With a quick road trip out of town to Montego Bay last Saturday for business, Mustic Thai (Ig: @mystic_thai_jamaica) was a must stop for me and hubby, Randy.
We didn’t order from their regular menu as their Restaurant week menu was tempting enough and we wanted to participate.
Staff were courteous and Service was smooth as usual.
Randy started off with the marinated shallow fried Shrimp tossed in Basil Chilli Garlic sauce. The Shrimps were plump, tasty, with a tempered heat balanced out with herbs.
I enjoyed the juicy, tender, spicy honey glazed Pork belly Skewers.
Our Mains were the usual authentic Asian and satisfying high quality dishes enhanced by their Curry and Sauce.
I had the steamed Fish Fillet with quinoa and a yellow curry instead of the lemon chilli cilantro sauce and Randy had the Five Spice Chicken with spicy plum sauce, greens and spicy, Thai herbed fried rice.
Dessert was pleasantly interesting. Cinnamon flavoured Grilled Pineapple with homemade Coconut & Jaggery Ice Cream. Delish! #SugaSnaps
Opening a Restaurant in Kingston is always a challenge, but no matter the delay, whenever it happens, we are ready. Cheers to a consistently high standard of service, ethnic cuisine and comfort. #SugaEndorsed
By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter & TikTok (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Last Saturday at Jamaica Food + Drink Kitchen (Ig: @jafoodanddrinkkitchen), a bit over 30 guests had the pleasure of experiencing a Night in Thailand with Mystic Thai (Ig: @mystic_thai_jamaica) coming in from Montego Bay, Select Brands (Ig: @selectbrandsja) and Debra Taylor-Smith a.k.a Wine Lady Debra (Ig: @wineladydebra).
In the mean time, we had the delight of being taken through 7 courses with the most interesting, some shocking, but tantalizing pairings presented by Wine Lady Debra of Select Brands.
Let Suga take you through!
The Beefeater Gin Cocktail was a bold welcome, tempered by Lemongrass that got guests buzzing, catching up after not seeing each other for a little while, then eventually seated with anticipation for what the rest of the evening had to offer.
Then BOOM came an unexpected shot of Stone’s Ginger Wine topped with Torresella Prosecco paired with Tom Kha Soup! A Ginger Mimosa Shot that got us off to a fast, but great start. The rich, creamy coconut flavour of the Soup was amazing by the way.
One of my faves, the Kung Fu Girl Riesling followed to pair with the Mystic Dragon Roll, where its flavours were even more enhanced by a homemade pepper sauce that was offered. It took a little while for Kung Fu Girl to grow on those who were just introduced, as she is on the dry side, but hints of citrus and white peach perhaps made them appreciate her more as they sipped in between bites.
Truffle Infused Pad Thai Chicken paired with a California Cline Gewurtztraminer definitely spiced up the night again! Pun intended. Wow. I enjoyed that pairing thoroughly.
The highlight if the night for me then arrived.
GREEN CURRY SALMON with Hahn PINOT NOIR…What?! “Life is too short”, said Wine Lady Debra. It is indeed. Naturally a Creamy or Lemon Sauce, or even a Salsa topping on Salmon would pair well with a Traditional White Wine, but I applaud this chance taken. It was a HIT for ME. BRAVO…YOLO.
Crispy Sesame Lamb paired with a Malbec followed. It was tasty, but the small cuts of Lamb were unfortunately overwhelmed by the sauce and crispy texture.
Before we knew it, it was Dessert time! Oh but a bit of an anti-climax for me and my Suga Tasters who have recently traveled to Thailand. They’ve been spoiled by a wide selection of Sticky Rice Puddings, Fried Bananas, Coconut Puddings and other authentic Thai Desserts. Alas, we were served Chocolate Mousse. Owner, Kareena Mahbubani was surprised to know we would have been open to having her Sticky Banana Pudding. Of course, bring it on next time.
Wine Lady Debra did not skip a beat though! The Cocktail paired with the dessert literally fired things up again. An El Dorado Rum Cream Slide with smoky Cinnamon sticks! Delicious! Awesome finale.
Let us remember that Mystic Thai is one of, if not, the best Ethnic Restaurant in Jamaica, so expectations were high. It was truly a fabulous evening. Kudos to Kareena and her team, Jamaica Food + Drink Kitchen for creating such a spectacular space for these Culinary Experiences along with their amazingly attentive and professional team, Select Brands and Wine Lady Debra who all delivered. A fantastic experience. Cheers. 🥂
By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter & TikTok (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Mystic Thai, the restaurant with the Best Ethnic cuisine in Jamaica located in Montego Bay, came to Kingston again last Friday with Suga’s Birthday Gift!
Owner, Mrs. Kareena Mahbubani who usually has such a warm and regal presence in the Restaurant makes me feel at home whenever I visit and mentioned she feels happy when I am happy. Kareena believes in and delivers consistently high quality customer service, sees value in her customers and I truly felt honoured and appreciated. Thanks Kareena! #SugaSnaps
Hubby, Randy and I thoroughly enjoyed two dishes that we wouldn’t readily select fron the menu. It just shows that everything is good! With a mixture of Asian and Thai cuisine, Mystic Thai has quite a diverse menu.
We had Panang Fish Curry Thai, where the Panang curry is thick and peanut based, giving the Fish a unique, rich, authentic flavour.
We also had Dal Tadka (Lentil) from their Indian menu. It was fantastic! Full of flavour. We enjoyed both dishes with Jasmine rice and my favourite side, Garlic naan.
Give Mystic Thai a visit soon! They have been coming to Kingston about every 2 weeks. So, if you are in Kingston and can’t wait, trust me, the experience is worth the drive. #SugaEndorsed
Mystic Thai (Asian & Thai Cuisine)
Location: B11 – Fairview Towne Centre Unit, Montego Bay
By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Throwing it back to Mystic Thai delivering to our door last week Wednesday!
That was not a dinner to eat on the couch in front of the television. It was a great opportunity for Date Night. I had to shower, wash my hair and get ready. I mean, we had to respect the rich, culinary ethnicity of what we were about to experience. We were dressed too casual, but it’s hot at home!
The package traveled well. It seemed like the boxes were delivered just as how they packed them. There was no leaking or gravy stains and this was coming all the way from Montego Bay to Kingston. Why can’t bearers in Kingston get it right?
Anyhow, Date night kicked off with delish Mushroom Bamboo Shoots (USD$8) and Shrimp and Scallion (USD$10.50) Dumplings complemented well by the sauces provided with them. We had spicy, sweet, herby and soy sauce options.
We then enjoyed Rang Dang Gai (Grilled Chicken with Thai Herbs – USD$9.50) Kebab style.
The finale featured Kaeng Som (Yellow Curry) Shrimp (USD$14.50) with Garlic Naan. Their Green Thai and Red Thai Curries are best sellers, but I was going for the immune booster provided by the Turmeric in the Yellow Curry.
My only complaint was that the quantity could have been more, which I am sure they will look into when they hopefully do this again! I would also order more. We were still satisfied, but we had ZERO leftovers. The next day we were just left with the memory that no other Restaurant’s Dinner Delivery is currently on that level. You get what you pay for. Thank you so much Mystic Thai for thinking of Kingston, my taste buds thank you as well. #SugaSnaps #SugaEndorsedÂ
Mystic Thai (Asian & Thai Cuisine)
Location: B11 – Fairview Towne Centre Unit, Montego Bay
Ph: 876-889-2430; 876-422-4301
Website: http://www.mysticthaijamaica.com
Instagram: @mystic_thai_jamaica
By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Mystic Thai is not only one of the best Restaurants in Montego Bay, but definitely one of the best Restaurants in Jamaica. Mystic Thai is Suga’s Best Ethnic Restaurant in Jamaica and has been awarded that title on a few occasions by the Table Talk Jamaica Observer Food Awards.
Mystic Thai is #SugaEndorsed and they are coming to Kingston TOMORROW!
***The MENU is on Website below. Call to Place your Orders by 4pm Today. Payment can be done by card over the Phone or by Cash/Card upon Delivery***
Mystic Thai (Asian & Thai Cuisine)
Location: B11 – Fairview Towne Centre Unit, Montego Bay
Ph: 876-889-2430; 876-422-4301
Website: http://www.mysticthaijamaica.com
Instagram: @mystic_thai_jamaica
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
The 21st staging of the Table Talk Jamaica Observer Food Awards last Thursday on the lawns of Devon House was truly a euphoric atmosphere with the highest standards of food and drink in abundance with vibrant music to bounce and wobble to while guests indulged.
All the booths were quite inviting, but with experience, my friends and I were quite selective about our approach to ensure that we didn’t neglect or overlook any of our favourites or newbies on our hit list.
We started at Rainforest Seafoods, where they had salivating Sushi spreads and Wines to pair it all with, including one of my faves, the Kung Fu Girl Riesling courtesy of Select Brands.
We then made our way over to the Restaurant booths from Sandals Resorts International. Tender, juicy cuts of Beef, Ham and Lamb, Seafood, Ribs, Cheese platters, Cocktails, you name it!
They also had a gigantic Sushi spread.
As I continued to walk the lawns of Devon House with 18-year old whiskey in hand from Johnnie Walker, my stops had to include my other faves, Stush in the Bush, Christina Simonitsch, Half Moon, Uncorked Sovereign North, Mystic Thai, Steak House on the Verandah and newbies, Jamaican Peanut Butter Factory and Butcher Block by Gregory Burrowes who had savoury offerings from Chef Celeste Gordon, last year’s OFA Caterer of he Year.
Sending a special shout out and hearty Congratulations to Chris and Lisa Binns of Stush in the Bush who cleaned up this year and deservedly so! Their plant powered spread by their very own Sagicor Group booth this year, satisfied scores of guests at a time.
Christina Simonitsch, who walked away the Enterprise and Outstanding Caterer Awards tantalised our taste buds with her Charred Scotchie Shrimp, then cooled it down with her G.H. Mumm & Strawberry Popsicles. The scrumptious Oxtail Arancini left me speechless.
Other Highlights of the night:
Did you know?
Half Moon will be opening a Seafood Restaurant this September!
A taste of what to expect from the Seafood Restaurant to come at Half Moon, Delmare were absolutely delicious Pan Seared Scallops accompanied by tomato compote with saffron and vanilla zucchini spaghetti with Tarragon.
Even if I didn’t indulge, I had to also stop by newbies Chillin’ Restaurant and Bar, Seaside Dutchie and Tastee Ltd./Brew’d Awakenings
You are always as good as your last show and this was by far the biggest and best Table Talk Jamaica Observer Food Awards that I have attended.
This year the Food Awards celebrated various Communities with Jamaican cuisine as authentic as you can get. Congratulations to the Chefs of the Communities that were selected and awarded:
• The Sephestines for Mount Estate, St. Thomas • Monica Ottar for Bailey’s Vale, St. Mary • The Allens for Gifford House – Granville, St. James, Montego Bay • Christopher Marsh for Chris’s Cafe – Main Street, Oracabessa St. Mary • Chris & Lisa Binns for Stush in the Bush – Free Hill, St. Ann
Chefs, Bakers, Caterers, Retailers and Restaurants have really elevated the level of quality for what they had to offer over the past year.
Congratulations to conceptualiser, Novia McDonald Whyte, the Jamaica Observer, the Judges, Sponsors, Retailers, the talented Nominees, Awardees and everyone responsible for the successful execution and staging of the Food Awards this year.
Cheers to next year!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Suga would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and all the best for the season!Â
It has been a great year for Suga Lifestyle and I have to tell you all a Big Thank You for staying tuned to all the categories that build the Suga Lifestyle brand; GW Art, Charities, Restaurant Reviews and Ratings, Brand Jamaica, Sports, Health and Fitness and more.
I am also very proud to report that the 1st staging of my Trade show, Suga Lifestyle’s Christmas Connection held at The Liguanea Club on Saturday, December 15th was a success. The event involved artisans hand-picked by me to offer their unique, handcrafted, handmade, Jamaican items to the public.
TCP’s Jamaican greeting cards were also in the building as a convenience for shoppers to get cards to go with their gifts.
With Suga Lifestyle’s Christmas Connection, there was no need to shop for gifts online. The event gave sponsors and guests the opportunity to support Brand Jamaica, specifically entrepreneurs who operate within the
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector. Through their support, Jamaican made products and the
island’s creative industries, were highlighted. Vendor industries included; food, graphic art, woodcraft, ceramics, fashion, agro-processing and personal care. My Suga Artisans were hand-picked to inspire innovation, and to provide a platform for business growth.
For those who missed out on Suga’s Winter Wonderland or for Suga Bears and Suga Daddies who would like to relive the moment, here are some highlights from the day.
Guests entering the venue were greeted by some of the Sponsors, Gustazos, Sagicor Bank and Jablum. Gustazos along with Suga Lifestyle offered some Selfie photo fun, while Jablum treated guests to freshly brewed, hot Coffee and Sagicor Bank offered Scones from Cannonball Cafe to complement the Coffee.
My contented guests then felt the Christmas spirit and not only felt lucky by participating in the entry raffle, but contributed to Charity and received a few swag bags to accompany them inside.
Who was inside?!
There was something for everyone at SL Christmas Collection and it was a family affair!
The venue was buzzing with guests from the 4pm start time straight up to the closing of the event at 8pm.
Guests not only browsed items, but shopped well. Kudos!
Shoppers sipped and shopped in comfort too!
Prizes and Surprises!
Guests either won prizes by raffle or won spot prizes after answering Suga’s trivia questions correctly based on categories of Brand Jamaica, Health and Fitness and Foodie fun.
Charity
Members of the non-profit organization, Rotaract Club of New Kingston assisted Suga Lifestyle on the day of the event and happily received a donation from Suga at the end of the event towards their Marie Atkins Shelter Project to be held on January 12, 2019.
Suga’s mission was achieved, where Artisans did well with sales, a donation was made to Charity and guests sipped and shopped locally in comfort for family and friends.
Thanks to all of my sponsors, Development Bank of Jamaica, Sagicor Bank, Gustazos, Jablum and BPM Financial as well as kind persons who contributed giveaways from their Businesses to the event to make this possible: Stush in the Bush, Cafe EITS, Eden Gardens Spa, Rituals Coffee House, Mystic Thai, JPS, Chive Restaurant, Irie Rock, Jamaica Liquor Warehouse, Tracy Jackson Blake’s Because It Is For You, Sweet Obsession Ja, Tai Tai Ice Cream rolls, Closet Cloud, Select Brands, RSS Natural Delights, Cabana City Reserve and Swypz+ Ja.
Lastly, thanks to ALL of my Selected Suga Artisans! The event couldn’t have been successful without you!
Here are a few of their testimonials!
Looking forward to see what’s in store for next year!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Happy National Rum Day! Celebrate with Mystic Thai, Montego Bay!
Did you know?
â—Â National Rum Day is observed annually on August 16th.
â— Rum originated in Papua New Guinea.
◠Rum is the 3rd most popular spirit in the United States, following Vodka and all kind of Whiskeys.
â— Tax on Sugar, Molasses and Rum (The Sugar Act 1764) by the British on American colonies, helped to start the American Revolution.
â— Rum is a byproduct of molasses production or made directly from sugar cane juice.
â— Rum is a clear, distilled alcoholic beverage that turns brown in colour after being aged in wooden oak barrels following the fermentation and distillation process.
[ Source: https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com ]
*** Please celebrate, but drink responsibly 😊 ***
Mystic Thai (Asian & Thai Cuisine)
Location: B11 – Fairview Towne Centre Unit, Montego Bay
If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Mystic Thai along with CPJ Ltd. will be hosting a 6-Course Wine paired Dinner with part proceeds in aid of the Sarah’s Children Charity next Tuesday, May 22nd.
About Sarah’s Child
The Sarah’s Children Charity was recently launched on March 8, 2018 on International Women’s Day at the Hilton Rose Hall Hotel and Spa in St. James, Montego Bay.
The focus of the charity is to spread awareness that it is not ok to remain silent when witnessing abuse. They wish to provide all the protection possible for our children and our elderly.
Sarah’s Children is the result of realising founder, Janet Silvera’s dream as well as her friends’ with the same vision to honour her mother, Sarah Darling-Findlay who led by example. They also share the same desire to give a voice to those without a voice.
Mystic Thai is one of Suga’s favourite and #SugaEndorsed Restaurants in Montego Bay, so it’s a win-win.
Book now!!!
***Limited spaces available, so Reservations Recommended***
Comments:Â Great Service and Authentic Thai Cuisine dishes infused with a well-balanced variety of herbs, spices and flavours in satisfactory portions for affordable prices. Ambience and lighting for a romantic dinner, but also a neat spot to meet for lunch or dinner with family and/or friends over drinks.
I challenged Mystic Thai in Montego Bay to cook me Pig Ears Thai style and they did not disappoint!
I visited Mystic Thai two weekends ago to not only try the Pig Ear dish prepared for me, but to also enjoy other dishes for dinner on Saturday night at about 8:45pm with my husband, Randy who does not eat pork.
Randy started off with a fiery Tom Yum Vegetable Soup ($4USD), which was a mixture of lemon grass, Thai herbs and chilli paste. It’s not for the light-hearted. It was a burst of flavour defining all herbs that later offered the taste buds some relief with the cool, minty effect of lemon grass.
He then enjoyed the Crispy Fried Okra Appetizer ($8USD) that I highly recommended.
In my last article on Pig Ears, I took my readers through several countries and how they usually prepare Pig Ears for their cuisines. So I wasn’t surprised when Chef Bansi Joshi came to our table presenting a Pig Ears Salad. The Pig Ears were boiled first, then cut longitudinally and deep-fried.
I thought that was going to be it, but out came another Pig Ears dish!
This time the Pig Ears arrived Kapow style, that is, based in soy sauce and cooked with garlic, chilli and other spices. I am not a fan of soy sauce, but appreciated the spicy flavour brought on by the Thai Chilli that accompanied it, along with other added spices. It was sweet, then immediately followed by a hit of spicy.
The Pig Ears had a bit of crisp and slightly rubbery texture as expected for both dishes and they were prepared the same way. I preferred the Salad that was lighter with a more highlighted taste and texture of the Pig Ears, along with the refreshing taste of lemon juice and cilantro.
I actually could not accommodate much more food. I had a few of my delish Shrimps in Panang curry, then sampled a bit of Randy’s Basil Naan and Lobster in Red Thai Curry. The Lobster was tasty, meaty and its sauce complemented it well.
We were both stuffed and satisfied, especially after the gastronomic day we had, but I ensured space was made for the Fruit and Nut Chocolate Naan that I missed out on the last time I visited. I am paying for that Nutella at the gym right now but it was worth it!
Suga snaps to Owner, Kareena Mahbubani for taking on and facilitating my Pig Ears challenge, Chef Bansi for great execution and the staff for their usual great hospitality and attentiveness.
Hope to visit again soon! #SugaEndorsed
Mystic Thai (Asian & Thai Cuisine)
Location: B11 – Fairview Towne Centre Unit, Montego Bay