The 2nd annual Blue Mountain Coffee Festival starts today! Blue Mountain Coffee has the reputation of being one of the most expensive and sought-after coffees in the world over the past few decades.
This event hopes to attract tourists and international coffee buyers, as well as create awareness of the rapidly growing coffee culture amongst us as local consumers.
Friday, March 1st – Trade Day
The Festival kicks off today with a networking and learning experience for farmers allowing them to showcase their coffee and coffee byproducts.
Saturday, March 2nd – Festival Marketplace
Last year’s view from Newcastle at the 1st staging of the Marketplace at the Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival
After you finish with Suga Lifestyle’s Nutrition session tomorrow, the Festival Marketplace in Newcastle will be buzzing with activity. You can then browse and purchase coffee to put in your protein shakes each morning!
There will be coffee galore, coffee byproducts and live demos if you are a barista at home, as well as live musical entertainment and crafts on showcase from local artisans. You would also learn about coffee related tours.
Festival Marketplace Ticket costs: $1500 (Adults); $500 (Children 2-12 years and students with ID)
***Complimentary round trip Shuttle Services will be provided from UTECH Library Car Park to Newcastle starting at 9am***
If you would like to make a weekend of it, there are activities on Sunday too!
Sunday, March 3 – The Culinary Trail (Reservation Only)
There will be a Coffee-themed Brunch at Strawberry Hill and other eateries along the Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Trail should have a signature Blue Mountain Coffee infused dish on their menu that day.
Enjoy!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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It’s been a long time coming, but I finally made the trek to Street Food Saturdays. Was it worth it? Not really, but I went for the experience nonetheless.
The Menu
Persons like myself and my husband who go with the intention to try different dishes may be disappointed. We were not given the option to mix meats even when requested and the plates were small, especially for the prices. I hardly eat Pork, but wanted to taste their Smoked Pork Belly. That taste cost me $2,000JMD. It was succulent and crackling, but a bit too salty.
Smoked Pork Belly ($2000JMD) from Street Food Saturdays last Saturday, February 23, 2019.
The event was filled with patrons. Thankfully they had good crowd control. The wait for food wasn’t long and even though you couldn’t get all your food options at one station, they seemed to have a good system going. ‘Chefs Dwight and Celine’ were on Meats, and Chef Simone Walker-Barrett with her assistants were on Seafood, with her added special of Jerked Lamb Chops.
The Meat Station at Street Food Saturdays
It was a hot day. They had seating under tents, but my husband and I scoped out a table down by the river that was much cooler with more scenic surroundings.
Rosemary Pan Chicken ($1000JMD)
The Rosemary Pan Chicken was nothing to write home about, but the Tangerine and Guava sauces provided were tasty and complemented the meats well.
The greatly anticipated Lobster Pasta was not visually appealing. A small serving of lobster on some cheesy elbow macaroni was served to others, so we passed on that.
This finally brings me to the good stuff. The Jerked Fish was seasoned to perfection and accompanied by tasty Parmesan Polenta.
Jerked Fish with Parmesan Polenta ($2000JMD)
Chef Simone Walker-Barrett’s Special was indeed special. The Jerked Lamb Chops were savoury.
Jerked Lamb Chops with Parmesan Polenta ($3000JMD)Suga a.k.a Gabby Burgess at Street Food Saturdays last Saturday, February 23, 2018.
After we finished our lunch, there was nothing that kept us interested to stay, so we made it back home in time to watch the Gibson Relays. I think the event has the potential to be better; maybe some entertainment or a farmer’s market. We enjoyed our meals, but it was an underwhelming experience based on the marketing of the event and it was not value for money. It was marketed as wood fire gourmet, but although the quality of some of the dishes was good, there was nothing signature about them, with regard to presentation or taste. After a long drive we spent $8,400JMD for street food, with walk up service, in an outdoor setting. Sorry Suga Bears, this event is not #SugaEndorsed.
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Follow the food and the flavour! Head up to Street Food Saturdays hosted by Chef Simone Walker-Barrett by Mount James District, Golden Spring, St. Andrew tomorrow any time from 12-6pm! There will be quite a variety, so there should be something to satisfy any craving you may have.
If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
GW Art’s commissioned signs for Rooms at Kingsworth Hostel in Jack’s Hill, JamaicaKingsworth Hostel in Jack’s Hill, St. Andrew – Jamaica
Nestled in Jack’s Hill with a view of the capital, Kingston, is Kingsworth Hostel. Kingsworth is a Bed and Breakfast that caters to travellers looking for affordable and peaceful accommodation with an interest to explore other places in Kingston and Jamaica as well as attend various cultural events.
Limited seating, but great opportunity to enjoy live entertainment and dining in the Blue Mountains. Book your spot if it isn’t too late! #SugaEndorsed
Service and speed were commendable, but the quality of food did not meet the standard required for the Restaurant to be worth the drive.
Blue Ridge Restaurant and Cottages has been known to be an enjoyable place for myself and others to visit for savoury food with a view. Suga hopes this bad experience was an anomaly. If not, I hope they get back on track soon. Afterall, they are on too steep a mountain to take such a fall.
Blue Ridge Restaurant and Cottages
Location: Salt Hill Lot 9 East Rural, St. Andrew, Blue Mountain
Ph: 562-7580
***Reservations recommended***
Instagram: @blueridgeja
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Suga’s Ratings for EITS Cafe at Mount Edge Guesthouse
Date and time of visit:Â Sunday, April 1, 2018 at 10:30am
No. of diners: 2
NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum
Parking: ★☆☆☆☆
Ambience: ★★★★★
Decor: ★★★★★
Comfort: ★★★★★
Service: ★★★★☆
Speed: ★★★☆☆
Food quality: ★★★★☆
Serving amount: ★★★★☆
Plating: ★★★☆☆
Value for $: ★★★★☆
SuGa Endorsement: ★★★★☆
Comments:
Exquisite ambience and scenic view with hummingbirds in full flight while you wait for your food made fresh to order. Menu items were quite reasonable in cost. My husband and I had the Jamaican breakfast that included Ackee and saltfish, along with sides of our choice. I thought that they needed more filling in their Fritters, but their Ackee and other sides such as boiled banana were spot on.
Ackee and Saltfish with Fritters and Fried Dumpling ($900JMD+12.5% serv. charge)
The father-daughter duo who run EITS, Michael and Robyn Fox, were hospitable, making us feel right at home.
Their high standard as a must-stop on the Blue Mountain culinary trail has been kept. Suga snaps for EITS.
EITS Cafe at Mount Edge Guesthouse
Ph#: 876-944-8974
Address: 17 Mile Post, Newcastle. St. Andrew Jamaica
Stay tuned for 2 spots that have gone downhill on the Blue Mountain Culinary trail for Suga Bears next week!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Review, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Comments:Â I went specifically for the Oxtail, but the quality has fallen off majorly. It lacked seasoning and did not slide off the bone this time, but still had good texture. Diners at another table were expressing the same sentiment. The taste of Coffee was lost in the Coffee infused Chicken. Both dishes in chipped plates were served with Steamed Vegetables and Rice and Peas, but were swimming in gravy. Mediocre service and food with a breathtaking view.
Oxtail from Crystal Edge, Irish TownCrystal Edge’s Coffee Infused Chicken
For such a long commute, disappointing experience thankfully overshadowed by the picturesque view of the Blue Mountains with cool, fresh air and the taste of rich, authentic Blue Mountain Coffee.
Strawberry Hill is now charging $2500JMD at the gate to include a welcome drink if you do not have a booking or reservation.
I was passing by for a drink in between Breakfast and Lunch. So for persons like myself and others who happen to be nearby and spontaneously choose to stop and may end up staying for Lunch etc., I think an entry fee is ridiculous. It would be similar if The Jamaica Pegasus would charge you to enter.
Stay tuned next week to see where is worth the drive on the Blue Mountain Culinary Trail!
Overlooking the Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival’s Marketplace in Newcastle last Saturday, March 24, 2018. (Instagram Photo: Blue Ridge Restaurant and Cottages)
Coffee producers and baristas were out in their numbers last Saturday at the Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival Marketplace in Newcastle, St. Andrew.
Many booths had hot coffee to keep patrons warm in the fog, such as Cafe Blue, Stoneleigh (Mavis Bank 100% Blue Mountain Coffee), Toyota Coffee House, Starbucks, Perk Up and Country Traders Limited (Coffee Roasters Blue Mountain Coffee).
Cafe Blue also had their Milk and White Chocolate covered Coffee beans that I enjoy.
Cafe Blue’s Milk Chocolate and White Chocolate covered Coffee beans (Photo: Suga Bear, Stephen Greig)
My husband enjoyed the smooth, hot brew offered by Perk up, from Flamstead Estate. Perk Up had a soft launch at the Coffee Festival, as they are planning to enter the market more competitively. They are currently at a few cafe outlets, including Shelly’s Cafe at U.T.E.C.H.
Deaf Can Coffee Baristas were there, brewing at 3 different tents including Cannonball Cafe and Jamaica Toyota Coffee House.
Deaf Can Baristas at the Country Traders Ltd. booth (Instagram Photo: @deafcancoffee)
I was impressed with Cannonball Cafe that uses Jablum Coffee. They were the only ones I saw that offered Frappes and Coffee Martinis. I had the Caramel Crunch Cafe Frappe for just $300JMD. They had Paint and Sip for $1500JMD along with a free Espresso Martini overseeing a picturesque view too! There were cold brews from Cafe Blue and Stoneleigh, but I prefer Frappes. Even though it was a cool atmosphere being up so high, the sun was still fully out and I warmed up after walking around the venue.
Cannonball’s coffee infused desserts were a treat too! My nieces and I enjoyed their Coffee and Chocolate Brownies for a steal of $100JMD, Mini Eclairs with Coffee infused cream ($300JMD) and Coffee Bread Pudding with Coffee glaze ($300JMD).
Cannonball Cafe can be found in Barbican (Loshusan Centre), New Kingston (Barbados Ave.), Manor Park (Lower Manor Park Plaza) and Sovereign North Plaza.
Restaurants other than Cafe Blue that are on the Blue Mountain Culinary trail were out, such as Belcour Lodge with their line of Preserves and Blue Ridge Restaurant and Cottages. Blue Ridge had a tasty Coffee Cake for $300JMD.
The experienced and poised hostess, Emprezz kept the patrons well-informed throughout the day and presented prizes and surprises, hosted short interviews and more.
The suits of Tourism came out, shook hands and spoke to the patrons. Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlet along with his entourage, as well as Adam Stewart, Chairman of The Tourism Linkages Council were there. The council has been making great strides, developing projects to increase our influx of visitors to Jamaica via the Gastronomy network, Shopping, Health and Wellness, Sports and Entertainment and Knowledge. The Jamaica Coffee Festival Marketplace branched out across all these networks, with major focus on the Gastronomic Network. Key initiatives and Projects such as development of a Blue Mountain Coffee experience, strategic partnerships with other networks and the promotion of food festivals were all achieved. Kudos to them and the great turn out of patrons to support such an important initiative. Tickets were sold out!
If the endless amount of coffee wasn’t enough, Tarrus Riley entertained the crowd for over an hour!
CB Chicken, Copperwood Pork and Best Dressed Chicken were out to feed the masses. The Best Dressed Booth was quite popular with their Gourmet Hot dogs, loaded fries and more. I enjoyed their Jerked Chicken.
Island Blue, which you normally see in our hotels, displayed and sold their Jamaica Coffee Liqueurs from Baronhall Estate, Coffee Beans, Branded mugs and more.
Farm to table Coffee Beans from Island Blue!
Kande’s Delights had long lines for ice cream including coffee flavours of course.
Various Arts & Crafts exhibitors were about, but one of the Skin Care exhibitors, I Love Sweetness Coffee Scrubs grabbed my attention with their body scrubs, scented soaps and skin tonics. Their representatives were quite knowledgeable about their products and marketed them well.
There were representatives and Informative pamphlets from Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA) and Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) on the story of Jamaican Coffee. Jamaican Coffee Recipes were available too.
Hollywell provided information on tours and events, signing persons up to receive information on events in the future too. They also had persons chatting up a storm about their Coffee Rice and Peas cooked by ‘Natural by Nature’ in their community.
Congratulations to the Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival Team. Great initiative, efficient use of space and well executed event. #SugaEndorsed
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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