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Rainforest Caribbean Brought the Sea to ROK Hotel Kingston last Friday!

by Chefs, Bakers and CaterersCulinary ExperiencesRestaurant Reviews & RatingsSuga TastersWhat's Hot
Gabby Burgess a.k.a Suga with Award-Winning Chef Volae Williams at ROK Hotel Kingston’s Seafood Buffet with Rainforest Caribbean last Friday.
[Dress: EtAl]

TGIF was an understatement. Thank you Rainforest Caribbean and the Award-Winning Chef Volae Williams and his team at ROK Hotel Kingston by the ROKStone Grill for a spectacular Seafood Buffet Experience spanning about 7 stations.

Suga Highlights? Check them out here!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5TVWcTO-HO/?igsh=YmxjMTN6cmloMHls

Jerked Octopus with scotch bonnet citrus herbed butter


– My targeted, ‘meaty’ Jerked Octopus with adequate heat from scotch bonnet citrus herbed butter
– Hubby’s fave, Ceviche by the Raw Bar was on point
– Enjoyable selection of traditional and Jamaican rolls by the Sushi and Nigiri station
– The Mixed Seafood Pasta! I’m gonna tell you about it!
– The Strawberry Macaroons and rich Chocolate Log Cake were perfection. Definitely worth the calories.

Chef Volae told Suga they made a special effort to bring out the taste of the flavour of Rainforest Caribbean’s Seafood and of course you can’t do that by piling on a sauce. So hubby and I definitely appreciated their mixed seafood tossed in fettuccine with sundried tomatoes in a very light Mondavi Wine, butter and garlic sauce. Surely the Fit Happens with Gabby way. Nailed it!

All you can eat for J$10,000 with a live band and wait staff that we gave an A for effort. This experience was definitely value for money, especially as we continuously strive to revive Downtown, Kingston.

Same time, same place each month Chef Volae, ROK Hotel Kingston and Rainforest Caribbean? We’ll see!

XoXo,
Suga

By: Gabrielle Burgess (CEO, Suga Lifestyle)

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

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Happy Monday! Did you See ‘Best Restaurant in Ja’ in Suga’s Sunday Dinner Special?

by Culinary ExperiencesFoodpornRestaurant Reviews & RatingsSuga TastersWhat's Hot
Diane and Brandt Williams with Randy and Gabby Burgess dining on the Beach at the Award-Winning Delmare Restaurant at Half Moon Resort, Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Yes you read right. In the beginning of January, I Restaurant hopped from from what I thought was the best, Sugar Mill, to its neighbour, the Award-winning Delmare Seafood Restaurant with Italian influences at Half Moon, Montego Bay overlooking the white sand beach. However, as you can see, you can dine on the Beach too.

A relatively New and Modern Menu influenced by what came in with the tides and what was freshly cut from a farm nearby.

Jamaican Luxury Hotel Dining seen to perfection with knowlegeable staff that had genuine charm and hospitality.

To start, I could not get the Signature Elderflower Spritz, but the Da Luca Prosecco sufficed. They had quite the variety for Wines.

The Polipo (Grilled Octopus Dish) is definitely up there with other fine dishes of Octopus I have enjoyed.

Polipo (Grilled Octopus Dish)

The Gentlemen left nothing untouched with their Mixed Grill of the Chef’s Daily selection of Seafood, the Local Snapper was cooked to perfection complimented by a sauce that was just divine.

Mixed Grill: Chef’s Daily selection of Seafood
Local Snapper dish

I had half a serving of the Squid Ink Spaghetti, White Wine, Clams, Mussels, Shrimp, Snapper and fresh Tomatoes. I almost regretted opting for the Half serving, but that thought never lingered once my Tiramisu hit the table and I had enough space to finish it all. Every spoonful was Classic and Authentic. Just Wow.

Squid Ink Spaghetti, White Wine, Clams, Mussels, Shrimp, Snapper and fresh Tomatoes
Classic Tiramisu

Other delightful Desserts enjoyed were a complimentary platter with Macarons, Dark Chocolate, Biscotti & more, a Curated no sugar, no Dairy Dessert, Gelato & Sorbet and a delish, flavourful serving of Moncello & White Chocolate Cheesecake. #SugaSnaps

Complimentary platter with Macarons, Dark Chocolate, Biscotti & more
Curated no sugar, no Dairy Dessert
Gelato & Sorbet
Moncello & White Chocolate Cheesecake

When you see Art on a Plate, then enjoy it with sweet symphony, that’s Dining perfection.

Remember folks, you do not have to stay at Half Moon to dine at Half Moon. The Delmare Restaurant is open to the public. Go ahead and make your reservation for currently, the Best Dining Experience in Jamaica and if you have one, go with your local ID for the Local discount. #SugaEndorsed

Happy Sunday!

Delmare Restaurant

Location: Half Moon Resort. Rose Hall, Montego Bay, Jamaica

Ph: 876.953.2211

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.

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THE Best Restaurant in Jamaica Right Now…Suga’s Sunday Dinner Special

by Culinary ExperiencesFoodpornRestaurant Reviews & RatingsSuga TastersWhat's Hot
Diane and Brandt Williams with Randy and Gabby Burgess dining on the Beach at the Award-Winning Delmare Restaurant at Half Moon Resort, Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Yes you read right. In the beginning of January, I Restaurant hopped from from what I thought was the best, Sugar Mill, to its neighbour, the Award-winning Delmare Seafood Restaurant with Italian influences at Half Moon, Montego Bay overlooking the white sand beach. However, as you can see, you can dine on the Beach too.

A relatively New and Modern Menu influenced by what came in with the tides and what was freshly cut from a farm nearby.

Jamaican Luxury Hotel Dining seen to perfection with knowlegeable staff that had genuine charm and hospitality.

To start, I could not get the Signature Elderflower Spritz, but the Da Luca Prosecco sufficed. They had quite the variety for Wines.

The Polipo (Grilled Octopus Dish) is definitely up there with other fine dishes of Octopus I have enjoyed.

Polipo (Grilled Octopus Dish)

The Gentlemen left nothing untouched with their Mixed Grill of the Chef’s Daily selection of Seafood, the Local Snapper was cooked to perfection complimented by a sauce that was just divine.

Mixed Grill: Chef’s Daily selection of Seafood
Local Snapper dish

I had half a serving of the Squid Ink Spaghetti, White Wine, Clams, Mussels, Shrimp, Snapper and fresh Tomatoes. I almost regretted opting for the Half serving, but that thought never lingered once my Tiramisu hit the table and I had enough space to finish it all. Every spoonful was Classic and Authentic. Just Wow.

Squid Ink Spaghetti, White Wine, Clams, Mussels, Shrimp, Snapper and fresh Tomatoes
Classic Tiramisu

Other delightful Desserts enjoyed were a complimentary platter with Macarons, Dark Chocolate, Biscotti & more, a Curated no sugar, no Dairy Dessert, Gelato & Sorbet and a delish, flavourful serving of Moncello & White Chocolate Cheesecake. #SugaSnaps

Complimentary platter with Macarons, Dark Chocolate, Biscotti & more
Curated no sugar, no Dairy Dessert
Gelato & Sorbet
Moncello & White Chocolate Cheesecake

When you see Art on a Plate, then enjoy it with sweet symphony, that’s Dining perfection.

Remember folks, you do not have to stay at Half Moon to dine at Half Moon. The Delmare Restaurant is open to the public. Go ahead and make your reservation for currently, the Best Dining Experience in Jamaica and if you have one, go with your local ID for the Local discount. #SugaEndorsed

Happy Sunday!

Delmare Restaurant

Location: Half Moon Resort. Rose Hall, Montego Bay, Jamaica

Ph: 876.953.2211

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.

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Suga Finds the Key to the Pie at Blue Skies Beach Resort!

by Restaurant Reviews & RatingsSuga TastersWhat's Hot

Fairly new from welcoming first guests last year and published earlier this year by The Jamaica Observer, we learnt that US civil rights attorney, Dana Kurtz opened Blue Skies Beach Resort (Ig: @blueskiesbeachresort) and realised her dream. This led to her also driving the dreams of aspiring Jamaican Chefs.

I can appreciate the old authenticity of shacks and huts on Negril beach, but appreciate modernizing it even more. Negril is one of the top tourist destinations in the world and we should move with the times and strive to keep it as such.

If strolling on Negril’s 7 mile beach, you cannot miss the Blue Skies Beach Resort. Bright blue and new furnishings on its wooden sea deck with not one, but 2 bars and blazing music. They also advertised having the best Coffee on the beach, but we were on a Rum run.

Fast forward to night time, we approached from Norman Manley Boulevard where they have a bit of construction happening for greater things to come. There was a Baby Shower happening on the top deck, but we were still able to get suitable parking.

With the event happening, more staff should have been on deck (literally) that night, but Chef Sanika Clarke picked up double duty and greeted us like guests to her own home. She took our order and still attended to us even when our server, Veronica introduced herself to us mid-service. Veronica was quite hospitable as well.

Blue Skies Beach Resort focuses on Jamaican cuisine, but had International and Italian options as well.
We enjoyed the enhanced flavours of each dish by local herbs, spices and fresh farm veggies, topped off by freshly made, scrumptious dessert made by Chef Sanika herself.

🍴Spicy Crayfish soup (spicy and tasty!)
🍴Chicken soup (tasty!)

🍴Fried Farm Fresh Okra (delish!)


🍴Roasted Conch (yum, nom nom!)
🍴Oxtail (a bit too heavy on the spices & herbs, but still tasty)
🍴Bread Pudding (the Rum Caramel sauce was 🔥)
🍴Key Lime Pie (Perfection👌🏾👏🏾)

Blue Skies Beach Resort is definitely #SugaEndorsed.

Blue Skies Beach Resort

Location: Norman Manley Boulevard, Negril, Jamaica

Ph: 876-882-4500

Instagram: @blueskiesbeachresort

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.

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#tbt to a Healthy, but Memorable Dinner from the Renewed Hard Rock Hollywood, Florida!

by Health & FitnessRestaurant Reviews & RatingsWhat's Hot
Charred Octopus with Romesco sauce and roasted Marcona Almonds. (US$22)

Throwback to probably the best Octopus I’ve ever had, 3 Thursdays ago!

Suga had a GNO at Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, a staple of the renewed Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, Florida.

The menu offers prime cuts of beef, signature raw bar & delectable seafood selections, and more. I heard of their state-of-the-art wood fire grills and Josper coal ovens and was eager to try their Lamb Chops, but they were unavailable that night.

So I had the most delish Charred Octopus as a starter with Romesco sauce and roasted Marcona Almonds. Perfectly grilled. Tender, succulent, with a crispy outside and slightly smoky flavour from the wood fire grill.

I then enjoyed the Parmesan crusted Salmon, complemented by a tasty Beurre Blanc sauce with a glass of vino.

Parmesan crusted Salmon in a Beurre Blanc sauce (US$36)

Excellent service and food, accompanied by live entertainment. Their menu has high quality options that are value for your money.

**Reservations recommended** Council Oak Steaks & Seafood is #SugaEndorsed.

Council Oak Steaks & Seafood

Location: Base of the Guitar Hotel at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood, Florida.

1 Seminole Way
Hollywood, FL 33314

Ph: (954) 327-7625

By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle; Certified Personal Trainer & Sports Nutritionist)

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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Suga’s Next Stop on the West End, Rockhouse at Rockhouse Hotel!

by Brand JamaicaRestaurant Reviews & RatingsSuga TastersWhat's Hot

The award-winning Caribbean’s Leading Boutique Hotel for many years, as well as Jamaica’s Leading Spa Resort for ’14, ’15 is usually booked out for Weddings whenever we are in Negril.

So with much anticipation and quite a reputation, we finally dined at one of the most scenic Restaurants cliffside.

The staff there, led by Gossett definitely got that old school welcoming, Jamaican hospitality that we love. Kudos to them. Their energy working amongst each other was cordial as well.

Seating was close, but I was still able to make myself comfortable.

My Coconut Shrimp starter was delish. We enjoyed the other dishes, Crab Quesadilla, Seafood Linguini with Shrimp and Snapper and the Surf & Surf with seared Snapper and Garlic Shrimp.

Coconut Shrimp (US$12)
Crab Quesadilla (US11)
Seafood Linguini with Shrimp & Snapper (US$19)
Surf & Surf with seared Snapper and Garlic Shrimp (US$24)
Chocolate Cake

They were tasty dishes, but left a little more to be desired. I also only had two bites of the Chocolate Cake. Perhaps expectations were too high or maybe they fell off their game a bit, because other spots are quite impressive! Stay tuned for more this week.

Gabrielle with husband, Randy Burgess, Owners of Suga Lifestyle at the Rockhouse restaurant at Rockhouse Hotel last Saturday.

XoXo, Suga💖

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.

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Suga Revisits Westmoreland! First Stop, Pelican Lookout!

by Brand JamaicaFoodpornRestaurant Reviews & RatingsSuga TastersWhat's Hot

Sometimes it takes a few months before you get the urge to take the 4-hour drive to Negril, but when you do, it’s so worth it!

First stop, Pelican Lookout restaurant and bar by West End, Negril.

It was overcast upon arrival, but then the sun came out and you know Negril heat hits differently, so go in the evening or night when the vibes and temperature are right.

Very attentive staff, big up Rohan and most of all, the Chef! Food ‘propa’.

A variety of Octopus dishes were on the menu, but looks like we just missed the season. We have to return to try those!

There were still great options for Seafood, Pastas, Burgers and Beverages. We opted for traditional Jamaican Conch Fritters, Oxtail and Curried Goat. They all hit the spot. Di Oxtail tender tender and slide off the bone. Well seasoned and wicked flavours.

Conch Fritters (US$8)
Oxtail and Beans
Oxtail and Beans (USD $17)
Curried Goat (USD$15)

Eye-catching rustic, artistic décor & view, rhythmic music, timely food and I can see the place lights up at night.

Pelican Lookout is #SugaEndorsed. Visit them when next on the West End.

Pelican Lookout

Location: West End. Negril, Jamaica

Ph: 876-801-3293

Instagram: @pelican_look_out

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.

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#tbt to Some ‘propa’ Garlic Lobster by the Beach!

by Brand JamaicaFoodpornSuga TastersWhat's Hot
Garlic Lobster from Sugarpot Beach Bar Restaurant in St. Mary, Jamaica.

#tbt to some ‘propa’ Garlic Lobster by the Beach!

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

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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#tbt to this Shrimp Surf & Turf from The Neptune’s at Beaches Resorts, Ocho Rios !

by Brand JamaicaFoodpornSuga TastersWhat's Hot

The Neptune’s Shrimp Surf & Turf with Chargrilled Boston cut Striploin Steak, Shrimp Skewer, mashed potatoes, sautéed vegetables and garlic butter was divine! Tender, juicy and well seasoned. Kudos to Chef Viv!

Dinner was spectacular from the start with their Seafood Salad, Assorted Meze including Octopus, Prawns and more, Ceviche, the mains with Surf & Turf, Lamb, Swordfish Steak, Pastas and more, topped off with Baklava and Ice Cream for the finale. My family cleaned up!

The Neptune’s at Beaches Resorts
always delivers! Especially when they used to have booths at various festivals and events.

They maintained great service when the hotel was fully booked and understaffed. Bravo.
#SugaSnaps & #SugaEndorsed.

The Neptune’s at Beaches Resorts, Ocho Rios

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

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

#Sugalifestyleja #issalifestyle #SugaTasters #Seafood #RestaurantRatingsandReviews #OutdoorDining #SeasideDining #Views #CopingWithCovid #WeAreInThisTogether

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Suga Taster, Jehan Dines Seaside at Rusty Pelican Miami!

by Restaurant Reviews & RatingsSuga TastersWhat's Hot

Suga Taster Jehan’s Ratings for Rusty Pelican
Waterfront Restaurant
Date and time of visit: Saturday, July 3, 2021 at 6:15pm:

No. of diners: 5
NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum
Parking: ★★★★★
Ambience: ★★★★★
Décor: ★★★★★
Comfort: ★★★★★
Service: ★★★★★
Speed: ★★★★☆
Food quality: ★★★★☆
Serving amount: ★★★★★
Plating: ★★★★★
Value for $: ★★★★★

Although it’s known that Miami has some of the best restaurants in South Florida, foodie & Suga Taster, Jehan was pleasantly surprised by her experience at Rusty Pelican from arrival to departure.

Suga Taster, Jehan’s Breakdown:

“The hostess was quick to check the reservation and seat the 5 of us as we arrived. Shortly after, our server Mike T. came over, introduced himself, provided our menus and took drink orders. 

Rusty Pelican’s Old Fashioned
Passion of the Soul
Blurred Lines

Mike T. was quite attentive as the evening progressed and even ensured to note any food-based allergies.

The Appetizers and Main courses did not disappoint!

Jumbo Gulf Shrimp Cocktail
Dayboat Pistachio Scallops
Crispy whole local Snapper
The Chilean Sea Bass
Rusty Pelican Board for two!
Short Rib Empanadas

They lacked dessert options though and the two ordered did not hit the sweet spot. The Sticky Toffee Pudding is a warmed Date Cake served with brown butter pecans and caramel ice cream. The warm Cafe con leche consisted of white chocolate, cuban coffee, and cookies & cream ice cream.

Sticky Toffee Pudding
Cafe con leche

Looks and Sounds great eh? Sadly, the date cake was dry and dense and the Cafe con leche left a lot to be desired.

Despite the disappointing Dessert, the experience, Mains and cocktails were still great and I will definitely be back” ~Suga Taster, Jehan Knight.

Rusty Pelican Waterfront Restaurant
Address: 3201 Rickenbacker Csywy, Key Biscayne, Florida
Parking: Valet only
Instagram: @rustypelicanmiami

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

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