Check out the recipe from Green Valley Kitchen for this quick and easy salad by clicking on the link below:
http://www.greenvalleykitchen.com/tomato-cucumber-avocado-salad/
ENJOY!
Café Fusion on Ruthven Road
Two friends, Cameca Samuels and Leisha Patrick fused their dreams into a Café. They were a nominee for Jamaica Observer’s Mogul in the Making last year. Though not educated in the Culinary Arts, Leisha is the Chef with skills acquired from working at restaurants in the United States. Initially, Cameca, an Interior Decorator managed the marketing and maintenance of the business and ofcourse kept it looking cosy for customers.
Café Fusion has been open for a little bit over a year now on 12 Ruthven Road. It seems Cameca has become extremely busy with Interior Decorating, so Leisha is now managing the business for the most part. A bit evident in terms of the wall decor looking a bit lacklustre. But not to worry, a piece or two from GW Art will be there soon.
I visited last Saturday for a Sub Sandwich. Leisha seemed to be the only person working but she greeted me upon entry, seemed calm and was quite pleasant. There was a slow flow of customers, which she seemed to be handling well. I was made aware she has an assistant, so perhaps she was on a break.
The Café felt comfortable while I waited on my Turkey Sub, but I didn’t have time to eat there so ordered my Sub Sandwich to-go. I got it quickly. It did not look appealing and the Sub bread was flat, but it was tasty and quite filling.
The cost was $650JMD, less than most places for that size. So since the Sub was tasty and I was full afterwards, accompanied by great customer service, looks didn’t matter. I was quite satisfied and would return.
Break the Monotony and Keep Changing the Ingredients of your Salads
Trying to lose weight from the holidays and getting bored with salads? Mix it up a little. Try the following but also take into account the portions of each food group used. For instance, if you are keeping a low or no sugar diet, you may not want to have chopped mangoes or raisins. But still check the following ingredients out:-
Keep it leafy with lettuce, spinach, arugula, asparagus or string beans.
Add some flavour to your greens with a fat-free or low-fat vinaigrette or lime juice.
Add some healthy protein like tuna, turkey, boiled eggs or boneless, skinless chicken breast.
Add some fibre with chickpeas or quinoa.
Make use of various kinds of nuts such as pecans, walnuts and almonds.
Make it colourful with strawberries, black olives, tomatoes, carrots, mango, cranberries, beetroot, purple cabbage or corn.
Top it off with cheese! Grated parmesan or a sharp reduced-fat feta.
Experiment and see which ingredients work best with each other. Salads can be fun!
Fresh Eats from Y.not.pita and Subway
Y.not.pita in Courtyard 71 on Lady Musgrave Road and Subway in Liguanea, continue to be two of the few places that prepare food right in front of your eyes. The service is good at both establishments. There is a wide variety of toppings for sandwiches at Subway and wraps at Y.not.pita. However they both lack a variety of cheese. Subway only had the White American cheese two weeks ago and the Cheddar cheese was finished at Y.not.pita 3 weeks ago. I expected better from Subway, being an American franchise that usually offers four types of cheese. Despite that issue, the wraps and sandwiches were tasty, fresh and filling from both. The Italian herb cheese bread from Subway was awesome!
They also offer Pizza and Salads, various combos with drinks and Soup (Y.not.pita) or Chips (Subway). So persons can get a decent meal or combo for $1200JMD or less. Subway also gives customers punch cards, so after a few meals you can get one free. Keep it fresh!
Speaknvegan for Lunch!
Have you tried Speaknvegan for lunch yet? I had the refreshing experience 2 weeks ago. I regret taking so long to do so. Speaknvegan was trademarked and featured on Smile Jamaica TVJ just a few months ago, but has been in operation for about a year. The business may be familiar to some as ‘Salads and Shakes by Stace’, but has evolved greatly. Stacy Doughlasingh, the chef responsible for the tasty, Vegan food offered, graduated from UTECH with a degree in Hotel and Tourism a Management not too long ago. It is always pleasing to see young, talented persons go after their dream and actually enjoying what they do for a living.
I think she is off to a great start with a menu that keeps changing, is so creative and also inviting to the eyes. The day I ordered for pick up, I had difficulty choosing amongst Plantain and Hummus Tacos, Black Bean Fajitas and a Chick’n Chutney Burger. I went with the Black Bean Fajitas that consisted of Black beans sauteed in a chilli sauce, along with avocado, diced tomatoes, vegan cream cheese and parsley. My order was ready on time and it was evident that effort was made for its presentation, a crucial element lacking from a lot of lunch establishments. The ingredients complemented each other well and it was quite tasty. The portion size may be small for some though, perhaps a small soup or shake could be added as a combo.
The instagram account, SPEAKNVEGAN is quite active and gives customers an idea of various selections available for order or special request. There are soup and shake options such as Curried Sweet Potato soup, Thai Coconut Corn soup and Kale and Pumpkin soup. Other interesting options are the spicy medium Ackee Pizza with beet root, okra, tomato and vegetables, the Chilli Sub (a favourite amongst customers) and the Burrito bowl with chopped Veggie Steak just to name a few. Mouth-watering Dessert options are available as well.
So check out Speaknvegan on instagram and order some of those affordable, delightful vegan dishes, whether it’s for lunch, a Wedding, Live event, Family event or just Personal catering. Vegan lunches are available for Pick-up or Delivery on Tuesday to Friday from 10 to 3pm. Orders should be made the day before or by 11am latest by calling 876-378-5094.Â
Asia’s Café: ‘Dem Pasta neida Dry nor Wet’ says a diner
A few weeks ago at about 8:30pm, I finally visited Asia’s Café, found in the middle of York Pharmacy on Half Way Tree Road. The restaurant will be opened for a year this December 15th. The news spread fast upon their opening since they are open 24/7 and serve breakfast, lunch and dinner options, sandwiches, salads and various pastries and beverages. It’s also convenient for patients visiting the pharmacy and nearby 24/7 doctor’s offices. The seating area is small so it’s usually order-to go.
For such a small establishment, I noticed a huge menu with affordable items. There were Breakfast items such as Eggs etc., Soups, Salads for $600JMD, OMG Burger for $550JMD, dishes such as Shrimp/Jerk Chicken Pasta and Chicken Lasagna ranging from $700-800JMD, standard Box lunch dishes such as Fried and Roasted Chicken, side orders such as Garlic bread, Potato wedges and Potato salad ranging from $70-$220JMD. They also offer both hot and cold Beverages, as well as Milk Shakes with different flavours for $450JMD. There is a good variety of pastry for $250JMD each including Brownies, Muffins, Banana Breads, Cookies, Cakes, Bread Puddings, you name it. Everything seemed more than reasonable except for some regular Chicken and Turkey Sandwiches that any mother could make and send their child to school with for $550 and $600JMD! Oh no. The same can be found in Mega Mart for $250JMD.
My friend and I ordered the Conch soup ($170JMD tx incl.), Roasted Chicken ($550JMD tx incl.) and Pineapple Jerked Chicken wrap ($550JMD tax incl.). The server came to us a few minutes after, telling us there was no more Conch, but we already made the order and we were ready to grab and go. While we waited, I scanned the room and saw some diners with a large ‘box lunch’ serving of Shrimp Pasta. The Penne looked dry. I braved it and asked one of the ladies how she found it and I said it looked a little dry. She responded, ‘It is awful! Not nice at all, it neida dry nor wet’. We laughed and she then shared her sentiments with the server who told the chef. He said he would redo their order, which was a decent response instead of the ‘I’m sorry to hear’ that can’t buy soldier lorry response. Hopefully there was some improvement.
Although the staff was neither pleasant nor hostile, they said all orders take 7-10 minutes and they stuck to their word, because my food was ready in no time. I saw a quick turn over with other customers as well.
The soup was a bit too salty and ofcourse lacking conch. The Roast Chicken was good but the rice and peas was dry. The Jerk Chicken wrap was tasty and spicy.
Asia’s Café is definitely a good place to get reasonable, decent food on the go, but they should leave the elaborate things to fine dining restaurants, hence reduce their menu size and improve on the quality of remaining items.
Asia’s CaféÂ
Ph#: 876-929-3568 / 876-929-5961
Address: Located inside York Pharmacy, Half-Way Tree, Kingston
Date of visit: 7/11/14
NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum
Parking: ★★★☆☆
Ambience: ☆☆☆☆☆
Decor: ★★★☆☆
Comfort: ★★★☆☆
Service: ★★★☆☆
Speed: ★★★★☆
Food quality: ★★★☆☆
Serving amount: ★★★★☆
Value for $: ★★★☆☆
SuGa Endorsement: ★★★☆☆
Wraps are the new ‘healthy’ obsession but not every restaurant like Monty’s Cafe should try them!
Monty’s Cafe on Old Hope Road is known for cheap, decent box lunch eats and have now added wraps to their menu like almost all of Jamaica.
First of all, many assume that wraps are healthy. Wrong! Â Not all of them for sure. Healthy consists of baked, roasted or grilled, fresh, non-processed cuts of chicken, salmon, steamed fish, turkey or tuna.
All these shrimp and lobster wraps around the place that sound so appealing are high in cholesterol. The plain wraps are full of bad ‘simple’ carbs versus whole grain or whole wheat wraps, keeping in mind they are still all flour and everyone that may have certain goals are not always fully aware of their carbohydrate intake for the day. Let us also not forget the dairy aspect and that cheddar or mozzarella cheeses often used to add taste to the wraps are high in saturated fat (the ‘bad’ fat). Sometimes the amounts used are just added for taste, not considering portion control. Please ‘healthy’ restaurants, bring on the fresh, grated parmesan and reduced fat feta.
With all that said, Monty’s Cafe took the cake. I saw a Chicken wrap they sent to someone and I was appalled. It was a small, plain tortilla that consisted of FRIED chicken, lettuce and one or two pieces of tomato with a horrible salad dressing all over the lettuce for $425JMD. The customer was told it came with a salad, which to their disbelief was a toothpick with a piece of tomato and a shred of lettuce rolled up. Seriously?! A 5 year old could do better. Notice there is no picture? SuGa’s LCD screen has already cracked twice. Precaution necessary. I hope nobody makes the mistake of buying such a disaster. Some places should just stick to chicken and rice and peas.
Fromage Gourmet Market continues to be a winner for dinner
Great service from entrance to exit. Props to our server, Dwight who knew how to handle a few troublesome ladies. Food arrived quickly. We were seated outdoors where the tables are quite small, so for groups that come that have to be seated outside, bigger tables need to be considered.
We had the Calamari starter, Blu Crab Cakes, Shrimp Scampi and Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo. All dishes are recommended, especially the Blu Crab Cakes that are consistently spicy and flavourful. The serving size of the Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo was small, compared to the Shrimp Scampi that was just $200JMD more.
The majority of their dishes are winners and costs reasonable, as entrees and pastas on the menu range from $1000JMD to $2000JMD, giving value for money. Specials are also available to break the monotony of the items listed on the menu.
Fromage Gourmet Market
Ph#: (876) 622-9856
Address: 8 Hillcrest Ave, Kingston
Date of visit: 6/8/14
NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum
Parking: ★★★★★
Ambience: ★★★☆☆
Decor: ★★★☆☆
Comfort: ★★★★☆
Service: ★★★★★
Speed: ★★★★★
Food quality: ★★★★★
Serving amount: ★★★★☆
Plating: ★★★★☆
Value for $: ★★★★☆
SuGa Endorsement: ★★★★☆
There is a NEW Healthy Food Spot in Town – VIANDAS!
Below left: Chicken salad
Right : Menu
Just this week, Verginia Mitchell opened her BRAND NEW Restaurant, VIANDAS at Shop #46, Pulse 38A, Trafalgar Road, Kingston 5. The menu is mainly comprised of healthy wraps, salads, shakes and smoothies.Â
Understandably, there are a few kinks to iron out since they just opened, for instance, only cash will be accepted for the next 2 weeks and its best to call their cell number. Ambience will also be worked on this weekend and others to come so you do not have to just walk in, but you can sit and enjoy your meal. Calorie counts are expected in the future too, but until then you can trust that Verginia who studied Culinary Nutrition will not be using fatty milk or any milk for that matter in your mashed potatoes, will give you a healthy selection of cheese or portions and will use natural seasonings. Nothing is fried.
I had my Turkey wrap delivered to my office today and it was quite tasty and filling for an affordable price of $550JMD. The presentation was lovely and vibrant. The delivery time was not too delayed either. Quite impressive for an opening week. I am surely looking forward to more weeks to come and will be trying other items on the menu. Word is the Escoveitch wrap is delicious and filling as well.
For now, Viandas is OPEN Mondays to Fridays from 8am to 5pm. Delivery is free with 5 orders and $300JMD if less than 5 orders. Call Viandas at 876-946-2424 or 876-831-3606. Follow Viandas on Instagram @viandasja!
Gabby from SuGa Lifestyle Checks Out What the New Chef has to Offer at Strawberry Hill
Last Sunday evening for a dinner date, I headed up to Strawberry Hill in the heart of Jamaica’s Blue Mountains in Irish Town, just 20 minutes from Papine by the foot of the hill. Upon arrival, the breathtaking, picturesque view of the mountains, botanical gardens, Georgian-style cottages and infinity-edge pool, formed the perfect ambience for romance.
We were greeted pleasantly by 2 waitresses simultaneously that happened to be coming from different directions. Now that was a reflection of their eagerness to show hospitality and a sign of good things to come.
It was Marva who seated us and issued or menus instantly. I was excited to see what their new French Chef had to offer. Over the years, I think Strawberry Hill has had their ups and downs where good quality food is concerned, but thankfully less of the latter. They seem to have a commendable reputation regardless.
I heard Chef Martin started at Strawberry Hill in March of this year. The variety of Appetizers popped out more to me compared to the Main dishes, however I am sure if persons wanted to try something they haven’t had in a while, they would surely find something they could choose.
I started with the Smoked Marlin cannelloni with cucumber and caper dressing. Doesn’t that sound interesting? It surely was. A unique blend of flavours that worked well together teasing my taste buds.
Braised shank of Lamb with Jerk and orange sauce, mashed pumpkin and glazed vegetables followed, tender to the cut and succulent. I was also pleased to find out that they buy local. Their meats are from a variety of local farmers, particularly small farmers, such as St. John’s Boscos, a local butchery in Mandeville, which funds orphans and teaches them the trade.
I indulged in warm Bread Pudding for dessert, of which it was the sauce that enhanced the taste. I tried a bit of the Stuffed Puffs with Coconut Ice Cream that was enjoyable but seemed to be missing the Hot Chocolate sauce that was mentioned on the menu.
Other tempting items on the dinner menu included Escoveitch Shrimps, stuffed and spicy Crab Backs, Tomato and Mozzarella Stacks salad, Vegetarian Lasagna with Callaloo and Tomato and an 8oz of Tenderloin of spicy Grilled Beef. A wide selection of Beverages are available as well. Ladies should have Marva mix them that special Piña Colada, its fire!
The service was on point throughout, ‘on cue to top up my glass’ style. Food came out in a timely manner but still with sufficient time to converse and enjoy the lovely ambience. The serving sizes were decent, slightly more than some restaurants but just right because I left feeling full but not stuffed.
Strawberry Hill continues to impress and sustain excellent service with an ambience like no other.
Strawberry Hill Resort
Ph#: 876-944-8400
Address: Irish Town
Date of visit: 10/8/14
NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum
Parking: ★★★★★
Ambience: ★★★★★
Decor: ★★★★☆
Comfort: ★★★★★
Service: ★★★★★
Speed: ★★★★★
Food quality: ★★★★★
Serving amount: ★★★★★
Plating: ★★★★☆
Value for $: ★★★★★
SuGa Endorsement: ★★★★★