A clip from The Jamaica Observer’s Article, Where are the hospitable staff? Bad customer service in restaurants By Codie-Ann Barrett, Senior business reporter Barrett @jamaicaobserver.com (June 25, 2023)
Click here to read Snr Business Reporter from The Jamaica Observer (Ig: @jamaicaobserver), Codie-Ann Barrett’s interview with Suga, your Restaurant Reviewer for the past decade, on Where are the hospitable staff? Bad Customer Service in Restaurants
How can it get better? What can Restaurateurs do? Can we as diners play a part?
Have a productive week and remember, let’s try to deliver great customer service with whatever we do. Follow @sugalifestyle on Instagram
Countdown to The Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards this Thursday at Devon House!
By: Gabrielle Burgess (CEO, Suga Lifestyle)
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I celebrated my Anniversary on April 30 at Buzo Jamaica Italian Restaurant (Ig: @buzo.jamaica) by Park Close, NHT and it did not disappoint!
Outstanding Décor and ambience, well uniformed and hospitable, courteous Staff, effective use of technology for reservations, a central Location, sufficient Parking, commendable Service, impressive Cocktails, varied Menu Options and most importantly, high quality Food and Dessert.
Suga went for an Italian experience, ordering Portobello Mushroom, Carpaccio di Manzo (beef), Squid ink Tagliatelline, Tagliolini pasta with smoked Salmon, finishing with Torta di Lava Caldo al Ciocilatto (Flourless Chocolate Lava Cake, Vanilla bean Gelato and Raspberry reduction) and Tiramisu’ Gelato.
Watch “Why Buzo Jamaica may be Best New or Ethnic Restaurant this Year” on YouTube here:
I still give Delmare at Half Moon Jamaica the edge. Though both restaurants have a different vibe, I prefer the versatility of outstanding Seafood and Italian dishes by Delmare, knowledge of the wait staff, the ambience of their seaside dining and being able to order and enjoy a classic Tiramisu.
Great experience at Buzo though. I definitely recommend it for special occasions. #SugaEndorsed.
For Best New Restaurant, consistency is key and besides an Easter holiday when short staffed, persons have reported mixed reviews to Suga from 7/10 – to 10/10.
Subpar Ratings tended to be a result of being a bit disappointed after high expectations (though what you order highly contributes to that perception), value for money or comparisons from persons who have actually been to Italy and enjoyed authentic Italian cuisine. Thanks Suga Tasters Taraja Jackson, Kimberly Calder and more!
Buzo Jamaica had the most buzz with the anticipation of its opening, where they actually opened during that period of anticipation. There was also difficulty to make reservations in opening weeks due to full capacity. Whether they delivered after that buzz, may still be debatable by the majority.
We must remember other Ethnic restaurants such as Orchid Thai (Ig: @orchidthaijamaica) that have emerged onto our culinary circuit in the past year, New restaurants, Palate and ROKstone at ROK Hotel Kingston (Ig: @rokhotelkingston) and a few more casual, affordable restaurants.
#SugaSnaps to the continuous rise of our Restaurant scene.
By: Gabrielle Burgess (CEO, Suga Lifestyle)
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Besides sending everyone an email and following up?
Suga Lifestyle’s Mission: – Promoting Local the Best Ways Possible, providing wider market opportunities – Demonstrating How Fit Happens with Gabby – Translating that GW Art is for Everyone, even if they don’t know it yet
Believing I can do it all.
By: Gabrielle Burgess (CEO, Suga Lifestyle)
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Gabby Burgess, Kimario Rose-Stewart and Gillian Jackson last Friday at Koi Sushi Restaurant on Hillcrest Avenue.
Throwback Thursday (#tbt) to Lunch with the Girls at Koi Sushi (Ig: @koisushija), above Fromage Gourmet Market at 8 Hillcrest Road.
All Boxes Checked – Good Service – Everthing Tastes Delish – Decent Ambience – Fantastic Cocktails – Sumptuous Dessert – Affordable and Value for Money
Calamari starter – tender, not cliché crispy
Umi Salmon Poke Bowl – just eat it with your eyes
The Haru Roll – a Peppa Swims on the beach experience
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Suga with a Pineapple Lychee Drink from Koi Sushi. Loved it!
Suga is starting off the Birthday Weekend at Koi Sushi on Hillcrest Avenue with the Girls. Tomorrow is the Day though 🙂
Have a Great Weekend!
By: Gabrielle Burgess (CEO, Suga Lifestyle)
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Teriyaki Time (Ig: @teriyakitimeja) certainly delivers and hits the spot!
Had the Teriyaki Chicken a few weeks ago. It was delish! Love the light Sauce on it. Their steamed Japanese-style dumplings are spicy too!
Check out Teriyaki Time today!
By: Gabrielle Burgess (CEO, Suga Lifestyle)
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Enjoyed drinks Solace Restaurant and Lounge (Ig: @solace.restaurant.lounge) last weekend, located on Queens Drive in Montego Bay.
The Restaurant and Lounge overlooks the Montego Bay coastline and yuh can see di plane lan!
The parking is tight, but once you reach upstairs, you are greeted by pleasant, attentive staff and their Drinks were well mixed.
Suga specially requested JAMAICA SMILE (Dark Rum, banana, pina colada & less strawberry syrup 😉 )
There have been changes to the online menu, but just go and enjoy your visit and the view!
By: Gabrielle Burgess (CEO, Suga Lifestyle)
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We visited 9JaJam African Restaurant (Ig: @9jajam) last Saturday. It is an African Restaurant nestled in the corner of Bhavela Business Park in Ironshore, Montego Bay.
Simple-chic, modern décor and we were greeted by African owners adorned in eye-catching, African printed garments. Of course I enjoyed the background music. Afro beats!
They have a digital menu that is easy to choose from. Ensure they understand that you would like your food plated, even if dining :/ and prepare for a little wait. We didn’t mind since we weren’t starving and we love freshly prepared food.
I enjoyed the African Fried Ricewith theirGrilled Suya Chicken and I also tried the Jollof Spagetti with Grilled Suya Chicken, before I bagged it to-go.
I believe, the tasty flavour of their herbs and a touch of spice that complemented my dishes is their signature.
Hubby, Randy’s dish on the other hand was very spicy yet delicious, Eforiro Soup, with a side of Fufu to cool it down. He was given water to wash his hands before having it too. Nice touch.
Spicy, Tasty, Filling Food! Check out 9JaJam African Restaurant !
By: Gabrielle Burgess (CEO, Suga Lifestyle)
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THINGS TO KNOW! – 1st producer of Rum in Jamaica in 1670 – Halted Bulk Rum production in 1962, allowing others to go into market Largest producer of Brown Sugar on the island – Only Local Rum Producer with a Copper Pot Still (such a beaut!) – Produces over 7 varieties of Rum
WHY RUM-BAR RUM IS SO AFFORDABLE! – Worthy Park is a True Single Estate Producer, using its own raw materials, including Molasses! – Their Molasses is in a tank on a scale. No need to truck and weigh it like other Rum Producers – No wastage. Their Bagasse left over after juicing Sugar Cane is used for Electricity!
An informative, eye-opening, exciting tour by Shunna-Gaye, witnessing the transition of Sugar Cane to pure, premium Jamaican Rum! The Tour closed with a Rum Flight, tasting 5 Award-winning Rum-Bar and Worthy Park Single Estate premium rums.
FUN FACTS – Suga has a Biotechnology degree and visited Worthy Park just before they started producing RUM-BAR Rum! – Whatever you Drink, they have a Rum Worthy for You. My fave as a Scotch drinker, was the Single Estate Reserve. How come? Go Visit and See for Yourselves! WORTHY Park Estate Rum Tour is #SugaEndorsed
Until this New Attraction grows and is expected to provide more with more guests, it is highly suggested you eat first and carry a snack.
*Tour Reservations are by Appointment Only Must be 18 and over to Tour *Closed on Public Holidays Cost of Tour – J$2700 with local ID; US $25 Call 876-279-7421
Have a Great Weekend and Please Drink Responsibly!
By: Gabrielle Burgess (CEO, Suga Lifestyle)
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Breakfast at Trotter’s Cafe (Ig: @trotterscafeja) is still good.
We had the Trotter Passport with fluffy Waffles, Eggs my way and Bacon + a tasty Smoked Salmon Omelette with Iced Coffee (added Almond milk only) for me and Black Coffee for Hubby.
Service time could be a bit quicker, but staff were attentive and the ambience is pretty chill while you wait.
Go check them out or revisit if you haven’t been in a while like us. Parking is adequate.
By: Gabrielle Burgess (CEO, Suga Lifestyle)
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter & TikTok (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
