Tag Archives: Restaurant

#foodporn, Brand Jamaica, Restaurant Reviews & Ratings, What's Hot

There is a NEW Spot to Pig Out on Ribs in Town!

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Suga’s Ratings for Zack’s Smoke Shack

Date and time of visit: Saturday, January 4, 2019 @ 8pm

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!

There is a new Barbecue Smoke Pit in town and it looks like enterprising restaurateur, Kirk Chin of Fromage and more has something to do with it 😉

The new Southern style spot opened its doors just last Thursday, January 2, 2019. It is close to the entrance of Market Place avoiding all current Market Place construction and gives you a Texas vibe upon entry where they nailed the modern ‘Pig Pen’ decor, literally.

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Suga visited last Saturday for Dinner. There is indoor and outdoor seating, but at the moment, it seems like you need to go to the cashier to order, then take the number for your table and pick your desired spot if dining.

The staff is green, but pleasant and attentive. My husband, Randy does not eat Pork (go figure!), so was looking forward to their Beef Brisket. We would have to return for that though, because its coming soon. Otherwise, their Menu, which is likely to change looked like this!

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We ordered a 1/2 pound of the Ribs, 1/4 pound of the Chicken, a large Mac & Cheese, Fries and 2 Beers. Our bill came to roughly $6000JMD, which I found to be quite reasonable because we were also quite satisfied after the meal.

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The Chicken was a bit on the dry side, but they had such a variety of tasty sauces to cover that up and why go to a Pig Pen for Chicken?! The Ribs and Bun Fyah sauce were fire! *I must say that Bun Fyah sauce was quite similar to Stush in the Bush’s Blow Fyah sauce. The formula to spicy heaven.

Tender, juicy ribs that were definitely some of the best that I’ve ever had, with buttery soft corn muffins that had the right touch of sweet really hit the spot.

The Mac & Cheese needed salt, a sharper cheese or some herbs though. But again, their sauces could help with that. I saw some kids at another table plaster their Mac & Cheese with sauce. The Bourbon sauce was quite good.

The Fries were quite tasty if you need another recommended side option.

Anyhow, Zack’s Smoke Shack is a casual, reasonable, family friendly dining spot that should do well and Suga will return.

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Zack’s Smoke Shack

Location: 67 Constant Spring Road. Market Place. Kingston 10. JA

Ph: 876-404-5265

Opening Hours: Sundays – Thursdays @ 11am – 10pm; Fridays – Saturdays @ 11am – 11pm

Instagram: @zackssmokeshack

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Chefs and Caterers, Restaurant Reviews & Ratings

Seaside Dining with Chef Conroy Arnold that’s not too far away!

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Suga Taster, Taraja Jackson.

Suga Taster, Taraja Jackson’s Rating for Christopher’s at Hermosa Cove

Date and time of visit: November 17, 2019

No. of diners: 4

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum 

Parking: ★★★★★

Ambience: ★★★★★

Décor: ★★★★★

Comfort: ★★★★★

Service: ★★★★★

Speed: ★★★★★

Food quality: ★★★★★

Serving amount: ★★★★★

Plating: ★★★★★

Value for $: ★★★★★

Suga Taster, Taraja’s Breakdown!

Christopher’s at Hermosa’a Cove was the perfect Sunday evening setting. Tucked away on the beautiful beachfront property at Hermosa Cove, the restaurant overlooks the sea for a casual, yet intimate dining experience.

The menu was diverse with a sample of Jamaica’s unique fusion of European, Asian, and Indian flavours with local favorites, braised Oxtail, steamed Callaloo with Scotch bonnet peppers, and of course, jerked Chicken. However, Executive Chef Conroy Arnold decided to tantalize our taste buds with a selection of some of his signature dishes for a unique culinary experience. Our Chef’s special dishes consisted of six courses totalling $7000JMD each and included Red Peas soup, a delicious Salad with tomato, feta cheese and arugula topped off with a honey mustard vinaigrette. We also had a Shrimp alfredo puff pastry, Mahi-Mahi in eggplant sauce, Beef tenderloin with grilled sweet corn and for dessert we had Crème brûlée and a Banana flambé.

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Salad with tomato, feta cheese and arugula topped off with a honey mustard vinaigrette.
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Mahi-Mahi in eggplant sauce.
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Shrimp alfredo puff pastry.
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Banana flambé.

There were no delays during the courses, however it was a quiet night, which allowed for personalized, attentive treatment. Chef Arnold did an excellent job showcasing his talent and the group was extremely satisfied and pleased with the service.

Christopher’s at Hermosa Cove continues to be #SugaEndorsed !

Christopher’s at Hermosa Cove

Location: Hermosa Lane, Pineapple Hermosa Cove, Villa Resort & Suites, Ocho Rios

Ph: 876-974-3699

Edited By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

 

Restaurant Reviews & Ratings, Sports

Throwback Thursday to a Cliffside Dinner in Negril!

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Suga’s Ratings for The Lodge Restaurant at Tensing Pen Hotel

Date and time of visit: Saturday, November 23, 2019 at ~5:30pm

No. of diners: 2 adults

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum 

Parking: ★★★★★

Ambience: ★★★★★

Décor: ★★★★☆

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★★★

Speed: ★★★★★

Food quality: ★★★★☆

Serving amount: ★★★★★

Plating: ★★★★★

Value for $: ★★★★☆

Suga’s Breakdown

The Lodge Restaurant had an intimate, open air setting overlooking the Caribbean sea from the cliffside in Negril. It’s name is quite appropriate with its homey, wooden and log decor, similar to a getaway log cabin or lodge. So homey, you would meet resident Ridgebacks, Tensing and what looked like his brother. No need to worry though, once ignored, they stayed at a tolerable distance and quietly moved to the next table. The thatched roof and seaside views made you remember you weren’t anywhere cold, but enjoying island temperatures and sea breeze instead.

We caught Negril’s famous sunset and enjoyed the well mixed cocktails from the bar and the Grilled Garlic Lobster, which was the special for the night. The Chef’s grill is visible to diners and the Lobster was freshly caught, cooked and seasoned to perfection. The dish was delish!

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Grilled Garlic Lobster

Most of the variety of items on the menu are done to order and seafood is freshly caught, but service was still timely and the staff were quite attentive and courteous.

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Tensing Cool Runnings (USD$10): Whisky, Orange, Pineapple, Ginger Beer; Blue Lagoon (USD $10): Wray & Nephew White rum instead of Vodka, Blue Curacao, Liqueur, Lemonade

Cheers to visiting The Lodge Restaurant! I had a pleasant, memorable stay at Tensing Pen too. It’s #SugaEndorsed.

The Lodge Restaurant at Tensing Pen

Location: Tensing Pen Hotel. West End Road, Negril

Ph: 1-800-957-0387 or 876-957-0387

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Restaurant Reviews & Ratings, What's Hot

Suga Tasters, Tennyson and Ashleigh Arnold enjoy a Michelin Star Dish in Singapore!

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Suga introduces you to Suga Tasters, Tennyson and Ashleigh Arnold!

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Suga Tasters, Tennyson and Ashleigh Arnold at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore in September 2019. [📸: Ten80p Photography (Ig: @ten80p_photography)]
The Arnolds have been married for 6 years. Tennyson proposed to Ashleigh in flight, so how appropriate that their anniversary celebrations usually take them on a trip to see more of the world. This September, they chose Singapore, Bali and Vietnam.

At home in Kingston, Jamaica, they enjoy eating casually at Uncorked and for special occasions, The Terrace at the Terra Nova Hotel in Kingston and The Sugar Mill Restaurant in Montego Bay.

Suga has had the pleasure of being out with the A-Team and can tell you that these foodies have an insatiable love for all cuisines and they always have room for Dessert!

Suga Taster, Ashleigh Arnold’s Rating for Hawker Chan, China Town, Singapore

Date and time of visit: September 27, 2019 @ 2pm 
No. of diners: 2 adults

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Hawker Chan gets an overall Value for $ rating of 4/5.

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Hawker Chan is in the China Town Food Centre in Singapore and serves as a feature of Singapore’s culinary offerings and culture. It can be regarded as a walk-in fast food restaurant and was awarded by Singapore’s Best Foods in 2017. Their primary concern seems to be getting as many plates out as quickly as possible, given the long lines versus Décor, Professional Service, Cleanliness and Comfort.
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Suga Taster, Ashleigh’s Breakdown!

Hawker Chan, formally known as Liao Fan Hong Kong Soy Sauce Chicken and Noodle, is the world’s first Hawker to be awarded a Michelin Star! It is located in the China Town Food Centre, China Town, Singapore. The dish for which they were awarded a Michelin Star is the Singapore favourite, Chicken and Rice, which, though simple, is exceptionally flavourful. It stands out as one of the most tender pieces of chicken we have ever eaten. This is a must try while in Singapore, where every savoury bite is worth the long cues that one has to endure for a US$8 meal!
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Hawker Chan’s Michelin star dish, Chicken and rice.

Edited By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

#foodporn, Restaurant Reviews & Ratings

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.

#foodporn, Restaurant Reviews & Ratings, What's Hot

TGIF to Escoveitched Lobster from Seaside Dutchie!

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Photo Contributed by: Suga Baby, Tricia-Gaye O’Connor

TGIF to this Escoveitched Lobster from Seaside Dutchie that a Suga Baby enjoyed 2 weeks ago!

Seaside Dutchie has authentic Jamaican cuisine with seaside dining and is #SugaEndorsed.

Give Seaside Dutchie a visit and enjoy your weekend!

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Seaside Dutchie

Location: Altery Beach, Priory St. Ann. Jamaica

Ph: 876-367-9277

Instagram: @seasidedutchie

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

Restaurant Reviews & Ratings

TGIF to Celebrating Bigly at Barton G Restaurant in Miami!

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Chocolate Cake layered in gold bullion, which was torched by the server and melted off!
My Aunty Maxine celebrated her Birthday bigly with daughters, Jordanne and Bianca two weeks ago at Barton G. The Restaurant in Miami Beach.
Now that was a Birthday Dinner! They had a blast. Wish I was there. #SugaEndorsed
Enjoy the weekend!
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(L-R): Maxine Spencer celebrating her Birthday with daughters, Bianca Baskins and Jordanne Kimok on August 8, 2019.
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.