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Lunch by the Dock

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Three Mondays ago on a sunny day in Florida, my husband and I went to lunch at Boatyard at 1:30pm.

I was instantly impressed by the courteous staff, who were well uniformed from head to toe. They looked comfortable but professional in their loafers and quite preppy in khaki pants and shorts, topped off by baby blue Polos to complete the look.

The restaurant had a spacious layout with tasteful décor. My husband, Randy was in disbelief that I chose to dine outside since it was a sunny day out, but I could not pass up dining dockside with a scenic view. He was pleasantly surprised by how cool it was out there and umbrellas provided shade by the table as well.

What is Boatyard Known for?

Boatyard is known to serve fresh catches from local fishermen and premium cuts of meat. They also boast about having the highest quality raw bar, which usually includes oysters, shrimp and ceviche.

Boatyard offers Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Cocktails and Wine. They are also called Bimini. Their Brunch, familiarly known as ‘Brunch at Bimini’ is quite popular.

You can enjoy unlimited Bloody Mary, Bellini and Mimosas for $25. In addition to that, you can hit the Omelet Station for $14USD or the Benedict Bar for $16USD. If you would like other options, you can order from the main menu that offers Bimini favourites such as Steamed Eggs, Buttermilk Waffles, Shrimp and Grits, Smoked Salmon, Bagel platters and more. So even though I love Tap 42, Suga will switch things up for Brunch at Bimini next time.

What Suga Wanted but Could not Have

I missed out on the Florida Paella that I was looking forward to. The original plan was to have dinner at Boatyard, but we had dinner at our family’s house instead. Realising that the Paella was not on the lunch menu, I expressed my disappointment to our lovely server, G.G. She did her best to check if they could still serve it, but it wasn’t possible because they didn’t prep for it yet. You can imagine the prep that goes into it too, because Paellas are usually stacked with Seafood. Their Paella has Shrimp, Clams, Mussels, Calamari, local Fish, Saffron rice and housemade Chorizo. I definitely will return for it!

G.G. came back to us with other options and really sold us on their Healthy Bowl for the day, which was a Salmon dish. Boatyard is another restaurant in Florida that keeps it fresh. They change items on their menu often, but usually keep the favourites.

Appetizer (Shareable)

We started off with the shareable Charred Octopus ($17USD). I loved that they managed to keep the meat tender and saturated with flavour. It was also value for money with the serving size given.

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Charred Octopus ($17USD) with wilted kale, garbanzo, fingerling and chorizo vinaigrette.

Entrees

I decided to have the Grilled Swordfish ($26USD) complemented by a tasty lemon flavoured sauce, along with fresh market greens. It was delish! It had a moist and very meaty texture as it should.

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Randy’s Healthy Bowl ($22USD) was quite delightful. Thanks for the recommendation G.G.! It consisted of Grilled Salmon topped off with a Cilantro lime sour cream drizzle, accompanied by Avocado, Mango and Black Bean Salsa, Sweet Corn Salsa and a Petit salad.

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Boatyard’s Healthy Bowl for the Day with Salmon ($22USD)

Suga’s Endorsement

Courteous staff, spacious Layout and tasteful Décor, impressive Menu Options, Quick Service and most importantly, Delicious, Flavourful Food a.k.a Value for Money. Boatyard is Suga Endorsed and I will return.

Boatyard

Location: 1555 SE 17th Street. Fort Lauderdale. FL 33316. USA

Ph: 954-525-7400

Website (Menu): www.boatyard.restaurant

Opening Hours: Mon. to Thurs.: 11:30am-11pm; Fri. & Sat. 11:30am-12am; Sun. 10am-10pm

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Only a few Days left to Enter GCG Events’ Wedding Promotion!

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GCG Events’ Wedding Promotion ends October 31st! Do not miss out on Catering that is Simply Outstanding with discounts from other Vendors such as Blaktie Entertainment Jamaica, Sean Murray Photography, Taylor’d Events’ Decor and Concierge Jamaica’s Wedding Planning Services.

Remember if you plan on getting married in Jamaica between November 2017 and June 2018 with 80 or more guests and you haven’t booked with GCG yet, you Qualify!

See How to Enter your Video, Who to Tag and Ensure you Share! Check out all the details from a previous post here!

A CHANCE TO SAVE ON YOUR WEDDING THAT YOU SHOULD NOT MISS!

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Have you been attending a lot of Wedding Expos, making a lot of phone calls for advice and quotes lately and/or having various consultations with Wedding Vendors in preparation for your Big Day? If so, this Wedding Promotion is for you.

When you feel the pressure of planning a Wedding, GCG Events Jamaica takes many items off your to-do list and makes them seem hassle-free. Suga had this experience with GCG catering for her Wedding. We all know my demands would be specific and expectations would have been high and they delivered flawlessly last April 2016. Kudos to GCG!

GCG not only caters for Weddings but for Corporate and Social events as well. For the complete package that they offer, for instance if you also require their Bar Services, they provide all the necessary glassware, ice, flatware, cutlery, disposables and service staff for an unbeatable price. Not to mention that they come fully equipped with their cooling trucks, electricity and more.

When booking with GCG, it is likely that you would communicate with Jasmin Ramsay or Cheridah Douglas who are the epitome of quick, efficient communication, quality service and the ability to deduce the needs of their customers, often without even having to ask.

The Chefs and Waiting Staff are personable, pleasant and conduct live cooking stations with delicious dishes. I highly recommend their Carving station. They do a tender, fresh, succulent Beef Tenderloin cut to perfection.

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GCG Event’s Beef Tenderloin

They also do a scrumptious Cheesecake and the list goes on. I haven’t had a disappointing dish from them to date.

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GCG Events’ Cheesecake

GCG usually makes the effort to have their Presentation suit your theme as well. Check out this Presentation to go with a Rustic theme:

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Do you want the Catering and Bar service at your Wedding to be Simply Outstanding?

Enter GCG Events Jamaica’s “The Day We Met” Wedding Promotion for the chance to be one of three lucky couples to win Simply Outstanding Savings for your Jamaican Wedding!

They will be teaming up with other reputable Wedding Vendors, offering discounts for Music and Equipment, Photography, Decor and Wedding Planning Services.

***Conditions apply. So see the Prize Details, Rules and Requirements to enter the Wedding Promotion below:

PRIZE PACKAGE:
● 35%- 45% off GCG Events’ Wedding Catering Package
● 30% off Music and Equipment from Blaktie Entertainment Jamaica (@blaktiejamaica)
● 20% off Sean Murray Photography’s Photography Package (@seanmurrayphotography)
● 25% off Taylor’d Events’ Decor Package (@Taylord.events)
● 30% off Concierge Jamaica’s Wedding Planning Services (@conciergejm)

***CONDITIONS APPLY!***

1. The Competition will run from August 28th – October 31st, 2017 on both Facebook & Instagram, and is open to couples planning on getting married in Jamaica between November 2017 and June 2018 whose minimum guest count is eighty (80).

2. Weddings already booked with GCG Events prior to August 28, 2017 do not qualify for entry. 

3. Top three couples whose post has the most likes win! So there isn’t just 1 winner!

4. Entries close October 31, 2017. Winners will be announced on November 2, 2017!

HOW TO ENTER:
1. Post a video on your FB or IG page telling us how you met, the proposed date & venue of your Wedding, your ideal Wedding concept & menu preferences.

2. Be sure to include the following hashtags – #gcgeventswedding #simplyoutstanding #winningwedding

3. Tag: @gcg_events, @blaktiejamaica, @conciergejm, @Taylord.events, and @seanmurrayphotography

4. Share your post with friends! Most likes wins!

*** GCG Events Jamaica reserves the right not to accept or to disqualify any entries if any of the above terms & conditions are not followed correctly***

Let GCG make your Wedding Simply Outstanding! #SugaEndorsed

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GCG Events

Location: Norman Manley Int’l Airport. Kingston, Jamaica

Ph: (876) 924-8364

Website: http://www.gcg-events.com

Facebook: GCG Events

Instagram: @gcg_events

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

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TGIF to this Delish Tiramisu from Toscanini Italian!

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Tiramisu from Toscanini Italian

Toscanini Restaurant & Bar

Location: A3 Highway, Tower Isle. Ocho Rios

Ph: 876-975-4785

***Prices***

Appetizers range from $5-$20 USD. 
Pastas range from $16-$32 USD.
Other main courses range from $22-$45 USD.
Desserts range from $7-$9 USD.

Opening Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays-12-2pm; 7-10pm (Closed on Mondays)

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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New Restaurant Sighting in Runaway Bay!

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Milestone Bar and Grill had a launch party for their Opening last Friday, September 29 in Runaway Bay!

They are located close to Sharkies Seafood Restaurant on the opposite side of the road. The building is so big, you cannot miss it.

I stopped by last Sunday. I love the large, open space overlooking the sea across the road. It seems suitable for cosy dining and hosting events. Although it’s in Runaway Bay and not in a busier town such as Ocho Rios, it can serve as a great chill spot in between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay once they are fully up and running.

They were closed when I stopped by, but still offered to cook up some Fish or Chicken since the Chef was there. I decided not to pressure them, but Suga will return soon!

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The doors are Open at Milestone Bar and Grill, Runaway Bay

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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TGIF to this Steamed Sea Bass from Mystic Thai!

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Steamed Sea Bass with Lemon Grass infused Pakchoy (Photo: Mystic Thai Jamaica)

Another Restaurant found that isn’t short on Lemon Grass. Kudos to Mystic Thai Jamaica, this dish looks delish!

Mystic Thai (Asian & Thai Cuisine)

Location: B11 – Fairview Towne Centre Unit, Montego Bay

Ph: 876-633-6535

Website: http://www.mysticthaijamaica.com

Opening Hours: Mondays – Sundays, 11:30am – 10pm

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Hajarie, the Teapot Hit the Spot!

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Suga visited Hajarie last Saturday for Lunch at about 3:30pm. Hajarie has been open for about a month now at what I would like to call the Phoenix Avenue Complex of Eateries. Hajarie is not entirely new, but they have expanded their repertoire. They are familiarly known as The Teapot that used to be located in Sovereign Centre. A Suga Bear used to go there frequently for their refreshing Teas.

Persons have the option of comfortable indoor or outdoor dining with a scenic garden view.

I was pleasantly surprised by the detailed, exquisite décor upon entering. Volcanic rock wall tiles and light fixtures made of full bamboo. Impressive.

We were seated instantly by our pleasant, professional waitress. I observed two groups of content and comfortable diners that included a Birthday celebration. A new place pleasing big groups was a good sign already.

I appreciated the well-tailored Menu. It offered suitable variety without overwhelming options.

My husband, Randy and I started off with the Soup of the Day ($400JMD) that was a Pepper Pot Soup. It was rich in taste with the expected level of spicy.

Our dishes came out like clockwork with a little time to talk in between. Just how I like it. We had the appetizing Smoked Herring Salsa ($650JMD) that complemented our preferred side of Eggplant Chips well. The Olive wood and mother of pearl plates were a fine touch.

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Smoked Herring tossed with a fresh combination of tomato, cucumber, scotch bonnet pepper served with biscuits or preferred side option ($650)

Randy had a delish, flavourful sautée of wild mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, olives and basil pesto tossed with freshly tien lettuce and julienne tomatoes. It was to all be served on a grilled flatbread but for some reason it was on a tortilla. He didn’t mind, however his only fault was that the olive oil was a bit overpowering in the pesto and I agreed. We informed the waitress.

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Sautéed Mushroom ($1200JMD) with added Shrimp ($600JMD)

My Avocado and Chickpea Wrap with added Chicken was perfection even though they didn’t have whole wheat tortillas. The Wrap was a sweet combination of grilled plantains, balsamic marinated cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado and chickpea.

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Avocado Chickpea – wrapped ($900JMD) with added Chicken ($400JMD).

Paninis are their other choice for Casual dining, while Pastas, Salads, Kebabs and Seafood dishes serve as their Entrée options.

Hajarie serves Wine by the Bottle only.  We opted to have their refreshing White Berry and Lemon Mint Iced Teas ($400JMD each). Ginger Honey was the other option.

We didn’t have Dessert, but their Brazilian Banana Cake is highly recommended by local Chef Anthony Fleming and I need to be there the next time they bake the Apple Cinnamon Torte!

So one can eat healthy, unhealthy or a little bit of both at Hajarie.

Hajarie – The Teapot has truly evolved. Spectacular décor with an ambience to unwind, Good service, Delicious food and Refreshing teas, Decadent desserts and Reasonable prices, all in one month. Bravo and Keep it up! Hajarie may be a hidden gem, but not for long. #SugaEndorsed

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Suga at Hajarie (The Teapot Ja) last Saturday, December 9, 2017.

Hajarie (The Teapot JA) – Tearoom • Winebar • Bistro

Location: 9-11 Phoenix Avenue. Kingston 10

Ph: 876-634-9937

Instagram: hajarie_theteapot

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Suga’s 411 on Vietnam 4U!

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Suga waited a month to visit Jamaica’s 1st and only Vietnamese Restaurant located in Manor Centre.

Coincidentally, I went two Saturdays ago, which happened to be the Saturday following its marketing publication on Thursday, August 24 in one of our local papers, The Jamaica Observer.

It was a bad day. Positives? All their dishes such as Spring Rolls, Rice, Vegetable, Beef and Chicken dishes, Soups, Salads, Sandwiches and Dessert cost less than $800JMD. So, I was only impressed with their reasonable prices and modern decor. Apparently I wasn’t the only one. I was approached by two young ladies after I left, who asked my opinion of the experience and expressed their dissatisfaction.

I found the contrast of views to be interesting between them as foodies, and a member of the Chaine des Rôtisseurs (International Association of Gastronomy, IAG) who also dined there that day. The ladies believed that, since they are just opening everything should be on point, versus the IAG member who was quick to opine that you cannot judge an establishment within their first month of opening.

I agree with both views, but not entirely. I know of Restaurants that have gotten it right within the 1st month of opening. Nirvanna Indian Fusion Cuisine, Great Escape – Runaway Bay, Jamaica Liquor Warehouse Deli, Cellar 8 and Hard Rock Cafe – Montego Bay are some of those Restaurants, just to name a few.

Since it can be done, what excuses do the Restaurants that don’t get it right have? When is it suitable not to judge and to tolerate teething pains?

It is suitable to tolerate teething pains when the owners are willing to seek general feedback via all mediums whether face to face, over the telephone or via direct messaging. Also, when the owners are willing to have respectful, balanced discussions with dissatisfied diners and are inclined to accept honest, negative feedback and suggestions so that they can prepare themselves with solutions to turn things around as quickly as possible.

Vi Nguyen, one of the founders for 4U Vietnam Restaurant spoke with Suga, and is excited about bringing something new to the Jamaican market and would like to guide her staff to do their best to improve the Restaurant everyday.

Obstacles and Outlooks

● Lack of Owners’/Managerial Presence

It is critical for an owner to oversee their Restaurant for at least the first 3 months after opening, put in the marketing and stress test the Restaurant. Nguyen, who does not live here and has a different career overseas, got a taste of Jamaican reality. It was a reality check in terms of how long things can take to get going in Jamaica because of various regulations and just how slow the overall process is to open an establishment compared to the USA and Vietnam. It definitely surpassed her time here of 4 months, so she had to leave shortly after the opening to return to work.

There was also unexpected difficulty in getting visas for overseas staff members, which include another Chef and Manager.

She will return to Jamaica in about a week and four other members of staff from overseas, with experience in Vietnamese cuisine should be arriving in November.

● Overwhelmed staff members leading to an increased shortage of staff

After my visit, where they were one server short, a new server was trained and employed to replace the previous server.

● Shortage of Ingredients, thus lack of authenticity compared to Vietnamese Restaurants overseas, a limited menu and being unable to offer certain options at a late time on a busy day

A huge shipment of ingredients and supplies is on its way. There is a consideration to eventually buy land here and grow various ingredients such as lemon grass as well.

Why is lemon grass short in Jamaica? Despite the global demand for lemon grass essential oil and the relative ease with which the plant grows in Jamaica, it is not produced commercially.(Jamaica Observer, May 20, 2012)

***Note that one of my brothers’ favourite cuisine in the States is Vietnamese, so I had no choice but to experience it several times and I enjoyed it. Clean, healthy and fresh eating with kicks of herbal flavour. I am looking forward to having this plan realised.

● Will they take the risk of Participating in Restaurant Week this November?

Yes, but they will only be doing the Lunch Special, which is the most manageable option.

It was a pleasure speaking with Vi Nguyen. It was refreshing to hear how genuinely passionate and eager she is about her plans to improve the Restaurant. I hope they overcome the various setbacks by December and persevere, as I think there is a lot of potential for the Restaurant to improve and possibly grow into a franchise here in Jamaica.

Good luck to Vi Nguyen and the team. Suga will visit again.

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Gluten free Pho with Chicken (Small) – $650JMD

4U Vietnam Restaurant

Location: Khemlani Plaza, Manor Centre. Kgn. 8

Ph: 876-616-8367; 876-305-0943

Opening Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11am-8pm; Fri- Sat: 11am-9pm; Sun: 2pm-9pm

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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The Neatest Beggar’s Purse from Jean-Georges!

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Photo: Dorothy Wang

Dorothy Wang had dinner at Jean-Georges in Beverly Hills two weeks ago and said her Beggar’s Purse was the cutest and fanciest she has ever seen. Suga agrees!

It was filled with Ossetra Caviar and Vodka cream, tied with a chive and topped with a gold leaf.

Jean-Georges Vongerichten is a famed French Chef that is known to craft his dishes with blends of French, American and Asian influences.

His Fine Dining Restaurant, Jean-Georges in Beverly Hills has 3 Michelin stars! Jean-Georges is also in New York, overlooking Central Park.

Jean-Georges Restaurant at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel

Location: 9850 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, Ca. 90210 USA

Ph: 310-860-6566

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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TGIF from Toscanini Italian!

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Toscanini’s Lobster Thermidor

It’s Lobster season alright and Suga indulged in Toscanini’s salivating, flavourful Lobster Thermidor three Fridays ago.

Note that their vegetables are farm to table and the seafood is freshly caught. Owner, Lella Ricci usually has first pick on the Lobster!

For my Kingstonians, take a drive out to Toscanini Italian for Lunch or Dinner. It’s only an hour away now and definitely worth the trip and the price!

Toscanini Restaurant & Bar

Location: A3 Highway, Tower Isle. Ocho Rios

Ph: 876-975-4785

***Prices***

Appetizers range from $5-$20 USD. 
Pastas range from $16-$32 USD.
Other main courses range from $22-$45 USD.
Desserts range from $7-$9 USD.

Opening Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays-12-2pm; 7-10pm (Closed on Mondays)

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Delightful and Healthy Salad from 100!

 

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Guava Chicken Quinoa Salad

Healthy Protein, Carbs, Veggies and a little bit of Fruit all in one dish!

100

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

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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