I know I took a while to visit this one Suga fam, but from Suga Taster reports, I wasn’t quite pulled in yet.
I visited on a GNO mid August. We had the Tacbar Platter (any 8 tacos for J$3950). We chose the Ahi Tuna, Oxtail, Shrimp and Lobster Tacos.
The Ahi Tuna Taco needed a tasty, spicy balsamic vinaigrette.
I’m not sure why crushed chips were in the Oxtail Taco, but it was an unwelcomed crunch for me, not a hit. Like most folks, I prefer my Oxtail tender and boneless without that texture.
The Shrimp Taco was bland without the lime they provided with it. So definitely added that splash of lime.
The Lobster Taco was the best selection for us, but why put crumbled feta in it to overpower the Lobster? The taste of Lobster can be easily overpowered and feta is known for it’s sharp, pungent taste.
Anyhow, I love Chef Haleem Card’s food, but I was a bit disappointed. Perhaps they may have been a bit overwhelmed in the kitchen by the fact that it was Heineken’s Bar hopping series night. But kudos to them for still keeping a high quality of service by the restaurant. Those ladies were awesome and the music and vibes were fantastic.
It’s still Chilitos for me for authentic Mexican, but I will revisit.
Have a great weekend!
By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter & TikTok (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Feeling peckish after the Coffee Festival a few weeks ago on Saturday, April 2, hubby and I finally got to check out Epican Tapas Lounge (Ig: @epicantapas) at The Marketplace (Ig: @themarketplaceja) on Constant Spring Road.
I was disappointed they didn’t have Steak or Lobster Tapas, but opted for Fish Tacos instead.
ðŸ´Flat Bread topped with Chicken & Bell Peppers (I had my quota of dairy for the day, so had it without their cheddar, mozzarella & pepperjack cheese combo)
ðŸ´Herb & Garlic Roasted Chicken with house special gravy, creamy mash & sauteed fresh snap beans.
ðŸ´Fish Tacos
ðŸ¹Mojito
Chill spot for a picker upper.
Epican Tapas Lounge
Location: 67 Constant Spring Road. The Marketplace. Kingston. Jamaica
Ph: 876–672-7262
Instagram: @epicantapas
*Reservations Recommended; Open Everyday, 4 PM*
By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter & TikTok (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Quiet restaurant tucked away on the side of Chelsea Avenue that is appropriate for a lunch or dinner date. The location smears aesthetics, but inside is a whole different world, a gypsy world.
The menu has a variety of items falling under the category of international cuisine, but highlights Spanish and Jamaican dishes.
The staff, including Head Chef, Shane Stamp were polite and welcoming. I believe that for such a unique menu, my server, Kereen should have given me a brief introduction to the dishes of various cuisines being offered. The menu takes you from Jamaica to Mexico, over the wall to the USA, deports you back to Puerto Rico, then takes you on a tour as far as Spain and more. Kereen could have been a bit more attentive too, to check how my lunch was going. Afterall, I was by my lonesome.
I am not sure why, but my appetizer and main were served at the same time. I ordered Gypsy House favourites.
Saltfish Ceviche ($500JMD +tx +Serv. charge) – Pick up saltfish served on top of twice fried, pressed green plantains
Seafood Paella ($1000JMD +tx +Serv. charge) – Classic Spanish one pot, yellow rice, vegetables, Chorizo, Seafood and Chicken
Servings were large for a reasonable price. The Saltfish Ceviche was tasty indeed. Their Seafood Paella was nose-running spicy and full of flavour. I enjoyed it.
Kereen informed me that Mama Gypsy Jerk Chicken and Island Pancakes, as well as the Char Sui Pork Belly appetizer are favourites too. So I will probably give those a try next time.
Gypsy House was definitely value for money. I have had food from Gypsy House Tapas at various local events, but I prefer dining there.
Check out Gypsy House Tapas Restaurant for Lunch or Dinner this week!
Gypsy House Tapas Restaurant
Location: 18 Chelsea Avenue. Kingston. Ja
Ph: 876-665-3154
Facebook; Instagram: @gypsyhouseja
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Date and time of visit:Â Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 1:00pm
No. of diners: 3
NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum and the criteria has been altered since it is a Pop-Up Kitchen
Parking: ★★★★★
Service: ★★★★☆
Speed: ★★★★☆
Food quality: ★★★★☆
Serving amount: ★★★★☆
Plating: ★★★★★
Value for $: ★★★★★
SuGa Endorsement: ★★★★☆
Comments:Â
Rich flavours were present throughout the dishes. Pleasant, courteous Chef. Superior service, speed and food quality. Serving amounts were adequate for a reasonable cost, as some meals were shareable. Chef Enric is from Valencia and he represents! Suga and friends enjoyed authentic Valencian Paella.
Suga’s Breakdown
From what I know, Chef Enric Escriva has been on the Jamaican culinary scene since January last year. Until he gets a suitable spot for his restaurant, he has been catering and doing Pop-up kitchens. I Love Paella is currently and temporarily in what used to be Cafe Nita’s space on Phoenix Avenue. So there is limited indoor and outdoor seating. The latter is the more comfortable choice with the hope of good weather.
I met two of my girlfriends for lunch around 1pm. Chef Enric greeted us politely and took us through the menu in which all prices included G.C.T. They did not have a Drinks menu, but basic drinks were available including wine, a simple white and red. We ordered a bottle of Chardonnay. They also have a Party Menu for groups.
The starters ranged from $850 – $1400JMD in cost, with some being shareable. Starters included Calamari, Tortillas, Croquetas and more.
We shared Bravas, a classic Valencian dish made from Fried Potatoes, a spicy brava sauce and allioli.
Bravas ($850JMD)
We also enjoyed the Empanadas, freshly made artisan stuffed pastries. The Chicken Empanadas were stuffed with smoked paprika chicken and served with brava sauce. While the Black Bean Empanadas were stuffed with spicy black bean and served with allioli sauce. The sauces were on point!
Chicken Empanadas ($850JMD)
We went specifically for Paella so that’s what we had. The Paellas are done to order, cooked and served in the traditional Paella pan that can serve 2 – 3 persons. However, prices shown on the menu are per person ranging from $2250JMD for the Vegetarian Paella to $3250JMD for the Seafood Paella with black rice from the squid’s ink.
Seafood Paella ($2950JMD) with King Prawns, Squid, Mussels and Rice.
That Seafood Paella was as delicious as it looks with just the right amount of spiciness.
They don’t just serve Paella though. There are other mains available such as larger Tortillas and Empanadas ($1600JMD), Calamari sandwiches ($2400JMD) and Mediterranean salads ($1900JMD).
After all that spice, our palates demanded a bit of sweet. We completed lunch with Churros and Dark Chocolate. Fantastic ending to our lunch.
Chef Enric serving Suga and friends some Churros with Dark Chocolate
I Love Paella Pop-Up Kitchen
***Reservations recommended***
Contact via Social Media messaging or Ph: 876-404-2867
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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