Comments:Â Parking is far too tight for the entire Plaza. Definitely not a place for Wine with a limited selection, so I see why they seem to now go by Debut Brick Oven Pizzeria instead of Debut Fine Wine and Grill – Brick Oven Pizza. Good Service and filling, tasty Pizzas. Love the incorporation of spice. Affordable prices. Simple, cosy spot for lunch.
Suga visited Debut Brick Oven Pizzeria two Saturdays ago at about 3:45 pm.
Even though they are known mainly for Pizza and that is what I went there for, I browsed their menu and it had a variety of items other than Pizza at affordable prices. Appetizers such as Buffalo Wings, Spicy Nachos, Mozzarella sticks, Calamari and more are available in the range of $648 – $1298JMD.
There are Paninis for $998 – $1198JMD, Salads for $698 – $798JMD and Pastas for $1698 – $1998JMD.
Jamaican Specialties such as Jerked Chicken, Escoveitched and Steamed Fish, Pepper Shrimp and more are available for under $3000JMD.
Vegetarians are not left out. There are Veggie Cheese Kebabs, Veggie Pizza options and more. The Pizza Siciliana (Grilled Eggplant, capers, tomato sauce, mozzarella) and Pizza Manchurian (Veggie balls, tomato sauce, mozzarella) look like a treat, whether you are Vegetarian or not.
Most importantly, quite a variety of Pizzas are available in the range of $1398 – $1898JMD. You can pick, choose and refuse from the traditional Pepperoni, Hawaiian, Margherita and Jerk Chicken Pizzas or you can go with Pizzas that have more divine toppings such as the Pacifica (Smoked Pacific Salmon, capers, sour cream, tomato sauce) and Pizza Marinara (Shrimp, Calamari, Fish, tomato sauce and cheese). You can also customize your own Pizza with protein and veggies.
Dessert is available as well, but with limited options.
It was quite lonely when my husband, Randy and I went there, but we were told by our hospitable hostess that the place really comes alive at night and when the cruise ships come in. The Cafe that was two shops down
got a lot of traffic when I was there though.
Indian Spiced Chicken – Chicken Tikka, Cheese, Green Pepper, Onion ($1498JMD)
Our Pizzas arrived within 20 minutes of ordering. Randy, who loves spice thoroughly enjoyed his Indian Spiced Chicken Pizza. I can confirm it was as good as it looks. It was a mouthful of spicy, flavourful and cheesy goodness, not just because I tasted it, but because he finished eating his Pizza before me. That’s a record! Indians own the restaurant, hence a few dishes showcasing Indian cuisine and the incorporation of Indian spices and flavoured protein toppings on the Pizzas.
Suga visited Hajarie last Saturday for Lunch at about 3:30pm. Hajarie has been open for about a month now at what I would like to call the Phoenix Avenue Complex of Eateries. Hajarie is not entirely new, but they have expanded their repertoire. They are familiarly known as The Teapot that used to be located in Sovereign Centre. A Suga Bear used to go there frequently for their refreshing Teas.
Persons have the option of comfortable indoor or outdoor dining with a scenic garden view.
We were seated instantly by our pleasant, professional waitress. I observed two groups of content and comfortable diners that included a Birthday celebration. A new place pleasing big groups was a good sign already.
I appreciated the well-tailored Menu. It offered suitable variety without overwhelming options.
My husband, Randy and I started off with the Soup of the Day ($400JMD) that was a Pepper Pot Soup. It was rich in taste with the expected level of spicy.
Our dishes came out like clockwork with a little time to talk in between. Just how I like it. We had the appetizing Smoked Herring Salsa ($650JMD) that complemented our preferred side of Eggplant Chips well. The Olive wood and mother of pearl plates were a fine touch.
Smoked Herring tossed with a fresh combination of tomato, cucumber, scotch bonnet pepper served with biscuits or preferred side option ($650)
My Avocado and Chickpea Wrap with added Chicken was perfection even though they didn’t have whole wheat tortillas. The Wrap was a sweet combination of grilled plantains, balsamic marinated cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado and chickpea.
Avocado Chickpea – wrapped ($900JMD) with added Chicken ($400JMD).
Hajarie serves Wine by the Bottle only. We opted to have their refreshing White Berry and Lemon Mint Iced Teas ($400JMD each). Ginger Honey was the other option.
We didn’t have Dessert, but their Brazilian Banana Cake is highly recommended by local Chef Anthony Fleming and I need to be there the next time they bake the Apple Cinnamon Torte!
So one can eat healthy, unhealthy or a little bit of both at Hajarie.
There is a new Bar in town that the uptowners of Kingston are raving about. Cellar 8 Wine Bar! Its location in Upper Manor Park where Training Camp used to be, is close to home for most of the persons who were quick to stop by last weekend.
Suga visited last Saturday evening with husband and friend and was delighted to see the tasteful, modern decor from ceiling to floor. There was comfortable seating downstairs and a lounge area upstairs.
Service was on point all around. If we followed our waitress, we would have tried everything on the menu and drank out the bar as well.
One of the teething pains for them though, is the Wine List, which probably should have been their priority seeing that they have named themselves a Wine Bar. Just about 6 Wines were listed on the menu with reasonable prices by the Glass ($700-$950JMD) and Bottle. However, there was an entire wall with Wines to choose from that you were encouraged to walk over to if you desired to do so. If persons were seated by the wall you would not want to invade their privacy or space though. They explained that this issue would be sorted out soon.
Spirits were offered by the cue. V/X for $1100JMD, Overproof for $1200JMD and Johnnie Walker for $1800JMD to give you an idea.
Cocktails were also on the menu such as Mojitos ($800JMD), the Classic Martini ($900JMD) and more.
Persons can go for dinner as well with dishes that pair well with Wines such as Lamb Chops ($2100JMD), Basa Fillet ($1700JMD), Steak ($2500JMD), Pastas ($1400-$1800JMD), Pizzas ($1000-$1200ZJMD) and on the lighter side, Salads ($1000-$1100).
A friend was not happy with her Basa Fillet, which was communicated to her waiter and the Manager. It was described as slippery and slimy, served in small bites with a lot of skin on it, all overpowered by the cream sauce. Apologies everything could not be sugar-coated folks.
The portion of Steak served to her other half was described as quite small for the cost.
With that aside, feedback from others was extremely positive. They not only salivated over the food but it was refreshing to have it come out so fast after ordering in a room full of people. I was very happy to experience and observe that and I hope they keep it up.
Of course, if you didn’t just go for just drinks or dinner, after a couple glasses you are ready to order some tasty bites. Their Signature dish, Oxtail Tacos screamed out at me from the menu and I had no regrets! Delish!
Oxtail Tacos ($1300JMD)
We also had the Chimichuri Angus Beef Sliders that was fantastic as well.
Chimichuri Angus Beef Sliders ($1200JMD)
Wedges, Wings, Mac and Cheese, Pork Sliders, Fine Roasted Thai Shrimp and more in the range of $450-$1700JMD were offered too.
The wide variety of options on the Menu were listed with the Prices subject to G.C.T.
A bar close to home is both a good and bad thing, but I think this one is here to stay. I will be returning for sure.
Word is, last Friday night was so full, everyone could not be seated. There was no need to worry though, because there was a lot of standing room. They enjoyed the vibe, their drinks and conversation. Most importantly, conversation. I was quite pleased that the music was low so I could have and enjoy a good conversation, which is lacking at many bars nowadays.
Cellar 8 Wine Bar was described as being ‘So New York!’.
Have fun checking this one out!
Cellar 8 Wine Bar
Location: Shop 10, Upper Manor Park Plaza
Ph: 876-613-5934
Opening Hours: Tuesdays-Sundays, 4pm-11pm
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Hey Foodies, Kingston Kitchen returns to Hope Gardens tomorrow from 6pm to midnight. They claim it is their 5th anniversary. I am sure most of us remember the first staging about 3 years ago? Go figure.
Pre-sold tickets are now $800JMD. But do not think this is a cheap event. I believe the concept has been lost a little. Less sampling, more selling and successful sponsors who everybody knows about already, take up a lot of space. Maybe it is part of their deal with the organizers. If you have been to a few of the recent stagings, you would realise you need to travel with some cash, minimum $3000JMD excluding entry money, if you choose about 2 or 3 vendors wisely plus drinks. Otherwise carry more, especially if it is a family night or you are carrying a date. Some spots may have regular plates, lots will have cocktail plates, so be sure to walk around if you are concerned about value for money and head there early!
Who will be there?
â— Fromage Gourmet Market
â— Sheriff Gourmet BBQ Ribs
â— NCR Sheep Ltd. – Fresh, Local LambÂ
â— Chef Brian Lumley with Best Dressed Chicken Jamaica
â— Tooksie Kay Catering
â— Soupie
â— Liqy Liqy – All Natural Popsicles
â— Street Food Saturdays
â— Tea Trea Creperie
â— Fork in the Road Food Truck from Mandeville
 ….. and more!
Pre-sold tickets can be bought at Candy Craze (Manor Park), Chocolate Dreams Jamaica (Devon House), Cafe Blue (Sovereign) and Tea Tree Creperie (80 Lady Musgrave Rd.).
If you don’t get to try everything, take some cards for another time.
Spectacular service and food as usual from The Cheesecake Factory. Suga visited the location by North Point Mall, Alpharetta, Georgia last Friday night. Had to take home the mouth-watering Red Velvet Cheesecake and Lemon Meringue Cheesecake after their expected large servings of dinner. I wish Jamaica would take a page out of their book on how to efficiently run a restaurant on a busy night. They are busy all the time and still, no wait to be seated at the North Point Mall location and quick service by pleasant waitresses.
Two thumbs up for the Chicken Scampi. Great flavour. Only complaint was the chicken cuts could have been smaller. The Louisiana Chicken with bow tie pasta only gets one thumb up. Nothing special about the taste or flavour of the chicken and sauce.
Great job though Cheesecake Factory. Always a pleasure, especially after some retail therapy. Next ATL visit stop -> The Cheesecake Bistro 🙂
I visited last Saturday for a Sub Sandwich. Leisha seemed to be the only person working but she greeted me upon entry, seemed calm and was quite pleasant. There was a slow flow of customers, which she seemed to be handling well. I was made aware she has an assistant, so perhaps she was on a break.
The cost was $650JMD, less than most places for that size. So since the Sub was tasty and I was full afterwards, accompanied by great customer service, looks didn’t matter. I was quite satisfied and would return.
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.
With so many choices, to make a decision or decisions, it all comes down to reputable service, quality, ambience and ofcourse the menu.
Caffe Da Vincein The Marketplace is at the top of the ladder for SuGa. The menu choices look delicious for appetizers, entrees AND desserts. Eggplant Caprese salad, their infamous Seafood pasta, Chicken Lasagne, Beef Tenderloin, Pork Tenderloin, Flambe, Panna Cotta, Chocolate Mousse Cake and the list goes on. It will definitely be hard to choose dishes, but that’s a good thing.
Gimbilyn Restaurant at Alhambra Inn is not too far behind with an inviting menu including Shrimp salad, Ackee and Saltfish pockets, Tomato Bruschettas, Grilled Salmon, their signature Sirloin of Beef, topped off by some good looking dessert choices.
Fromage is looking good as well. Their standard of good quality food and service has been high this year. They ofcourse will offer their signature Blu Crab Cakes, Steak Au Poivre, salivating Caramel Crumble Bread pudding and more.
The Melting Pot Restaurant and Lounge at the Knutsford Court Hotel will have crispy Wonton Dumplings with corned pork and more. Roasted Air Line Breast stuffed with Smoked Turkey Pastrami, butter beans, pepper jack cheese and sundried tomatoes sounds flavourful. Seafood Portofino, Herb marinated Fillet with smoked Marlin and Chutney will also be there with a ‘rub your belly’ finish of Double Fudge Chocolate Cake, Rum Cream Cheese Cake or their Assorted Dessert Trio.
Black Orchid Restaurant at Eden Gardens may be under the radar, but this is one of the advantages of Restaurant Week. Go somewhere you haven’t been before and see what the restaurant has to offer. Their menu stands out with a few unique dishes. Citrus Quinoa salad, Ackee and Saltfish Puff Pastries and Crab Chowder are on their appetizer list. For the main course, they have a Peppercorn Crusted Striploin, Pan Seared Salmon and the interesting choice of a Garlic Shrimp Coconut Polenta. Dessert choices look decent as well.
Even if not chosen for Restaurant Week, restaurants that put themself out there are still recognized. Restaurant Week also provides a good outlet to promote or launch new dishes. The end of the year will definitely not go by before SuGa tries that orgasmic-looking Oxtail Lasagne offered at 689 By Brian Lumley on Wednesdays and Sundays!
Have fun supporting Brand Jamaica and our local chefs SuGa Readers!
Go to http://www.go-jamaica.com/rw/ for more information.
* Prices for each category include 1 choice of Appetizer, Main Course and Dessert. Beverages, Gratuity and G.C.T are additional.
Cool, relaxing spot to eat with friends, family or a date.
The Tomato soup was flavourful. The Roasted Tomato and Herb Pesto Bruschetta was off the chain and the Shrimp and Lobster Fettuccine was quite tasty. I expected the Fettuccine to be more savoury being a Tuscany inspired Grille with the addition of mushrooms, green onions, tomatoes and spicy lobster butter sauce topped off with parmesan cheese, but it was slightly disappointing and had a scanty serving of lobster.
The service was on point though and seating was comfortable with both indoor and outdoor options. Outdoors was tented with heat for the cold DC weather.
BRIO has different locations across the States. So check their website and find the one nearest to you.
