Kraving Skoops Returns Bringing You Guilt Free Vegan Ice Cream!

Saschanee Carty of Kraving Skoops

We showcased young Saschanee Carty in February 2020, she moved away from Kingston, eventually took a break and Suga was her first call to say she’s back!
So excited because our Suga Fam usually clean her containers on the spot!

What’s Sunday without Ice Cream, especially guilt free Ice Cream?!
Kraving Skoops (Ig: @kraving___skoops) will have her yummy flavours with natural, local and freshly picked ingredients for her return to Suga Lifestyle’s V-Day Pop-Up at The Liguanea Club New Kingston’s Outer Member Lounge this upcoming SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11 from

Come support the return of Kraving Skoops and get your Ice Cream fix and some to put up for next Sunday!

Also come check out Apparel, Accessories for men and women,  genuine Leather Products, Art, Crafts, Home Décor, Skincare and Confectioneries !

Stay tuned to see who else is on the show!
XoXo, Suga

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.

TGIF to Craving Scoops Sending Ice Cream to Town!

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Young Saschanee Carty that was based in Kingston is now in Portland! She took a little break with her company, Craving Scoops after the move, but she is ready to keep sending us her rich, chuncky, non-dairy Ice Cream in Kingston once again.

If it’s Non-Dairy and you are wondering what she uses, she uses a lot of Cashew!

Craving Scoops is NOW taking Orders for PINT size, Non-Dairy Ice Cream to be Delivered next Saturday, June 27th from 9am – 12pm!

The flavours are the very rich Strawberry ($1350JMD) and Pina Colada ($1350JMD), Cookies & Cream ($1250JMD) and Mocha Rum munchies ($1250JMD).
*Delivery fee is $500JMD

***ORDER by Monday, June 22nd***

Craving Scoops is #SugaEndorsed

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Craving Scoops

Ph: 876-542-2065

Instagram: @craving_scoops

By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Another Healthy Lunch Spot in Town!

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I had a quick, satisfying lunch at Bella’s Vegan Eats with my husband, Randy last Friday at a neat spot tucked away on Windsor Avenue off Old Hope Road.

Bella’s Vegan Eats was prompt if you would like to pick up and has comfortable seating for you to have a quick bite for lunch. Even if it’s a hot day, the trees make the area cool and the picnic table umbrellas provide sufficient shade.

The area was clean, parking was hassle-free and service came with a smile. Haleem Card, Executive Chef and Director/Co-owner of Bella’s Vegan Eats made us feel right at home. Note that Haleem was the 2015 recipient of the Observer Food Awards’ Chef on the Rise.

What’s their Menu like?!

Their menu is fully Vegan, but still pleasing to the palate if you’re not Vegan. The menu changes daily with options of Soup, Wraps, Sandwiches, Chana Masala, Pasta and more, plus freshly made juices, Smoothies and even Dessert. The people’s favourite seems to be their Umami Black Bean Burger ($1200JMD).

I had the Coconut Chana Masala. I am not a fan of Coconut milk, especially since it has a high content of Saturated fat, but they used it lightly and it did not overpower the taste at all. I had it with plantain, a tasty raw vegetable salad and Peanut rice! The Peanut rice was a pleasant surprise and definitely increased the fiber content of the meal.

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Chana Masala with Peanut rice from Bella’s Vegan Eats ($1000JMD)

Main dishes are usually $750JMD, with an additional charge of $250JMD for side options. Their Natural Fruit Juices, that are low in sugar come in two sizes, the 12oz for $400JMD and 16oz for $650JMD. I had the what’s Up Doc a.k.a Carrot Juice that was light in consistency and quite refreshing.

Remember Suga’s Nutrition Session is this Saturday! If you missed the first one, try to make time for this one. Bella’s Vegan Eats was definitely added to the ‘Places to Eat’ List. They are #SugaEndorsed.

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Bella’s Vegan Eats

Location: 6 Windsor Ave. Kingston. Ja.

Ph: 876-455-8804

*Delivery available by Quick Plate

Open Mon-Fri., 11am – 4pm

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

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Healthy and Savoury Yam Toast topped with Avocado for Breakfast!

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If you’ve been eating Whole Wheat, Whole Grain or Gluten-free Bread since the start of 2018 and you would like a change, then this is the Recipe for you!

You could be a Vegetarian looking for an exciting new Recipe too.

Ingredients

1 Yam (Complex/Good Carbs)

1/2 Avocado (Healthy Fats)

1 tsp Hemp/Sesame seeds (Protein)

Asparagus (Vegetables)

Olive Oil (Optional)

A sprinkle of Garlic Salt (Optional)

A sprinkle of Black Pepper (Optional)

A pinch of Pink Himalayan Sea Salt

Method

Yam Toast

● Cut 1 large Yam into even slices (around 2cm thick)

● Place in the Oven at 220°C for 30 minutes OR Place on a Grill for 30 minutes on each side on medium-high heat

Roasted/Steamed Asparagus *(Edited by Gabrielle Burgess)

Roasted:

● Preheat oven to 220 °C

● Place the Asparagus into a mixing bowl, and drizzle with the olive oil. Toss to coat the spears, then sprinkle with garlic salt, and pepper

● Bake in the Pre-heated oven until just tender, 12 to 15 minutes depending on thickness.

Steamed:

● Fill a skillet with ½ cup of water per ½ pound of Asparagus and Add the Asparagus.

● Cover the skillet with a lid and Boil over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes or until the Asparagus turns bright green and tender.

Avocado/Avocado Puree *(Edited by Gabrielle Burgess)

● Mash the Avocado with a fork or puree in a blender until smooth, adding water if necessary to reach desired consistency

● Top off the Yam slices with Avocado, Hemp/Sesame seeds, Asparagus and a pinch of Pink Himalayan Salt.

Benefits

A Fibre and Protein-rich Breakfast with Veggies and Healthy Fats all at the sane time!

ENJOY!

#SugaEndorsed Recipe by:

Jhanae M. Paule 

Vegan Humanitarian and Environmentalist

Instagram: @plantpoweredpaule

Website: jhanae.com/recipes

 

Reposted and Edited By: Gabrielle Burgess (Certified Personal Trainer & Sports Nutritionist)

If you liked this Recipe, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

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Try this Healthy and Tasty Quinoa Salad!

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Photo & Recipe Source: @BigScoopFood on Instagram

Quinoa is a great source of Protein and is also a Healthy Carbohydrate. So it contains an adequate amount of fibre to help keep you fuller for longer.

For a fun, healthy Quinoa Salad, try the following:

● Quinoa as your base

● Cherry Tomatoes

● Black Olives

● Black Beans

● Kidney Beans

● Cauliflower

● Coriander

*** You can add a light, olive oil-based vinaigrette and squeeze a touch of lemon or lime juice for a touch more flavour and freshness

Recipe Source: –

Instagram: @BigScoopFood

Food & Beverage Company

Food, Nutrition & Health; Nutrition Media; Everyday Tips

Email: [email protected]

Endorsed By: Gabrielle Burgess (Certified Personal Trainer & Sports Nutritionist)

If you liked this Recipe, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

 

 

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Suga’s Healthy Dinner at Kushite’s Vegetable Cuisine!

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It has been a while now that Kushite’s Vegetable Cuisine has settled into their spacious location at Eden Gardens. From about 2 years ago, I enjoyed Lunch from them once in a while, which was delivered from their small establishment on Phoenix Avenue. I am happy I finally got to visit their location on Lady Musgrave Road with my husband a few weeks ago on Saturday, May 13th for Dinner.

As we stepped in, we were immediately impressed with the tasteful, detailed décor, no pun intended. I admired the art work and enjoyed the ambience and comfortable seating.

Our hostess, waitress and also co-principal of Kushites, Keisha McDonald, was pleasant and well informed as expected with regards to their menu.

Their Jerked Beet Pizza ($2500JmD) is a known pleaser, along with their Sicilian Pita Burger ($1800JMD) and Lentil Balls in Mexican Mole Sauce ($1900JMD).

We ordered a few minutes after 9pm and we had a visual of the Chef, Mr. Kush Tafari himself. We could see the food was prepared fresh and when it arrived in reasonable time after ordering, we could taste just that.

My husband enjoyed his tasty Callaloo and Mushroom in Tomato Cups paired with Quinoa. He had that with a refreshing glass of Lemon Grass Lemonade.

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Callaloo & Mushroom in Tomato Cups ($2500JMD incl. tx) – Mushrooms cooked in a medley of cajun spices and stuffed in Tomato cups along with fresh Callaloo, paired with Quinoa

I thoroughly enjoyed the Sicilian Pita Burger that is a favourite at Kushites. Everything combined was a burst of flavour. The cilantro cream ‘cheese’ sauce definitely gave it a delicious kick of hot and spicy and was a perfect pair for the sweet potato Piri Piri chips. The taste buds then got a little chance to cool down with the black beans and were tickled with the taste of olives.

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Sicilian Pita Burger ($1800JMD incl. tx) – ‘Meat’ made from Black Beans inside an open Pita Bread with lettuce, marinara sauce, cilantro cream ‘cheese’ and olives, served with Sweet Potato Piri Piri Chips

Both meals were healthy and filling. As a fitness enthusiast, I appreciated the creative use of the ‘Good Carbs’, such as the Sweet Potato used to make the Piri Piri chips, the Pita Bread that was either Whole Grain or Whole Wheat and the Quinoa. The Black Beans and Callaloo are also great sources of fibre. The Black Beans especially, though a protein, has slow-release carbs like other healthy beans. Then ofcourse, they were alongside veggies. What was missing for me? A little fruit. This void was fully satisfied with the Jackfruit Hemp smoothie that had even more Protein. The smoothie was well balanced, as the taste of the Jackfruit was not overpowering.

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(L) – Jackfruit Hemp Smoothie ($800 incl. tx); (R) – Lemon grass Lemonade ($450 incl. tx)

Last Thursday, Kushites won the Award for ‘Best Place for Vegetarian’ at the Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards and Suga definitely endorses them for that. Congrats to Kush Tafari, Keisha McDonald and the team!

Go and give Kushites a visit today and continue to have a healthy week!

Kushite’s Vegetable Cuisine

Location: 39 Lady Musgrave Road (Inside Eden Gardens)

Ph: 876-375-0642; 876-631-9101

Instagram: @kushitesvegetablecuisine

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this article, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

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Gourmet Jamaica Delicacies is in town!

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Photo: @gourmetjamaica Instagram page

Gourmet Jamaica Delicacies cater in Montego Bay and Kingston and this week they are in Kingston offering decadent Vegan Banana Bread as well as Organic Pasta sauce!

Who is behind all of this? Owner, Amanda McCreath. Her Plantain tarts are to die for!

Send them an email to order – [email protected].

Follow them on Instagram @gourmetjamaica

Contact: 876-840-8210

 

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How was Moonlight at Stush in the Bush, St. Ann, Ja?!

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Need a reminder of what and where exactly is Stush in the Bush? Check out Suga’s Review on them a bit over a year ago by clicking on the link below:-

Stush in the Bush with Lisa Binns

Now that you are either up to speed, you are already aware of the hidden culinary experience or you are just so curious that you want to read on, I will keep you in suspense no further.

Last Saturday I visited Stush in the Bush’s second Moonlight event with friends. The event costed $80USD with limited spaces. As soon as all spaces were filled, a notification was sent out. Before the event, we were updated and teased with emails of the menu, what to wear aka ‘Bush Glam’, a little of what to expect etc., just enough to let you remember the event, be well prepared and to remain enthusiastic about it. The directions given were also detailed to the key so you would not get lost.

There was a threat of rains from Hurricane Erika, so on the day we were told to wait it out a little until given more information. The event was to start at 3pm. We got the clear with pictures of bright sunshine a little after 1pm. So my friends and I decided to get ourselves together to make our way out. We got there at 4pm. Only ‘4-wheel drives’ could go directly downhill to the farm, otherwise you would have to park at the top and walk down because it was quite steep and rough. Hence the ‘Bush Glam’ dress code to wear boots, closed foot shoes etc.

Upon entry we saw a few people gathered, already nibbling on appetizers. I had no doubt food would be circulated already. Mrs. Lisa Binns is always prepared, on time and seems to be quite a perfectionist. My friends and I were greeted by both Lisa and her husband, Chris on our way in, genuinely warm and pleasant as usual. There was also a welcome sign with our names along with other guests, which I found to be quite creative and hospitable of them.

Now to the food! Let me start out by saying that I found everything delicious throughout the evening except for the Potato and Leek soup that was just ‘ok’ and the Robalo (fish) for the main course, which was overcooked. But they had so much going on, food everywhere you turned, as soon as you stopped eating, something else was brought out for you to experience, so those two, yes, literally two items that were not made to perfection, seemed oh so negligible.

The ‘First Bites’ were as follows:

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The Rosemary Beer Bread really had the taste of Red Stripe beer and you could taste the rum in the Rum Guava sauce for the Yam and Pineapple Croquettes! Awesome. We also had access to freshly chopped Coconuts. The Fiyah Grilled Pizza that stood out for me was the Pesto pizza. Delish!

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As the majority of guests arrived to the lovely venue with a spectacular view, we were given an official welcome by Lisa followed by Chris. She gave many thanks to her guests for coming, especially returnees and important guests to her such as Anna-Kay Tomlinson aka Miss T from Miss T’s Kitchen, who continuously encouraged Lisa from the very beginning and Chef Conroy Arnold from Hermosa Cove who also loves to use their products, especially their fresh, local greens from the farm. Their farm, called Zionites farm, had a nice ambience and was quite cool.

We were also reminded that the first ingredient of their products are Love and Affection, sometimes hard to come by, said Chris. However, their love story is quite sweet and it is obvious they continue to care, love and support each other throughout their lives, especially at the toughest times such as the passing of their mothers. Imagine, when Chris met Lisa, her mother died 5 days after. He could either step up or run. He said he did a bit of both but he made sure he found himself on that plane to Barbados to meet the family and go to the funeral. Quite a task. But he made it happen.

They thanked The Jamaica Observer, who of course has been there from the very start and other persons who helped with the event to make it even more dynamic such as Select Brands, Grace Kennedy for the Harbour wines and spirits, Gina May Mair from Fresh Monger JA (known for wild caught, premium seafood) for the Ceviche and fresh, local fish and Sasha Palmer, CEO of Liqy Liqy who provided popsicles for part of dessert. It was nice to see the support given on both sides for Moonlight and each other’s products, even leading up to the event.

What was even nicer to know, when they thanked their staff, we learnt it comprised of people they trained from within their community. Lisa mentioned she would also like to start a Young Women’s group for young ladies leaving school with no jobs and young mothers, creating even more opportunities for persons in the community. A nursery on property for their young ones to be monitored and in a safe place while they work is in the plans too. Also, cooking classes for them and us folks, that has already been a frequent request.

That was an inspiring mouthful that had everyone’s close attention, as Lisa is always so eloquent and Chris adds his quiet touch of humour. We moved on to have fun at the Selfie station where an actual selfie stick was provided. Ha! Finally learnt how to use one. We then gathered by a huge fig tree and joined hands, a place of meditation for Chris.

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For the main course, we walked down the love path made by arched plants and trees and sat on benches by tables that held at least 10 people. So it was a homey atmosphere that facilitated socializing and even a little networking.

The main course aka ‘Stush dining’ was as follows, paired with red and white Harbour wines & spirits accordingly:-

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The Mango & Lime Ceviche shooter and Zionites Farm signature salad including Arugula, Microgreens, Jackfruit, Watermelon and Tomatoes along with a choice of Mango lime & ginger vinaigrette was fantastic. Their Blow Fyah sauce in small doses of course, went well with the Robalo and grilled veggies.

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We had the pleasure of sitting with Ms. Sasha Palmer, founder and CEO of Liqy Liqy based in Manchester, who also won the Business Journalists’ award at Jamaica Observer’s Mogul in the Making Ceremony this year. She had such a lovely personality. Certainly a pleasure conversing with her. She is quite passionate about what she does even though it is her side business.

She also offers opportunities to persons within her community in Mandeville by employing single mothers to make the popsicles and run the Liqy Liqy carts at events.

She was excited to share that they cater popsicle treats in all sizes, shapes and forms for Bachelorette parties and other events. Wink wink. From what I remember that night, she had the flavours of Mango, Lemon and Basil, Tamarind and Coconut. The Vanilla flavour made its debut and it was delicious like Devon House Ice Cream, BUT all the popsicles are 100% organic and low in calories. For the others that I had, the Lemon and Basil popsicles were refreshing and good palette cleansers and the Coconut was tasty as well.

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Liqy Liqy’s gourmet popsicles should be on the shelves soon, if they aren’t already, at supermarkets such as Loshusan, John R Wong and all the Sugar & Spice locations. Look out for their Sorbets coming soon too. Follow them @LiqyLiqy on Instagram and Facebook. 

The bonfire had begun and we made our way back up to where we gathered at the beginning to be greeted by Ginger cookies topped with Lemon Curd.

For those watching their weight, the whole day was practically guilt free until I was presented with extremely salivating Dessert pizza with Banana, Chocolate, Peanut butter and more. Even though it was practically all Vegan, it was the winning dessert for me! Another Dessert pizza with Jackfruit also came out and that grill kept firing up more. I thought all of that created fireworks in my stomach, only to hear real fireworks behind me. What a pleasant surprise! They definitely went all out.

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Only one person in the crew checked the time so we wouldn’t get carried away into the night there. Wine was still flowing, sauces and spreads were on sale and it seemed like we missed the after party on the dance floor. It was just after 8pm, the time at which Moonlight was scheduled to be finished. So definitely not a typical Jamaican event, as it had an on-time start and finish. We appreciated that they were considerate of our time, allowing us to get back into town at a reasonable hour.

Wow, what a delightful evening that left everyone impressed and fully satisfied. A refreshing experience that freed the mind, both an inner and outer body experience in a sophisticated-rustic atmosphere. They prepared and catered to the vegans, vegetarians, those who couldn’t eat pineapples, all with allergies, those who had to eat gluten-free, you name it. Well done Chris, Lisa and all the others that came together to make it happen.

So what else is on the horizon for Stush in the Bush? A possible Bed and Breakfast, a Yoga platform around the huge fig tree, where a bonfire was lit for the night and an outpost on another Caribbean island.

Suga cannot wait to return with even more friends and family!

1 week down… 2 to go! and Beyonce is a vegan traitor

More from ‘canrachelbeflawless’. See how Beyonce lied and follow the last few days of Rachel’s journey. Kudos to New Leaf Vegetarian for delicious Vegan dishes. Check out their website, www.newleafvegetarian.com. They are located at 121 Old Hope Road, Shop #6, Kingston 6. Ph: 876-977-2358/ 876-977-5243; [email protected] (email)