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TGIF and Cheers to Pay Day!

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Piña Colada in a complimentary Blender Cup from Margaritaville, Ocho Rios

TGIF to Pay Day finally getting here! Cheers to the weekend! Do you have a Blender Cup yet?

***Drink Responsibly***

Margaritaville, Ocho Rios

Location: Island Village Plaza

Ph: 876-675-8800

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Personal Pizzas at The Pegasus Blend Bar!

Suga’s Ratings for The Blend Bar!

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★★★

Ambience: ★★★★★

Décor: ★★★★☆

Comfort: ★★★★★

Service: ★★★★☆

Speed: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★★★★

Suga Endorsement: ★★★★☆

Comments: Perfect Bar and Lounge for a mellow evening or night. Good environment for conversation and a business meeting. The music is not loud.

Personal Size Pizzas (~8″ on a round plate) are now at the cosy Blend Bar at The Jamaica Pegasus!

Suga had a tasting last Friday night of the Pizzas that they now offer. There was Ham and Pineapple, the Pegasus Pizza and Vegetarian.

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Ham and Pineapple, The Pegasus and Vegetarian Pizzas from the Blend Bar at The Jamaica Pegasus

They were filling, flavourful flatbreads. I couldn’t identify my favourite. My friends and I enjoyed all of them with Beer, Wine and Cocktails.

Each Personal Pizza costs $1012JMD including tax.

Go and get your Pizza fix from the Blend Bar and have a few drinks as well over some great conversation.

Happy Hump Day!

Blend Bar

Location: The Jamaica Pegasus, 81 Knutsford Boulevard, Kgn. 5

Ph#: 876-926-3690-5

 

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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TGIF to this Cheesy Liquor Warehouse Favourite!

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Baked Penne Mac and Cheese (~$1300JMD+tx) – Topped with Crispy Bacon and served with Garlic bread

Suga enjoyed this Cheesy treat three Saturdays ago. It is perfect to have after a few drinks or if you have a cheesy craving.

Enjoy the weekend!

Jamaica Liquor Warehouse, Deli & Bar

Location: 17 Lindsay Crescent, Kingston

Ph: 876-925-9427

Opening hours for Deli & Warehouse:  Fridays: 11am – 12 midnight;

Saturdays: 9am – 12 midnight;

N.B. Kitchen closes an hour before 12 midnight

Tuesdays to Thursdays: 11am-10:30pm

Sundays: 11am-8pm

***Closed on Mondays***

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Who Made the Girls Say, Picante at JFDF 2017?!

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Gabby from Suga Lifestyle and foodie friend, Tiffany Simmonds by the Picante Backdrop at the Entrance of The Ruins, Mona Visitor’s Lodge last Friday night

The Menu!

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I grabbed a tasty ‘Coketail’ on the way in to Picante last Friday night and stopped by Walkerswood featuring Alexa Von Strolley. Her Coconut milk, Mint and Cucumber Granita pleased the palate. Her Spicy Pork Belly with Chinese Pancake was indeed spicy. I enjoyed it. It didn’t look like the Curried Arancini with Fried Thai Basil Shrimp and Spicy Carrot salsa was ready though, so I missed out on that one.

Chef Andre Fowles was my first stop inside the main area. I was excited to see what the famous Chef had to offer. He is the first Jamaican dubbed two-time ‘Chopped’ Champion. He is also Chef de Cuisine at the renowned Miss Lily’s in New York.

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Pork Belly and Oxtail from Andre Fowles!

He is famous for Jamaican Fusions and he demonstrated that last Friday night at Picante. Chef Fowles served up a juicy, well seasoned Oxtail mole with ‘Tun Caanmeal’ Churros. He was surprised that I wanted Pork. I think he thought the ladies were watching their weight. But he had no idea who he was talking to. I told him to give me the ‘Picante Pork Belly’ stat. It came with Scotch Bonnet Avocado crème. It was spicy but it didn’t make me scream, Picante. I enjoyed all the flavours resonating from the dish though, a mix of both sweet and spicy and I felt honoured to have his food.

Charissa Henry of Pink Apron Ja, who has been on the circuit for about three years had a lot going on, maybe too much. Her food came with instructions and a paper bag to shake it all up in. Her ‘Blouse and Skirt Swimz’ consisted of Jam-Asian Salt and Pepper Shrimp served with Nitrogen smashed, Chai Sweet Potatoes. I thought the Pepper Shrimp would have been spicy, but they weren’t. The entire concept was creative, but I don’t think the ‘shake-up brown paper bag’ to eat out of was suitable for a casually elegant event. Great job with the Nitrogen smashed, Chai Sweet Potatoes though. That had a uniquely satisfying taste and texture and definitely displayed thinking outside the box.

Allison Porter-Smalling a.k.a Chef Alli P, foodie turned homegrown Chef turned Cuisine artist, a newbie in the industry, peaked my interest. But her Beef Skirt topped with Watermelon Salsa and Scallion Aioli was disappointingly bland. No wonder there was no line. Points for presentation though.

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Allison-Porter Smalling’s Beef Skirt topped with Watermelon Salsa and Scallion Aioli

If you were wondering which station had a line the entire night, that was Stush in the Bush’s Chris and Lisa Binns at work! The King and Queen of a unique farm to table experience including vegan delights, fiya grilled pizzas, homemade sauces, butters and preservatives.

Their long line wasn’t because they were moving slowly either. Even their friends pitched in to help them serve. When the rain relieved other tents from lines, persons still stood in the rain so they didn’t lose their spot in the line for Stush in the Bush! What were they giving these people?

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Vegan Delights from Stush in the Bush

I can’t believe it wasn’t Chicken! It was spicy Cauliflower ‘Chicken’ Wings and Mustard Greens with liquid STUSH Blow Fyah Sauce and Grilled Corn with a Scotch Bonnet Cashew Cream, Cilantro and Lime. Divine! Definitely Picante and even though I tried my best not to choose my faves, Stush in the Bush as the Winning station for the night, I cannot deny them what was earned. Bravo. Hi Five. Rain Dance.

Persons in the line that were clueless about Stush in the Bush from Priory, St. Ann, were surely brought up to speed by me while waiting. After the fact, when I checked on one of the ladies indulging in her Grilled Corn, her reaction was ‘Yes. Sooo good. I have to go to their place.’

Simon Levy, known for his brand, Roast, is the Chef that provides artisan meats to foodies. His Smoked Paprika Pork Belly was tender, but wasn’t anything to keep talking about. However, those Scotch Bonnet Margarita Shots were a hit! Picante!

Oji Jaja’s Coconut Lime Ceviche with Poached Shrimp pleased but didn’t tantalize the palate. I appreciated the exquisite presentation and variety in flavour, but it needed some zest to go with the theme of the night.

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Oji Jaja’s Coconut Lime Ceviche with Poached Shrimp

Fromage Gourmet Market/Brasserie’s Lisa Chin had some tasty Habanero Shrimp Cakes with truffle Corn Béchamel.

Colin Hylton, one of THE most popular consultancy Chefs in Jamaica and a veteran in the industry for 30 years, familiarly known for his Restaurant that was Guilt Trip, made us scream Picante. That round of Beef that I had when he said he was almost out of food was tough as rocks though. Where did he get that meat?! Anyhow, that sauce was finger-licking and hot!

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Colin Hylton’s Malaysian Spiced Braised Beef Short Ribs and Mahogany Glaze

I had low expectations for Alexx Antaeus of Opa Greek Cuisine. I didn’t even join his line. My husband, Randy decided to still give him a try, bringing back a plate full of food that he hardly touched. I gave him the ‘I told you so’ look and gave his Greek Herb Jerked Chicken, Spicy Beef, Eggplant and Béchamel Moussaka a try. ‘Meh’. It lacked seasoning, flavour and spice.

I was told I needed to head over to Jacqui Tyson. Jacqui is of course an icon in the Culinary industry, of which she has been a part of for the past 20 years. But as I stabilised the contents of my stomach below ‘full buck’, I tried to visit Chefs who I have never tried before. Her tent was also very crowded when I arrived. I was happy to still have space! I made it over to her tent at about 11pm, where there was still a line close towards the end of the night. My husband confirmed I missed her Picante! He visited earlier in the night and said her line was long but it moved quickly.

I had her well textured, Salmon Lollipop marinated in Olive oil, Tarragon and Garlic, grilled with three Béarnaise pepper (Scotch bonnet, Jalapeno and Mexican dried Chili) that was delish. I missed out on the handmade aged Appleton rum caviar that was sprinkled on top. What a calamity.

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Jacqui Tyson’s Salmon and Three Pepper Béarnaise

I took a break, missing out on Chef Christian Sweeney’s delights and passed on Desserts by KukUp Creations.

I then made the wise choice of leaving dessert for the end of the night. I visited Chocolatier Michelle Smith of Chocolate Dreams. What a treat! The entire spread of Hot Chocolate, Truffles, Toffees and Brownies was delicious. We ended the night saying Picante. Those Crunchy Scotch Bonnet Toffees were fire! Well done Michelle.

Picante was a fun, spectacular event. There was good music and I appreciated the availability of my choice of premium liquor up to 11pm and the fact that the rain was not continuous throughout the night. It actually seemed fitting for the event. Everytime a station heated us up like Stush in the Bush or Simon Levy’s Scotch Bonnet Margarita shots, there was a cool foreign-like breeze according to my friend Tiffany and a drizzle of rain. The event was equipped with a huge tent in the middle to shelter persons. We had top of the line options to pick, choose and refuse from. When the Big Man up above thought we were bordering on gluttony a bit after 11pm, a downpour of rain came down to wash away our gastronomical sins and in turn concluded Picante! #SugaEndorsed

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Food and Service at Jamaica Liquor Warehouse’s Deli is still up to Scratch

It was a pleasure to return to Jamaica Liquor Warehouse for Lunch 2 Saturdays ago and still experience good quality food and service.

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Crushed Green Plantain Bruschetta with Feta Cheese – $700JMD

Their tasty, Plantain Bruschetta is a delightful starter that can be shared.

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Lentil Stew with Pumpkin rice pilaf and Garlic sautéed vegetables – $1350JMD

The healthy, Lentil Stew was delish. The Pumpkin rice pilaf was dry though.

They altered the Crispy Fried Boneless Chicken Breast ($1750JMD) on the menu to a Grilled Chicken Breast for my other half, which he was satisfied with. It was served with Garlic mashed potato and sautéed vegetables.

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Frozen Mint Lemonade with White Rum

Their Mint Lemonade was a Refreshing Creeper!

The Bread pudding was no Fromage Bread pudding. It was missing that gastronomic crumble on top. But it’s texture was phenomenal and it went down even smoother with the ice cream on the side. Two thumbs up!

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Bread Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream

Jamaica Liquor Warehouse, Deli & Bar

Location: 17 Lindsay Crescent, Kingston

Ph: 876-925-9427

Opening hours for Deli & Warehouse:  Fridays: 11am – 12 midnight;

Saturdays: 9am – 12 midnight;

N.B. Kitchen closes an hour before 12 midnight

Tuesdays to Thursdays: 11am-10:30pm

Sundays: 11am-8pm

***Closed on Mondays***

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

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Hard Rock Cafe’s Grand Opening is this Saturday in Montego Bay!

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Don’t miss the Historic Grand Opening Party for Hard Rock Cafe in Montego Bay this Weekend!

There will be Live Performances by Ky-Mani Marley, Etana and Ikaya.

There will also be two other events on the same weekend, Let’s Funk and Revel. See information below for the entertaining weekend of 3 events and 1 venue!

Suga visited the new Hard Rock Cafe a few weekends ago and loved it! It is located beside the well known Secrets Resorts and Spa with adequate parking.

The place has been fully refurbished and has great bar and tv logistics for sports lovers and bar patrons.

For those who love to go out and have a good time, there was Live Entertainment on the Saturday night that I visited.

I didn’t get to have their food but I have heard rave reviews from Suga Bears. Their drinks however are strong! Leave it up to their bartenders and you will be buzzed all night.

I wish there was one in Kingston. Until then, looking forward to more visits to the Hard Rock Cafe!

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By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Haven’t stocked up on Liquor yet? Check out Jamaica Liquor Warehouse!

Jamaica Liquor Warehouse at Lindsay Crescent is the place to go!

They opened a few weeks ago and have affordable liquor for you in all sizes. Yes Johnny Walker Black is sold by the cue there too!

They have a Bar and a Deli that you can walk over to. Suga went last week Saturday and ordered food, browsed in the liquor store then ate.

The staff were very cordial. Food came out in an adequate time. I was salivating at their Chicken and Waffles from one of their Instagram posts, a Warehouse favourite. Apparently it had shrimp too. The spicy maple syrup was everything.

Golden brown Waffles and Crispy Chicken Tenders and Shrimp ($1850)

My husband had the Warehouse Burger that was cooked to order, medium. Well done Chef.

The Warehouse Burger served on an over easy egg ($1400)

Comfortable seating, decent, modern décor and pleasant staff in both the Warehouse and the Deli who gave good service.

They do Breakfast too but may need to be open earlier for those on their way to work.

Suga will be back for sure.

Jamaica Liquor Warehouse, Deli & Bar

Location: 17 Lindsay Crescent, Kingston

Ph: 876-614-7011

Opening hours for Warehouse: Fridays & Saturdays: 10am to 11pm; Mondays to Thursdays 11am-10pm.

Opening hours for Deli: Fridays-Saturdays: 8am-11pm; Mondays-Thursdays: 8am-10pm

By: Gabrielle Burgess
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New Bar Spot in Kingston!

Facebook Photo: The Haven at Hillcrest

If you have been wondering why the road on Hillcrest has been packed with cars at night, it’s because The Haven at Hillcrest is open! It opened a few weeks ago and has been getting a lot of patronage so far judging from the past 2 Fridays I have visited.

They have Foodie Fridays, which is not surprising as the managers, Karen Darby and Byron Purkiss are foodies at heart. Two Fridays ago, I had the pleasure of having Roast Fish (1lb) made by Miss Mae from Hellshire with a serving of Festival and Bammy for $1500. It took a little while to get to me but I was not disappointed and didn’t expect to be. Delish! Freshly caught, well seasoned and topped off with the right amount of pepper.

Last Friday they had Fish Tacos, Chipotle Beef Burgers and more. They have hosted Oyster nights on Saturdays too.

Until they get a Resident Chef, a Pan Chicken man is on property, thus food is always available. Decent Pan Chicken too. I had my share last Friday for $450 within two minutes of ordering.

I am sure The Haven at Hillcrest has a lot more in store and what better timing to head there during the Christmas season with family and friends. Stay tuned to their Facebook page, The Haven at Hillcrest to keep up with the nightly activities. Rustic Chic décor, large space, diverse crowd and affordable food and liquor. The Bartender, Andrew also makes you feel at home.

The Haven at Hillcrest

Location: 12 Hillcrest Ave. Kgn. 6.

Ph: 876-648-2115

Opening Hours: Wed.-Thurs., 4pm-12am; Fri.- Sat., 4pm – 2am; Sun. 10am-10pm

By: Gabrielle Burgess
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How was Rib Roast Rum last Friday?

Suga had a decent time at Rib Roast Rum last Friday night. The event was obviously scaled down from the larger venue at Police Officer’s Club to The Grillin’ Pit at the corner of Argyle Road and Musgrave Avenue.

There was Secure Parking and organized entry into the venue. Lighting was superb, items were labelled properly and the labels were visible. Servers seemed happy and were very polite.

The advertised menu seemed to have a few changes as well. I was looking forward to the Pulled Pork Summer Rolls and 3-Cheese Mac and Cheese but they were nowhere in sight. I didn’t miss the Pulled Pork but the Mac and Cheese was missed as the side orders were not that enticing. Loaded Baked potatoes would have been a good option as well. Perhaps the side orders should have gone along with the meats because they stood alone with hardly any visitors.

Anyhow, that was a negligible negative along with the fact that the Chicken Pasta had way too much sauce. There were many other items to fill that tiny void and tantalise the taste buds though.

The Crayfish Soup was a nice starter for me. Then I made my rounds. The winner for me was the Chicken! I had both BBQ and Spicy. Well seasoned and cooked. Lovely texture topped off by unique, flavorful sauces. The succulent BBQ Ribs followed with tasty sauces as well.

Paulette Nelson (L) and Latoya fearon (R)

The Dessert options were a hit. Jodicakes had tasty Mini Banana Nut Cupcakes and D.A.M. Good Brownies had Very Berry Vegan Bites and yummy Black Forest Brownie Parfaits.The Kremi Ice Cream cart with self serve toppings to the side was also guiltful but delightful.

Charlotte O’Reilly

The Bar kept liquor flowing quickly. Video Games, Board games and Dominoes kept some patrons happy and occupied.

Good food, Good vibes, Good music and an overall Good night.

By: Gabrielle Burgess


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100 is Ready for Rio! Are you?

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Instagram photo: @100hoperoad

I’m looking forward to choosing from their menu and you should be too!

Biggest screen in town and best place to watch Sports at the moment. Big up.

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Instagram photo: @100hoperoad

100

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