TGIF to this Weekend’s BOX DEALS & 2-for-1 Loaded Burger Deal!

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@chivejamaica

Fling Back Friday to National Burger Day yesterday! Not to worry though, you have Today and Tomorrow to celebrate with Chive Restaurant! They are offering a 2 for 1 deal on their Signature Loaded BBQ Bacon Burger with Crispy Curly Seasoned Fries for pick up/take out! Can you believe it?!

Chive Restaurant is Open until 7pm. Call 876-820-1194 to Order!

Also, how is the end of month Supermarket shopping going? Check out these #SugaEndorsed Curbside Pay & Pick Up BOX DEALS from CPJ Market at Spanish Court Hotel TODAY, Rainforest Seafoods TODAY and Tomorrow at Rainforest Seafoods, Slipe Road, Kingston and Box Market Ja at Hope Gardens Tomorrow.

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@cpjmarketja
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@cpjmarketja
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@cpjmarketja
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@rainforestseafoods
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@rainforestseafoods

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@boxmarketja
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@boxmarketja
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@boxmarketja

Remember the Farmer’s Market is TODAY too! Happy shopping! 💖🇯🇲

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Enjoy the Weekend!

By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)

Suga Lifestyle Inspires, Promotes, Educates and Entertains.

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Mouth-watering Steak from Stonegate Smoke!

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Steak from Stonegate Smoke! (Instagram Photo: @stonegatesmoke)

A few Sundays ago, a Jamaican and his neighbours in Michigan a.k.a Stonegate Smoke fired up the ol’ smoker and put on a marinated tri-tip (triangular cut from the bottom sirloin) from Byron Centre Meats. It finished with an 800° sear!

Mouth-watering meat charred to perfection makes any face happy during quarantine.

Check out and follow @stonegatesmoke on Instagram today!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Epicurean Delights Served on Eye-Popping Displays from Barton G Miami!

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Suga’s Ratings for Barton G. The Restaurant – Miami Beach

Date and time of visit: Sunday, October 20, 2019 at 8:30pm

No. of diners: 3 adults

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum 

Parking: ★★★☆☆

Ambience: ★★★★★

Décor: ★★★★☆

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★★★

Speed: ★★★★★

Food quality: ★★★★★

Serving amount: ★★★★★

Plating: ★★★★★

Value for $: ★★★★★

Suga’s Breakdown

My Aunt, Maxine Spencer visited Barton G for her birthday in August and highly recommended it as a must-stop destination in Miami. From what I saw, I knew I had to visit on my next trip with my husband, Randy.
Epicurean delights were served on eye-popping displays that only added to the enjoyment of the food, great service and ambience. We also had front row seats to see them all come out the kitchen.
We kicked things off with cocktails like no other!
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Stairway to Heaven – Grey Goose Cherry Noir, Godiva White Chocolate Cream, Frangelico
Appetizers
The appetizers were so tasty, you had to worry about space for the entrees!
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Lobster Pop Tarts (USD$29) – Lobster and Fontina Mornay sauce, Flaky Phyllo, Tabasco Hollandaise, Tarragon Aioli
The flavours and textures in the Lobster Pop Tarts were truly a pleasant surprise. There was even a hint of sweet.
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Laughing Bird Popcorn Shrimp (USD$27) – Crispy Rock Shrimp, Sweet & Spicy Chili sauce, Popcorn
The Popcorn Shrimp had the right amount of crisp, complemented well by the sweet and spicy chili sauce.
The tender, juicy delish Sliders almost struck me out! But I wouldn’t allow them to do so. I just had a taste.
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Strike Out Sliders (USD$36) – Wagyu Beef, Gruyere Cheese, Red Onion, Jam, Smoked Ketchup, Garlic Aioli, Black Truffle Brioche

Eye-popping Entrees!

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Orange Salmon (USD$39) – Pan Seared Salmon Loin, Garden Patatouille, Roasted Pepper Paint, Herb Pesto, Fennel Chip
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Randy Burgess with his Samurai Tuna (USD$42) – Ahi, Korean spices, Kimchi Risotto Fritters, Sweet Miso Butter, Shishito Peppers
The Ahi Tuna was perfection. Look at those cuts!
I have to confess that we also had the best Lobster Mac and Cheese I have ever tasted. It was divine with huge pieces of Lobster.

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I thoroughly enjoyed my Risotto Jambalaya. A burst of different flavours with the best of both worlds, Meat and Seafood. Of course I couldn’t finish it, but I must say that the Okra and Spices were sensational additions to the dish.
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Risotto Jambalaya (USD$35) – Chicken Andouille Sausage, Gulf Shrimp, Arborio Rice, Okra, Cajun Mirepoix, Spices
Did we really have Dessert?! Of course! You cannot pass up on getting the ‘Dolla Dolla Bills Y’all’!
***Check out Suga Lifestyle’s Instagram stories for the Videos!!!***
Mega Rich chocolate ganache and dulce de leche tart, under a gold brick shell that was torched off! Vanilla bean ice cream and golden caramel corn. THE perfect way to end the night. 💯
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Barton G is definitely rated 100 by Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga and is undoubtedly #SugaEndorsed !
Barton G. The Restaurant – Miami Beach
Location: 1427 West Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA
Ph: 305-672-8881

 

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

How was Street Food Saturdays?

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Jerked Fish with Parmesan Polenta ($2000JMD)

Chef Simone Walker-Barrett’s Special was indeed special. The Jerked Lamb Chops were savoury.

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Jerked Lamb Chops with Parmesan Polenta ($3000JMD)
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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.

Street Food Saturdays

Location: Mount James District; Golden Spring

Ph: 876-414-0016; 876-313-0735; 876-395-3614

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @streetfoodsaturdays

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

TGIF! Street Food Saturdays is Tomorrow!

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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.

Garlic Lobster Pasta is back on the menu!

 For more Information:

Call/Whatsapp: 876-414-0016; 876-313-0735; 876-395-3614

Email: [email protected]

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Suga’s Guide to New Orleans a.k.a NOLA!

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Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga, in front of the Mahalia Jackson Theatre for the Performing Arts on the 3-in-1 Cemetery, Voodoo and French Quarter Tour (October 2018)

Suga had an epic Girls trip to New Orleans two weeks ago. The trip was unforgettable.

I enjoyed New Orleans’ rich culture in food, art and jazz music with a touch of voodoo/witchcraft. I admired that the locals have fully embraced their culture and even after the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, they returned to help to build back New Orleans to what it is today. Note that, interestingly, everywhere in New Orleans was flooded except for the French Quarter. That is when you ask yourself, is their voodoo/witchcraft culture authentic?

Street Scenes (Trick or Treat)

Sadly, there is a lot of poverty in New Orleans. I was told it is at a rate of about 30%, which actually used to be higher before Hurricane Katrina. There were many homeless persons seen walking around or laying in the streets. However, there were also other less fortunate persons that decided to use their talents or a gig to earn money. I appreciated that effort instead of just begging persons aimlessly as they do in Jamaica.

For instance, there were a few that held uncomfortable poses with a pan nearby for contributions. Statues were seen all around the French Quarter of New Orleans and some persons looked like them. A man painted in gold close to the French Market stood out for me. For a moment, I questioned whether he was real or not, but of course the girls had to break him.

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There was ‘Shake that Ass Granny’ who did just that, as well as persons who came out with their guitars or other instruments and sang songs.

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This dog on top of a dumpster was quite dressed up and a trick. We realised he was part of a gig too. If you weren’t quick to take pictures, his owner came with a pan and covered his face.
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These weed candies did not even have the essence of weed. Trick!

There were a few street parades that you could join if you wished and many Bachelor and Bachelorette squads around.

Art and Voodoo/Witchcraft

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Outside of Jackson Square were filled with artists and their captivating paintings in the day. At night, they were replaced with Tarot Card readers. There were also a lot of Galleries and stores with Art. If you missed the artists in the day, there were options, but few, to purchase affordable art in souvenir shops in the French Quarter.

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The Voodoo man outside of St. Louis Cemetery #1

Where to stay and How long should you stay in NOLA?

If you go to New Orleans, about 4 or 5 days is enough to see and experience everything. Stay close to the French Quarter where all the action is and most places you would need to go to are in walking distance. If your destination is  a few blocks away, respectable cabbies are nearby and uber is available.

Malls/Stores/Antique Shops

For the shopaholics, stores such as H&M (418 N Peters St.) and a few others are in the French quarter, but you would have to take a drive out to get to a mall. There are about three. I suggest Lakeside Shopping Center mall (3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie), which is the biggest mall there and has the majority of familiar stores such as Victoria’s Secret, Forever 21, Bath and Body Works, Express, Gap, Coach, Aeropostale and more.

• Magazine St. for antique shops

• Royal St. for shopping and souvenirs

Tours

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3-in-1 Tour Guide, ‘Storm’

• 3-in-1 Cemetery, Voodoo & French Quarter Tour ($13 by Groupon (or $25) + $1 entry to cemetery; 28 persons per tour)

This tour lasted over 2 hours, but with our experienced and exciting Tour Guide, ‘Stormie’, it was worth it. It provides you with a chance to enter one of the world-renown cemeteries, St. Louis Cemetery #1 in New Orleans, while also visiting popular landmarks in the French Quarter. A bit of Voodoo culture and history is also included, as this adventure combines 3 tours in 1.

The French Quarter/Cemetery/Voodoo tour meets at the corner of Royal and Conti Street. Persons are to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled tour time to check in.

You can learn how and why people are buried above ground and how the “Vault” works! The grave of the famous Queen of Voodoo, Marie Laveau is also there. (Stay tuned for Suga’s Breakdown and Review)

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Inside of St. Louis Cemetery #1, New Orleans

N.B. The Basin St. Station shop (501 Basin St.) for unique souvenirs was by the restroom stop/map of New Orleans on the tour.

• Food tour: Destination-Kitchen.com OR www.MUSTDONOLA.com ($54.99USD)

This tour lasted a bit over 3 hours because of various stops at bars and restaurants. It was quite informative about New Orleans History and Food. (Stay tuned for Suga’s Breakdown)

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Our Tour Guide, Chef Philipe serving us up some Muffuletta in The French Market

Walking allows you to stop and take pictures as you wish and maybe even stray a bit and catch up with the group. But if you would like to tour without having to walk, there are other options.

• The Steamboat Cruise with Buffet Dinner

Suga heard this Buffet Dinner had Seafood you could not finish!

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• The Double Decker Bus Tour

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• The Horse and Carriage ride tour

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Bars and Clubs/Hot spots

• Willie’s Chicken Shack (707 Canal St.)

Willie’s Chicken Shack has huge frozen drinks. Keep your tall cup! Some other bars may allow you to enter with your drink in it, some may not. So bottoms up if you must!

• Huge Ass Beers (609 Bourbon St.)

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Racquell Brown with her ‘Huge Ass Beer’

This bar keeps the party going all day long and into the night!

• The Hand Grenade (721 Bourbon St.; 600 Bourbon St.; Bayou Club at 610 Bourbon St.; 435 Bourbon St.; Funky Pirate™ at 727 Bourbon St.)

A frozen drink that gives you quite a buzz! There are a few of them lining Bourbon street too.

• ‘The Beach on Bourbon’ (227 Bourbon St.)

One of the most popular clubs in New Orleans. The DJ keeps you moving.

***Apologies, but Suga didn’t get to note the names of other clubs that were hot spots***

Jazz Festivals and Music

• Frenchman Street

Three blocks if Jazz clubs after 9pm. I honestly missed out on this street, because the girls could not get enough of Bourbon Street. However, we were told about the Jazz Festivals there accompanied by succulent pork and lamb chops in the day. On one of the nights, a friend who was there said it was quite a ‘sober crowd’ and told us to stay on Bourbon St. and journeyed about 28 minutes to meet us.

Restaurants/Cafes/Markets

There are so many high quality restaurants, cafes and markets. You can pick choose and refuse. Word is, if an establishment falls off its game, it gets shut down or closes.

So here are a few that Suga visited and would have liked to visit:

• Café du Monde (800 Decatur St., in front of Jackson Square)

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Famous for its Beignets. The best and softest donuts you will ever eat with sugar on top. Expect a crowd and long lines there at all times.

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Spotted! Beignets being made at the famous, Café du Monde

• Cafe Beignet

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Another Cafe for Beignets and pasties, however their Beignets could have used more baking time. Note that it gets crowded too.

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• Muriel’s (801 Chartres St., Jackson Square - haunted; Fine dining) 

Great for Crab cakes, huge Pork Chops, Cheesecake and Bread pudding!

• Irene’s (529 Bienville St., between Decatur and Chartres, right in the heart of the historic French Quarter)

Reputable for Italian and Seafood.

• Antoine’s Restaurant (713 Saint Louis St., Royal St.)

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The oldest family owned restaurant in the USA (now operated by 5th generation), serving traditional French Creole cuisine since 1840. It’s reputable for its Crawfish, Oysters and Shrimp.

*Fine dining and Reservations go fast

• Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar and Bistro (720 Orleans Ave.)

– Casual Fine Dining Restaurant

• French Market

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Has practically everything you can think of such as fruits, fresh produce, Cajun creole nuts, deep-fried peanuts, coffee, their ‘must have’ muffuletta and more.

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• New Orleans Creole Cookery (410 Talouse St.) – Great for Cocktails, Fresh and Char Grilled Oysters.

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Char Grilled Oysters with Cheese, Garlic and Butter

Recreation/For the Kids

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• Carousel Gardens Amusement Park (New Orleans City Park)

An Amusement Park with a few heart-wrenching rides. [Cost for Rides and Entry for Adults: $22USD]

A Tip for the Guys

• When approaching a lady with her crew, ensure your game is quick and DO NOT say you are going to the bar to come back with only a drink for her and yourself. She won’t be there when you come back. Ladies bar hop!

Tips for the Ladies

• DO NOT wear long, flowy Pants or Dresses that reach the floor in the streets. The streets are far from clean.

• Pack comfortable shoes and Sandals for a lot of walking and dancing.

• Ensure you stash tissue in your purse, because you cannot count on any bathroom in the club or bar late at night to have toilet paper.

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• You can’t just ask for beads, you have to show something or dance for them!

Tips for Everyone

• If travelling in a group and time allows, schedule a few hours or a day for Personal time to see places and experience what others may not have prioritized on their list. You may have another person in the group with similar interests as you.

• You will wait forever if you want to hear Reggae or Dancehall music in New Orleans. Big up Shaggy and Elephant Man. You were played!

• Always have your phone ready to capture a moment or to record a video because those streets are unpredictable!

• Don’t go with the expectation to get any sleep! You will miss out!

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(L-R) Songe Sandcroft, Taraja Richards, Gabrielle Burgess, Glennette Sinclair, Anya Pennycooke, Racquell Brown and Stephaney Farquharson hit Channing Tatum’s Saints & Sinners Bar on Bourbon Street for their Girls Trip in NOLA! (October 2018) #JamaicansinNOLA

A visit to New Orleans is truly #SugaEndorsed.

Stay tuned for more details on Suga’s experience with the 3-in-1 tour, The Food Tour and of course, a Restaurant Review!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Article, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Suga’s Guide to New Orleans a.k.a NOLA!

20181013_152527
Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga, in front of the Mahalia Jackson Theatre for the Performing Arts on the 3-in-1 Cemetery, Voodoo and French Quarter Tour (October 2018)

Suga had an epic Girls trip to New Orleans two weeks ago. The trip was unforgettable.

I enjoyed New Orleans’ rich culture in food, art and jazz music with a touch of voodoo/witchcraft. I admired that the locals have fully embraced their culture and even after the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, they returned to help to build back New Orleans to what it is today. Note that, interestingly, everywhere in New Orleans was flooded except for the French Quarter. That is when you ask yourself, is their voodoo/witchcraft culture authentic?

Street Scenes (Trick or Treat)

Sadly, there is a lot of poverty in New Orleans. I was told it is at a rate of about 30%, which actually used to be higher before Hurricane Katrina. There were many homeless persons seen walking around or laying in the streets. However, there were also other less fortunate persons that decided to use their talents or a gig to earn money. I appreciated that effort instead of just begging persons aimlessly as they do in Jamaica.

For instance, there were a few that held uncomfortable poses with a pan nearby for contributions. Statues were seen all around the French Quarter of New Orleans and some persons looked like them. A man painted in gold close to the French Market stood out for me. For a moment, I questioned whether he was real or not, but of course the girls had to break him.

20181026_105814.jpg

There was ‘Shake that Ass Granny’ who did just that, as well as persons who came out with their guitars or other instruments and sang songs.

Screenshot_20181026-104151_Video Player.jpg

20181026_105231
This dog on top of a dumpster was quite dressed up and a trick. We realised he was part of a gig too. If you weren’t quick to take pictures, his owner came with a pan and covered his face.
PhotoGrid_1540569002544
These weed candies did not even have the essence of weed. Trick!

There were a few street parades that you could join if you wished and many Bachelor and Bachelorette squads around.

Art and Voodoo/Witchcraft

20181026_105744.jpg

Outside of Jackson Square were filled with artists and their captivating paintings in the day. At night, they were replaced with Tarot Card readers. There were also a lot of Galleries and stores with Art. If you missed the artists in the day, there were options, but few, to purchase affordable art in souvenir shops in the French Quarter.

20181026_110034
The Voodoo man outside of St. Louis Cemetery #1

Where to stay and How long should you stay in NOLA?

If you go to New Orleans, about 4 or 5 days is enough to see and experience everything. Stay close to the French Quarter where all the action is and most places you would need to go to are in walking distance. If your destination is  a few blocks away, respectable cabbies are nearby and uber is available.

Malls/Stores/Antique Shops

For the shopaholics, stores such as H&M (418 N Peters St.) and a few others are in the French quarter, but you would have to take a drive out to get to a mall. There are about three. I suggest Lakeside Shopping Center mall (3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie), which is the biggest mall there and has the majority of familiar stores such as Victoria’s Secret, Forever 21, Bath and Body Works, Express, Gap, Coach, Aeropostale and more.

• Magazine St. for antique shops

• Royal St. for shopping and souvenirs

Tours

20181026_094548
3-in-1 Tour Guide, ‘Storm’

• 3-in-1 Cemetery, Voodoo & French Quarter Tour ($13 by Groupon (or $25) + $1 entry to cemetery; 28 persons per tour)

This tour lasted over 2 hours, but with our experienced and exciting Tour Guide, ‘Stormie’, it was worth it. It provides you with a chance to enter one of the world-renown cemeteries, St. Louis Cemetery #1 in New Orleans, while also visiting popular landmarks in the French Quarter. A bit of Voodoo culture and history is also included, as this adventure combines 3 tours in 1.

The French Quarter/Cemetery/Voodoo tour meets at the corner of Royal and Conti Street. Persons are to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled tour time to check in.

You can learn how and why people are buried above ground and how the “Vault” works! The grave of the famous Queen of Voodoo, Marie Laveau is also there. (Stay tuned for Suga’s Breakdown and Review)

20181013_141250
Inside of St. Louis Cemetery #1, New Orleans

N.B. The Basin St. Station shop (501 Basin St.) for unique souvenirs was by the restroom stop/map of New Orleans on the tour.

• Food tour: Destination-Kitchen.com OR www.MUSTDONOLA.com ($54.99USD)

This tour lasted a bit over 3 hours because of various stops at bars and restaurants. It was quite informative about New Orleans History and Food. (Stay tuned for Suga’s Breakdown)

PhotoGrid_1540570112835
Our Tour Guide, Chef Philipe serving us up some Muffuletta in The French Market

Walking allows you to stop and take pictures as you wish and maybe even stray a bit and catch up with the group. But if you would like to tour without having to walk, there are other options.

• The Steamboat Cruise with Buffet Dinner

Suga heard this Buffet Dinner had Seafood you could not finish!

20181026_144226.jpg

• The Double Decker Bus Tour

20181026_144152

• The Horse and Carriage ride tour

20181026_144209.jpg

Bars and Clubs/Hot spots

• Willie’s Chicken Shack (707 Canal St.)

Willie’s Chicken Shack has huge frozen drinks. Keep your tall cup! Some other bars may allow you to enter with your drink in it, some may not. So bottoms up if you must!

• Huge Ass Beers (609 Bourbon St.)

20181026_110435
Racquell Brown with her ‘Huge Ass Beer’

This bar keeps the party going all day long and into the night!

• The Hand Grenade (721 Bourbon St.; 600 Bourbon St.; Bayou Club at 610 Bourbon St.; 435 Bourbon St.; Funky Pirate™ at 727 Bourbon St.)

A frozen drink that gives you quite a buzz! There are a few of them lining Bourbon street too.

• ‘The Beach on Bourbon’ (227 Bourbon St.)

One of the most popular clubs in New Orleans. The DJ keeps you moving.

***Apologies, but Suga didn’t get to note the names of other clubs that were hot spots***

Jazz Festivals and Music

• Frenchman Street

Three blocks if Jazz clubs after 9pm. I honestly missed out on this street, because the girls could not get enough of Bourbon Street. However, we were told about the Jazz Festivals there accompanied by succulent pork and lamb chops in the day. On one of the nights, a friend who was there said it was quite a ‘sober crowd’ and told us to stay on Bourbon St. and journeyed about 28 minutes to meet us.

Restaurants/Cafes/Markets

There are so many high quality restaurants, cafes and markets. You can pick choose and refuse. Word is, if an establishment falls off its game, it gets shut down or closes.

So here are a few that Suga visited and would have liked to visit:

• Café du Monde (800 Decatur St., in front of Jackson Square)

20181026_110049.jpg

Famous for its Beignets. The best and softest donuts you will ever eat with sugar on top. Expect a crowd and long lines there at all times.

20181014_105123
Spotted! Beignets being made at the famous, Café du Monde

• Cafe Beignet

PhotoGrid_1540567010306.jpg

20181026_104456.jpg

Another Cafe for Beignets and pasties, however their Beignets could have used more baking time. Note that it gets crowded too.

20181026_104257.jpg

• Muriel’s (801 Chartres St., Jackson Square - haunted; Fine dining) 

Great for Crab cakes, huge Pork Chops, Cheesecake and Bread pudding!

• Irene’s (529 Bienville St., between Decatur and Chartres, right in the heart of the historic French Quarter)

Reputable for Italian and Seafood.

• Antoine’s Restaurant (713 Saint Louis St., Royal St.)

20181013_135111.jpg

The oldest family owned restaurant in the USA (now operated by 5th generation), serving traditional French Creole cuisine since 1840. It’s reputable for its Crawfish, Oysters and Shrimp.

*Fine dining and Reservations go fast

• Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar and Bistro (720 Orleans Ave.)

– Casual Fine Dining Restaurant

• French Market

20181014_111658.jpg

Has practically everything you can think of such as fruits, fresh produce, Cajun creole nuts, deep-fried peanuts, coffee, their ‘must have’ muffuletta and more.

20181026_110519.jpg

• New Orleans Creole Cookery (410 Talouse St.) – Great for Cocktails, Fresh and Char Grilled Oysters.

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Char Grilled Oysters with Cheese, Garlic and Butter

Recreation/For the Kids

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• Carousel Gardens Amusement Park (New Orleans City Park)

An Amusement Park with a few heart-wrenching rides. [Cost for Rides and Entry for Adults: $22USD]

A Tip for the Guys

• When approaching a lady with her crew, ensure your game is quick and DO NOT say you are going to the bar to come back with only a drink for her and yourself. She won’t be there when you come back. Ladies bar hop!

Tips for the Ladies

• DO NOT wear long, flowy Pants or Dresses that reach the floor in the streets. The streets are far from clean.

• Pack comfortable shoes and Sandals for a lot of walking and dancing

• Ensure you stash tissue in your purse, because you cannot count on any bathroom in the club or bar late at night to have toilet paper.

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• You can’t just ask for beads, you have to show something or dance for them!

Tips for Everyone

• If travelling in a group and time allows, schedule a few hours or a day for Personal time to see places and experience what others may not have prioritized on their list. You may have another person in the group with similar interests as you.

• You will wait forever if you want to hear Reggae or Dancehall music in New Orleans. Big up Shaggy and Elephant Man. You were played!

• Always have your phone ready to capture a moment or to record a video because those streets are unpredictable!

• Don’t go with the expectation to get any sleep! You will miss out!

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(L-R) Songe Sandcroft, Taraja Richards, Gabrielle Burgess, Glennette Sinclair, Anya Pennycooke, Racquell Brown and Stephaney Farquharson hit Channing Tatum’s Saints & Sinners Bar on Bourbon Street for their Girls Trip in NOLA! (October 2018) #JamaicansinNOLA

A visit to New Orleans is truly #SugaEndorsed.

Stay tuned for more details on Suga’s experience with the 3-in-1 tour, The Food Tour and of course, a Restaurant Review!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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