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TGIF to this Steamed Sea Bass from Mystic Thai!

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Steamed Sea Bass with Lemon Grass infused Pakchoy (Photo: Mystic Thai Jamaica)

Another Restaurant found that isn’t short on Lemon Grass. Kudos to Mystic Thai Jamaica, this dish looks delish!

Mystic Thai (Asian & Thai Cuisine)

Location: B11 – Fairview Towne Centre Unit, Montego Bay

Ph: 876-633-6535

Website: http://www.mysticthaijamaica.com

Opening Hours: Mondays – Sundays, 11:30am – 10pm

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Check out this Christmas Dinner in July!

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Instagram photo: @thekitchenista

I have been following Angela Davis on Instagram, who is a self-taught home cook, recipe developer, private chef and author located in Maryland, D.C.

She had a Sunday Dinner Party two weekends ago, titled ‘Christmas in July’. It was also hosted by Clinton Mitchell and his wife. There were 12 guests, who were a mixture of followers, friends and clients that hit it off quickly and had rave reviews, using the hashtag, #KitchenistaSundays on Instagram.

The Dinner was the Feast of 7 Dishes with an Italian Seafood theme. The prelude included Crostinis with anchovy butter and radishes, an Italian Seafood salad, a Vegetable salad and stuffed Clams.

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A slow roasted pistachio crusted Salmon followed for the main course. A guest said it was the best Salmon they have ever had.

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All of that was topped off with Roasted figs along with whipped goat cheese and a Lemon Olive Oil Cake.

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The Kitchenista also did a live Pasta making demo that streamed on twitter. You can check her website link below for more information, get added to her mailing list for upcoming events and check out some of her recipes as well.

For all my Suga Bears in DC, don’t wait till I get there. Send this Kitchenista an email so you can taste her magic because there will be more Kitchenista Sundays!

Kitchenista Diaries

Location: Maryland, Washington DC

Email: [email protected]

Website: kitchenistadiaries.com/

Instagram: @thekitchenista

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Seaside Dining at Las Vegas Cafe in St. Elizabeth!

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Sunday before last, Suga Bear, Randy Burgess stopped by Las Vegas Cafe in St. Elizabeth for Lunch at 2:30pm.

Parking was sufficient and décor was rustic with a touch of old tavern accentuated by the view of the seaside.

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There were a few other guests, both locals and tourists.

The staff were not necessarily courteous but they weren’t rude or inattentive either. So they could improve on their Southern hospitality.

Las Vegas Cafe specialises in Seafood. If you order Fish, you are given the option to choose your fish.

Randy ordered Coconut Garlic Shrimp with Steam Bammy ($1800JMD tx incl.) and his friend ordered Coconut Garlic Conch with Steam Bammy ($1800JMD tx incl.).

Even though their dishes were done to order, it did not take an extremely long time to arrive. The Suga Bears enjoyed their Lunch. The Shrimps were noticeably fresh as one would expect from St. Elizabeth and well seasoned. The Bammy was well steamed with a texture that was just right and the sauce had a good balance of Coconut and Garlic, with neither overpowering the taste of the Seafood.

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Value for Money? Suga Bear, Randy rated Las Vegas Cafe a 3/5.

If traveling through the South Coast, I think it is safe to take a detour or stop by Las Vegas Cafe for a tasty and filling serving of Seafood.

Las Vegas Cafe 

Location: 70 Crane Road (Close to Salt Spring), St. Elizabeth. Jamaica

Ph: 876-965-9648

Opening Hours: 11am-11pm

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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A Restaurant you can Dress Up and Go To in the Capital of Casual, Negril!

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On the last Saturday night of April, Bongos Restaurant saved the day for me and my husband’s Anniversary Dinner after a mix up with Reservations at another Restaurant in Negril.

Bongos is located at the modernly refurbished, Sandy Haven Resort on the popular Negril Strip.

We were relieved to still have somewhere elegant to dine. There was a choice between indoor dining and outdoor dining on the terrace. We decided to stay indoors, where the lights were turned down low, but a bit too low. The ambience was not affected too much though. Seating was comfortable and the décor was unique. There was a Bar and Lounge area indoors as well.

The members of staff were courteous and knowledgeable of the items on the menu.

The menu had a wide range of items that represented a fusion of European, Asian, African and of course, Caribbean cuisines. Prices listed in US were subject to 10% tax and 10% gratuity.

Appetizers, Soups and Salads ranged from $7-$10US.

I had the tasty Jerk Shrimp Brochette ($8.50US) and my husband had the Crab and Corn Chowder ($8US), which had a rich flavour. My Brochette could have done without the lettuce on top though.

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A) Crab and Corn Chowder – Crab meat sautéed with fresh corn and onion in a garlic cream sauce drizzled with a spicy chili oil; B) Jerk Shrimp Brochette ($8.50US) – Shrimp tossed with fresh tomato and onion on top of a garlic bread drizzled with mango balsamic syrup

For Entrées, there were Vegetarian and Vegan options such as Vegetarian Paella, Mixed Bean Stew, Vegetable Linguini and more ranging from $12-$30US.

Other options included Fish any way you like it ranging from $17-$23US depending on size, Curried Coconut Lemon Shrimp ($18US), Asian Stir Fry Beef Sirloin ($17US), Jerk Chicken Pasta ($16.50US), Cuban Pork & Bean ($20USD), Bongo’s Seafood Paella ($19US single/$35US double) and more.

It wasn’t Lobster season but I had a craving for any type of Surf and Turf, which wasn’t on their menu. The waiter and the Chef collaborated to make me happy and offered me the Filet Mignon with large Shrimp Skewers.

My husband ordered the Filet Mignon on its own.

Although the wait was extremely long, we had a year of marriage to reminisce on as well as exciting thoughts for our future and the wait was worthwhile when the food arrived.

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A) Surf & Turf – Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Shrimp Skewers; B) Herb Crusted Filet Mignon ($30US) – Grilled Beef Tenderloin served with sautéed vegetables, cajun potato wedges drizzled with mango mushroom demi-glaze.

Our cuts of Beef came medium rare, as requested. So we were pleased with the tenderness and succulent juices and flavours emerging from the Beef.

We were too full for Dessert but we enjoyed a few drinks from the Bar. I have had better Mojitos but the blended drinks were on point.

I recommend Bongos Restaurant for a decent place to dine in Negril if you are not famished or in a rush. The wait may be long but you have the leisure of having a good chit chat over a few drinks in a lovely ambience until delectable food arrives.

Bongos Restaurant @ Sandy Haven Resort

Location: Norman Manley Boulevard. Negril, Jamaica

Ph: 886-957-3200

Opening Hr: 6pm

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Jerk ‘Everythang’ Today at 2wo A Seafood Restaurant and Bar off Ruthven Road!

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Have you ever been to 2wo A Seafood Restaurant and Bar on Strathairn Avenue off Ruthven Road? If not, now is your chance.

TGIF! Every Last Friday starting Today, 2wo A Seafood will have Jerked meat for you to eat! There will be locally sourced Rabbit, Chicken, Fish and Pork for affordable prices with Drink Specials.

I was treated to a tasty, complimentary Fish Tea at my first visit to 2wo A Seafood last December. It was a Thursday night when they usually have Live Performances.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Japanese duo, DJs Ackee and Saltfish who have been in Jamaica since 1994. They should give Rankin Pumpkin on Magnum Kings & Queens of Dancehall a few tips.

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Gabby from Suga Lifestyle sandwiched between Japanese DJs Ackee & Saltfish, who called her their Dumpling. (Photo taken  – December 22, 2016)

Waitresses were pleasant and Drinks were very reasonable. For instance, a cue of White rum costed $800JMD, a cue of V/X, $1000JMD and a cue of Johnnie Walker Black, $1200JMD.

Although the Fish took a little while, as it is cooked to order, I recommend their Signature Jerk Fish ($1300JMD/lb), which had a tantalising flavour.

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2wo A Seafood’s Signature Jerk Fish ($1300JMD/lb)

2wo A Seafood has cosy seating and a garden atmosphere with small palms and intricate lighting by the Entertainment area. Patrons also assemble by the bar that has both high stools and comfortable barrel-chair seating.

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Give 2wo A Seafood Restaurant and Bar a visit tonight and Enjoy!

2wo A Seafood Restaurant and Bar

Location: 2A Strathairn Avenue (Off Ruthven Road)

Ph: 876-803-3290

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Seaside View and West Indian Cuisine at Blue Mahoe Restaurant, Negril!

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About 3 weekends ago, I visited the Blue Mahoe Restaurant for Lunch at The Spa Retreat Hotel with my husband. The Spa Retreat Hotel is by the West End Cliffs in Negril.

Parking was limited but the security guard was attentive and directed us to a staff member who happily guided us to the Restaurant.

It was about 3 in the afternoon after a shower of rain and there was only one other couple dining at the time. The sun came back out and we were seated at a table with a seaside view and could see guests chatting up a storm by the Bar outside.

I found that their Lunch menu was a bit limited to Salads, Sandwiches and Wraps with a small amount of Jamaican/West Indian cuisine. However, our waitress said we could request something from the Dinner menu as well and she would check with the Chef to confirm availability.

The Dinner Menu comprised of mainly Seafood, Pastas and Jamaican Cuisine such as Curried Goat and Chicken, Braised Oxtail and Bean, Jerked Pork, Steamed Fish, a Jamaican Platter (Curried Goat, Brown Stew Chicken, Oxtail, Bammy & Rice and Peas) and more.

Prices were what we Jamaicans would call ‘tourist prices’, that is, a bit on the high end considering our high exchange rate.

We both decided to have the Soup of the day, which was Red peas soup ($6USD) and the Fisherman Conch ($16USD). I ordered the Curried Conch and my husband ordered the Callaloo Jerked Conch. We were too early to get a side of baked or mashed potatoes, so we settled with rice and peas.

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Red Peas Soup ($6USD+tx + 10% Service Charge)

The Soup was pricey for such a small cup but at least it was tasty.

The Rice and Peas that accompanied the Conch was not ready. There were a few crunchy grains with each forkful. We’re in Jamaica so you have to steam that rice and peas right Chef!

We enjoyed the Jerked and Curried Conch though. Well seasoned and savoury with the right amount of spice.

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West Indian Curried Conch ($16USD+tx +10% Service Charge)

Blue Mahoe Restaurant is a modern establishment with a spectacular seaside view and good service. It was a convenient stop with decent food and hospitable staff for our Anniversary weekend. Suga will return and next time it will be for Dinner by the Seaside.

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Randolph and Gabrielle Burgess at The Spa Retreat Hotel, Negril #sugaendorsed

Blue Mahoe Restaurant & Lounge Bar @ The Spa Retreat Hotel

Location: One Love Drive, West End Cliffs. Negril, Jamaica

Ph: 876-399-3773; 876-957-4329

Email: [email protected]

Reservations: [email protected]

Website: http://www.thespajamaica.com

***Menu online***

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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Lunch on the Seaside in Hopewell, Hanover

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Randy Burgess (L) and wife, Gabrielle Burgess from Suga Lifestyle celebrating their 1 year anniversary

Sunday before last, I visited Smoked Marlin Restaurant in Hopewell, Hanover for lunch with my husband.

Apart from our traditional Sweet Potato Pudding stop in Priory, St. Ann, Smoked Marlin was our last stop after a relaxed, food-filled weekend in Negril before heading back to Kingston.

Our waitress was pleasant but could have been more attentive. The wait for food including the Appetizer of Fish soup was too long. The diners that ordered just after us complained as well.

The food was tasty but did not blow us away. Servings were sizeable and made up for the delay. We had a little space left for Dessert, but they did not have all the items listed on the menu including the Tropical Crêpe that I desired.

I thought it would be a more impressive visit, but it was still a delightful experience with a picturesque seaside view to up the ante.

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Marlin Salad – $900JMD +tx (Top); Oxtail Ragu – $1900JMD +tx (Bottom Left); Seafood Linguine with shrimp & fish – $1900JMD +tx (Bottom right)

Date of visit: 30/4/17

Time: 3:45pm

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★★★

Ambience: ★★★★★

Décor: ★★★★☆

Comfort: ★★★★★

Service: ★★★☆☆

Speed: ★★☆☆☆

Food quality: ★★★★☆

Serving amount: ★★★★★

Plating: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★★★☆

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Smoked Marlin Restaurant

Location: Main Street. Hopewell, Hanover

Ph: 876-609-4181

Opening Hours: 12pm-9pm

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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15th Street Fisheries in Florida by the Sea!

Suga visited 15th Street Fisheries in Florida over Heroes Weekend a few weeks ago.

I heard many good things about it and loved that they were by the water with a view, offering freshly grilled Fish. They have different menus for Upstairs and Downstairs, where Downstairs is more casual and Upstairs is Reservations only with a more tempting and pricey menu.

My reservation was for a group of 9 on October 15th, a Saturday night at 8:00pm. We were a bit late but they were ready for us nonetheless. We were greeted pleasantly and taken upstairs and seated by our table which was right by the window. Loved the view and activity of boats docking and leaving. The Restaurant was comfortable with rustic décor including old boats, anchors, bottles with chains, lanterns and more. 

The menu had an insane variety of Seafood dishes to choose from for both Appetizers and Entrees. There were options such as Grilled New York Strip, Slow Roasted Prime Rib of Beef and Grilled Chicken Breast for the Meat lovers. A Wine menu was available as well.

The Appetizers came out a bit after 20 minutes, so could have been quicker. We weren’t blown away by the taste of the Appetizers. The Crab Cakes ($16USD) were decent. The Red Shrimp Cocktail ($16USD) had a homemade cocktail sauce that was a bit too tangy, overpowering the shrimp, fresh salsa and cucumber strings. Two of us that ordered the Soup Du Jour ($8USD), a Bahamian style Conch Chowder, were not too fond of it. To me it tasted like a thick Canned soup. 

Fisheries Salad

The Fisheries Salad ($10USD), however was the winner. It was a huge, tasty salad filled with Romaine lettuce, Wild Florida Rock Shrimp, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Sliced Almonds, Fresh Strawberries and Papaya Chutney Dressing.

Dry Rubbed Mahi Mahi

Thankfully, the Entrees were a complete 180 in quality compared to the disappointing Appetizers.

I had the Dry Rubbed Mahi Mahi ($32USD) with crab fried rice, sautéed brocolini and brandy blackened cream sauce. The crab fried rice infused with the brandy blackened cream sauce excited my taste buds. My Mahi Mahi was well cooked and I enjoyed it.

Everyone else was happy with their Entrees as well. Some of which included Sautéed Red Shrimp ($34USD), Spiny Lobster Tail ($37USD) and Pan Roasted Black Grouper ($35USD). I have to highlight that the Pan Roasted Black Grouper was served with red and golden quinoa, wild mushroom, baby clam meat, white Vermont cheddar cheese, lobster sherry cream sauce and potato crisps. It was absolutely fantastic. 

Entrée Servings were large, the Seafood was fresh, well cooked and the flavours were amazing.

At this point, everyone was quite full and content and had no capacity for Dessert. However, there is always one or 2 with a high metabolism like me with the desire to share a huge dessert. 

Their Dessert menu, including Gluten free options was way too tempting. They had Dessert Martinis, Coffee Drinks and Ports/Dessert Wine listed in addition to Créme Brulee, Cheesecake, Sorbets, Brownies and more!

Of course when I saw Lemon Blueberry Bread Pudding ($10USD) with White Chocolate Sauce, Anglaise, served with Vanilla Ice Cream and fresh berries, I could not refuse.

Voilà! Ok it still wasn’t a Fromage Gourmet Bread Pudding but it was divine!

Lemon Blueberry Bread Pudding

Our waiter needed to touch up on his housekeeping manners towards the end of dinner but we did not allow it to spoil our night and the Managers dealt with and appeased the situation accordingly. 

The night may not have been perfect but we were full with delicious Entrees, great conversation and absolutely delicious dessert to top it off. 

Suga would return for sure.

15th Street Fisheries

Location: 1900 SE 15th St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, USA

Ph: 954-763-2777


By: Gabrielle Burgess
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