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Restaurant Reviews & Ratings, What's Hot

Broken Plate or Broken Teeth? New Restaurant in Town

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Gabby a.k.a Suga from Suga Lifestyle (L) with her ‘Eat Good Crew’ coming to a Restaurant near you! – Tiffany Simmonds (C) and Gillian Jackson (R) took it to the streets with Suga for GNO last Saturday, June 2, 2018 with Broken Plate as the first stop.

Suga’s Ratings for Broken Plate

Date and time of visit: Saturday, June 2, 2018 at 8:15pm

No. of diners: 3

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★★★

Ambience: ★★★☆☆

Décor: ★★★★☆

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★☆☆

Speed: ★★★☆☆

Food quality: ★★☆☆☆

Serving amount: ★★★★☆

Plating: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★☆☆☆

SuGa Endorsement: ★★☆☆☆

Comments: 

New restaurant with modern décor and comfortable indoor and outdoor seating by a faux garden. It was an expected full house on a Saturday night, 3 weeks after opening. I think the full house affected the attentiveness of the staff and the speed of the kitchen. The quality of the food was fair, borderline poor and at the end of the night I felt like I made a bad gamble in Vegas and lost. A Wine and Spirits list is currently available. A Bar with Blended drinks and Cocktails are in future plans. The Restaurant has potential and I will probably return, but I am in no rush to do so.

Suga’s Breakdown

Appetizers

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Spicy Rosemary Mussels – $1350JMD +tx

We started off with the Spicy Rosemary Mussels and Duck Bruschetta. The Mussels were flavourful, succulent and indeed spicy. The Duck was tasty, but the bread was over toasted. It was deeply charred instead of golden brown. We could not bite into it. The use of tomatoes, which are traditionally added to Bruschettas was absent.

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Duck Breast Bruschetta – $1250JMD +tx

Entrées

The Oxtail Bolognese only had a trace of Oxtail and was predominantly minced Beef. When two of us ordered the Oxtail Bolognese, we were told it would have some minced Beef in it. We said no problem, but when it arrived, although it was savoury, it was predominantly minced Beef with a trace of Oxtail. I told our waiter, Chris that they need to rename the dish on the menu. Maybe they ran out of Oxtail too, but if so, we should have been advised.

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‘Oxtail’ Bolognese – $1850JMD +tx

Thankfully our friend who was just returning from Cabo and tasted authentic, richly flavoured Tacos enjoyed her Seafood Tacos even though she said the shrimp was a bit salty.

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Seafood Tacos with Shrimp – $2150JMD +5x

Dessert

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Crispy Duffle Sandwich (Top- $1550JMD+tx) and Maple Glazed Bacon Cookie Sandwich (Below- $1300JMD+tx)

The Maple Glazed Bacon Cookie Sandwich and Crispy Duffle Sandwich for dessert was tough as rocks. No wonder it was served with a kitchen knife. Note that we made that choice for dessert because the Fruit Parfait looked like a mixture of yogurt and canned fruit. But we still didn’t win. Tough cookies. Literally.

Service

I could see that with the full house, they tried and probably did their best, but the full house affected how attentive they were. Appetizers took too long to come out as well as our bottle of wine. The Wine we wanted was not chilled, so we told Chris that he could bring it out with the main. He seemed to have forgotten, so by the time we got his attention, we were almost through and just asked for a glass.

Suggestions from Suga

★ Hire additional staff for the Opening rush.

★Revise the Dessert menu.

★ Have the supervisor or manager take a walk around the restaurant now and then to get honest feedback from diners.

Good Luck to Broken Plate because I understand the concept and vision. We need more Restaurants that think outside the box, breaking away from the traditional menu in Kingston!

Broken Plate

Location: 14 Canberra Crescent off Munroe Road. Kgn. 6. Ja.

Ph: 876-667-6891

Email: brokenplateja@gmail.com

Opening Hours: Mondays to Saturdays, 11am to 10pm

Facebook & Instagram: @brokenplateja

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Review, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

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#foodporn, Restaurant Reviews & Ratings

Suga revisits the Deck at Cellar 8!

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Suga’s Ratings for Cellar 8

Date and time of visit: Friday, May 11, 2018 at 10:00pm

No. of diners: 2

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★★★

Ambience: ★★★★☆

Décor: ★★★☆☆

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★☆☆

Speed: ★★★☆☆

Food quality: ★★★★☆

Serving amount: ★★★★☆

Plating: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★★☆☆

SuGa Endorsement: ★★★☆☆

Comments: Cellar 8 has not only made changes to their space with a Deck, but their staff and management as well. Courteous, enthusiastic staff and delicious food. Service time could have been quicker and quality of drinks could have been better. Cellar 8 has always been a bit overpriced, but is no longer the new ‘it’ bar and has lost a superb mixologist. They should probably consider reducing their prices so customers can feel they are getting value for money.

Suga’s Breakdown

I thought Cellar 8 would have been busier 3 Friday nights ago, but with the opening of new Bars such as the Sky Lounge, they seemed to have lost their Friday night buzz. However, members of their new staff were courteous and the presence and supervision of the new management was felt. Since it wasn’t a full night, I thought service could have been a bit quicker, but our server, Davion was quite attentive and kept us up to date.  Drinks were decent, but the gifted hands of their mixologust, Milton Wisdom who is no longer there, were missed. The quality of food was good, but the wrong Pasta dish was served to my husband, Randy. We wondered if the Chef was trying to sneak in the wrong dish, since it was similar to what was ordered and we were not told that the desired dish was finished. Anyhow, it was replaced soon after with my husband’s secondary dish of choice that he still enjoyed.

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My Glazed Snapper Fillet with cous cous and veggies – $2600JMD+tx + 5% serv. charge
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Randy’s Pasta Marinara and Basil with added Shrimp – $1400 + $800JMD+tx + 5% serv. charge

We were about to call it a night, but we were smartly interrupted by a purposeful temptation of a trolley full of Dessert wheeled to us to choose from.

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We couldn’t pass that up. So I had the Strawberry Cheesecake and Randy had the Chocolate cheesecake. Sumptuous!

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Strawberry Cheesecake – $800JMD+tx +5% serv. charge

Cellar 8 Wine Bar

Location: Shop 10, Upper Manor Park Plaza

Ph: 876-613-5934

Opening Hours: Tuesdays-Sundays, 4pm – 11pm

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Review, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Restaurant Reviews & Ratings, What's Hot

Suga Spies a NEW Restaurant with her 4 Eyes

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New Restaurant, Summerhouse at The Liguanea Club, New Kingston is Opening to the Public sooner than you know!

Who’s responsible? Remember Two Sisters and a Meal? It’s the Rousseau sisters, Suzanne and Michelle Rousseau.

Stay tuned!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Charities, Restaurant Reviews & Ratings

Wine and Dine for a cause at Mystic Thai next Tuesday!

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The Menu

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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.

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Photo: Jamaica Gleaner (Published  – March 18, 2018)

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***

RSVP to: mysticthai7@gmail.com

OR Call: 876-889-2430

____________

Mystic Thai (Asian & Thai Cuisine)

Location: B11 – Fairview Towne Centre Unit, Montego Bay

Ph: 876-633-6535

Website: http://www.mysticthaijamaica.com

Opening Hours: Mondays – Sundays, 11:30am – 10pm

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Restaurant Reviews & Ratings

Suga hits the North Coast and visits Seaside Dutchie!

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Suga’s Ratings for Seaside Dutchie

Date and time of visit: Sunday, May 6, 2018 at 3:00pm

No. of diners: 2

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★★★

Ambience: ★★★☆☆

Décor: ★★★☆☆

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★☆☆

Speed: ★★★☆☆

Food quality: ★★★★☆

Serving amount: ★★★☆☆

Plating: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★★★☆

SuGa Endorsement: 3.5/5

Comments: 
Rustic, but refined Restaurant tucked
away on Altery Beach in Priory, St. Ann. Seaside Dutchie has comfortable dining options with a seaside view and courteous, attentive staff. They specialize in Jamaican cuisine and both the food and drink menus have a wide variety of items to satisfy whatever craving you may have. Service time is reasonable, the preparation and presentation of their food in Dutch pots is unique and dishes are flavourful. Reasonable prices and value for money. #SugaEndorsed

Suga’s Breakdown

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I took pleasure in the rustic ambience and comfortable seating with a seaside view. It was so comfortable, I was quite alright with sitting by the Bar with my husband, Randy. A small wedding was about to start, where they had a room reserved with food and tables for the reception. Free entertainment was ahead with music playing already.

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Randy Burgess enjoying his Soup while sitting by the bar at Seaside Dutchie on Sunday, May 6, 2018.

Their Starters looked interesting for the most part. For instance, they had Johnny Be Good listed that included four Deep Fried Johnny Cakes stuffed with spicy Shrimp and Callaloo for $500JMD+tx or Black Beans and Corn Salsa for $400JMD.

Sweet and Sticky Wings that consisted of Pineapple Flavoured Chicken Wings with a hint of Molasses for $700JMD+tx caught my eyes too.

I had been craving the Conch Fritters with Escoveitched mayonnaise ($500JMD+ tx), but I was stopped in my tracks before ordering when our server, Demonia a.k.a Mona listed a few items that were not available on the menu.

I had the Tostones.

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Tostones: Deep Fried Pressed Plantain topped with Coconut Curry Saltfish – $400JMD+tx

The Coconut Curry Saltfish had a sharp, but delicious flavour, while the Pressed Plantains were on point! They hit the spot.

Randy had the Rasta Man Soup, which he enjoyed. Everything arrived in Dutch pots. Loved it!

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Rasta Man Soup – Vegetarian style Red Peas soup simmered with coconut milk $350JMD+tx

There were countless options for the main. They had Wraps, Burgers and Sandwiches ranging from $600-$1000JMD+ tx. Salads, Pizzas and Pastas were available too for less than $1400JMD+tx.

Being on the North coast, Island favourites are a must. They had Jerk Chicken and Pork, Curried Goat, Oxtail, Fried Chicken and Fish done any style ranging from $800-$2200JMD+tx.

If you felt like stepping things up, gourmet dishes such as Steak ($3000JMD+ tx) and Pan Seared Blackened Salmon ($2000JMD+ tx) were available.

A wide range of reasonable beverages accompanied the food options, including Blended Cocktails that can be whipped up by the Bartender.

We chose to dine Island style. Our main had an interesting preparation and presentation. I had Roast Fish and my husband, Steamed. We were told when ordering that they would debone the fish, then fry the bone.

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Steamed Fish and Bammy – $1800JMD+ tx (N.B. Bigger Fish are available for $3000JMD+ tx)

I felt robbed of some of my fish meat, but it was still satisfying. If you desired the best of both worlds, you could peck away some fried fish.

Interesting, but enjoyable experience. Suga will return.

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Seaside Dutchie

Location: Altery Beach, Priory St. Ann. Jamaica

Ph: 876-367-9277

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Review, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

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

Suga crowns new Restaurant for Best Lamb Chops in Jamaica!

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Randy Burgess and wife, Gabrielle a.k.a Suga from Suga Lifestyle by the Waterwheel at the front of the Sugar Mill Restaurant last Friday, May 4. The Waterwheel is the only surviving structure of the Running Gut Estate that was established in 1676.

Suga’s Ratings for Sugar Mill Restaurant 

Date and time of visit: Friday, May 4, 2018 at 7:00pm

No. of diners: 2

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★★★

Ambience: ★★★★★

Décor: ★★★★☆

Comfort: ★★★★★

Service: ★★★★★

Speed: ★★★★★

Food quality: ★★★★★

Serving amount: ★★★★★

Plating: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★★★☆

SuGa Endorsement: ★★★★★

Comments: The Sugar Mill Restaurant lived up to its reputation for a high standard of service and food quality surrounded by the perfect ambience in an authentic, rustic garden setting. Seating at this fine-dining restaurant was spacious and sufficient, giving diners multiple options, including by the actual Waterwheel.

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The menu is diverse, offering international cuisine with a Jamaican flair. Dishes arrived in a timely manner. The meats were cooked to perfection, well seasoned and complemented by other items for added, unique flavours. Well mixed drinks from the bar accompanied our dinner. Sugar Mill Restaurant is the perfect place to impress a date or to enjoy with family. #SugaEndorsed

Sugar Mill Restaurant has quite an assortment of breads with dips to tease the appetite, such as Cho cho with saltfish, a Blue Cheese dip and an Escoveitch dip. If you’re not careful, you will be left with very little space for your main or dessert.

My husband and I received a taste of Tuna with spicy aioli to start us off, compliments of the Chef.

Have a look at our other divine dishes!

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Smoked Marlin ($19USD) – Filled with Crab meat and Shrimp, radish, roasted beets and pickled white onions
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Crayfish Bisque ($15USD) with Breadfruit and Papaya seed crackers
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Rack of Lamb – 14oz/400g ($52USD) with Tangelo Fruit Chutney and a side of Yam Risotto ($8.50USD)

How did their Lamb Chops surpass that of Terra Nova’s for Suga?

The satisfying serving size was similar, but slightly larger than Terra Nova’s Lamb chops. Both are well seasoned, tender cuts that are cooked how I like it, medium rare, but Sugar Mill gets the edge with its flavour and the crust that developed on top as it was cooked for the right amount of time, which made it perfection.

Terra Nova’s signature Mint and Pomegranate Au Jus that accompanies the Lamb Chops is savoury, but I didn’t mind the change with Sugar Mill’s tasty and juicy Tangelo Fruit Chutney. Sugar Mill gets the marginal win!

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Veal Chop – 14oz/400g ($65USD) with jerk-herb butter and a side of sautéed Callaloo with garlic ($8.50USD)

My husband enjoyed this change in comparison to his usual cut of Beef Tenderloin. It was well seasoned and cooked to medium rare perfection. Since the veal is younger, it was a lighter, more tender meat that he appreciated.

We were too full for Dessert, so either the Chef felt like being generous to us or he knew Suga was in the house! We were given Sweet treats compliments of the Chef. Delish!

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Dinner for two at the established, fine-dining Sugar Mill Restaurant can run a couple a bit over $200USD, but it is usually totally worth it. Prices quoted attracted an additional 10% G.C.T and 15% Service charge, however locals get 20% off the bill.

Kudos to the Chef and staff for an exquisite dinner and to our courteous waiter, Dexter Lloyd who provided exceptional service.

Sugar Mill Restaurant

Location: Spring Farm Drive. Half Moon, Rose Hall, Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Ph: 876-953-2211; 1-800-626-0592

Website: http://www.halfmoon.com

Hashtag for Twitter, Facebook, Instagram: #SugarMillJamaica

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Review, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Restaurant Reviews & Ratings

Blue Ridge Restaurant and Cottage disappoints a Suga Bear

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Suga Bear, Sacha Riley’s Ratings for Blue Ridge Restaurant and Cottages

Date and time of visit: Monday, April 2, 2018 at 2:30pm

No. of diners: 3 adults; 2 kids

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★☆☆☆

Ambience: ★★★★☆

Décor: ★★★☆☆

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★★☆

Speed: ★★★★☆

Food quality: ★★☯️☆☆ (2.5)

Serving amount: ★★★★☆

Plating: ★★★★★

Value for $: ★★☯️☆☆(2.5)

Comments: 

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Impressive views and well maintained grounds. Décor could incorporate more of the cottage theme though. Menu had a sufficient variety of items. There was a tasty selection of Appetizers such as Popcorn Shrimp and Chicken, encouraging one to look forward to the main. However, the main dishes disappointed. Ribs were overcooked, failing to slide off the bone and the Pork Chops that lacked seasoning had a Guava glaze sauce, which did not meet its elaborate description to complement them. The Mac and Cheese was said to have ‘too much Tasty Cheese’ as it was too heavy. They then failed to redeem themselves with Dessert for a good end to the meal. The Very Berry Blue Cheesecake was said to be just blue and wasn’t ‘very berry’ at all.

Service and speed were commendable, but the quality of food did not meet the standard required for the Restaurant to be worth the drive.

Blue Ridge Restaurant and Cottages has been known to be an enjoyable place for myself and others to visit for savoury food with a view. Suga hopes this bad experience was an anomaly. If not, I hope they get back on track soon. Afterall, they are on too steep a mountain to take such a fall.

Blue Ridge Restaurant and Cottages
Location: Salt Hill Lot 9 East Rural, St. Andrew, Blue Mountain
Ph: 562-7580
***Reservations recommended***

Instagram: @blueridgeja

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Review, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.