoned, tender cuts that are cooked how I like it, medium rare, but Sugar Mill gets the edge with its flavour and the crust that developed on top as it was cooked for the right amount of time, which made it perfection.
Terra Nova’s signature Mint and Pomegranate Au Jus that accompanies the Lamb Chops is savoury, but I didn’t mind the change with Sugar Mill’s tasty and juicy Tangelo Fruit Chutney. Sugar Mill gets the marginal win!
My husband enjoyed this change in comparison to his usual cut of Beef Tenderloin. It was well seasoned and cooked to medium rare perfection. Since the veal is younger, it was a lighter, more tender meat that he appreciated.
We were too full for Dessert, so either the Chef felt like being generous to us or he knew Suga was in the house! We were given Sweet treats compliments of the Chef. Delish!
Dinner for two at the established, fine-dining Sugar Mill Restaurant can run a couple a bit over $200USD, but it is usually totally worth it. Prices quoted attracted an additional 10% G.C.T and 15% Service charge, however locals get 20% off the bill.
Kudos to the Chef and staff for an exquisite dinner and to our courteous waiter, Dexter Lloyd who provided exceptional service.
Sugar Mill Restaurant
Location: Spring Farm Drive. Half Moon, Rose Hall, Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Ph: 876-953-2211; 1-800-626-0592
Website: www.halfmoon.com
Hashtag for Twitter, Facebook, Instagram: #SugarMillJamaica
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Lamb Chops in Mint Gastrique from Steak House on the Verandah
Salivating Lamb Chops in Mint Gastrique from Steak House on the Verandah!
What’s Gastrique? A sweet-and-sour sauce, where sugar or sometimes honey is caramelized and combined with the same portion of vinegar, ultimately making a slightly thickened syrup after it’s reduced.
Go get those Lamb chops and have a great weekend!
Steak House on the Verandah
***Reservations Recommended***
Location: Devon House
Ph: 876-616-8833
Facebook: @steakhouseja
Instagram: @thesteakhouseja
Opening Hours:
Mon. to Thurs. @ 12 noon – 9:30 pm
Fri. & Sat. @ 12 noon – 10:30 pm
***Closed on Sundays***Â
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Last Sunday at 6:30pm, I had Dinner at The Terrace, Terra Nova All Suite Hotel. The Terrace is in the Epicurean category ($4300JMD) for Restaurant Week and my husband, Randy and I were looking forward to having sumptuous dishes.
We had a great start with the Appetizers. I preferred the Seafood Medley.
Coquille de Mer – Medley of Seafood in a rich cream sauce with mushroom and cheese
Confit of Pimento Chicken – On a medallion of hard dough bread and a drizzle of pineapple pepper jelly
We both had the Lobster Bisque to follow, which was rich Lobster Soup, finished with cream and Brandy. I appreciated that the Soup was not salty. It was rich indeed and tasty.
Apart from a long wait before the Entrees, service was smooth. When we were waiting a little bit more than half an hour with no update on the arrival of the Entrees, a waiter caught my eye looking around and said that our Entrees were coming out shortly and they did. Besides that hiccup, the staff were cordial and quite attentive. The food was sumptuous as expected too.
Terra Nova Petit Fillet – Petit prime Filet Mignon grilled, topped with Shrimp and Blue Mussel scampi with Scallop Potato and roasted Vegetable.
With the above salivating description of a Surf n’ Turf, I think they could have served more than a single Shrimp and Mussel. Props to the Chef though, because that cut of meat was perfection and cooked to order, medium rare, exactly how we like it. Same goes for the Lamb Chops! No disappointment there, because Terra Nova is known to have the best on the island. I thoroughly enjoyed those portions.
Terra Nova Half Rack of Lamb – Marinated New Zealand Lamb crusted with garlic and rosemary, roasted and served with mint and Pomegranate Au Jus
Dessert was decadent and quite a delightful ending to our Sunday Dinner.
Dessert served at The Terrace, Terra Nova All Suite Hotel last Sunday, November 12, 2017.
The three courses with the addition of a beverage, service charge and G.C.T came to about $6000JMD per person. The Terrace at the Terra Nova All Suite Hotel was definitely value for money and is Suga Endorsed for Restaurant Week.
There are still three nights left for Restaurant Week and it may not be too late to make those Reservations!
Enjoy!
The Terrace at the Terra Nova All Suite HotelÂ
***Reservations Recommended***
Location: 17 Waterloo Road. Kgn. 10.
Ph: 876-926-2211; 876-926-9334
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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There is a new Bar in town that the uptowners of Kingston are raving about. Cellar 8 Wine Bar! Its location in Upper Manor Park where Training Camp used to be, is close to home for most of the persons who were quick to stop by last weekend.
Suga visited last Saturday evening with husband and friend and was delighted to see the tasteful, modern decor from ceiling to floor. There was comfortable seating downstairs and a lounge area upstairs.
Service was on point all around. If we followed our waitress, we would have tried everything on the menu and drank out the bar as well.
One of the teething pains for them though, is the Wine List, which probably should have been their priority seeing that they have named themselves a Wine Bar. Just about 6 Wines were listed on the menu with reasonable prices by the Glass ($700-$950JMD) and Bottle. However, there was an entire wall with Wines to choose from that you were encouraged to walk over to if you desired to do so. If persons were seated by the wall you would not want to invade their privacy or space though. They explained that this issue would be sorted out soon.
Spirits were offered by the cue. V/X for $1100JMD, Overproof for $1200JMD and Johnnie Walker for $1800JMD to give you an idea.
Cocktails were also on the menu such as Mojitos ($800JMD), the Classic Martini ($900JMD) and more.
Persons can go for dinner as well with dishes that pair well with Wines such as Lamb Chops ($2100JMD), Basa Fillet ($1700JMD), Steak ($2500JMD), Pastas ($1400-$1800JMD), Pizzas ($1000-$1200ZJMD) and on the lighter side, Salads ($1000-$1100).
A friend was not happy with her Basa Fillet, which was communicated to her waiter and the Manager. It was described as slippery and slimy, served in small bites with a lot of skin on it, all overpowered by the cream sauce. Apologies everything could not be sugar-coated folks.
The portion of Steak served to her other half was described as quite small for the cost.
With that aside, feedback from others was extremely positive. They not only salivated over the food but it was refreshing to have it come out so fast after ordering in a room full of people. I was very happy to experience and observe that and I hope they keep it up.
Of course, if you didn’t just go for just drinks or dinner, after a couple glasses you are ready to order some tasty bites. Their Signature dish, Oxtail Tacos screamed out at me from the menu and I had no regrets! Delish!
Oxtail Tacos ($1300JMD)
We also had the Chimichuri Angus Beef Sliders that was fantastic as well.
Chimichuri Angus Beef Sliders ($1200JMD)
Wedges, Wings, Mac and Cheese, Pork Sliders, Fine Roasted Thai Shrimp and more in the range of $450-$1700JMD were offered too.
The wide variety of options on the Menu were listed with the Prices subject to G.C.T.
A bar close to home is both a good and bad thing, but I think this one is here to stay. I will be returning for sure.
Word is, last Friday night was so full, everyone could not be seated. There was no need to worry though, because there was a lot of standing room. They enjoyed the vibe, their drinks and conversation. Most importantly, conversation. I was quite pleased that the music was low so I could have and enjoy a good conversation, which is lacking at many bars nowadays.
Cellar 8 Wine Bar was described as being ‘So New York!’.
Have fun checking this one out!
Cellar 8 Wine Bar
Location: Shop 10, Upper Manor Park Plaza
Ph: 876-613-5934
Opening Hours: Tuesdays-Sundays, 4pm-11pm
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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