Half Moon is hosting their Guest Chef series to enjoy the rich and bold flavours of Chef Ken Frank.
Chef Ken Frank’s landmark Restaurant is La Toque in Napa Valley, California. It has earned a Michelin star every year they have been awarded in Wine Country.
Chef Frank will create 6 exquisite courses to be paired exclusively with Jackson family wines at the Sugar Mill Restaurant, Half Moon.
For some time now, my cousin in Montego Bay told my husband about a young lady that makes extremely delicious Pastries and handcrafted Breads.
The young lady she spoke of is Christina Simonitsch. With this kind of recommendation, we both followed her on Instagram immediately. Her Instagram page, @simosbreadandcatering is quite mouth-watering. You can see the joy and passion she has for cooking and baking, leaving you with no choice but to want to be a part of it.
The name, Simonitsch is quite known not only in Montego Bay, but islandwide and worldwide. Christina is what we Jamaican folks would like to call ‘good stock’. Her father is Heinz Simonitsch, the Austrian hotelier that arrived on the island to run Half Moon in 1963. Under his stewardship, Halfmoon became one of the most successful privately-owned beach resorts in the world. He retired in 2002 and has been recognized by being awarded with the Honorary Order of Distinction for his lifetime contribution to Tourism in Jamaica and the Caribbean.
With his retirement, I am happy to see his name live on in the Culinary industry of Jamaica via his eldest daughter Christina. Christina grew up in the kitchen and it seems as if the passion for what she does is in her DNA. She knew what her career would be from very early and also learnt from her Aunt and Grandmother in Austria.
After catering for mostly friends and family at small gatherings, the choice was easy for her to stay and work in Jamaica instead of returning to Europe. Word spread so fast, her hands were full.
Christina not only does specialty Breads and Pastries, but has Gourmet selections and her private label Condiment line of Pepper sauces, Sea salt, Pepper Jelly, Basil Pesto, Marinades and more. She is based in Montego Bay, so occasionally, she announces when she will be coming into Kingston and posts her list with prices. She usually comes in on a Thursday, where pick ups can be made at Shams Bakery in The Marketplace between 11am-2pm.
I ordered her Basil Pesto the 2nd to last time she came into Kingston because I was too late to order the Cinnamon Buns I have been dying to taste.
I made a fabulous Pesto Pasta with Chicken and Shrimp. That Basil Pesto is definitely #sugaendorsed.
She came back to Kingston last week Thursday. I made sure my order of Cinnamon Buns and a Cronut was in early this time, especially since there was an occasion to celebrate. My father-in-law got treated with Cinnamon Buns for his birthday and we all enjoyed it. I love that the icing comes separately in a bag if you are watching your calories.
Suga’s order of Simo’s Bread and Catering’s Cinnamon Buns in a 9″ tin with Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting (L) -($1700JMD); Cronut (R) – $950JMD
After trying Simo’s Bread & Catering’s pastries, watching calories goes out the window. That Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting I thought I was just going to have a smear of, was a delightful topping for the scrumptious Cinnamon Buns.
Simo’s Bread & Catering Cronut – $950JMD
I sat down in my living room about to have my Cronut thinking to myself, why did I just spend almost a $1000JMD on a cross between a Croissant and a Doughnut? Say no more. I took one bite and it was heavenly. The perfect mix of moist and crispy with a touch of flavoured cream on the inside and a hint of icing on top. A bite turned into quicker bites, then a swallow and I had to stop myself. I knew I needed to savour it. So I decided to distract myself by messaging my husband who missed the opportunity of being home for this pleasurable experience. I told him there is no way I could save a piece for him. Then just like that it was finished. Instead of feeling guilty for indulging in this pastry, I just sat there with a smile on my face like a real pleased puss. It was totally worth it. Well, maybe $500 plus the delivery to Kingston. Regardless, I would order that Cronut again in a heartbeat.
When is Simo’s Bread and Catering’s next trip to Kingston? Â I have good news. I am not sure when you can make Orders for Pick ups but Christina will be Co-hosting a gathering soon on May 19 at Kayter Restaurant on Ballater Avenue. It should be a gastronomic experience. Make your Reservations!
***Although made with healthy Olive oil, you want to be cautious of staying within your healthy fats limit for the day, so just use a few smears, a bit lighter than the illustration above (Daily essential nutrients: Carbs -55%, Proteins -27%, Healthy Fats -18%)
7-minute Boiled Egg (One)
Sprinkles of Grated Parmesan
***Healthy choice of cheese
Sprinkles of Fresh Parsley
Sprinkles of Pink Himalayan Sea Salt
Dash of Cracked Pepper
Dash of Green Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauce
____________________________________________
Tina loves to bake, cook and EAT from Montego Bay, Jamaica!
For more delicious and innovative goodies like this from Tina Davis, follow or visit her Tumblr Page, sweetteeskitchen.tumblr.com/
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Cured Salmon [Photo Credit – Tina Davis]Iberostar Chef on Tour had Suga Bear, Tina Davis raving over what Chef Emma Bengtsson had to offer last weekend.
Chef Emma Bengtsson, a native of Sweden is the Executive Chef of Aquavit, a 2-Michelin star Scandinavian Restaurant in Manhattan, New York.
Aquavit was established in 1987 and continues to impress and be popular with New Yorkers and travellers from around the world two decades later.
Aquavit was also the first Restaurant in New York to have both a casual Bistro and Fine dining, i.e. house 2 Restaurant concepts under 1 roof.
Chef Emma Bengtsson was made Executive Chef in Spring 2014 and her talent, experience and fresh perspective earned Aquavit its 2nd Michelin Star in 2015. So Chef Bengtsson is now the 2nd female in the US and 1st Swedish female to run a kitchen with 2 Michelin stars.
She displayed her talents, ‘bringing a gastronomic experience to Montego Bay’ according to Suga Bear, Tina Davis over the weekend at the Iberostar Grand Suites Hotel.
Tina was amazed by every course, but seemed to enjoy the Cured Salmon the most. Chef Bengtsson even added a Jamaican course that was much appreciated, consisting of Sorrel stuffed with Ackee, roasted Ackee and seared Scallop. Tina was surprised the Ackee and Sorrel complemented each other well.
The Menu [Photo Credit: Tina Davis]Thanks for visiting Jamaica Chef Bengtsson and Suga is looking forward to visiting Aquavit in NYC!
Aquavit
65 East 55th Street
Manhattan, New York
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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I also cannot forget to mention my annual craving of their Chairman’s Egg Nog. I endulged and enjoyed my spiked one as usual. You have until this Friday, January 6th to enjoy it as well as the White Chocolate Latte!
Chairman’s Egg Nog
Enjoy at Sovereign Mall, Irish Town or NMIA in Kingston or Shoppes at Rose Hall or Fontana in Montego Bay!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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How was Restaurant Week for Suga and her Suga Bears? Not so exciting. The majority of Suga Bears’ responses were ‘meh’, ‘It wasn’t all that’ and ‘I didn’t participate this year or feel the urge to’. I totally agree. Marketing was probably at its lowest this year. It seemed as if the Ambassadors were practically invisible until the week had almost passed by. The Nyam & Jam Food and Drink Festival had a lot more buzz going on. Did the US elections and the victory of Donald Trump kill advertising? It’s partially the media’s event so they should have had control over that.
The lack of creativity and variety in Menus were also disappointing for many this year, causing some not to participate at all.
Though in agreement, I still tried to find and suggest the best Restaurants and got a few to change their mind. One was pleasantly surprised with Nirvanna Indian Fusion Cuisine’s Nyam and Scram. It was not only affordable but filling and delicious with the right amount of spice.
Nirvanna Indian Fusion Cuisine ($1300 +GCT)
Sugacan’t say the same for CPJ Deli’s Nyam & Scram though. Thankfully I made the right choice with the Pan Seared Snapper Fillet. It was the best of the worse at the table with its bones and all. The Grilled Garlic and Ginger Pork Chop was lacking seasoning and a salivating sauce and the Crispy Parmesan Shrimp Salad was a disaster. The best thing on that plate was the taco shell that the Salad came in. The Salad arrived at the table with no vinaigrette as advertised and the Shrimps were burnt. When my friend was already trying her best to get halfway through, the waitress realised she forgot to serve it with the vinaigrette and Parmesan cheese for the Shrimp. The Parmesan cheese could not help that dry, burnt Shrimp though. Most of the staff were unpleasant and seemed overwhelmed by the Deli full of diners. They usually have good service but last Saturday was horrible. Even getting an extra fork was a production. Their Restaurant Week menu did not include a Soup or even a Muffin but only a glass of wine or a Vodka mix along with the meal. Thankfully we digressed from the Restaurant Week menu and ordered the Chocolate Endulgence. Go to CPJ Deli if you are in need of a proper Chocolate fix! Let it soften from the fridge for a bit and then allow it take your breath away. Endulge!
The Houseboat Grill (Delectable)Â in Montego Bay was average and the food was described as salty. Have they fallen off? That would be a shame. Suga will have to revisit and see for herself.
Marguerites Seafood by the Sea in Montego Bay (Epicurean)Â has kept up its sensational standards.
I was let down by the build up for L’Escargot (Epicurean). Thankfully the best thing was their Escargots. Long waits, tasty but not so delicious food, desserts that were not decadent and waiters that lacked charisma. Not value for money but will revisit as they have an extensive menu.
Escargots from L’Escargot
I was disapponted that I did not get to try Boardwalk Bistro, Ocho Rios (Tasty) for Restaurant Week. They took a while to greet me as a diner and did not start serving the RW menu until 5:30pm. Since it was literally on the Boardwalk close to the sea and given the casual look of the Restaurant & Bar, I think it would have been appropriate to offer their menu during lunch time was well. The tourists on their Cruise may have also enjoyed that option.
Boardwalk Bistro’s Rum Fire Ice Cream Cake (Photo credit: @jamaicagleaner Instagram Photo)
Sadly I will have wait to return some day to taste their Rum Fire Ice Cream Cake (if available) that I was looking forward to, as well as one of their best sellers, the Fisherman Seafood dish with scallops, shrimp, squid, mussels and fish.
Great Escape at Runaway Bay Golf Club (Savoury)Â was a pleasant surprise. New kids on the block with great service and food with a picturesque view.
Evita’s Italian (Delectable) also held it down in Ocho Rios. Kudos to them. They had another good year.
Evita’s Italian (Photo credit: Simone Green)
In Kingston, it was reported that Redbones (Delectable) was good but not great. I think they are consistently good but didn’t see based on their menu where they would be spectacular.
Saffron Indian Cuisine (Savoury) was not prepared for Restaurant week. A Suga Bear had an 8:00pm reservation with friends and got seated at 8:50pm at a two seater table for three people. What a shame.
The Regency Room at Terra Nova All Suite Hotel (Epicurean)Â lived up to its reputation of having the best Lamb Chops!
Many Restaurants may not have been mentioned but these are the highlights for Suga this year based on experiences and feedback given. If you did not choose to participate in Restaurant Week this year, still have a look at the Restaurants at www.go-jamaica.com/rw/ and see where looks interesting that you haven’t visited as yet. Let us remember Restaurants not only treat diners with special offers for Restaurant Week but participate for opportunities to expand their patronage and debut new items on their Menus.
I look forward to trying Bettino by Drax Hall Estate, Ocho Rios and Smoked Marlin in Hanover some day soon.
Well that’s it for this year folks. Until next year!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Their menus were extensive for Food, Drinks/Cocktails and Wine. They had a special on Hardy’s wine (Merlot, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Moscato) from Select Brands for $450/glass and $1850/bottle which is probably much less compared to other Restaurants and Bars for decent enough Wine.
The name of our waiter slipped my memory but he offered excellent service. They have a buzzer for each table as well.
I would have preferred for Food to arrive quicker but it was still within a reasonable time.
Our waiter was very knowledgeable of the menu and I was happy with his suggested Appetizer of Seafood Sumiso ($820JMD) -Boiled Shrimp & Scallops in a nice homemade Vinegar Miso Sauce that complemented it well.
Seafood Sumiso
My husband and I also had Miso Soup ($280JMD), Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura ($1750JMD), the Philly Roll ($1050JMD), California Roll ($730JMD) and another roll.
We didn’t expect the Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura to be all fried into one, meaning you couldn’t see the vegetables. So that was a bit disappointing but the Rolls were good as expected.
We topped dinner off with the Oreo rare Cheesecake ($780JMD) that was lovely and actually tasted homemade.
***Note that Sora will be participating in Restaurant Week (RW) in the Savoury ($2800JMD) category (excluding Bar, Service and G.C T) and is recommended by Suga.
Sora Japanese Sky Cuisine
(Reservations Recommended)
Location: 9-11 Phoenix Avenue. Kingston
Ph: 876-649-0131; 876-649-0132
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat, 11:30am-11pm
*Closed on Sundays*
Some more Savoury Picks from Suga for RW! :
Other than Sora Japanese, in Kingston, Suga selected Fromage Gourmet Bistro and The Palms Restaurant at C&C South Beach.
Suga did not select any Indian Restaurants in this Category because if you are going to go with Indian, why go halfway? Go all out in the Delectable Category.
Fromage Gourmet Bistro has consistently good food and service. Their menu of Steak, Crab stuffed Chicken, Lasagna Florentine is quite inviting.
The Palms Restaurant at C&C South Beach’s Smoked Pork Chops are delish! They do large servings that taste good. Great value for money.
For the 2nd city, Montego Bay, Suga’s pick is the good old Pelican Grill, where the Surf and Turf should be a pleaser.
For Ocho Rios, if Suga were to choose what looks like good gambles, I would go with Caffe da Vinci Ochi that suits Vegetarions, Meat lovers and Seafood lovers and the Great Escape Restaurant at Runaway Bay Golf Club.
***For Reservations***
â— Fromage Gourmet Bistro
Location: 8 Hillcrest Avenue, Kingston
Ph: 876-622-9856; 876-927-7062
â— The Palms Restaurant at C&C South Beach
Location: 2 Brompton Rd., Kingston 5
Ph: 876-630-4571; 876-630-4163
â— Pelican Grill
Location: Gloucester Avenue Strip, Montego Bay
Ph: 876-952-3171
â— Caffe da Vinci (Ocho Rios)
Location: 7/13 Turtle River Road. St. Ann, Ocho Rios
Ph: 876-630-7025
â— Great Escape Restaurant, Runaway Bay Golf Club
Location: Main Street, Runaway Bay. St. Ann, Ocho Rios
Ph: 876-973-4239
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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