Hope Gardens will again come alive and be transformed into a giant kitchen tomorrow, July 27th from 4pm – 11pm.
The list is out as to which of your favourite Chefs, Caterers, Bakers, Farmers, Food Entrepreneurs and Artisans will be there! There are so many great options, so how do you choose?! Stay tuned to Suga Lifestyle’s Instagram stories (@sugalifestyle) to be reminded of the top picks, but here is Suga’s guide and a few tips!
â— Try someone NEW!
If you are a true foodie, you have hit many places on the list more than once, so give someone new a try, but be very selective.
> 2 Yutes (Shawarmas and loaded fries)
> Tacodon
> All Spice Catering & Events’ Food Truck (Their Chicken & Waffles and Pulled Pork Fries look good)!
> Nice cream
***Gambles, but willing to try if menu, food and prices look good***
> Cafe Hibiscus
> Sheriff Gourmet BBQ
â— NEW Kids on the Kingston Kitchen Block to try if you haven’t tried them at other Events
> Outland Hurders Creamery and Farmstead
Outland Hurders will have a Raspberry & Rosemary Grilled Cheese Sandwich that looks salivating!
> Dream Bowls Ja (Delish Acai fruit bowls)
â— Places that are usually a hit and worth a try if you haven’t experienced their food before or you just can’t get enough of them!
Spicy
> Lucky Strike Seafood Bar and Grill’s Seafood Bucket
> Jabba’s Peppa Swims
> Stush in the Bush’s Blow Fyah Pepper Sauce
For Curried Goat,
> Chillin’ Restaurant
> Lyming at Walkerswood
Sweet
> Kuk Up Kreations (They now have Salads!)
> It’s Rolly Polly
The leading duo for Vegetarian Gastronomy, STUSH IN THE BUSH will be there and it is a no brainer to stop by and see what they have to offer!
â— Small servings that are a bit pricey, but good
> Fromage Gourmet Market
> Pink Apron Ja
***Ladies, wear your fanny packs or a crossover bag and comfortable shoes***
Go early and travel with Cash! Enjoy with your friends and family!
#FortheLoveofFood #EatGood
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Have the opportunity to enjoy the culinary delights of an elite selection of Chefs and Bakers such as Oji Jaja, Anna-Kaye Tomlinson of Miss T’s Kitchen, Trevanne Donegal, Lucian Dunn of Uncorked, Nadine Burie, Colin Hylton, Lisa and Chris Binns of Stush in the Bush and more, all for a great cause.
All Proceeds from Ackee, a Culinary Lime for Charity on July 6th at 23-25 Seymour Avenue, 7pm – midnight, will be donated to the Paediatric and Adolescent Wards at the University Hospital of the West Indies, UHWI in order to improve their current facilities and seed a building fund for the construction of a new ward.
***Tickets are available online at www.caribtix.com***
Our Children are Our Future. Help to Build a Better Jamaica.
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga of Suga Lifestyle with husband, Randy Burgess at the Jamaica Observer Food Awards last Thursday, May 30, 2019.
The 21st staging of the Table Talk Jamaica Observer Food Awards last Thursday on the lawns of Devon House was truly a euphoric atmosphere with the highest standards of food and drink in abundance with vibrant music to bounce and wobble to while guests indulged.
All the booths were quite inviting, but with experience, my friends and I were quite selective about our approach to ensure that we didn’t neglect or overlook any of our favourites or newbies on our hit list.
We started at Rainforest Seafoods, where they had salivating Sushi spreads and Wines to pair it all with, including one of my faves, the Kung Fu Girl Riesling courtesy of Select Brands.
One of the salivating Sushi spreads from Rainforest Seafoods.
We then made our way over to the Restaurant booths from Sandals Resorts International. Tender, juicy cuts of Beef, Ham and Lamb, Seafood, Ribs, Cheese platters, Cocktails, you name it!
Cumin and Honey marinated Lamb Chops from Sandals Resorts International.
They also had a gigantic Sushi spread.
As I continued to walk the lawns of Devon House with 18-year old whiskey in hand from Johnnie Walker, my stops had to include my other faves, Stush in the Bush, Christina Simonitsch, Half Moon, Uncorked Sovereign North, Mystic Thai, Steak House on the Verandah and newbies, Jamaican Peanut Butter Factory and Butcher Block by Gregory Burrowes who had savoury offerings from Chef Celeste Gordon, last year’s OFA Caterer of he Year.
Sending a special shout out and hearty Congratulations to Chris and Lisa Binns of Stush in the Bush who cleaned up this year and deservedly so! Their plant powered spread by their very own Sagicor Group booth this year, satisfied scores of guests at a time.
Lisa and Chris Binns of Stush in the Bush who walked away with 3 awards including the coveted, ‘Jamaican Restaurant with Outstanding Gastronomy Experience Award’.
Christina Simonitsch, who walked away the Enterprise and Outstanding Caterer Awards tantalised our taste buds with her Charred Scotchie Shrimp, then cooled it down with her G.H. Mumm & Strawberry Popsicles. The scrumptious Oxtail Arancini left me speechless.
Christina Simonitsch serving Randy Burgess some of her Charred Scotchie Shrimps.
Other Highlights of the night:
Outstanding Caterer Nominee and Jing Shi Award Nominee for Dessert Chef of the Year, Trevanne Donegal, also by the G.H. Mumm booth, with delish Dark Chocolate Truffles.Uncorked’s Charcuterie and Cheese platter spread!The Solomon Gardner Awardee for Outstanding Service, Best Culinary Team Experience Awardee and Norma Shirley Awardee for Restaurant of the Year, Sugar Mill Restaurant at Half Moon Hotel’s succulent Barbeque Jerk Pork Belly!
Did you know?
Half Moon will be opening a Seafood Restaurant this September!
Half Moon’s Seafood Restaurant, Delmare’s Chefs Claudio and Clarfield
A taste of what to expect from the Seafood Restaurant to come at Half Moon, Delmare were absolutely delicious Pan Seared Scallops accompanied by tomato compote with saffron and vanilla zucchini spaghetti with Tarragon.
You are always as good as your last show and this was by far the biggest and best Table Talk Jamaica Observer Food Awards that I have attended.
This year the Food Awards celebrated various Communities with Jamaican cuisine as authentic as you can get. Congratulations to the Chefs of the Communities that were selected and awarded:
• The Sephestines for Mount Estate, St. Thomas • Monica Ottar for Bailey’s Vale, St. Mary • The Allens for Gifford House – Granville, St. James, Montego Bay • Christopher Marsh for Chris’s Cafe – Main Street, Oracabessa St. Mary • Chris & Lisa Binns for Stush in the Bush – Free Hill, St. Ann
Chefs, Bakers, Caterers, Retailers and Restaurants have really elevated the level of quality for what they had to offer over the past year.
Congratulations to conceptualiser, Novia McDonald Whyte, the Jamaica Observer, the Judges, Sponsors, Retailers, the talented Nominees, Awardees and everyone responsible for the successful execution and staging of the Food Awards this year.
Cheers to next year!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Head over to Conu’co Market at the Cove this Cinco de Mayo, Sunday, May 5th from 10am to 5pm as they celebrate all things Jamaican made, grown and sewn! Get an early start to shopping creative, unique, thoughtful gifts for Mom!
Explore beautifully made Crafts and enjoy shopping for Art, Ceramics, Leather products, Jewellery and Accessories, Condiments, Jams, Sauces, Spreads, Cakes, Candles, Skincare and Hair products. Adorn yourself with Henna and Body art and find just the right plants and produce for the home from a variety of local vendors as you walk through the grounds at Grizzly’s Plantation Cove.
Suga Endorsed Artisans, such as My Old Man Leathercraft and Mira Botanicals will be there!
If you haven’t been brought up to date, My Old Man Leathercraft now has belts for the ladies and belt packs for both ladies and gents.
Mira Botanicals will be there with Body Soaps, Oils and Scrubs, as well as some recycable products.
I would also look forward to seeing Siwatu Jewellery and the unique, House of Chematy, just to name a few.
Siwatu JewelleryHouse of Chematy
Satisfy the appetite with food galore and cool down with some ice cream or beverages too!
Food Trucks of Jamaica
Food Trucks of Jamaica will be there with delish Tacos, Quesadillas, Pico de Gallo, Nacho Chips and Cheese!!!
Chef Vita will be there! Porridge never looked so good.
Kande’s Delights, no stranger to Conu’co Market and also #SugaEndorsed, will be there with their ice cream and sorbet! It is Spring, but I think Summer is already here!
Enjoy! Buy Local. Buy Jamaican.
ADMISSION is FREE!
Support Brand Jamaica!
Jamaica Land We Love
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Suga would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and all the best for the season!Â
It has been a great year for Suga Lifestyle and I have to tell you all a Big Thank You for staying tuned to all the categories that build the Suga Lifestyle brand; GW Art, Charities, Restaurant Reviews and Ratings, Brand Jamaica, Sports, Health and Fitness and more.
I am also very proud to report that the 1st staging of my Trade show, Suga Lifestyle’s Christmas Connection held at The Liguanea Club on Saturday, December 15th was a success. The event involved artisans hand-picked by me to offer their unique, handcrafted, handmade, Jamaican items to the public.
TCP’s Jamaican greeting cards were also in the building as a convenience for shoppers to get cards to go with their gifts.
With Suga Lifestyle’s Christmas Connection, there was no need to shop for gifts online. The event gave sponsors and guests the opportunity to support Brand Jamaica, specifically entrepreneurs who operate within the
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector. Through their support, Jamaican made products and the
island’s creative industries, were highlighted. Vendor industries included; food, graphic art, woodcraft, ceramics, fashion, agro-processing and personal care. My Suga Artisans were hand-picked to inspire innovation, and to provide a platform for business growth.
For those who missed out on Suga’s Winter Wonderland or for Suga Bears and Suga Daddies who would like to relive the moment, here are some highlights from the day.
Guests entering the venue were greeted by some of the Sponsors, Gustazos, Sagicor Bank and Jablum. Gustazos along with Suga Lifestyle offered some Selfie photo fun, while Jablum treated guests to freshly brewed, hot Coffee and Sagicor Bank offered Scones from Cannonball Cafe to complement the Coffee.
Sponsor, Norman Grant, Managing Director and CEO of Mavis Bank Coffee Factory with Gabrielle Burgess of Suga Lifestyle at SL Christmas Connection on December 15, 2018.
My contented guests then felt the Christmas spirit and not only felt lucky by participating in the entry raffle, but contributed to Charity and received a few swag bags to accompany them inside.
Who was inside?!
There was something for everyone at SL Christmas Collection and it was a family affair!
Confectioneries galore!
The venue was buzzing with guests from the 4pm start time straight up to the closing of the event at 8pm.
Guests not only browsed items, but shopped well. Kudos!
Suga’s very own, GW Art booth did well too! GW Art shoppers (L-R) Prudence Simpson, Michaelia McLean, Sheena Taylor and Taraja Richards left with their shopping bags and were all smiles.
Shoppers sipped and shopped in comfort too!
Guests enjoyed their night at the bar without having to pay a penny. Afterall, according to Suga’s popular GW Art piece, It’s Always Wine o’clock!
Prizes and Surprises!
L-R Everton Cummings and Stephen Greig were amongst the Suga trivia winners for the night.
Guests either won prizes by raffle or won spot prizes after answering Suga’s trivia questions correctly based on categories of Brand Jamaica, Health and Fitness and Foodie fun.
(L-R) Stephanie Chen chose the right time to move to Jamaica, copping a 3 lb Christmas Fruit cake for her family from Sweet Obsession Ja. Moyen Campbell and Pricella Dawson (Right) also walked away happily with prizes.Suga created great memories having persons winning raffle prizes for their first time! SL Connection made this avid, Brand Jamaica Shopper, Tricia-Gaye O’Connor’s day.It warmed everyone’s hearts to see Suga Artisan, Averell French’s son win a sling backpack from Tracy Jackson Blake’s Because It Is For You and tell everyone why he liked Christmas.
Charity
Members of the non-profit organization, Rotaract Club of New Kingston assisted Suga Lifestyle on the day of the event and happily received a donation from Suga at the end of the event towards their Marie Atkins Shelter Project to be held on January 12, 2019.
Suga’s mission was achieved, where Artisans did well with sales, a donation was made to Charity and guests sipped and shopped locally in comfort for family and friends.
Thanks to all of my sponsors, Development Bank of Jamaica, Sagicor Bank, Gustazos, Jablum and BPM Financial as well as kind persons who contributed giveaways from their Businesses to the event to make this possible: Stush in the Bush, Cafe EITS, Eden Gardens Spa, Rituals Coffee House, Mystic Thai, JPS, Chive Restaurant, Irie Rock, Jamaica Liquor Warehouse, Tracy Jackson Blake’s Because It Is For You, Sweet Obsession Ja, Tai Tai Ice Cream rolls, Closet Cloud, Select Brands, RSS Natural Delights, Cabana City Reserve and Swypz+ Ja.
Lastly, thanks to ALL of my Selected Suga Artisans! The event couldn’t have been successful without you!
Here are a few of their testimonials!
Looking forward to see what’s in store for next year!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Picante is the event on the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival (JFDF) roster that takes you through a world of hot, zesty flavours.
It was held last Friday night at The Ruins, Mona Visitors’ Lodge from 7-11pm.
Suga arrived early, at about 7:20pm to beat the lines and made her rounds.
Coca Cola had tasty cocktails upon entry. They had a creamy cocktail that suited the ladies and a White Rum mix that the gentlemen like my husband, Randy enjoyed.
Select Brands had sweet wines to cool down the spice and a refreshing Stoli Blueberi Lemonade that was the talk of many patrons for the night.
By the entrance, there was National’s Scotch Bonnet Butter Cheddar Popcorn stand with Popcorn bags by Chef Christian Sweeney. It was finished in no time. As usual, he created delightful bites to please the crowd.
Chef Sweeney also had a menu of Spicy Chicken with Grilled Corn and Chick Peas Salsa. Thankfully it tasted better than it looked. Congrats Chef Sweeney, it was Picante. For those who returned later in the night like myself, Pan-seared Tuna was served instead of the Chicken with the Chick Peas Salsa and it was just as delightful.
Chef Shea Stewart had a menu of spiced Snapper with a Jalapeño, Chili and Scotch Bonnet infused Risotto, however the outcome was mild. The presentation was poor, but it was quite tasty nonetheless.
Chef Shea Stewart’s Spiced Snapper en Papillote with Scotch Bonnet Butter served with Jalepeño and Chili Pepper infused Risotto Scotch Bonnet.
Chef Dennis McIntosh did a tasty seafood dish, but it was mild as well.
Chef Dennis McIntosh’s spicy Caribbean Seafood Au Gratin.
Broken Plate’s dish was delicious and flavourful with a touch of spice, but I was still waiting on another dish to make me say, ‘Picante!’.
Broken Plate’s Mustard Chili Pesto Rubbed Pork Loin with Crispy Bacon Orzo Pilaf topped with Asian mixed greens and Arugula Salad
Disappointing booths for the Night
Before I get to outstanding booths for the night, the majority of Chefs produced impressive dishes. However, there were two disappointing dishes for me. One was definitely worse than the other.
The Cliff Hotel’s Chef Jonhoi Reid’s Mojo Braised Pork topped with Crispy Pork Belly with Black Bean Corn Yuca Cake, Smoked Scotch Bonnet Salsa Verde, Jalapeño Pico de Gallo and Cilantro Crema.
Chef Jonhoi Reid from the renowned Cliff Hotel in Negril was very personable, but had a sloppy display with Pork that was difficult to chew. I was excited to see Pork stacked on Pork, but the outcome was disappointing. The Black Bean Corn Yuca Cake didn’t save the dish for me, but was quite palatable beneath it all.
I observed that they were serving persons up to 11:20pm, when most Chefs left or packed up. Having so much food left may underscore my thoughts.
Then there was Walkerswood featuring Guest Chef from overseas, Patrick Simpson and UTECH. Sad to say, but it was the worst of the night. The Peppa Shrimp with Curried Vegetable Succotash was spicy a.k.a Picante, but the Pulled Jerk Chicken was terrible. Perhaps, Chef Simpson is unfamiliar with Jamaican sauces, but that sauce did not complement the Pulled Jerk Chicken well at all. It wasn’t spicy and it overpowered it completely.
Walkerswood featuring Chef Patrick Simpson and UTECH’s Grilled Peppa Shrimps with Curried Vegetable Succotash (Top); Pulled Jerk Chicken on Bammy Round with Pickle Escallion Relish (below); Solomon Gundy Crostini topped with Roasted Corn and Tomato
Winners of the Night for Suga!
Suga had an overall winner, but there wasn’t only one winner for me, there were five Chefs who absolutely brought it to Picante!
Oji Jaja! Best Shrimp of the NightÂ
Chef Oji Jaja had Seared Scallops, but the hit with most patrons was the Seared Shrimp with roasted pepper Scotch Bonnet sauce and Micro Basil. It wasn’t spicy, but was the best Shrimp of the night for Suga.
Chef Oji Jaja’s Seared Shrimp with roasted pepper Scotch Bonnet sauce and Micro Basil
Spiciest dish of the Night!
The spiciest dish of the night hands down went to Chef George Matthewsof Summertime Villa (Silver Sands, Trelawny; also cooks at Tryall). I couldn’t even say or scream Picante. My running eyes and nose said it all. Mission accomplished Chef Matthews.
Chef George Matthews’ Thai Chili Shrimp with Breadfruit poppers.
Culinary Showman of the Night
Chef Mark Cole from The Jamaica Pegasus cooked with a lot of flare, literally. He cooked two dishes, including a stuffed spicy Potato, but he had one of the two longest lines of the night for his Picante style Salmon Hash. It’s jalapeno salsa made you say, Picante and it was delish! Bravo.
Chef Mark Cole of The Jamaica Pegasus being quite a showman at Picante last Friday night.
Chef Mark Cole’s Menu:
The Best Dish at Picante
The other long line of the night with foodie, Sean Morgan looking on was for…
Drum roll…
Chef Lisa Binns of Stush in the Bush serves up Suga her Picante dish, while husband, Chef Christopher Binns was on the grill.
For the Second year in a row, Stush in the Bush wins at Picante for Suga. We all know you can’t help but love Chris and Lisa Binns and the unique, savoury, delightful food they consistently produce, but without bias, although Chef Mark Cole came close, their dish was the best overall at Picante. Their dish made you hot and cooled you down at the same time with pickled watermelon radishes and pickled cucumbers.
Snaps for making Vegetarian look good! There were so many flavours and textures on one plate. Absolute perfection. Stush in the Bush showed up once again. Congratulations and Well done.
Stush in the Bush’s winning dish!
Drinks and Desserts!
Other than more drinks provided by the Appleton Estate Bar, desserts provided were a great way to cool off the taste buds.
Sagicor’s booth with Chef Rebecca Karram had sweet and spicy treats. She did well. I enjoyed all of her desserts. The Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookie with a Chai Spiced Milk Shot was a crowd fave.
Chef Rebecca Karram’s MenuChef Rebecca Karram telling us what she prepared for us to enjoy at Picante last Friday night.
Wisynco’s Haagen Dazs Ice Cream booth was buzzing all night with patrons and when the night was over, they had brawta. They served one item from their menu at different points in the night. The items provided an added crunchy texture to the ice cream, with a touch of spice too.
Wisynco’s Haagen Dazs Ice Cream booth Menu Items
Kudos to the organizers and sponsors of Jamaica Food and Drink Festival. ALL events were sold out and from what I heard, patrons enjoyed the majority of the events. Persons were disappointed with the smallest event, Crisp because it had less Chefs.
Jamaicans are a fickle bunch. So after a few successful stagings, I think that JFDF should change things up a bit, and replace Crisp with Seafood, perhaps call it Sea Breeze. It could be by Port Royal for a change of scenery or even in Portland or Ocho Rios. The event has been staged in Kingston for some time, but it is Jamaica Food and Drink Festival.
Looking forward to another great year!
Gabrielle Burgess a.k.a Suga by the Haagen Dazs booth at Picante last Friday night at the Mona Visitors’ Lodge.
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Article, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Arts and Crafts, Henna and Body Art, Photography, Stone and Wood Carved items, Jewellery and Accessories, Chefs/Restaurants, Condiments, Jams, Sauces, Spreads, Cakes, Candles, Oils and Scrubs, Hair products, Satin bonnets/wraps, Sandals, Smoothies, Organic Farm Products and Spa/Massage Therapy will be there too!
ADMISSION is FREE!
Support Brand Jamaica!
Jamaica Land We Love
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Head over to Conu’co Market at the Cove this Sunday, October 14th from 10am to 5pm as they celebrate all things Jamaican made, grown and sewn!
Explore beautifully made crafts, food, art and produce from a variety of local vendors as you walk through the grounds at Grizzly’s Plantation Cove.
ADMISSION is FREE!
Support Brand Jamaica!
Jamaica Land We Love
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
