Would you like to eat delicious food with that spectacular view and good service?
Blue Ridge Restaurant and Cottages will be open today!
Blue Ridge Restaurant and Cottages
Location: Salt Hill Lot 9 East Rural, St. Andrew, Blue Mountain
Ph: 562-7580
***Reservations recommended***
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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
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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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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.
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.
â— ChezMax Catering
Location: 2 College Green Avenue
Ph.: 876-585-5996; 876-977-3090
â— Toss & Roll Salad Bar
Location: 75 Hope Road. Kingston 6.
Ph.: 876-879-3310; 876-539-6886
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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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:Â 2 Brompton Road. Kingston 5
Ph: 876-919-3700
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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A few weeks ago I had the Steamed Fish from 100 that came with mashed potatoes, vegetables and water crackers. Some more pepper was needed but it was satisfying nonetheless.
Since the Olympics last summer, the service and food at 100 has really improved and I now enjoy going, especially to watch sports on the biggest HDTV Video Wall on the Island.
Suga endorses 100 for Super Bowl LI!
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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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.
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.
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.
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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Despite a great amount of negative feedback about Saffron last year, my friends visiting Jamaica chose to go to Saffron for lunch over the holidays so I decided not to complain and to just go with the flow.
After a 45-minute wait for our food and an inattentive waitress, someone who seemed like a floor supervisor came over and asked if we were ok. The response was obvioisly ‘no’. We expressed how long our wait was. I do not recall an apology. If one was made it may have been a nonchalant one. However, he said he would look into it. Our food arrived about 10 minutes later.
At that point, hunger could have clouded our judgement but the quality of the food seemed mediocre and was nothing to write home about.
I saw no reason for such a long wait and we weren’t given a reason either. The restaurant was half empty in the middle of the day on Friday, December 23rd.
Their partner Restaurant, Tamarind in Orchid Plaza, Barbican gets much better reviews so I will revisit there in due time. Look out for their review on Tamarind Continental soon though.
I hope Saffron improves this year especially with their service.
Saffron Indian Restaurant
Location: Shop 37. Market Place. 67 Constant Spring Road. KingstonÂ
Ph: 876-926-6598; 876-906-2496
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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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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The new Landmark Plaza in Ocho Rios features the Mainland China and Tandoor Restaurant and Bar. It is a fusion of Jamaican, Chinese and Indian Cuisines with respective décors.
Remember Tandoor from Kingston? It’s back, but in Ochi.
I visited with my husband a few Saturdays ago for lunch but unfortunately only the Jamaican part of the Restaurant was open that day.
The décor was ordinary. Both indoor and outdoor seating were available with a Wine Bar inside where there was A/C. There were fans outside but not enough to blow away the persistent swarm of flies once the food arrived.
We had the Seafood Soup ($350JMD incl. tax) as a starter and ordered a Steamed Fish and Oxtail. Service was satisfactory. It was obvious the Steamed Fish wasn’t the ‘Catch of the Day’ and it could use more pepper and seasoning. The Oxtail on the other hand was quite tasty.
Prices were very reasonable. I loved that they had a wide range of Beverages including a variety of Margaritas, Martinis, Shots, Cocktails and Frozen Drinks ranging grom $399-$999JMD incl. tax.
Simple spot to grab some tasty food and drinks that are reasonably priced. Hoping to try the Chinese and Indian Cuisines some time soon but indoors next time.
Date of Visit: Saturday, November 12, 2016
Time: 2:50pm
Mainland China & Tandoor Restaurant and Bar
Location: Landmark Plaza, Ocho Rios
Ph: 876-974-8899
Opening hours: 12noon-2am Everyday
***Free Delivery on Orders $850JMD or more***
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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