For just $11.49US, I enjoyed a Grilled Chicken breast topped with Portobello mushrooms and onions smothered in a rich red wine sauce and parmesan cheese.
This was served over sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, roasted red peppers, red onions and crispy red potatoes.
The dish was so savoury and imagine I had it for take-out!
A full belly for just 490 calories. Thank you Applebee’s!
Have you tried Speaknvegan for lunch yet? I had the refreshing experience 2 weeks ago. I regret taking so long to do so. Speaknvegan was trademarked and featured on Smile Jamaica TVJ just a few months ago, but has been in operation for about a year. The business may be familiar to some as ‘Salads and Shakes by Stace’, but has evolved greatly. Stacy Doughlasingh, the chef responsible for the tasty, Vegan food offered, graduated from UTECH with a degree in Hotel and Tourism a Management not too long ago. It is always pleasing to see young, talented persons go after their dream and actually enjoying what they do for a living.
I think she is off to a great start with a menu that keeps changing, is so creative and also inviting to the eyes. The day I ordered for pick up, I had difficulty choosing amongst Plantain and Hummus Tacos, Black Bean Fajitas and a Chick’n Chutney Burger. I went with the Black Bean Fajitas that consisted of Black beans sauteed in a chilli sauce, along with avocado, diced tomatoes, vegan cream cheese and parsley. My order was ready on time and it was evident that effort was made for its presentation, a crucial element lacking from a lot of lunch establishments. The ingredients complemented each other well and it was quite tasty. The portion size may be small for some though, perhaps a small soup or shake could be added as a combo.
The instagram account, SPEAKNVEGAN is quite active and gives customers an idea of various selections available for order or special request. There are soup and shake options such as Curried Sweet Potato soup, Thai Coconut Corn soup and Kale and Pumpkin soup. Other interesting options are the spicy medium Ackee Pizza with beet root, okra, tomato and vegetables, the Chilli Sub (a favourite amongst customers) and the Burrito bowl with chopped Veggie Steak just to name a few. Mouth-watering Dessert options are available as well.
So check out Speaknvegan on instagram and order some of those affordable, delightful vegan dishes, whether it’s for lunch, a Wedding, Live event, Family event or just Personal catering. Vegan lunches are available for Pick-up or Delivery on Tuesday to Friday from 10 to 3pm. Orders should be made the day before or by 11am latest by calling 876-378-5094.Â
A few weeks ago at about 8:30pm, I finally visited Asia’s Café, found in the middle of York Pharmacy on Half Way Tree Road. The restaurant will be opened for a year this December 15th. The news spread fast upon their opening since they are open 24/7 and serve breakfast, lunch and dinner options, sandwiches, salads and various pastries and beverages. It’s also convenient for patients visiting the pharmacy and nearby 24/7 doctor’s offices. The seating area is small so it’s usually order-to go.
For such a small establishment, I noticed a huge menu with affordable items. There were Breakfast items such as Eggs etc., Soups, Salads for $600JMD, OMG Burger for $550JMD, dishes such as Shrimp/Jerk Chicken Pasta and Chicken Lasagna ranging from $700-800JMD, standard Box lunch dishes such as Fried and Roasted Chicken, side orders such as Garlic bread, Potato wedges and Potato salad ranging from $70-$220JMD. They also offer both hot and cold Beverages, as well as Milk Shakes with different flavours for $450JMD. There is a good variety of pastry for $250JMD each including Brownies, Muffins, Banana Breads, Cookies, Cakes, Bread Puddings, you name it. Everything seemed more than reasonable except for some regular Chicken and Turkey Sandwiches that any mother could make and send their child to school with for $550 and $600JMD! Oh no. The same can be found in Mega Mart for $250JMD.
My friend and I ordered the Conch soup ($170JMD tx incl.), Roasted Chicken ($550JMD tx incl.) and Pineapple Jerked Chicken wrap ($550JMD tax incl.). The server came to us a few minutes after, telling us there was no more Conch, but we already made the order and we were ready to grab and go. While we waited, I scanned the room and saw some diners with a large ‘box lunch’ serving of Shrimp Pasta. The Penne looked dry. I braved it and asked one of the ladies how she found it and I said it looked a little dry. She responded, ‘It is awful! Not nice at all, it neida dry nor wet’. We laughed and she then shared her sentiments with the server who told the chef. He said he would redo their order, which was a decent response instead of the ‘I’m sorry to hear’ that can’t buy soldier lorry response. Hopefully there was some improvement.
Although the staff was neither pleasant nor hostile, they said all orders take 7-10 minutes and they stuck to their word, because my food was ready in no time. I saw a quick turn over with other customers as well.
The soup was a bit too salty and ofcourse lacking conch. The Roast Chicken was good but the rice and peas was dry. The Jerk Chicken wrap was tasty and spicy.
Asia’s Café is definitely a good place to get reasonable, decent food on the go, but they should leave the elaborate things to fine dining restaurants, hence reduce their menu size and improve on the quality of remaining items.
Asia’s CaféÂ
Ph#: 876-929-3568 / 876-929-5961
Address: Located inside York Pharmacy, Half-Way Tree, Kingston
Date of visit: 7/11/14
NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum
Parking: ★★★☆☆
Ambience: ☆☆☆☆☆
Decor: ★★★☆☆
Comfort: ★★★☆☆
Service: ★★★☆☆
Speed: ★★★★☆
Food quality: ★★★☆☆
Serving amount: ★★★★☆
Value for $: ★★★☆☆
SuGa Endorsement: ★★★☆☆
After a late night in the DC streets 2 weekends ago, I was ready for some grub in the morning. My brother picked the perfect place, Founding Farmers, just 3 blocks from the White House where we would go sight-seeing afterwards. The place was filled with people, like The Cheesecake Factory lines to get a table. But apparently they have just started giving the option of making reservations. We didn’t know that, so just decided to wait until spots by the bar were vacant, since that would be quicker. Sitting by the bar didn’t look much less comfortable than booths or tables. It seemed cozy nonetheless. The two-story restaurant had old, wooden, farm table decor mixed with modern crafted elements throughout. It was a beautiful day with the sunlight flooding through the glass windows, highlighting various features and finishes of the designs by award-winning CORE architecture and design.
I ordered a Hot Chocolate immediately, which was divine. Then I ordered the Farmer’s Fare that consisted of Breakfast Chicken & Waffles with a side of Eggs anyway you liked it, white gravy and syrup. Despite the more than ‘full house’, my breakfast arrived quickly in less than 10 minutes and at a glance, I was salivating. Then the taste, mmmm. The Waffle was so big and thick, but light and fresh. The Scrambled Eggs were fluffy topped off with that Farm Fresh Fried Chicken. The Breakfast Fare was just $12USD, which was more than worth it. My stomach was full and satisfied. I mean, it was just typical ‘Breakfast food’ right? But it was so delicious. IHOP and Waffle House what?!
It was also a delight to experience such great service in a busy atmosphere. Heading to DC or the US Capitol anytime soon? Founding Farmers is a MUST STOP for Breakfast. Can you imagine they are practically open all day for lunch and dinner too?! Can’t wait to revisit and try those menus.
The award-winning Founding Farmers is also located in Montgomery County, Maryland and will soon be adding a new location in Tysons Corner, Virginia this fall. They have various Certifications showing that they are dedicated to environmentally friendly practices, including being a Certified Green Restaurant. Their products are sourced from local farmers with seasonal menu changes to always contain local produce.
For more information, visit http://www.wearefoundingfarmers.com.
Founding Farmers True Food and Drink, Washington D.C.
Ph#: 202.822.TRUE (8783)
Address: 1924 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, D.C. 20006
Date of visit: 19/10/14
NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum
Parking: ★★★★☆
Ambience: ★★★☆☆
Decor: ★★★★★
Comfort: ★★★★☆
Service: ★★★★☆
Speed: ★★★★★
Food quality: ★★★★★
Serving amount: ★★★★★
Plating: ★★★★☆
Value for $: ★★★★★
SuGa Endorsement: ★★★★★
Monty’s Cafe on Old Hope Road is known for cheap, decent box lunch eats and have now added wraps to their menu like almost all of Jamaica.
First of all, many assume that wraps are healthy. Wrong! Â Not all of them for sure. Healthy consists of baked, roasted or grilled, fresh, non-processed cuts of chicken, salmon, steamed fish, turkey or tuna.
All these shrimp and lobster wraps around the place that sound so appealing are high in cholesterol. The plain wraps are full of bad ‘simple’ carbs versus whole grain or whole wheat wraps, keeping in mind they are still all flour and everyone that may have certain goals are not always fully aware of their carbohydrate intake for the day. Let us also not forget the dairy aspect and that cheddar or mozzarella cheeses often used to add taste to the wraps are high in saturated fat (the ‘bad’ fat). Sometimes the amounts used are just added for taste, not considering portion control. Please ‘healthy’ restaurants, bring on the fresh, grated parmesan and reduced fat feta.
With all that said, Monty’s Cafe took the cake. I saw a Chicken wrap they sent to someone and I was appalled. It was a small, plain tortilla that consisted of FRIED chicken, lettuce and one or two pieces of tomato with a horrible salad dressing all over the lettuce for $425JMD. The customer was told it came with a salad, which to their disbelief was a toothpick with a piece of tomato and a shred of lettuce rolled up. Seriously?! A 5 year old could do better. Notice there is no picture? SuGa’s LCD screen has already cracked twice. Precaution necessary. I hope nobody makes the mistake of buying such a disaster. Some places should just stick to chicken and rice and peas.
With or Without Alcohol, get it nice and slushy to refresh your day.
Price: $700JMD including tax
8 Hillcrest Ave
Kingston, Jamaica
(876) 927-8733
The revamped 24 Seven Café at The Jamaica Pegasus, as the name suggests is open all day and all night. Take-out service is available seven days a week too. The Café was newly relocated in the Pegasus last June and still has a buzz going.
After frequent visits to the Café, I can attest to the fact that it is never crowded but still has a steady flow of customers. Afterall, it has more space than average cafés in Kingston, so the logistics are perfect. 24 Seven overlooks the pool with modern decor and provides free wifi access upon request. It is thus considered a great place to have mini meetings or dates over coffee, lunch or with light pastries. Its central location is convenient for a late night snack as well.
At my most recent visit, I ordered a chicken wrap and a café latte. I really had a skinny latte because they were flexible enough to make it with skimmed milk as requested. I wasn’t as lucky with my whole wheat or whole grain request for the wrap, but that was fine. The service was excellent and the staff was knowledgeable about items on the menu, a true reflection of being well trained. Waiting time was reasonable and most importantly I was comfortable and enjoyed my spicy, well seasoned chicken wrap. The wrap consisted of Jerk chicken breast, sautéed vegetables and pepper jack cheese, a fairly healthy option for the health conscious individual. The cost may seem a bit pricy to some since it isn’t offered with any sides other than a small cole slaw (the unhealthy part), but its price is comparable to other cafés and the wrap is filling.
24 Seven provides a variety of options to choose from including salads, breakfast bagels, vegetable wraps, tuna wraps, paninis, pastries, warm and cold beverages, desserts and a small kids menu. I also found it interesting that you have the option of buying a mini wine bottle for a quick fix or ordering to dine, possibly sharing a glass with someone, which costs less than its neighbour, the Blend Bar. Ofcourse your expectations for variety and quality would be less, since you are limited to the options of merlot or chardonnay.
Patrons also have the comfort of ordering then walking around the property for a few minutes to come back, as well as eating and drinking before paying. After all, a single shot expresso may not be enough, you may have to ask for a double.
A service charge is usually added to your bill when dining, but after such a refreshing experience, its negligible and well deserved. Hats off to 24 Seven Café for keeping it fresh.
24 Seven Café at The Jamaica Pegasus
Ph#: 876-926-3690
Address: 81 Knutsford Blvd., Kingston 5
NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum
Parking: ★★★★★
Ambience: ★★★★★
Decor: ★★★★★
Comfort: ★★★★★
Service: ★★★★★
Speed: ★★★★☆
Food quality: ★★★★☆
Serving amount: ★★★★☆
Plating: ★★★☆☆
Value for $: ★★★★☆
SuGa Endorsement: ★★★★☆