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More from Austin, Texas…Gourmet Barbecue!

by FoodpornRestaurant Reviews & Ratings
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Crispy Wild Boar Ribs Appetizer (USD$16) with honey and sambal, buttermilk blue cheese dressing, celery and daikon slaw.

Suga Taster, Taraja Jackson was pleased to visit Lamberts Barbecue Restaurant and not get typical BBQ platters, but gourmet BBQ and other meaty fare instead.

You can also enjoy live music at Lamberts’ upstairs Bar too! Feast your eyes.

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Country Style Pork Ribs (USD$21) with fennel and coriander rub, maple chili glaze.

Lamberts Barbecue Restaurant

Location: 401 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Ph: 512-494-1500

Menu: www.lambertsaustin.com

Opening Hours: Mondays to Sundays @ 5pm – 10pm

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

 

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Valentine’s Day Dinner at Cellar 8!

by Restaurant Reviews & RatingsWhat's Hot

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Cellar 8 was the place Suga’s husband, Randy chose for the Valentine’s Day date!

He loved their menu, also endorsed by Suga and wanted to avoid places that felt too crowded.

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Cellar 8 seemed to manage an expected heavy flow of diners for the occasion well by having two seatings for the night, 6pm and 9pm. 6pm was a bit too early for a Friday evening, so we appreciate being accommodated for 7pm.

From the looks of it, appetizer servings seemed small, but we came out on top with the Chicken Marsala Kebab served over a mixed green salad and the creamy Seafood Bisque.

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Chicken Marsala Kebab served over a mixed green salad.

Randy’s cut of Steak could have been bigger, but it was cooked to medium rare perfection and I thoroughly enjoyed my Seafood Thermidor.

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Thyme and Tarragon crusted Beef Tenderloin with mushroom cream sauce.
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C8 Seafood Thermidor with mixed greens and garlic bread.

Their Blackforest Cake and house made Gelato trio were a sweet ending to the evening.

With regards to cost, it was the usual high end price compared to if you chose from their regular menu, racking up a bill of about JA$20,000 for two if you ordered an additional beverage. Perhaps they could offer a Valentine’s Day special next year.

As a part of the earlier set of diners, service was managed relatively well. If there was any delay, we were made aware right away. The food was delectable and the ambience suited the occasion. Loved the brawta photo on the way out! Cellar 8, thanks for a memorable evening.

XoXo, Suga

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

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

by Brand JamaicaFoodpornRestaurant Reviews & RatingsWhat's Hot

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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.

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Flawless Service from Fromage Gourmet Market & Bistro for Restaurant Week’s Delectable Category!

by FoodpornRestaurant Reviews & RatingsWhat's Hot

Suga had a fabulous date with husband, Randy Burgess last Saturday night. Reservations were for 7pm at Fromage Gourmet Market & Bistro on Hillcrest Avenue and we were on time.

This Fromage was listed under the Delectable Category ($3800JMD) for Restaurant Week (RW). So dinner with a beverage including 5% service charge and tax can run you up to $5500JMD for one person.

We chose an early time for dinner, when the newly refurbished and slightly more spacious Fromage would not have been filled to capacity as yet. It reached full capacity midway through dinner though.

The Staff were courteous and extremely attentive without being overwhelming. All members of Staff were on the floor, paying attention to the tables whether they were serving that table or not. A sign of well-trained staff. Our server was Dimel, who I am familiar with. Always a pleasure.

Food came out like clockwork and water glasses were topped up when necessary. Great service.

The Appetizers were flavourful.

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Bacon wrapped maple smoked Prawns

I had the Bacon wrapped maple smoked Prawns and Randy had the Marlin Corn Fritter Stack. I always enjoy Fromage’s house-made Pepper Jelly that has that divine mix of spicy and sweet as the name suggests.

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Marlin Corn Fritter Stack – Sweet Corn Fritter stack topped with Marlin and Pepper Jelly

As we wrapped up with the Appetizers, JPS had a promotion going on throughout the night for RW diners to download their JPS App and drop their card with contact information into a bag. They came during dinner service to do the first raffle draw for the night.

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Suga a.k.a Gabby from Suga Lifestyle was the first lucky winner at Fromage Gourmet Market & Bistro for downloading the ‘My JPS’ App!

Our Main dishes came out shortly after the excitement of shaving $5000JMD off of our next Light bill.

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Guinness BBQ Ribs with Sweet Potato Mash and Steamed Market Fresh Vegetables

My BBQ Ribs pleased my taste buds as described. They were lean, juicy, well seasoned and slow-cooked to a tender perfection.

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Steak Au Poivre РPeppercorn Crusted Beef Tenderloin in a Brandy cream sauce with Saut̩ed Potatoes and Steamed Market Fresh Vegetables

Randy’s Steak Au Poivre was cooked to order. It was so succulent. Bravo Chef!

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Medium rare Steak cooked to order!
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Caramel Bread Pudding

Without a doubt, dinner came to a close for me with their popular Caramel Bread Pudding. It was warm and scrumptious as usual with their salivating caramel crumble on top.

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Bailey’s Ice Cream Sundae

Randy thoroughly enjoyed his Bailey’s Ice Cream Sundae.

Fromage Gourmet Market & Bistro is Suga Endorsed for Restaurant Week. Pay them a visit if you can and continue to enjoy.

Stay tuned for Terra Nova’s review for the Epicurean Category!

Remember that the Menus with Restaurant Locations and Contact numbers are online at:

http://go-jamaica.com/rw/

***Prices for each category include choice of Appetizer, Main Course and Dessert. Beverages, G.C.T and Gratuity additional.***

Fromage Gourmet Market & Bistro

***Reservations Recommended – 15 minutes holding time***

Ph#: (876) 622-9856; (876) 927-7062

Address: 8 Hillcrest Ave., Kingston 6

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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How was Rib Roast Rum last Friday?

by Restaurant Reviews & Ratings

Suga had a decent time at Rib Roast Rum last Friday night. The event was obviously scaled down from the larger venue at Police Officer’s Club to The Grillin’ Pit at the corner of Argyle Road and Musgrave Avenue.

There was Secure Parking and organized entry into the venue. Lighting was superb, items were labelled properly and the labels were visible. Servers seemed happy and were very polite.

The advertised menu seemed to have a few changes as well. I was looking forward to the Pulled Pork Summer Rolls and 3-Cheese Mac and Cheese but they were nowhere in sight. I didn’t miss the Pulled Pork but the Mac and Cheese was missed as the side orders were not that enticing. Loaded Baked potatoes would have been a good option as well. Perhaps the side orders should have gone along with the meats because they stood alone with hardly any visitors.

Anyhow, that was a negligible negative along with the fact that the Chicken Pasta had way too much sauce. There were many other items to fill that tiny void and tantalise the taste buds though.

The Crayfish Soup was a nice starter for me. Then I made my rounds. The winner for me was the Chicken! I had both BBQ and Spicy. Well seasoned and cooked. Lovely texture topped off by unique, flavorful sauces. The succulent BBQ Ribs followed with tasty sauces as well.

Paulette Nelson (L) and Latoya fearon (R)

The Dessert options were a hit. Jodicakes had tasty Mini Banana Nut Cupcakes and D.A.M. Good Brownies had Very Berry Vegan Bites and yummy Black Forest Brownie Parfaits.The Kremi Ice Cream cart with self serve toppings to the side was also guiltful but delightful.

Charlotte O’Reilly

The Bar kept liquor flowing quickly. Video Games, Board games and Dominoes kept some patrons happy and occupied.

Good food, Good vibes, Good music and an overall Good night.

By: Gabrielle Burgess


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Rib Roast and Rum later!

by Restaurant Reviews & Ratings

Time: 6pm-11pm

Venue: The Grillin’ Pit @ the corner of Argyle Road and Musgrave Ave.

Cost: $4000 All You Can Eat & Drink

This will be the 8th staging of the event although it has been M.I.A for 2 years.

Official Catering Partner: Chef Christian Sweeney

Guest Chefs: 

> David Kay (Azuri Catering & Culinary Services and The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel)

> Tiffany Gooden (Confections of a Sugar Junkie)

> Lianne Chen (Lilee’s Cakes & Catering)

Some of the salivating bites to look out for!

Pulled Pork Summer Rolls, Sesame Chicken Skewers, Rum BBQ Ribs, Slow-Roasted Beef Brisket, Foil wrapped Grilled Fish, Crayfish Soup, Smoked 3-Cheese Mac and Cheese and more!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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

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Seafood Dining by the Waterfront at Chart House, Maryland

by Restaurant Reviews & Ratings

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Photo: www.chart-house.com

Charthouse in Maryland suits many occasions, whether it is for lunch or a dinner date, watching sailboat races in May or sparks for the 4th of July, it has an absolutely lovely view of Spa Creek.

It is a remodelled boat house by the waterfront in Annapolis, Maryland. They have good service and provide fresh seafood and other local ingredients on their menu. If Seafood is not your thing, they have delicious Steaks and prime Ribs to suit your fancy too. Their menu can be found on their website (see below).

Fresh Seafood with a view, go for it!

Chart House

Annapolis, Maryland

Ph: (410) 268-7166

Website: www.chart-house.com

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Photo: www.chart-house.com

***If you are not in Annapolis, there are other locations in Colorado, New England and more.

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Kingston Kitchen tomorrow!

by What's Hot

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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?

● Fromage Gourmet Market

● Sheriff Gourmet BBQ Ribs

● NCR Sheep Ltd. – Fresh, Local Lamb 

● Chef Brian Lumley with Best Dressed Chicken Jamaica

● Tooksie Kay Catering

● Soupie

● Liqy Liqy – All Natural Popsicles

● Street Food Saturdays

● Tea Trea Creperie

● 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.

Have fun !

JoJo’s Jerk Pit and More’s Menu expands, Service improves but Quality still very very Regula

by Restaurant Reviews & Ratings

I have visited JoJo’s three times in the past month. Definitely not by choice but occasions arose. What can I say? Their menu has expanded! Wow. However, on a full night with live music, expect slow, poor service. Only order things that are on their grill, such as Jerk Chicken and Pork, the fastest of the slowest. That sums up the first visit.

The last two visits had a new but familiar face. Good old Glen that hops around from bar to bar, claiming its when they need service to speed up and improve he is called upon. I can see why, because there is usually a long wait at JoJo’s. Glen is slightly annoying in personality but humorous around the edges, confident and most importantly, usually serves efficiently. 

The last two visits included a half empty Tuesday night and a fairly full Saturday night with fast service for both nights from Glen and the kitchen. The food? The taste is ever so basic. Nothing special. Go there if you have to or you are just hungry and need some simple grub. What’s up with that Jerk Chicken Pizza?!!! Slices of thick hard dough bread with hardly enough ketchup or sauce, some tasteless cheese and bland chicken. Not even likkle oregano and pepper? Poor. 

Saltfish Fritters? Ok but too much batter.

Their Gungu Peas soup is nice and filling. 

The Cook up Saltfish ($350) could be spicier but it is quite tasty.

Jerk Chicken and Jerk Pork with fries, rice and peas or sweet potato are usually reasonably tasty as well.

Their Philly Cheese Steak sandwich that has Chicken but not Steak is delicious.

Their prices? With the exception of that horrible excuse of a Pizza for $400JMD, prices are extremely affordable. Makes sense and aligns with the basic quality of food. Hopefully the fast service is maintained.