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TGIF to Sal’s Sweets Baking the World a Better Place!

by Brand JamaicaChefs, Bakers and CaterersSuga TastersWhat's Hot

TGIF and #fbf to #Sugataster Randy and I indulging in the unique variety of Sal’s Sweets delights.

From practicing Financial Services in Estonia and Florida to settling back home in Jamaica and practicing her passion, Sal Mahtani brings out the flavours she has grown up with that complement each other so well. She is of Indian heritage and has family in the Phillipines, where she has visited as well as countries in Europe. Being well travelled, she has demonstrated a knack for playing with different flavours, for anything but an average result.

This home-taught Baker started out baking Lemon Rosemary Scones for herself and friends while living in Florida. Go figure!

In a currently saturated field of Bakers especially during the pandemic, Sal does not do the classic Cookies, Cupcakes, Banana Bread or Cinnamon Rolls. It’s innate for her to do spin offs.

Russian Tea Cookies
Peanut Butter Blossoms
Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Cookies
Baklava with a twist!
Baklava with a twist! (Shortbread crust, layered with nuts, baked with filo dough on top and drizzled with pumpkin spice syrup!)
Carrot Cake with a twist! Carrot Cake loaf topped off with with roasted walnuts, cranberries and spiced cream cheese frosting!

Her signature Cookies are Russian Tea Cookies that melt in your mouth, using her Mom’s recipe that she has recreated to offer vegans too. Her Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Cookies with local Chocollor Chocolate, Earl Grey Lavendar Cookies and atypical Baklava are divine. A twist on the classic Baklava, using a shortbread crust, layered with nuts, baked with filo dough on top and drizzled with pumpkin spice syrup! Excellent texture for travel, whether it’s you or Sal! She frequently comes to Kingston on weekends from Ocho Rios for pick up and can facilitate FREE Delivery. Her products are now in the new Ciao Bella Café and soon to be in Lala’s Nutmeg in Ocho Rios!

Looking forward to Sal’s Sweets’  Summer spin offs! A little birdie told me I can look out for Lychee Lavendar, Chai and Lemon Basil flavours with Popsicles in the mix!

Follow @salsweetsja on Instagram NOW and make your orders! #SugaEndorsed

Sal’s Sweets

Ph: 876-388-6426

Instagram: @salsweetsja

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.

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TGIF! Are you ready to have a #shotgirlsummer?!

by Brand JamaicaWhat's Hot
Gabrielle Burgess, owner of Suga Lifestyle at Couples Tower Isle, St. Mary, Jamaica. [👙: Swimshop876]

Have you been Vaccinated, Eating Healthy and Exercising? YOLO

Remember there are lots of deals online for our local Hotels. Enjoy our very own Sweet Jamaica and have a Staycation!

Let’s help the local hotels to stay afloat until we move forward after Covid. They are doing their best to keep us safe. We need balance and R & R time too!

Book your stay to enjoy Sun, Sand and some Vitamin Sea🏝🍹

By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle; Certified Personal Trainer & Sports Nutritionist)

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

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A Sentimental Visit to the Relocated Summerhouse where Hubby Proposed

by Chefs, Bakers and CaterersCulinary ExperiencesFoodpornRestaurant Reviews & RatingsSuga TastersWhat's Hot

Suga’s Ratings for Summerhouse
Date and time of visit: Saturday, May 22, 2021 at 2:30pm
No. of diners: 4.5
NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum
Parking: ★★★★★
Ambience: ★★★★★
Décor: ★★★★★
Comfort: ★★★★★
Service: ★★★★★
Speed: ★★★★★
Food quality: ★★★★☆
Serving amount: ★★★★★
Plating: ★★★★★
Value for $: ★★★★★

Suga’s Breakdown

It’s always a pleasure to visit Harmony Hall, that dates backs to the 19th century, now the home of Summerhouse.

Exquisite outdoor dining with superior service and delectable courses that I enjoyed with my husband, Randy, friends and Suga Tasters, Ashleigh and Tennyson Arnold and Suga Baby, Blaire Arnold.

Suga Tasters, Ashleigh and Tennyson Arnold with Suga Baby, Blaire Arnold.

I could almost say our culinary experience was excellent from start to finish, but with fair warning, disappointing Dessert loomed the air. Bread Pudding is usually a common, highly anticipated request by us Jamaicans, where the calories are worth it. When ordered with a side of their dairy-free ice cream, the ice cream didn’t help it. It was dry and left unfinished. The other Dessert options weren’t satisfying either and sometimes this may leave a lasting impression, but definitely not this time. It’s early days, with many naturally talented bakers emerging during Covid. They should be able to find a superb Pastry Chef.

The Appetizers and Starch dishes were large enough to share, the Coal-Fired Proteins were divine and we had a few Cocktails. The Strawberry Bellini was on point👌🏾. Executive Chef Dennis McIntosh paid us a visit for feedback and he was lauded.

Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga of Suga Lifestyle with Strawberry Bellini in hand at Summerhouse last Saturday, May 22, 2021.

We enjoyed scrumptious Saltfish Fritters with a spicy dipping sauce, mouth-watering cheesy Callaloo dip with Crostini, Curried Ackee Wontons, juicy Local Beef Tenderloin cooked as ordered, Sweet Potato Gnocchi, tasty Orzo, mixed Mushrooms, savory Fresh Grouper, delish Ripe Plantain Gratin and one of specials of the day, Grilled Tuna with a heavenly lemon & cilantro butter. Feast your eyes.

Quite a delightful experience and currently considered one of the Best places to Brunch on a Sunday. Kudos to Suzanne and Michelle Rousseau, Jamaican sisters who have found a new home, where it’s always Summer, providing us with the pleasure of embracing modern, heritage dining with a side of fresh, Caribbean Sea breeze.

Summerhouse

Location: Harmony Hall, St. Mary.

Reservations: 876-603-3777; 876-858-0031

Instagram: @summerhouseja

Website (Including Menus): www.summerhouseja.com/

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.

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#tbt to this Grouper from Summerhouse that’s now by Harmony Hall, St. Mary!

by Chefs, Bakers and CaterersCulinary ExperiencesFoodpornRestaurant Reviews & RatingsSuga TastersWhat's Hot
[📸: Suga Baby, Tricia-Gaye O’Connor]

#tbt to this Grouper from Summerhouse that’s now by Harmony Hall, St. Mary!

I’ve been getting rave reviews from my Suga Bears and Suga Babies about the relocated Summerhouse (Instagram: @summerhouseja) from The Liguanea Club to Harmony Hall, St. Mary, Ocho Rios. Can’t wait to visit!

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.

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TGIF to Chef Conroy Arnold’s Catch of the Day!

by Brand JamaicaChefs, Bakers and CaterersCulinary ExperiencesFoodpornHealth & FitnessSuga TastersWhat's Hot
[Instagram 📸: @stutteringchef]

Pan seared Tuna served with wild arugula sourced from Eden Bower Farms (Ig: @edenbowerfarms). Mouth-watering and healthy! A True Story….

Check out Chef Conroy Arnold at Christopher’s at Hermosa Cove to experience what’s in season ! A farm to table Experience.

Christopher’s at Hermosa Cove

Location: Hermosa Lane, Pineapple, Ocho Rios. JA.

Ph: 876-974-3699

Website: www.christophersjamaica.com

Instagram: @christophersjamaicaaaw

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.

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Seaside Dining by a Hidden Gem along Tower Isle!

by Restaurant Reviews & RatingsSuga TastersWhat's Hot

With the upcoming lockdown weekends, I am happy my hubby, Randy and I didn’t put off visiting this hidden gem of a restaurant along Tower Isle, Ocho Rios two weeks ago.

The Rocks Restaurant & Bar, Villa Viento, Ocho Rios

Suga’s Ratings for The Rocks Restaurant & Bar
Date and time of visit: Sunday, March 14, 2021 at 4:00pm
No. of diners: 2
NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum
Parking: ★★★☆☆
Ambience: ★★★★★
Décor: ★★★☆☆
Comfort: ★★★★★
Service: ★★★★★
Speed: ★★★★☆
Food quality: ★★★★☆
Serving amount: ★★★★★
Plating: ★★★★☆
Value for $: ★★★★☆

Suga’s Breakdown:

The Rocks Restaurant & Bar is located on the seaside directly across from Harmony Hall and has breathtaking views, attentive staff and food done to order.

We enjoyed Escargot (could have been a bit spicier), Roast Chicken and quite a commendable Curry Goat. #SugaSnaps

Escargot (USD$15)
Roasted Chicken (USD$12)
Curried Goat (USD$15)

The Crème Brûlée was deliciously rummy! A pleasant surprise.

Crème Brûlée (USD$8)

The Rocks Restaurant & Bar is #SugaEndorsed. Thanks for the hospitality. I will have Cocktails from the Bar next time around!

The Rocks Restaurant & Bar

Location: Villa Viento. Tower Isle, Ocho Rios. Jamaica.

Ph: 876-810-4179

Instagram: @the_rocks_restaurant_n_bar

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.

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Throwback Thursday to a Quick Pick Me Up at Calabash Itals Rastarant !

by Health & FitnessRestaurant Reviews & Ratings
Suga with KD from Calabash Itals Rastarant in Ocho Rios on Friday, December 4, 2020

Cutting it close to curfew a few weeks ago in Ocho Rios, on Friday, December 4, 2020, Calabash Itals Rastarant came to the rescue with not only fast, but healthy Vegetarian food.

They gave us eco-friendly takeaway boxes filled to capacity that we could not even finish.

We had their Curried Chunks and Bean Stew. Flavourful and Delicious. Truly ital food that hit the spot.

Bean Stew with Boiled Food and Veggies
Curried Chunks with Boiled food and Veggies.

Big up KD for facilitating our late order and pick up!

If in Ocho Rios, check out Calabash Itals Rastarant (Ig: @calabashitalsrastarant). You can dine there too!

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.

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Suga visits Toscanini’s former Chef at PG’s Restaurant & Wine Bar along Tower Isle!

by FoodpornRestaurant Reviews & RatingsTHE BEST

After 20 years of loyal patronage by locals and overseas visitors, Harmony Hall was sold and Toscanini closed.

Toscanini’s Chef, Pierluigi Ricci, nicknamed PG, opened PG’s Restaurant & Wine Bar along Tower Isle in October of last year.

He was happy to find the space, which he continues to make his own. Suga missed out on her trip to Rome this year, but you don’t have to go to Rome to experience the vintage ambience PG has created.

PG’s menu is based on what’s available at sea or is farm to table, accompanied by an extensive Wine List.

The dishes served continue to be high quality, authentic Italian dishes. Their fresh homemade Pasta is one of the best on the island and along with Simos Bread and Catering, so is their Tiramisu.

For Independence Day Weekend two Fridays ago, Suga dined with family, a party of 4. See some of what we enjoyed here!

Escargot Bourguignon
Mozzarella Caprese Salad
Pappardelle Promodoro with grilled Shrimp (Shaved parmesan cheese & Tomato sauce)
Fresh catch of the day, Mahi-Mahi.
Tiramisu

We had Escargot Bourguignon, fresh Mozzarella Caprese Salad, Pappardelle Boscaiola (Bacon & fresh mushroom in a cream & tomato sauce), Pappardelle Promodoro with grilled Shrimp (Shaved parmesan cheese & rucola pesto) although they were out of Pesto so I received tomato sauce instead, Smoked Pork Chop in an apple cider sauce that was juicy to the bone and the fresh catch of the day, Mahi-Mahi.

Definitely value for money and worth the drive for Lunch one weekend if coming from Kingston. Pizza nights and rooftop dining may be on the horizon too.

PG’s Restaurant and Wine Bar

Location: Tower Isle, Ocho Rios. Jamaica

Ph: 876-727-4386

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.

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Suga Hits North Coast Restaurants for Independence Weekend!

by Restaurant Reviews & Ratings

It was so refreshing to leave town last Independence weekend and Restaurant hop!

Of course, with so many culinary gems on the north coast, I didn’t get to go everywhere I wanted to go, but definitely made a few stops worth mentioning.

First stop for Lunch last Friday, Evita’s Italian Restaurant!

Attentive staff with face shields, great, timely service, tasty dishes and a picturesque view.

We enjoyed Grilled Octopus, Smoked Marlin, Curried Shrimp and Chicken Breast and Chicken Breast Tortellini.

Grilled Marinated Octopus served with a fresh tomato and olive salsa (USD$8.50)
Smoked Marlin ‘Carpaccio’ sliced thin, topped with capers and marinated onion rings (USD$7.50)
Ja Curry ‘Supreme’ – Shrimp and Chicken Breast in Curry Mango-Chutney, white wine sauce (USD$16.50)

I concluded lunch with their Tiramisu. I was wondering why they didn’t dust the top of my Tiramisu with cocoa powder though.

Tiramisu

Stay tuned to see Suga’s next stop in St. Ann with Excellent Tiramisu!

Evita’s Italian Restaurant

Location: Eden Bower Road. Ocho Rios

Ph.: 876-974-2333

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.

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Open Fire Cooking by Chef Conroy Arnold During Love in the Time of Corona!

by Brand JamaicaChefs, Bakers and Caterers

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Chef Conroy Arnold cooking up a storm by his open fire grill for diners at The Broken Rudder Beach Bar and Grill last Saturday, June 13, 2020.

Suga’s Ratings for The Broken Rudder Beach Bar and Grill at Hermosa Cove

Date and time of visit: Saturday, June 13, 2020 @ 2:00pm

No. of diners: 2

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★★★

Ambience: ★★★★★

Décor: ★★★★★

Comfort: ★★★★★

Service: ★★★★★

Speed: ★★★★★

Food quality: ★★★★★

Serving amount: ★★★★★

Plating: ★★★★★

Value for $: ★★★★★

Suga’s Breakdown!

As Restaurants open up and we slowly get back to a new normal, this may be the last review for the series of ‘During Love in the Time of Corona’. Not to worry though, there is so much more to expect from Suga Lifestyle! Thanks so much for enjoying the series with me. So Suga had to add an outdoor, seaside dining experience to the series and of course, my Birthday escapades! I am still celebrating! Geminis rule!

Christopher’s at Hermosa Cove is not fully open as yet, but you can call ahead to set a time with Chef Conroy Arnold for the time you would like to visit. In the mean time, Chef Arnold a.k.a Stuttering Chef has been busy open fire cooking by the nearby, Broken Rudder Beach Bar and Grill!

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Team Gandy (Gabby and Randy)’s Piña Colada and Hummingbird Blended Drinks from Broken Rudder

My hubby, Randy and I got to the beach early and we were all by ourselves. Hermosa Cove is quite a large property, so even though we knew other persons were there, they were far away. We had the Broken Rudder Beach Bar bring down Blended Drinks to us and by about 2pm we had our open fire cooked Pizzas!

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Open fire cooked Chicken and Vegetable thin crust Pizza!

We had 8″ thin crust Pizzas with Chicken and Vegetables that we thoroughly enjoyed. You know Stuttering Chef is Farm to Table, so imagine freshly cooked Okra and Mushrooms on your Pizza, plus Carrot with a hint of sweetness and more! Stimulating.

When we decided to have drinks by the Bar itself, we saw a group of persons that were celebrating the Birthday of a young one. It was truly impressive to see how fast Stuttering Chef fired up their Burgers, Hot Dogs and other requests without a hitch. Efficiency at its best. The other members of staff were courteous and attentive as well.

The Broken Rudder Beach Bar and Grill at Hermosa Cove is open and ready for you to join them.

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Team Gandy has reported that The Broken Rudder Beach Bar and Grill is #SugaEndorsed!

***It is recommended to call ahead though. Remember Social Distancing is still being observed.***

The Broken Rudder Beach Bar and Grill at Hermosa Cove

Location: Hermosa Lane, Pineapple, Ocho Rios. JA.

Ph: 876-974-3699; 876-552-0963

Website: http://www.thebrokenrudder.com

Instagram: @thebrokenrudder; @christophersjamaicaaaw; @stutteringchef

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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.