TGIF! Remember that the Jamaica Blue Mountain Festival starts today!
Today
The Coffee Industry Players in association with JACRA and RADA will be busy hosting workshops.
Tomorrow
Do not miss The Festival Marketplace! It should be a cultural experience showcasing not only our local coffee and coffee-induced products, but our talented crafty artisans, dancers, singers and more, headlined by Tarrus Riley!
The shuttle departs hourly from UTECH starting at 9am and Tickets cost $1000JMD for Adults and $500JMD for Children under 12 and Students with ID. The Festival ends at 6pm.
Ticket Outlets:
> Cafe Blue (Sovereign & Irish Town)
> Cannonball Cafe (New Kgn, Sovereign North, Manor Park)
> Toyota Coffee House: 93 Hope Road
Sunday
Take a drive along the Blue Mountain Culinary trail. It has some cosy spots with spectacular views and food. See the list with numbers on the flyer below, call and make your reservations today!
They are all quite a treat, but if you like local cuisine, Crystal Edge is the place. If you have a sweet tooth, Cafe Blue is just next door with exquisite desserts by award-winning baker, Nadine Burie.
Blue Ridge is far up, but worth the trek. Savoury food and good service. Their presentation is also one of a kind.
Support Brand Jamaica and our flagship Blue Mountain Coffee this weekend in Newcastle, St. Andrew!
The Ministry of Tourism and The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries will be hosting a Festival for Jamaica’s flagship Blue Mountain Coffee this March 23-25, 2018 in New Castle, St. Andrew.
They promise an immersive experience from farm to cup and table!
Suga and a friend visited Cellar 8 in Manor Park two Saturdays ago for GNO talk over dinner.
I arrived a few minutes before her at 6:15pm and their Mixologist, one of my faves, Milton greeted and seated me. He was his usual courteous self and started me off with my cue of Johnny Walker. He then took the time out to make me aware of various changes to their menu. He made me want to try everything! He also told me that he will have a Johnny Walker Mojito in the mix for me soon.
New Appetizers
There are now Pork Belly Tacos ($1400JMD) and Shrimp Tacos ($1400JMD). A nice addition to their Signature Oxtail Tacos that we love.
They have added a Charcuterie Plate ($2200JMD) for sharing that is great for a group with a few glasses of vino.
In addition to their tasty Crab dip, they now have Bacon & Cheddar, Spinach & Cheese and Artichoke Dips for $1500JMD.
My friend had their new delightful and flavourful, Seafood Bisque.
I had the spiced and breaded fresh Calamari with Chilli sauce ($1400JMD). For those who love pepper, it was tasty and quite spicy!
Spiced & breaded fresh Calamari with Chilli sauce ($1400JMD)
New Salads, Pizza, Sides
They now have a Lobster Salad. You would have to ask your server for availability and price.
There is a Going Green Pizza ($1400JMD) with spinach, red onion, cranberry, tomatoes, bell pepper and roasted garlic that sounds both healthy and savoury.
Spiced fresh Quinoa and more have been added to their Side Order offers ($500JMD).
New Entrees
I am happy that they have replaced the Basa with the Catch of the Day Grilled or Blackened with the Chef’s special spices ($1850JMD).
There is a Surf and Turf ($3500JMD) Filet Mignon and Grilled Shrimp, Pork Tenderloin ($2400JMD), Fire Grilled Flank Steak ($2200JMD) and more!
I had an old favourite, the Herb Crusted Grilled New Zealand Lamb Chops ($2400JMD). I was asked how I liked it and got how I liked it. It was tender, juicy and medium rare. Delish.
Herb Crusted Grilled New Zealand Lamb Chops ($2400JMD)
My friend is expecting and was settled with the Soup, but of course disappointed that she could not have alcoholic drinks. Milton took care of her and whipped up a refreshing Peach Cocktail that she enjoyed.
Dr. Rachelle Shirley Walcott about to enjoy her Peach Cocktail by Cellar 8’s Mixologist, Milton Wisdom
All prices quoted have an additional G.C.T and 5% service charge, that is increased for groups of 10 or more. So Cellar 8 is indeed pricey but delivers with great food and consistently, excellent service.
When it gets late and more people arrive, the tables are a bit too close for comfort though. Conversations of course get louder with drinks and depending on where you are sitting, getting out of your seat may be a bit of a challenge. They have started to seat persons outside but I believe they should cut off once inside is full. Persons have expressed not feeling comfortable or safe dining or having drinks beside the ATM machine with their belongings exposed.
Suga encourages you to still visit Cellar 8, a spectacular weekend spot but ensure that you call and book your table prior to going.
Enjoy the Weekend!
Cellar 8 Wine Bar
Location: Shop 10, Upper Manor Park Plaza
Ph: 876-613-5934
Opening Hours: Tuesdays-Sundays, 4pm-11pm
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Lunch from The Oasis on the Oxford was as good as it looked yesterday. Fish fillet with veggies and boiled yam, banana and plantain, all for $550JMD.
Oasis on the Oxford is not consistent with good quality and service but gamble and catch them on a good day and it is a win. A reasonable, tasty lunch is often hard to find during the average work day, especially when looking for a little variety sometimes. Oasis on the Oxford has Jamaican cuisine and lunches range from $440-$650JMD. They also have natural juices for $250JMD. Buffet is on a Friday for $750JMD. The ambience is off key but you can sit down with actual plates, cloth napkins and utensils, no plastic and have a good, filling meal.
