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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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Suga enjoys Seafood at Anglers, Ocho Rios

by Restaurant Reviews & Ratings

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Last Saturday Suga took a road trip to Ocho Rios and ensured that she made a stop at Anglers for lunch at 2:30pm.

Parking was adequate and there was another couple that arrived at the same time.  We were the only diners there.

We were greeted pleasantly by our waitress and seated in a comfortable tropical, bar-like atmosphere, i.e. wooden barrels used for seats, a pool table etc. Even though it seemed quiet at the time, the pool table and performance stage indicated that the place may be full of activity in the evenings and at nights. I was told of beautiful lighting at nights, which I can just imagine from evidence of wiring and light sockets partially hidden in the thatched roof.

As I moved on to scan the menu, I noticed reasonable prices and Fish cooked any way you like it and availability in different sizes. The usual side orders of bammy, festival etc. were offered at mostly $200JMD each. There was also Sea Cat, Conch, Lobster and Shrimp kebabs and more. Outside of seafood, Jerked Chicken was also on the menu.

The Appetizers included Soup, Conch Fritters, Cracked Conch and more. We ordered at 2:40pm and our Cracked Conch ($850JMD) arrived in 15 minutes. By itself it was not so impressive but when dipped in their Citrus sauce it was awesome!

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Even though I ordered a 3/4lb Steamed Parrot. Our waitress told us they only had Red Snapper at that size. I went ahead with my order nonetheless. I was also happy that the 3/4lb option was offered because the 1lb option is on the heavy side portion-wise.

While enjoying our Cracked Conch and Red Stripe, our waitress checked on us and updated us on the time remaining for our main dishes to arrive, which was in 10 minutes.

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Steamed Sea Cat with steamed bammy

My other half’s Steamed Sea Cat ($900JMD) and my Steamed Fish ($850 for 3/4lb) arrived in the time expected. They were both delicious.

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Steamed Fish with steamed bammy

Suga endorses Anglers as a comfortable spot to enjoy some Seafood out of town!

Anglers Seafood Restaurant and Sports Bar
Location: Windsor Road. St. Ann’s Bay. St. Ann
Ph: 876-794-8449

Facebook: Anglers Jamaica

Instagram: @anglersjamaica

*FREE WIFI (that works!)*

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Gabby’s journey to Marguerites during RW was phenomenal!

by FoodpornRestaurant Reviews & RatingsWhat's Hot
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Gabrielle Williams (L) from Suga Lifestyle with fiancé Randolph Burgess (R)

After a 3-hour drive from Kingston on Sunday, November 15th, I arrived at Marguerites Seafood by the Sea, Montego Bay on time for my reservation at 8pm. Of course, I arrived not only hungry but with high expectations. Let me tell you from now that these high expectations were met!

My other half and I ordered by 8:05pm. The staff from the entrance to being seated were all very pleasant and professional. The ambience was lovely overlooking the sea where I sat on the balcony and the decor modern and decent. Sitting by the garden would have been nice as well.

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Shelly Ann was our Maître d’ for the night. She worked hard to ensure everything was alright and checked in with our table now and then, but not to the point of being overwhelming. I noticed that the General Manager visited the table next to us as well, welcoming them and ensuring everything was satisfactory. I find that proper supervision and interaction with guests are very necessary when a restaurant wishes to provide and sustain a high level of service.

Appetizers were out within 10 minutes and the other dishes followed like clockwork. Our glasses were refilled with water when needed and our waiter, Ricardo offered us the Robert Mondavi wines that were on special for RW. We had the Zinfandel and Sauvignon blanc.

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All of the dishes were delicious. Presentation was salivating and serving sizes were appropriate. For instance, I was a bit worried about where I was going to fit dessert, but thankfully I was not tempted too much and the Bread pudding and Cheesecake were small and compact, just the right size to fit in the space available in my tummy without feeling uncomfortable.

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The Appetizers were excellent. The Jerked Chicken Breast was well seasoned and minced up for the Beggars Purse and the Shrimp Trucillio had a lovely flavour. A delicious Caribbean Spiny Lobster Salad followed as a bonus with fresh veggies and a tasty vinaigrette. Then all of a sudden, our attention was called by one of the waiters to see a Stingray in the ocean. Hardly a dull moment at Marguerites!

When the Entrées arrived, I was even more impressed and instantly ready to ‘Dig In’! My gosh, the Lobster Flambè with black truffle risotto looked divine! Then as I was looking at the dish all mesmerized, Cecil the Executive Chef visited the table, greeted us pleasantly and told me that he was adding his sauce consisting of Rum beurre blanc and more, as well as edible sprouts. I could hardly find the words to describe the lobster. Juicy lobster accompanied by an absolutely delicious sauce and risotto. My other half had the Flambé Steak complemented by oxtail ragout. Perfection. Cooked exact to order, medium rare.

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It was hard to leave. An extremely refreshing experience to have all-round excellent service and food. Epicurean to the core. It was definitely worth the drive and I cannot wait to return.

Marguerites Seafood by the Sea

Location: Gloucester Ave. (The Hip Strip), Montego Bay

Ph: 876-952-4777

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Check out what Suga had to say about Whitebones in your Jamaica Gleaner today!

by Restaurant Reviews & RatingsWhat's Hot

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Check the link to the article from the Jamaica Gleaner here:

http://jamaicagleaner.com/article/food/20151112/whitebones

But all that glitters is not Gold right? Although the negatives were negligible, Whitebones Seafood has not really changed since my last visit over a year ago. Their decor needs a makeover for a Restaurant in the Delectable category and so does their flatware. It is about time for those plates with the fishes to go! They have uplifting placemats but they are not practical for drinks and small tables. The aquarium could use some lighting and I do not think the kitchen should be so open to the diner’s eye.

20151109_181755The Fish cakes were a meagre serving and the Steak Tenderloin my fiancé, Randy had was overcooked. It was to be medium rare. Our waiter Sean apologised respectfully. 20151109_182448He also made us aware that Lobster is usually the most popular entrée choice for diners during Restaurant Week, as persons may not have it often and it is seasonal. So that is something to consider if Whitebones is your choice, but there is a large range of options on their menu.

The Black Forest Cake for dessert looked like a PriceSmart cake but the aroma of the rum from the Bread Pudding which seemed to be made in-house distracted me from the cake. Restaurants, especially those that do not usually offer dessert should avoid offering store-bought cake. I think it is better and safer to just offer ice cream!

Thankfully they have upheld their standard of good service and delicious food. So it was not perfect, but definitely Suga endorsed.

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Menus for Restaurant Week Jamaica 2015 are also out today! So buy your Jamaica Gleaner NOW if you haven’t already. You know it’s Food Day. Get ready to Dig in starting tomorrow!

Also see what other ambassadors had to say about Restaurants they visited.

The clock is ticking!

Gloria’s come a town?! No, it’s Sea Deck in Orchid Village Plaza, Barbican!

by Restaurant Reviews & Ratings

For a restaurant that opened mid-last year to be so good but off the radar, it must be a hidden gem. I was instantly impressed as I stepped into the restaurant last Saturday night at about 7:50pm. Lovely ambience and cosy decor with even a fish pond full of beautiful koi on the left side where my friend and I were seated. The hostess and waitress were polite but not pleasant.

Main dishes were ordered, then with a change of heart we wished to order appetizers as well. We felt stranded at sea, beckoning for a waitress with none to our rescue. Luckily the catch of the day came within a few minutes. Seafood freshly cooked to order, taking just under 20 minutes, really?! Awesome. I ordered the Shrimp in garlic sauce with Mashed Potatoes ($1800JMD+tx). No complaints about the Shrimp, they were delicious. The Mashed Potatoes were a bit tough. Got milk? The Steamed Fish was HUGE for just ($1500JMD+tx) with a side of Bammy. It was perfect, bursting with flavour. Definitely more than value for our money. Maybe Chef and Restaurant owner, Yan Yao who has been a restaurateur for almost 15 years was responsible for that unique, burst of flavour.

So, great night, but I could do without the live DJ. The table beside us shared the same sentiment and asked for the music to be turned down, then it was tolerable.

The restaurant also offers other meat varieties and even vegetarian dishes. However, the front of the menu couldn’t be more accurate, ‘Sea Deck – Finest Seafood Dishes in Town’. Suga Lifestyle cannot wait to return and taste the other seafood varieties they offer such as King Crab, Mussels, Lobster, Conch, Squid and more.

Opening hours – Sundays to Thursdays: 12 noon to 10pm and Fridays to Saturdays: 12 noon to 11pm.

Ph. : 876-702-4032

Dinner is still great at Blue Window, The Pegasus, not to mention their Sunday Brunch!

by Restaurant Reviews & Ratings

I made it to the Blue Window twice in one week. What a treat. For dinner last Wednesday night, the staff were all pleasant and quite attentive. Turning off the AC in the cold, rainy weather we have been experiencing and all. The food came out in a reasonable amount of time. My beau had the French Onion soup, which was good but not as good as the one at TGIF. We also had the Grilled Atlantic Salmon with coconut cous cous and mixed green salad as well as the Hellshire inspired Steamed Fish Fillet with mashed potatoes and cooked vegetables. The Salmon was cooked just right. Most places tend to overcook it or think that black grill marks suggest it is well cooked. The Lychee Chili sauce to complement it was flavourful. The Steamed Fish Fillet had about 4 or 5 bones. But other than that it was tasty. We were too full for dessert but definitely made up for that at their Sunday Brunch.

The Brunch! Food galore, you name it they had it. What I found interesting is that since I am on my pre-Christmas diet, I thought I would have overdone my ‘cheat day’, as the food at most brunches are usually so heavy. But I was pleasantly surprised. There was also an even split of breakfast and lunch options. From what I can remember, there was the usual, Ackee & Saltfish, Callaloo and Fried dumplings. There was also Escoveitch Salmon, a unique option, but I think salmon is just not the seafood to escoveitch. The essence of the salmon is lost. Potato wedges, the Macaroni and Cheese and the Beef were good. Their Honey Roasted ham was very tasty but could be more on the moist side. Pepper Shrimp that wasn’t so peppery, Crab legs, a Sushi platter and a range of salads were present. The Sushi was delicious and their Greek salad is always appetizing. Food on the heavier side included Barebecue Pigtail, Jerk Chicken and Curried Goat. The 3-in-1 Waffle, Crepe and Roti station was unique as well, with the chef cooking up these delights with a variety of choices of fillings to suit your fancy. The Dessert section topped it off with divine Panna Cottas, Cakes and more to leave you feeling fully satisfied.

Service continued to be fully on point with staff monitoring the dining area and food stations, advising persons of options and what was available. Plates were also cleared around the clock as it should be. It was delightful to see happy, pleasant staff, as that mood somewhat transfers to diners and is an indication that General Manager, Mr. Peter Hilary is doing an excellent job.

Cost of Sunday Brunch: $3240JMD incl. tax

Time of Sunday Brunch: 11am-3:00pm

So many places to go in Kingston for the Savoury (*$2800) category, where to go?

by Restaurant Reviews & RatingsWhat's Hot

With so many choices, to make a decision or decisions, it all comes down to reputable service, quality, ambience and ofcourse the menu.

Caffe Da Vince in The Marketplace is at the top of the ladder for SuGa. The menu choices look delicious for appetizers, entrees AND desserts. Eggplant Caprese salad, their infamous Seafood pasta, Chicken Lasagne, Beef Tenderloin, Pork Tenderloin, Flambe, Panna Cotta, Chocolate Mousse Cake and the list goes on. It will definitely be hard to choose dishes, but that’s a good thing.

Gimbilyn Restaurant at Alhambra Inn is not too far behind with an inviting menu including Shrimp salad, Ackee and Saltfish pockets, Tomato Bruschettas, Grilled Salmon, their signature Sirloin of Beef, topped off by some good looking dessert choices.

Fromage is looking good as well. Their standard of good quality food and service has been high this year. They ofcourse will offer their signature Blu Crab Cakes, Steak Au Poivre, salivating Caramel Crumble Bread pudding and more.

The Melting Pot Restaurant and Lounge at the Knutsford Court Hotel will have crispy Wonton Dumplings with corned pork and more. Roasted Air Line Breast stuffed with Smoked Turkey Pastrami, butter beans, pepper jack cheese and sundried tomatoes sounds flavourful. Seafood Portofino, Herb marinated Fillet with smoked Marlin and Chutney will also be there with a ‘rub your belly’ finish of Double Fudge Chocolate Cake, Rum Cream Cheese Cake or their Assorted Dessert Trio.

Black Orchid Restaurant at Eden Gardens may be under the radar, but this is one of the advantages of Restaurant Week. Go somewhere you haven’t been before and see what the restaurant has to offer. Their menu stands out with a few unique dishes. Citrus Quinoa salad, Ackee and Saltfish Puff Pastries and Crab Chowder are on their appetizer list. For the main course, they have a Peppercorn Crusted Striploin, Pan Seared Salmon and the interesting choice of a Garlic Shrimp Coconut Polenta. Dessert choices look decent as well.

Even if not chosen for Restaurant Week, restaurants that put themself out there are still recognized. Restaurant Week also provides a good outlet to promote or launch new dishes. The end of the year will definitely not go by before SuGa tries that orgasmic-looking Oxtail Lasagne offered at 689 By Brian Lumley on Wednesdays and Sundays!

Have fun supporting Brand Jamaica and our local chefs SuGa Readers!

Go to http://www.go-jamaica.com/rw/ for more information.

* Prices for each category include 1 choice of Appetizer, Main Course and Dessert. Beverages, Gratuity and G.C.T are additional.