Mystic Thai: One Night in Kingston?!

When Mystic Thai comes to Kingston, foodies unite! (L-R) Le Cordon Bleu Paris Graduate & Blogger, Craig Fleming, Blogger, Vanessa Lalasingh, Owners of Suga Lifestyle, Gabrielle and Randy Burgess with Suga Taster, Ashleigh Arnold.

Last Saturday at Jamaica Food + Drink Kitchen (Ig: @jafoodanddrinkkitchen), a bit over 30 guests had the pleasure of experiencing a Night in Thailand with Mystic Thai (Ig: @mystic_thai_jamaica) coming in from Montego Bay, Select Brands (Ig: @selectbrandsja) and Debra Taylor-Smith a.k.a Wine Lady Debra (Ig: @wineladydebra).

It’s what you would call a precursor to Mystic Thai coming to Kingston! Yes, you read right. Mystic Thai will be opening a higher end version of their restaurant some time within the next 6 to 8 months. Envision Sea Bass and Steaks prepared by a mix of new Chefs coming from India, while you are surrounded by the finest of Thai décor. Can’t wait!


In the mean time, we had the delight of being taken through 7 courses with the most interesting, some shocking, but tantalizing pairings presented by Wine Lady Debra of Select Brands.

Let Suga take you through!

The Beefeater Gin Cocktail was a bold welcome, tempered by Lemongrass that got guests buzzing, catching up after not seeing each other for a little while, then eventually seated with anticipation for what the rest of the evening had to offer.

Then BOOM came an unexpected shot of Stone’s Ginger Wine topped with Torresella Prosecco paired with Tom Kha Soup! A Ginger Mimosa Shot that got us off to a fast, but great start. The rich, creamy coconut flavour of the Soup was amazing by the way.

The Papaya Salad Wraps paired with Rosé cooled things down a bit with delicate flavours and well-rounded acidity.

One of my faves, the Kung Fu Girl Riesling followed to pair with the Mystic Dragon Roll, where its flavours were even more enhanced by a homemade pepper sauce that was offered. It took a little while for Kung Fu Girl to grow on those who were just introduced, as she is on the dry side, but hints of citrus and white peach perhaps made them appreciate her more as they sipped in between bites.

Truffle Infused Pad Thai Chicken paired with a California Cline Gewurtztraminer definitely spiced up the night again! Pun intended. Wow. I enjoyed that pairing thoroughly.

The highlight if the night for me then arrived.

GREEN CURRY SALMON with Hahn PINOT NOIR…What?! “Life is too short”, said Wine Lady Debra.
It is indeed. Naturally a Creamy or Lemon Sauce, or even a Salsa topping on Salmon would pair well with a Traditional White Wine, but I applaud this chance taken.
It was a HIT for ME. BRAVO…YOLO.

Crispy Sesame Lamb paired with a Malbec followed. It was tasty, but the small cuts of Lamb were unfortunately overwhelmed by the sauce and crispy texture.

Before we knew it, it was Dessert time! Oh but a bit of an anti-climax for me and my Suga Tasters who have recently traveled to Thailand. They’ve been spoiled by a wide selection of Sticky Rice Puddings, Fried Bananas, Coconut Puddings and other authentic Thai Desserts. Alas, we were served Chocolate Mousse. Owner, Kareena Mahbubani was surprised to know we would have been open to having her Sticky Banana Pudding. Of course, bring it on next time.

Wine Lady Debra did not skip a beat though! The Cocktail paired with the dessert literally fired things up again. An El Dorado Rum Cream Slide with smoky Cinnamon sticks! Delicious! Awesome finale.

Wine Lady Debra in action, assisting to pour the last Cocktail of the night.
Wine Lady Debra with Gabby Burgess

Let us remember that Mystic Thai is one of, if not, the best Ethnic Restaurant in Jamaica, so expectations were high. It was truly a fabulous evening. Kudos to Kareena and her team, Jamaica Food + Drink Kitchen for creating such a spectacular space for these Culinary Experiences along with their amazingly attentive and professional team, Select Brands and Wine Lady Debra who all delivered. A fantastic experience. Cheers. 🥂

Randy and Gabby Burgess of Suga Lifestyle with friends and Suga Tasters, Tennyson and Ashleigh Arnold.
Gabby Burgess with Owner of Mystic Thai, Kareena Mahbubani.

By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)

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

Happy Monday! It’s a New Week. Let’s Get to Work!

I am Gabrielle Burgess, Founder of Suga Lifestyle that spans various segments:

PROMOTING Brand Jamaica including my GW Art,

ENTERTAINING with Restaurant Ratings, Reviews, Events, Sports and

EDUCATING with Health and Fitness.

It’s a new week with new opportunities or the same on the table from last week. Don’t let them pass you by. Go get em!

By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)

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

Steak House on the Verandah, Devon House is Still My Fave Burger

Suga Taster, Kimberly Nesbeth excited to dig into her favourite Burger at Steakhouse on the Verandah (Ig: @steakhouseontheverandah), Devon House

You heard it from Suga Taster, Kimberly Nesbeth!

Where do you get your favourite Burger?
Suga’s favourite Burger is from Chive Restaurant (Ig: @chivejamaica) 😁

By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)

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

Suga Taster, Stephen’s Visit to Blue Brews Bistro on the Culinary Trail!

A month ago, Suga Taster, Stephen Greig ventured up to the cool Blue Mountains on a Sunday, with visiting San Francisco based brother and fam to check out the fairly new, Blue Brews Bistro (Ig: @bluebrewsbistro) in Holywell National Park.

Here’s what he had to say!

The drive was relaxing with majestic views of the Blue Mountains and fresh air to open the appetite along the way.

Upon arrival at Holywell Park, we were directed to Blue Brews Bistro, which had quite a few patrons by 11am. I would recommend that you make a reservation in advance via their email if you have a large party. Kudos to Owner/Manager Jovan Yapp for his hospitality, accommodating our party of 6. The staff were also friendly and attentive.

The menu expectedly had variations of your favourite Blue Mountain Coffee, Burgers, Hot Dogs and Pastries. It was interesting to see that they had non-bistro fare including smoked Pork Chops, Steak & Fried Chicken.

Our party had Pumpkin Soup, Burgers with seasoned fries and more traditional Breakfast fare such as Eggs and Bacon.

We tried their “Brookie” for Dessert, a merger of a Cookie and Brownie along with fresh Lemongrass Lemonade too.

The food was satisfactory, but you really go for the drive and experience. Also, the view and the cool, salubrious surroundings, where you can even go for a walk around the park while waiting.
The park museum is directly above the  restaurant, so do check it out.

There wasn’t any traditional Jamaican cuisine offered, so if there was a recommendation, it would be to really have a more Jamaican experience. Definitely worth a visit though. Big up Blue Brews Bistro.

Blue Brews Bistro

Location: National Holywell Park. Hardwar Gap, Holywell. Saint Andrew. Jamaica

Ph: 876-426-1204

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @bluebrewsbistro

***Open only on Saturdays & Sundays***

By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)

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

Fine Dining at Coppers on Haining Road

Suga’s Ratings for Coppers Jamaica Restaurant
Date and time of visit: Friday, December 31, 2021 at 9:00pm
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: 

Coppers transitions from a cosy, casual outdoor setting to fine dining on the inside. The walls are adorned with fine art and your wine selection, then you’re seated with quality tableware.

Our server, Ovando was quite professional and attentive. It was New Year’s Eve, so we were also politely encouraged to select from their party favour offerings with a small contribution and to ring in the new year with them. The music was great, but we had other plans and we were extremely satisfied with our last meal of 2021.

For starters we had Cabernet Braised Oxtail Crisp and Calamari Ripieni. The Oxtail Crisp was divine. It was wine braised deboned Oxtail served in a warm, flaky puff pastry shell. The Oxtail was well seasoned and tender. While the Calamari Ripieni was definitely a different way to have Calamari! It was stuffed Calamari, lightly sauteed in Chardonnay, tomato sauce. Delicious.

Cabernet Braised Oxtail Crisp (J$2450p

We thoroughly enjoyed our Entrees, Lobster Thermidor, that was simmered in a copper pot of spices and a three cheese creamy béchamel. Also, Chargrilled Frenched Lamb Chops soaked in port glaze and caramelized on the grill.

Lobster Thermidor, simmered in a copper pot of spices and a three cheese creamy béchamel (J$4950)
Chargrilled Frenched Lamb Chops soaked in port glaze and caramelized on the grill (J$3800)

We opted out of Dessert that we’ve had there before, but great way to end the year, dinner left us cheesing from ear to ear.

Randy and Gabby Burgess enjoying Fine Dining at Coppers last New Year’s Eve.

Coppers Jamaica Restaurant

Location: 9 Haining Road. Kingston. Jamaica

Ph: 876-815-5609; 876-672-7251

Instagram: @thecoppersja

By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)

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

Hello MARCH! Let’s Go! 💪🏾

March has 5 Tuesdays, 5 Wednesdays & 5 Thursdays. Let’s make use of them and FLY. We got this!

By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)

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

New Hot Spot in Kingston, Holy Smokes! How’s the Food?!

WELL, Suga can show, but cannot tell. Hoping for a tasty experience next time at Holy Smokes (Ig: @holysmokesjamaica). But big up for offering local, Trouble’s Brewing (Ig: @troublesbrewing) Beer!

We had Soup, Curried Goat with roti, mashed potatoes and pressed plantain and also Jerked Chicken.

Love the refurbished, modern, comfortable setting.

Lots of potential for this new hot spot on Waterloo road.

Cheers to Friday Eve!

Suga at Holy Smokes (Where Jo-Jo’s used to be) at 12 Waterloo Road last Saturday, February 19, 2022. Kingston. Jamaica

By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)

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

Wine & Dine Her. Happy Wife, Happy Life!

Valentines, Randy and Gabby Burgess, Directors of Suga Lifestyle dining at Trio Wine Bar & Grill last Sunday

Suga was treated to V-Day Dinner at Trio Wine Bar and Grill (Ig; @triowinebar64) on Hope Road by Hubby last Sunday, early at about 5pm.

It is recommended to dine early or pre-celebrate occasions to avoid crowds or long waits at restaurants. So take note Gents.

We enjoyed
🍷Pepper Pumpkin Soup
🍷Trio’s Signature Wings
🍷Yardie Bruschetta
🍷Surf and Turf Trio
🍷Mussels in a Garlic & White Wine Broth

Our waitress, Shaniqua was fantastic! Courteous, knowledgeable, attentive and professional. Thanks Randy and Trio! 🥂

Happy Wife, Happy Life

By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)

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

Suga’s Top 9 to Wine & Dine with Your Valentine!

Randy and Gabby Burgess, Owners of Suga Lifestyle at Trio Wine Bar and Grill on Hope Road, Kingston.

Where are you dining for Valentine’s?! We’ve got the entire weekend! Places may be fully booked already but here’s a tip, book an early time. Also, remember the Super Bowl is this Sunday ladies 😉

Here are Suga’s Top 9 picks in no particular order, to Wine & Dine with Your Valentine from Kingston to Ocho Rios to Montego Bay.

Ambience, Service, Menu choices, Food quality, Location and Value for money all taken into consideration.

*Reservations recommended*

Watch “Suga’s Top 9 to Wine & Dine with Your Valentine!” on YouTube here:

https://youtube.com/shorts/z-hQ8Mwgn8s?feature=share

Randy and Gabby Burgess, Owners of Suga Lifestyle at Copper’s Restaurant on Haining Road.

Trio Wine Bar and Grill (Ig: @triowinebar64), 64 Hope Road. Kingston. Ph: 876-616-4784; 876-872-3659

The Terra Nova All Suite Hotel (Ig: @terranovahotel), 17 Waterloo Road. Kgn. 10. Ph: 876-926-2211; 876-754-2114

Steak House on the Verandah (Ig: @steakhouseontheverandah), Devon House. Ph: 876-353-9728

Summerhouse (Ig: @summerhouseja), Harmony Hall, St. Mary. Ph: 876-858-0031

Stush in the Bush (Ig: @stushinthebush), Priory, St. Ann. Ph: 876-562-9760. http://stushinthebush.com/visit

Sugar Mill Restaurant (Ig: @halfmoonjamaica) , Spring Farm Drive. Half Moon, Rose Hall, Montego Bay, Jamaica. Ph: 876-953-2211; 1-800-626-0592(Website: http://www.halfmoon.com)

Copper’s Restaurant (Ig: @thecoppersja), 9 Haining Road. Kingston. Ph: 876-815-5609; 876-672-7251

Chive Restaurant (Ig: @chivejamaica), Shop 15, Orchid Village Plaza. 20 Barbican Road. Kingston 6. Ph: 876-820-1194

Jamaica Food and Drink Kitchen (Ig: @jafoodanddrinkkitchen), Ph: 876-570-5709. https://jamaicafoodanddrinkkitchen.com/

Gabby Burgess, Owner of Suga Lifestyle at Jamaica Food and Drink Kitchen

By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)

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

Happy Curry Goat Wednesday from JD’s!

Curry Goat from JD’s Urban Pub at The Liguanea Club still hits the spot. Tender, well seasoned and the right dose of spicy.

Just up the serving a bit for me next time please 😊👌🏾

Check them out today!

Jason Delvaille’s Restaurant, JD’s Urban Pub

Location: The Liguanea Club, 5 Kutsford Blvd. Kingston 5. JA. W.I.

Ph: 876-926-8144; 876-833-0627

Instagram: @jds_urban_pub

By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)

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