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Dinner Cost Error*** -Thanksgiving Lunch and Dinner Buffet at The Blue Window Restaurant, Jamaica Pegasus Tomorrow!

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***Price Correction: Lunch ($1700JMD); Dinner ($2500JMD)

With all the Showers of Blessing Jamaica has received in the past few months, perhaps we have a lot to be thankful for.

Quite a few places will be offering Thanksgiving Dinner, which is slowly becoming a part of our culture.

Suga recommends Thanksgiving at The Blue Window Restaurant, Jamaica Pegasus, where service, quality and variety are at a high standard for an affordable price. They will be offering Thanksgiving Lunch tomorrow at a cost $1700JMD per person and Thanksgiving Dinner at a cost of $2500JMD excluding tax and service charge.

The Carving station looks like it will be a hit! Check the menu out below. Reservations are recommended.

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Thanksgiving Dinner Menu at The Blue Window Restaurant, Jamaica Pegasus N.B. The Lunch Menu will have different Soups and will not have the Steamed Fish or Beef.

Enjoy!

The Blue Window Restaurant, Jamaica Pegasus

***Reservations recommended***

Location: 81 Knutsford Blvd., Kingston 5

Ph: 876-926-3690 – 5

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Eating like Royalty at Market 17!

Market 17 is known for local farm fare and their adventurous option of Dining in the Dark.

Their menu has a list of products supplied from farms that meet their standards and are available.

The Dining in the Dark Experience takes place in a special dark room. A Blindtasting menu is served after all food allergies, dietary restrictions and extreme dislikes are declared. The goal is to heighten the senses without the help of sight. The Blindtasting menu starts at $75USD per person, excluding Beverages and taxes).

All of my friends were not in agreement to do the Dining in the Dark Experience, so we decided to go with the main menu.

Two Saturday nights ago, my friends and I were out and ready to dine at 8:30pm. We were pleasantly greeted and seated at our reserved table for seven. Our waiter, Daniel was unforgettable. He reeled off the menu from his head, explaining our options and giving suggestions eloquently. He had a personality that definitely kept the mood light.

He took our orders when we were ready and the Appetizers and Drinks came out quickly. They have a wide selection of Wines, Craft Beers and a few listed Cocktails.

It was said that the Appetizers were shareable, however hints were given as to what we may not want to share.

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Grassfed Beef Tartare ($17USD) – Parsley, Black pepper, Giardiniera Relish, Scarlet Frills Mustard, Garlic Crostini

We had the Grassfed Beef Tartare, which was tasty, but a bit on the salty side.

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Crispy Miso Pork Belly ($15USD) – Roasted Baby Butternut Squash, Korean Mellon, Pickled Turnips, Radish/Walnut Pesto, Lemon Yogurt

The Crispy Miso Pork Belly was succulent, but the portion was small.

Rock Shrimp, Chicken, Ceviche, Meatballs and Salads were also available as Appetizers. However, their menu changes quite often and the Restaurant’s website is updated accordingly.

The Housemade Charcuterie served with Chutneys and Picklings usually stays on the menu. We made our own platter with our choices of Meats and Cheeses that was delightful.

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Housemade Charcuterie – Choose 3 ($15USD); 5 ($25USD); 7 ($32USD)

Just when I started to wonder when our greatly anticipated Entrees were coming out, Daniel informed our table that our Entrees were coming forthwith! They surely did.

Tasting options were available for the Entrees at a reduced cost. When Daniel mentioned the pairing of Antelope Filet with Whole Key West Pink Shrimp at the start of Dinner, it created a ripple effect amongst the Suga Daddies*.

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Whole Key West Pink Shrimp ($19/$35USD) – Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Carrot Ribbons, Cucumber, Kale, Red Beet Coulis, Dehydrated Olives, Dill Vinaigrette
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Grilled Antelope Filet ($26/$46USD) – Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Grilled Green beans, Okra, Kale, Cucumber, Salad, Relish, Cilantro, Pickled Onion, Mole Nut Sauce

I definitely had to try it. The Grilled Antelope Filet, that was cooked medium rare, did not disappoint. It was tender and juicy with fresh farm to table greens, of which the Okra was a hit. The Whole Keywest Pink Shrimp that I tasted was delish! Sadly, the salt seemed to have gotten away from the Chef again on one of the Shrimp Tastings. This information was relayed to Daniel, who remedied the situation by removing it from the bill, since another serving was not desired at that time.

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Tastings of Yellowfin Tuna (left) and Grilled Antelope Filet (right)

The Tasting portions definitely made up for the small portions of Appetizers. Imagine what the actual Entree portion may look like. Persons were satisfied by the end of the night, therefore since the small portions of Appetizers sufficed, perhaps the pricing could be reconsidered.

I paired my Tasting of Grilled Antelope Filet with Togorashi Seared Rare Yellowfin Tuna that was cooked medium rare. It was divine. Have you had Black Rice?! Phenomenal. It was refreshing to get such exquisite healthy options while dining out. Black rice has more micronutrients than Brown and White rice. Ancient Chinese mythology claims that Black rice was reserved solely for the Emperor and the Royal Family, due to its nutritional content and healing abilities. In those days, your life would be in danger if you were caught eating it without permission.

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Togorashi Seared Rare Yellowfin Tuna $20/$37USD) – Coconut Black Rice, Tamarind, Cauliflower, Pak Choi, Tomatoes, Celery, Sesame, Clementine, Sambal

The Grilled Grassfed Beef Filet Mignon and Pan Roasted Chicken Breast did not spend much time on the table. They were thoroughly enjoyed.

The Pan Roasted Chicken Breast ($18/$33USD) was accompanied by Spiced Bulgur Wheat, Roasted Cauliflower, Squash, Pickled onion, Kale, Charred Eggplant Pudding and Marinated Tomatoes.

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Grilled Grassfed Beef Filet Mignon ($25/$45USD) – Garlic Yokon Mashed Potatoes, Local Mushrooms, Broccolini, Cipollini Onions, Sweet corn, Kale, Red Wine Demi

Dessert topped off the night for a few. Thankfully I did not indulge. Market 17’s strong points seem to be their Entrees and Beverage selections. The Vanilla Cake with Pastry cream was just up to typical standard.

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Seasonal Vanilla Cake ($11USD) – Corn and Vanilla Bean Pastry cream, Caramel sauce, Moscato macerated Berries

Dessert Options range from $8 to $18 USD and included Cookies, Brownies, Parfaits, Ice Creams, Sorbets and a Cheese court.

Market 17 is a fine dining Restaurant to dress up and go to with excellent service, delish and unique Entree options, along with fine Beverages. Head to Market 17 and Eat like Royalty!

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Gabby and one of her Suga Bears, Jehan Knight

*Suga Daddies – Men who think they are too manly to be called a Suga Bear (Foodie in association with Suga Lifestyle)

Market 17

***Reservations Recommended***

Location: 1850 Southeast 17th St. Fort Lauderdale, FL. USA

Ph: 954-835-5507

Opening Hours: Sun. – Thurs.: 5:30pm-10pm; Fri. & Sat.: 5:30pm-10:30pm

Website (Menu Included): www.market17.net

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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TGIF to this Delish Tiramisu from Toscanini Italian!

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Tiramisu from Toscanini Italian

Toscanini Restaurant & Bar

Location: A3 Highway, Tower Isle. Ocho Rios

Ph: 876-975-4785

***Prices***

Appetizers range from $5-$20 USD. 
Pastas range from $16-$32 USD.
Other main courses range from $22-$45 USD.
Desserts range from $7-$9 USD.

Opening Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays-12-2pm; 7-10pm (Closed on Mondays)

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

 

Reasonable & Healthy Lunch Option near Dunrobin!

Chinese Roasted Chicken Lunch + sides and veggies – $400JMD

Directly across from Dunrobin Plaza, you can get a tasty and healthy Lunch for just $400JMD at Gym’s Kitchen.

They offer a range of options including Whole Wheat Pasta that is hard to find at Restaurants, Broccoli, Kale, Lentils and Beans, Baked and Grilled Chicken, an abundance of Sweet Potato and more.

Quick service and properly portioned lunches. #Sugaendorsed

Check them out! They are on Facebook as @GymsKitchenja and on Instagram as @gymskitchen_ja. They deliver too.

Gym’s Kitchen

Location: 35 Dunrobin Ave. Kingston 10

Ph: 876-882-0932; 876-319-3587

Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday, 6am-10pm

Delivery Hours: 10:30am-3pm

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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How was the New Fromage Brasserie in Market Place for Suga?! – Part 2

Suga returned to Fromage Brasserie that opened recently in the Market Place for dinner with hubby two Saturdays ago at 8pm. I hoped to have better quality food after being disappointed with the first visit.

If you would like to refresh your memory with the experience of my first visit, click here:

How was the New Fromage Brasserie in Market Place for Suga?! – Part 1

It was night time and diners were out. The Restaurant was full and we had no reservations so had no problem with being seated in the Courtyard. The hostess was quite pleasant and accommodating and it was refreshing to see such bubbly, courteous staff compared to the last visit.

We skipped appetizers and went straight for the main and ordered at 8:15pm. I appreciated the waitress coming to inform us that they were plating at 8:35pm, the point at which we would be expecting the food to arrive. The food came out literally 2 minutes later as promised.

My husband had the Crab Stuffed Chicken ($2400JMD) with a side of Rustic Parmesan Potatoes ($700JMD) that we could share. We weren’t sure of the serving size of the entrée but we realised a side order was not totally necessary.

The Chicken was tasty but did not ignite the taste buds.

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Crab Stuffed Chicken – Roasted Chicken Breast stuffed with Local Blue Crab ($2400JMD)

I had the Land & Sea that consisted of Beef Fillet topped off with Shrimp and Crab in a rich Béamaise sauce. I had reservations when it arrived though because after ordering, I realised the waitress made a fundamental error. She did not ask how I would like my Beef prepared. The Courtyard was full and buzzing and we weren’t exactly close to the Restaurant so I was not going to go out of my way to make the request. I ensured I pointed it out to her though and she apologised genuinely and profusely.

The Beef arrived well done, so was not as enjoyable as I would have like it to be. The Béamaise sauce was rich indeed though. It added a spicy touch to the Shrimp and Crab and also complemented the Beef well.

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Land & Sea – Beef Fillet topped with Shrimp & Crab in a Rich Béamaise sauce ($3600JMD)

The quality of food was better this time around, but different types of dishes were chosen. At the end of the day with a full tab plus G.C.T and Service charge, I think the items are too pricey for the mediocre standard of food you are getting despite the Restaurant being at a bigger and better location. I have to revisit Fromage Gourmet Market on Hillcrest but if memory serves me correctly, the quality of food was much better there and I know for a fact the prices for some of the same dishes were much less. So for now, I will stick with the original Fromage.

Fromage Brasserie

Location: Market Place- 67 Constant Spring Road. Kingston.

Ph: 876-649-0820-1

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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‘Gastronomic Experience’ from Iberostar Chef on Tour, Emma Bengtsson

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Cured Salmon [Photo Credit – Tina Davis]
Iberostar Chef on Tour had Suga Bear, Tina Davis raving over what Chef Emma Bengtsson had to offer last weekend.

Chef Emma Bengtsson, a native of Sweden is the Executive Chef of Aquavit, a 2-Michelin star Scandinavian Restaurant in Manhattan, New York.

Aquavit was established in 1987 and continues to impress and be popular with New Yorkers and travellers from around the world two decades later.

Aquavit was also the first Restaurant in New York to have both a casual Bistro and Fine dining, i.e. house 2 Restaurant concepts under 1 roof.

Chef Emma Bengtsson was made Executive Chef in Spring 2014 and her talent, experience and fresh perspective earned Aquavit its 2nd Michelin Star in 2015. So Chef Bengtsson is now the 2nd female in the US and 1st Swedish female to run a kitchen with 2 Michelin stars.

She displayed her talents, ‘bringing a gastronomic experience to Montego Bay’ according to Suga Bear, Tina Davis over the weekend at the Iberostar Grand Suites Hotel.

Tina was amazed by every course, but seemed to enjoy the Cured Salmon the most. Chef Bengtsson even added a Jamaican course that was much appreciated, consisting of Sorrel stuffed with Ackee, roasted Ackee and seared Scallop. Tina was surprised the Ackee and Sorrel complemented each other well.

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The Menu [Photo Credit: Tina Davis]
Thanks for visiting Jamaica Chef Bengtsson and Suga is looking forward to visiting Aquavit in NYC!

Aquavit

65 East 55th Street

Manhattan, New York

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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#fbf to Suga’s Bread Pudding from 100!

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Bread Pudding ($1000JMD)

Suga surely enjoyed her Ash Wednesday treat from 100. The Bread Pudding did not arrive as advertised, with most of the crumble missing from the top, but it was quite warm, soft, delicious and moist, just the way I like it.

I give up on trying to find one better than that of Fromage now, as their sweet, nutty crumble on top with caramel and more is unbeatable. However, I definitely endorse the Bread Pudding from 100 and put it 2nd in line.

Appreciated the great service from my waitress on the Terrace as well!

100

Location: 100 Hope Road. Kingston 6
Ph: 876.665-3BET (3238)
Instagram: 100hoperoad
Facebook: 100 Hope Road

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Where to Escape this Ash Wednesday!

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Would you like to eat delicious food with that spectacular view and good service?

Blue Ridge Restaurant and Cottages will be open today!

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

By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this promo, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

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How was the New Fromage Brasserie in Market Place for Suga?! – Part 1

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Suga and a friend visited Fromage Brasserie that opened recently in the Market Place. It is a bigger location for Fromage Gourmet Market on Hillcrest that we know and love. They are one of my favourites.

I loved the elegant, modern decor from the ceiling to the floor. The hostess was pleasant and the waitress was professional. Seating was comfortable but not so sure about the 2-seater tables. They looked a bit too small.

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Lobster Bisque ($700JMD +tx)

I ordered the Lobster Bisque ($700JMD) recommended by the waitress that came out quickly but it was not in the usual Bread Boule that Fromage offers. However, I realised that I did not specify mainly because the waitress did not ask. The salt seemed to have gotten away in the soup so I was disappointed.

The Bacon Shrimp Chowder would need half an hour more to be ready so my friend didn’t bother to order it.

For the main I had trouble deciding because they had so many items on their menu. I think less items should be on the menu, similar to the Fromage on Hillcrest. Sometimes less is more.

I was deciding between the Seafood Risotto that I had seen pictures of and the Lobster Ravioli. Again, the waitress recommended the Lobster dish, saying the Risotto tends to be a bit heavy because of the Saffron cream sauce and I wasn’t in the mood for that so ordered the Lobster Ravioli ($2300JMD).

I recommended that my friend who loves Shrimp Pasta have the Pesto Pasta with Shrimp ($2000JMD).

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Pesto Pasta with Shrimp ($2000JMD+tx)

When the food arrived in reasonable time I wish I recommended that for myself because I clearly made the wrong decision. My friend’s Pesto Pasta with Shrimp was delish. I started to wonder if the waitress just recommended Lobster dishes because it had Lobster. She had seemed confident with her recommendations but she was wrong this time.

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Lobster Ravioli in a subtle Lemon Cream Sauce ($2300JMD+tx)

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I’m not sure if the Chef was having an off day but I know the kitchen wasn’t pressured. There were other diners but the Restaurant was far from full.

As you can see, the presentation was poor. I saw no evidence of a Ravioli wheel or stamp used to properly shape the pasta. The Ravioli was overcooked and/or it had too much flour. It had a doughy taste and the taste of the Lobster was absent. The sauce wasn’t much to be desired for either. It needed more of a lemon zest and perhaps some chopped basil, fresh parsley and a touch of garlic.

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The inside of my Lobster Ravioli

I told the waitress it was horrible and not to recommend it again. Hopefully the Chef gets it right soon or it should be removed from the menu.

I couldn’t let my first visit end on such a bad note after expectations were high. So I ordered the Lobster Mac and Cheese that looked salivating in pictures and on plates passing my table to other diners.

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Lobster Mac & Cheese ($1000JMD)

The Lobster Mac and Cheese ($1000JMD) came out quickly and definitely saved the day. Presentation got 10/10 but the quality got 7/10. Believe it or not, it actually didn’t taste as good as it looked. It was tasty but lacked flavour. I think it needed a more pungent cheese and some garlic and herbs to spice it up. The Lobster Mac and Cheese at The Regency Room, Terra Nova is still a winner.

It was a disappointing visit and I felt robbed paying for that Lobster Ravioli but it is still early days for the Restaurant and I know given the history of the owners they will keep striving for better quality and service. The new Brasserie seems a bit pricey but I shall return in the near future to try some meat dishes such as the Feta Crusted Lamb ($3050JMD), Steak and Frites ($2000JMD) and the Korean BBQ Pork Ribs ($2450JMD).

Stay tuned for Part 2!

Fromage Brasserie

Location: Market Place- 67 Constant Spring Road. Kingston.

Ph: 876-649-0820-1

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

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#tbt to my Lobster Mac & Cheese from the New Fromage Brasserie!

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#tbt to my Lobster Mac & Cheese from the new Fromage Brasserie in Market Place. How was it? Look out for the review soon!

Fromage Brasserie

Location: Market Place- 67 Constant Spring Road. Kingston.

Ph: 876-649-0820-1

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

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