The Roaming Reporter is the number one source for the 411 in arts, culture, food, music and theatre in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Bronx and Staten Island.
Shuga Henry, the Roaming Reporter, journey's through the fantastic boroughs of New York reporting on the amazing happenings.
My recent roaming adventure lead me to the beautiful island of Jamaica.
Being a native of the island, I always jump at the opportunity to return to and
explore the jewels of my country.
Jamaica is divided into 14 parishes - Cornwall County : Hanover, Saint Elizabeth, Saint James, Trelawny, Westmoreland; Middlesex County: Clarendon, Manchester, Saint Ann, Saint Catherine, Saint Mary; Surrey County: Kingston
Parish, Portland, Saint Andrew, Saint Thomas. On this trip I was able
explore 4 parishes, Saint James, Trelawny, Manchester and Kingston
Parish.
My adventure began in Montego Bay, St James.
Montego Bay is the capital of the parish of Saint James. It is the
second largest city in Jamaica and the fourth largest by population
after Kingston, Spanish Town and Portmore. Montego Bay is a popular
tourist area. I stayed on the Hip Strip located along Gloucester Ave. The Hip Strip is a long road with hotels, beaches, shops and attractions.
Going to the beach is a must in Jamaica. The clear blue waters and beautiful sun rays make for a perfect day everyday in Jamaica.
Along the Hip Strip you can find beautiful hotels, restaurants and craft vendors.
Margaritaville was a delicious, exciting and entertaining experience. Now, normally when I return to my island I prefer to eat native foods. However, this time my pallet craved something different. I explored the tempting menu and was truly pleased. Each dish was prepared exquisitely. Although the entrees were familiar, each was prepared with Jamaican spices and flavors which created a unique twist.
Jimmy's Jammin' Jambalya
Jimmy's Jammin' Jambalya was an extraordinary dish loaded with plump shrimp, chicken and succulent Jamaican andouille sausage simmered in a spicy (Jamaican styled) Cajun broth. Served on a fluffy bed of white rice. De-Lish!
Combo Platter
The Combo Platter was one of my favorites. This beautiful dish was comprised of half a rack of finger-licking baby back ribs, zesty blackened chicken and crispy, deep fried with rich flavor, coconut shrimp served with golden french fries. The dish came with two dipping sauces, tangy bbq and a spicy pepper sauce.
Cheeseburger in Paradise
The Cheeseburger in Paradise was exactly as described. I was definitely in paradise indulging in this scrumptious cheeseburger. It was a basic cheeseburger that I opted to have with crumbles of bleu cheese on top. What made the dish more delightful and fun was the guitar shaped platter it was served on. How cute and clever!
Cheeseburger in Paradise
Honey Mustard Chicken Sandwich
The Honey Mustard Chicken Sandwich was a marinated chicken breast topped with smoke applewood bacon, Swiss cheese, creamy avocado ( known as pear in Jamaica), lettuce and tomato presented in between a soft pretzel bum. I love the concept of pretzel and bread combined. Delicious!
B.O.B
This mamma jamma of a burger was a piece of beefy heaven. The Bacon, Onion, Bleu cheese burger known as the B.O.B was a juicy full-flavored burger layered with smoked applewood bacon, onion rings, drizzled bleu cheese dressing, lettuce, tomatoes and topped with Gorgonzola cheese crumbles served on a buttery brioche bun. I know...that was a mouthful. A big savory, finger-licking mouthful!
Jolly Man
The Jolly Man is a fruity concoction busting with awesome flavor. It was a great companion to the delicious burgers.
Bananarama
Bananarama was a scrumptious delectable dessert. It is stamped as the Caribbean Favorite so it a must have when you visit Maragritaville. This glorious dessert was made with a perfectly ripe banana rolled inside a tortilla shell, fried crisp, topped with luscious chocolate sauce and served with a scoop of rich vanilla bean ice cream. Added as an extra special tasty treat were the freshly made banana chips and whip cream that garnished the dessert. Simply irresistible!
After a extraordinary meal, the fun adventures can begin. Margaritaville has a wild 120ft water slide that winds its way from the rooftop terrace and shoots you out into the beautiful Caribbean sea below. In addition there are two giant water trampolines and a huge water slide.
picture courtesy Margaritaville.com
picture courtesy of Margaritaville.com
picture courtesy of Margaritaville.com
After an action packed fun filled day, Margaritaville offer dynamic nightlife. At night the restaurant is transformed into Club Ville and it totally comes alive. Nightlife includes a great mixture of tourist and locals. The deejays spin a great mix of reggae, dancehall, hip-hop and dance music.
So the next time you're in Jamaica make sure you stop by and visit the Hip Strip. Great adventures await you that will be flavorful and joyous for the soul.
Oscar week is here! Get ready for glitz, glamour, red carpet, and movies, movies, movies! The 2014, 86th Annual Academy Awards airs live from the Hollywood's Dolby Theatre on Sunday, March 2, at 7
p.m. EST. The Academy Awards or the Oscars is the
peak of the awards season. I can not wait to see the performances, hear
the fabulous jokes from this year awesome host Ellen DeGeneres. If you have not yet watched all of the movies on the Best Picture list, don't fret. There is still time. So, here is the Roaming Reporter to save the day. Below is a list of this years Best Picture nominees.
BEST PICTURE
American Hustle
Great movie. Awesome team of actors. Jennifer Lawrence was hilarious. This is my pick for Best Picture.
Captain Phillips
Excellent movie. Great acting by Tom Hanks and Barkhad Abdi. This
was Abdi's first project and he knocked it out the park. Good for you
Barkhad.
Dallas Buyers Club
Excellent acting by Matthew Mcconaughey, Jared Leto and Jennifer Garner.
Gravity
Sandra Bullock and George Clooney did and excellent carrying the move. The computer graphics were phenomenal. I really feel Alfonso Cuarón has a chance at Best Director.
Her
I thought the concept for this movie was brilliant. Especially now
that we are living in the era of technical evolution. Although Scarlett Johansson was not visibly seen in the movie, her acting was still quite wonderful. She is a fantastic actor.
Nebraska
Very interesting. I love the way it was filmed. This is on my "hurry up and watch list"
Philomena
This is a beautiful story. I always enjoy watching Judi Dench. She is a marvelous actress.
12 Years a Slave
(I have been following this film since it's debut at the Telluride
Film Festival and the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival. The film
received such artistic acclaim before its wide release. I am also very
excited for Lupita Nyong'sSupporting Actress nomination. This s her first film in America. Yay Lupita! Congrats to Chiwetel Ejiofor. He is an awesome actor. I am glad he is finally getting due recognition. The cinematography and sound design was excellent. However, I don't think it will take home Best Picture.
The Wolf of Wall Street
Wonderful film. Great directing and acting. It was humor and drama all rolled up into one. Congrats to Leonardo DiCapriofor his Best Actor nomination.
I really hope he wins this year. There are many great contenders in
this category, so it will be tough. However, he has yet to be blessed
with a golden statuette. I would be so happy for him if finally this
year is his shinning moment. Also, Congrats also to Jonah Hill for his Supporting Actor nomination.
Best Original Song
After you have finished your Best Picture movie marathon, leave some room for Frozen. This newest Disney movie has taken the public by storm (no pun intended.) It's a great family movie with awesome humor, loveable characters and spectacular music.
Nomination List
BEST DIRECTOR
Alfonso Cuarón, Gravity
Steve McQueen, 12 Years a Slave
Alexander Payne, Nebraska
David O. Russell, American Hustle
Martin Scorsese, The Wolf of Wall Street
BEST ACTOR
Christian Bale, American Hustle
Bruce Dern, Nebraska
Leonardo DiCaprio, The Wolf of Wall Street
Chiwetel Ejiofor, 12 Years a Slave
Matthew McConaughey, Dallas Buyers Club
BEST ACTRESS
Amy Adams, American Hustle
Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine
Sandra Bullock, Gravity
Judi Dench, Philomena
Meryl Streep, August: Osage County
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Barkhad Abdi, Captain Phillips
Bradley Cooper, American Hustle
Michael Fassbender, 12 Years a Slave
Jonah Hill, The Wolf of Wall Street
Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Sally Hawkins, Blue Jasmine
Jennifer Lawrence, American Hustle
Lupita Nyong'o, 12 Years a Slave
Julia Roberts, August: Osage County
June Squibb, Nebraska
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
David O. Russell and Eric Warren Singer, American Hustle
Woody Allen, Blue Jasmine
Craig Borten and Melisa Wallack, Dallas Buyers Club
Spike Jonze, Her
Bob Nelson, Nebraska
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Richard Linklater, Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke, Before Midnight
Billy Ray, Captain Philips
Steve Coogan and Jeff Pope, Philomena
John Ridley, 12 Years a Slave
Terence Winter, The Wolf of Wall Street
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE The Croods Despicable Me 2 Ernest & Celestine Frozen The Wind Rises
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM The Broken Circle Breakdown (Belgium) The Great Beauty (Italy) The Hunt (Denmark) The Missing Picture (Cambodia) Omar (Palestine)
BEST DOCUMENTARY – FEATURE The Act of Killing Cutie and the Boxer Dirty Wars The Square 20 Feet From Stardom
BEST ORIGINAL SONG
"Alone Not Alone," Alone Yet Not Alone
"Let It Go," Frozen
"The Moon Song," Her
"Ordinary Love," Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom "Happy," Despicable Me 2 ( Congrats to Pharrell Williams on this nomination. I'm so happy!)
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Philippe Le Sourd, The Grandmaster
Emmanuel Lubezki, Gravity
Bruno Delbonnel, Inside Llewyn Davis
Phedon Papamichael, Nebraska
Roger A. Deakins, Prisoners
BEST COSTUME DESIGN
Michael Wilkinson, American Hustle
William Chang Suk Ping, The Grandmaster
Catherine Martin, The Great Gatsby
Michael O'Connor, The Invisible Woman
Patricia Norris, 12 Years a Slave
BEST DOCUMENTARY – SHORT SUBJECT CaveDigger Facing Fear Karama Has No Walls The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life Prison Terminal: The Last Days of Private Jack Hall
BEST FILM EDITING
Jay Cassidy, Crispin Struthers and Alan Baumgarten, American Hustle
Christopher Rouse, Captain Phillips
John Mac McMurphy and Martin Pensa, Dallas Buyers Club
Alfonso Cuarón and Mark Sanger, Gravity
Joe Walker, 12 Years a Slave
BEST MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING
Adruitha Lee and Robin Mathew, Dallas Buyers Club
Stephen Prouty, Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa
Joel Harlow and Gloria Pasqua-Casny, The Lone Ranger BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
John Williams, The Book Thief
Steven Price, Gravity
William Butler and Owen Pallett, Her
Alexandre Desplat, Philomena
Thomas Newman, Saving Mr. Banks
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
Judy Becker (Production Design) and Heather Loeffler (Set Decoration), American Hustle
Andy Nicholson (Production Design); Rosie Goodwin and Joanne Woollard (Set Decoration), Gravity
Catherine Martin (Production Design) and Beverley Dunn (Set Decoration), The Great Gatsby
K.K. Barrett (Production Design) and Gene Serdena (Set Decoration), Her
Adam Stockhausen (Production Design) and Alice Baker (Set Decoration), 12 Years a Slave
BEST SHORT FILM – ANIMATED Feral Get a Horse! Mr. Hublot Possessions Room on the Broom
BEST SHORT FILM – LIVE ACTION Aquel No Era Yo (That Wasn't Me), Esteban Crespo Avant Que De Tout Perdre (Just Before Losing Everything), Xavier Legrand and Alexandre Gavras Helium, Anders Walter and Kim Magnusson Pitääkö Mun Kaikki Hoitaa? (Do I Have to Take Care of Everything?), Selma Vilhunen and Kirsikka Saari The Voorman Problem, Mark Gill and Baldwin Li
BEST SOUND EDITING
Steve Boeddeker and Richard Hymns, All Is Lost
Oliver Tarney, Captain Phillips
Glenn Freemantle, Gravity
Brent Burge, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Wylie Stateman, Lone Survivor
BEST SOUND MIXING
Chris Burdon, Mark Taylor, Mike Prestwood Smith and Chris Munro, Captain Phillips
"Gravity" Skip Lievsay, Niv Adiri, Christopher Benstead and Chris Munro, Gravity
Christopher Boyes, Michael Hedges, Michael Semanick and Tony Johnson, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Skip Lievsay, Greg Orloff and Peter F. Kurland, Inside Llewyn Davis
Andy Koyama, Beau Borders and David Brownlow, Lone Survivor
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Tim Webber, Chris Lawrence, Dave Shirk and Neil Corbould, Gravity
Joe Letteri, Eric Saindon, David Clayton and Eric Reynolds, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Christopher Townsend, Guy Williams, Erik Nash and Dan Sudick, Iron Man 3
Tim Alexander, Gary Brozenich, Edson Williams and John Frazier, The Lone Ranger
Roger Guyett, Patrick Tubach, Ben Grossmann and Burt Dalton, Star Trek Into Darkness
There
you have it, the full 2014 list of hopefuls. It's going to be exciting
to learn the final results. Also, you can visit the official Oscarwebsites to print a ballot for your Oscar viewing party and learn more about the spectacular nominees. Cheers and I'll see you on "red carpet."
So the day has finally come! The 2014, 86th Annual Academy Awards nomination list was announced this morning live from the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills, Calif. The Academy Awards or the Oscars is the peak of the awards season. I can not wait to see the performances, hear the fabulous jokes from this year awesome host Ellen DeGeneres, ( who I recently learned is from Metairie, Louisiana. Shout out to my Louisiana homegirl) and ofcourse the sensational fashion pieces that will glide down the red carpet. It will be all the rave. The Oscars will broadcast live from Hollywood's Dolby Theatre on Sunday, March 2, at 7 p.m. EST. True, this is not the usual local Roaming Reporter article. However, this is entertainment and who doesn't love entertainment. Now, to the list of this year's nominees:
BEST PICTURE
American Hustle
(Great movie. Awesome team of actors. Jennifer Lawrence was hilarious)
Captain Phillips
(Excellent movie. Great acting by Tom Hanks and Barkhad Abdi. This was Abdi's first project and he knocked it out the park. Good for you Barkhad)
Dallas Buyers Club
(On my "catch up and watch list". However, I have been hearing great reviews. I know it's a film I'm going to love.)
Gravity
(Sandra Bullock and George Clooney were excellent carrying the move. The computer graphics were phenomenal. I really feel Alfonso Cuarón has a chance at Best Director)
Her
( I thought the concept for this movie was brilliant. Especially now that we are living in the era of technical evolution. This is on my "hurry up and watch" movie list)
Nebraska
(Very interesting. I love the way it was filmed. This is also on my "hurry up and watch list"
Philomena
(This is a beautiful story. I always enjoy watching Judi Dench. She is a marvelous actress.)
12 Years a Slave
( I have been following this film since it's debut at the Telluride Film Festival and the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival. The film received such artistic acclaim before its wide release. I am also very excited for Lupita Nyong'sSupporting Actress nomination. This s her first film in America. Yay Lupita! Congrats to Chiwetel Ejiofor. He is an awesome actor. I am glad he is finally getting recognition.)
The Wolf of Wall Street
(Excellent film. Great directing and acting. It was humor and drama all rolled up into one. Congrats to Leonardo DiCapriofor his Best Actor nomination. I really hope he wins this year. There are many great contenders in this category, so it will be tough. However, he has yet to be blessed with a golden statuette. I would be so happy for him if finally this year is his shinning moment. Also, Congrats also to Jonah Hill for his Supporting Actor nomination.
BEST DIRECTOR Alfonso Cuarón, Gravity Steve McQueen, 12 Years a Slave Alexander Payne, Nebraska David O. Russell, American Hustle Martin Scorsese, The Wolf of Wall Street
BEST ACTOR Christian Bale, American Hustle Bruce Dern, Nebraska Leonardo DiCaprio, The Wolf of Wall Street Chiwetel Ejiofor, 12 Years a Slave Matthew McConaughey, Dallas Buyers Club
BEST ACTRESS Amy Adams, American Hustle Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine Sandra Bullock, Gravity Judi Dench, Philomena Meryl Streep, August: Osage County
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR Barkhad Abdi, Captain Phillips Bradley Cooper, American Hustle Michael Fassbender, 12 Years a Slave Jonah Hill, The Wolf of Wall Street Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS Sally Hawkins, Blue Jasmine Jennifer Lawrence, American Hustle Lupita Nyong'o, 12 Years a Slave Julia Roberts, August: Osage County June Squibb, Nebraska
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY David O. Russell and Eric Warren Singer, American Hustle Woody Allen, Blue Jasmine Craig Borten and Melisa Wallack, Dallas Buyers Club Spike Jonze, Her Bob Nelson, Nebraska
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY Richard Linklater, Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke, Before Midnight Billy Ray, Captain Philips Steve Coogan and Jeff Pope, Philomena John Ridley, 12 Years a Slave Terence Winter, The Wolf of Wall Street
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE The Croods Despicable Me 2 Ernest & Celestine Frozen The Wind Rises
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM The Broken Circle Breakdown (Belgium) The Great Beauty (Italy) The Hunt (Denmark) The Missing Picture (Cambodia) Omar (Palestine)
BEST DOCUMENTARY – FEATURE The Act of Killing Cutie and the Boxer Dirty Wars The Square 20 Feet From Stardom
BEST ORIGINAL SONG "Alone Not Alone," Alone Yet Not Alone "Let It Go," Frozen "The Moon Song," Her "Ordinary Love," Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom "Happy," Despicable Me 2 ( Congrats to Pharrell Williams on this nomination. I'm so happy!)
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY Philippe Le Sourd, The Grandmaster Emmanuel Lubezki, Gravity Bruno Delbonnel, Inside Llewyn Davis Phedon Papamichael, Nebraska Roger A. Deakins, Prisoners
BEST COSTUME DESIGN Michael Wilkinson, American Hustle William Chang Suk Ping, The Grandmaster Catherine Martin, The Great Gatsby Michael O'Connor, The Invisible Woman Patricia Norris, 12 Years a Slave
BEST DOCUMENTARY – SHORT SUBJECT CaveDigger Facing Fear Karama Has No Walls The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life Prison Terminal: The Last Days of Private Jack Hall
BEST FILM EDITING Jay Cassidy, Crispin Struthers and Alan Baumgarten, American Hustle Christopher Rouse, Captain Phillips John Mac McMurphy and Martin Pensa, Dallas Buyers Club Alfonso Cuarón and Mark Sanger, Gravity Joe Walker, 12 Years a Slave
BEST MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING Adruitha Lee and Robin Mathew, Dallas Buyers Club Stephen Prouty, Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa Joel Harlow and Gloria Pasqua-Casny, The Lone Ranger BEST ORIGINAL SCORE John Williams, The Book Thief Steven Price, Gravity William Butler and Owen Pallett, Her Alexandre Desplat, Philomena Thomas Newman, Saving Mr. Banks
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN Judy Becker (Production Design) and Heather Loeffler (Set Decoration), American Hustle Andy Nicholson (Production Design); Rosie Goodwin and Joanne Woollard (Set Decoration), Gravity Catherine Martin (Production Design) and Beverley Dunn (Set Decoration), The Great Gatsby K.K. Barrett (Production Design) and Gene Serdena (Set Decoration), Her Adam Stockhausen (Production Design) and Alice Baker (Set Decoration), 12 Years a Slave
BEST SHORT FILM – ANIMATED Feral Get a Horse! Mr. Hublot Possessions Room on the Broom
BEST SHORT FILM – LIVE ACTION Aquel No Era Yo (That Wasn't Me), Esteban Crespo Avant Que De Tout Perdre (Just Before Losing Everything), Xavier Legrand and Alexandre Gavras Helium, Anders Walter and Kim Magnusson Pitääkö Mun Kaikki Hoitaa? (Do I Have to Take Care of Everything?), Selma Vilhunen and Kirsikka Saari The Voorman Problem, Mark Gill and Baldwin Li
BEST SOUND EDITING Steve Boeddeker and Richard Hymns, All Is Lost Oliver Tarney, Captain Phillips Glenn Freemantle, Gravity Brent Burge, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Wylie Stateman, Lone Survivor
BEST SOUND MIXING Chris Burdon, Mark Taylor, Mike Prestwood Smith and Chris Munro, Captain Phillips "Gravity" Skip Lievsay, Niv Adiri, Christopher Benstead and Chris Munro, Gravity Christopher Boyes, Michael Hedges, Michael Semanick and Tony Johnson, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Skip Lievsay, Greg Orloff and Peter F. Kurland, Inside Llewyn Davis Andy Koyama, Beau Borders and David Brownlow, Lone Survivor
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS Tim Webber, Chris Lawrence, Dave Shirk and Neil Corbould, Gravity Joe Letteri, Eric Saindon, David Clayton and Eric Reynolds, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Christopher Townsend, Guy Williams, Erik Nash and Dan Sudick, Iron Man 3 Tim Alexander, Gary Brozenich, Edson Williams and John Frazier, The Lone Ranger Roger Guyett, Patrick Tubach, Ben Grossmann and Burt Dalton, Star Trek Into Darkness
There you have it, the full 2014 list of hopefuls. It's going to be exciting to learn the final results. So, if you haven't seen any of the incredible films on the list, you still have a few weeks to catch up before the grand event. Also, you can visit the official Oscarwebsites to print a ballot and learn more about the spectacular nominees. Cheers and I'll see you on "red carpet."
Sadly the holidays are over and you may have a few containers of eggnog remaining. Now, because everyone is preparing to begin "the New Year diet" you think to yourself, "what am I do with all the nog?" Well don't you fret. The Roaming Reporter has some suggestions. As I roamed around through holidays meeting people and asking "what do you do with left over eggnog," I have finally complied some answers. Enjoy and let me know your eggnog recipe success stories. Cheers! +Shuga Henry
5. Eggnog Hot Chocolate
The winter season is the perfect time for hot chocolate. A little eggnog adds a creative awesome twist. The recipe is super easy and it's delicious!
Photo by Peanut Butter and Peppers
Ingredients
eggnog
milk chocolate squares or coco power
whip cream
vanilla exact
nutmeg (optional)
cinnamon (optional)
In a medium sauce pan add eggnog, vanilla extract and cinnamon to bubble. Then add
the chocolate squares or coco power and whisk all together. Then pour into your favorite mug, top with whip cream and freshly grated nutmeg.
** add a scoop of instant coffee to the mix and create eggnog chocolate coffee. Yum!**
4. Eggnog Cupcakes
I tried this recipe on New Years and the results were quite scrumptious. This is a great companion to the eggnog hot chocolate. Yum!
Ingredients
Makes 12 cupcakes
1-1/3 cups all purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 cup rum 1 cup low-fat eggnog 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the frosting
1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature 2 to 2-1/2 cups confectioner's sugar 3 tablespoons low-fat eggnog 1/2 tablespoon rum 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg ground cinnamon and cinnamon sticks for garnish, if desired
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line 12 cupcake cups with liners. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and nutmeg. 3. In a separate bowl, combine the rum, eggnog, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar and vanilla extract together. 4. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and beat just to combine. 5. Fill the cupcake liners. Fill about 2/3 of the way if you want flat cupcakes and 3/4 of the way if you want rounded tops. 6.
Bake for about 18 minutes, until toothpick inserted into the center
comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
To make the frosting 1. In a large bowl, using a stand or electric mixer, whip the butter for a minute or two, until light and fluffy. 2. Slowly add the confectioners sugar, mixing as you add the sugar. 3. Continue adding sugar until the mixture becomes stiff. 4. Add the eggnog, rum and nutmeg, and whip until combined. 5. Frost cupcakes as desired. 6. To garnish, sprinkle with ground cinnamon and half a cinnamon stick, if desired.
3. Eggnog Pancakes
This recipe is my favorite. I prepared this for my family on Christmas Eve and it was an excellent hit. This is a quick easy recipe. All I did was replace the milk with eggnog, added vanilla and freshly grated nutmeg. The nutmeg really give it that extra kick.
2. Eggnog Jello Shots
I discovered this recipe on EisforEat.com. Jaymee Sire submitted this delightful drink. I prepared this the day after New Years and it really was a festive party in a cup. Thanks Jaymee for helping me keep the good times rolling. +Jaymee Sire
Photo by EisforEat.com
Ingredients (12 shots)
1 cup eggnog
1 packet Knox unflavored gelatin
3/4 cup vanilla or whipped cream vodka
1/4 cup amaretto
12 small plastic shot glasses
12 cinnamon sticks
whipped cream (go for the can in this instance)
nutmeg or cinnamon (for sprinkling on top)
Instructions
Pour eggnog into a small saucepan. Sprinkle gelatin on top of eggnog
and let it soak in a minute or two so it "blooms." (It will sort of
look like applesauce). Heat over medium, stirring, until gelatin is
dissolved.
Combine eggnog with alcohols into something with a pour spout (such
as a measuring cup). Place plastic shot glasses on a sheet pan and fill
3/4 of the way full. Refrigerate and allow to set four hours or
overnight.
When ready to serve, insert a cinnamon stick into the side of each
shot. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg.
1. Eggnog Ice -cream
I love ice-cream and I love eggnog. This recipe combines that best of both world. This is my number one favorite recipe I enjoying making during the holidays. Recently, someone shared a twist on the traditional idea with eggnog brownie chunk ice-cream. I tried this new twist and I was in heaven. The marriage of eggnog and chocolate into creamy ice-cream was dreamy. Thanks +shawn syphus for the decadent holiday treat.
My trip to Canada concluded with dinner at Harlem Restaurant in downtown Toronto. I tell you, this was the best food I tasted during my trip. I dinned at the 67 Richmond St. E location of the restaurant. As soon as I walked through the door I feel in love with this eatery. +Harlem Restaurant serves Southern Caribbean cuisine. Now, being a gal of the south and Jamaica W.I., I had to authenticate this concoction of flavor.
I entered the establishment as was mesmerized by the charming hanging red curtain and phonograph that lead to the main dining area. I parted the curtains and was instantly drawn in by the welcoming embrace of the eclectic environment. The warm red covered walls, the intimate space, the beautiful assortment of color infused original paintings, created a soulful inviting atmosphere. I loved the artsy feel of the interior. The owner did an excellent job capturing the art inspired Harlem Renaissance aspect of Harlem, NY.
I had the delightful impromptu opportunity to sit down and chat with owner and chef Carl Cassell.
Owner/Chef Carl Cassell
Shuga: What is the inspiration behind Harlem Restaurant? Cassell:Harlem is the evolution of another restaurant I owned named Irie. Harlem is more inclusive of the entire diaspora. At Harlem we can provide an inclusive menu of Southern and Caribbean style of cooking. The people from the south cook food similar to the way we [Caribbean people] do. Like collard greens which would be our [Jamaicans] version of callaloo.
Shuga: How long has Harlem been in existence? Cassell: We have been opened for 7 years.
Shuga: Why did you choose Harlem as the name of restaurant? Cassell: Harlem is instantly recognizable. I wanted to evoke a response in people that they'll never forget it. Positive or negative, I wanted it to leave "you" with an impression. That's what I wanted to do, "kick the door open."
Shuga: What is the inspiration behind the decor? Cassell: The decor is inspired by the 1920's. The original name was Harlem 1920. As you come through the door you will see the phonograph. It's kind of a 1920's art deco feel. The deep red....gives it a bold feel.
Shuga: I understand you have weekly live entertainment. Cassell: Yes. That was kind of our mantra. That's what created Harlem in a sense.When I had Irie, which has been converted into a Harlem as well, it kind of became the place to meet people. I've been in the city [Toronto] for a while and half of my friends are artists, actors, musicians and Irie became like an impromptu music venue. So when this place [Harlem] opened the idea was to create an artistic space which we provide with a stage upstairs.
Harlem Restaurant has two floors, both of which feature dining rooms with candlelit tables. The top floor has a stage where weekly entertainment is presented.
Top floor stage
After my Q&A, it was time to taste the delicious food. The menu was mounted on a vinyl record which a found to be quite clever. It really tied into the rustic chic theme. There were so many lip-smacking choices. I had a difficult time
choosing. Thankfully Carl Cassell provided some excellent suggestions, and oh was it extraordinary roller coaster ride for my taste buds.
Menu
I went with a group of friends so I was able to sample a few dishes. I started with a Miles Davis cocktail which was a mix of Jamaican Overproof Rum, Peach Schnapps, mango, passion fruit juice and lemon. Cassell said that was a signature drink for Harlem. It tasted smooth and was mixed just right. Next I sampled the Harlem Kool-Aide. This drink was made with Triple Sec, Melon Liquor and cranberry juice. It tasted tangy and sweet with just the right amount of alcohol. It was simply superb.
Miles Davis
Harlem Kool -Aide
We started by sharing a plate of Catfish Lafayette , which was breaded deep fried morsels of catfish served with a sweet chilli mayonnaise sauce for dipping. The breading was seasoned well and the catfish was light and flaky. The dipping sauce added an extra kick. However, I also found the catfish quite scrumptious on its own.
Catfish Lafayette
Mac- n - Cheese
The baked Mac-n-Cheese sprinkled with Parmesan cheese was hearty, creamy and satisfying .
Blackened Salmon
Blackened Salmon is a creole inspired dish-- salmon topped with a seafood étoufee sauce, served with mixed greens and coconut rice and peas. The interesting part of this dish was the mixed greens which was collard greens infused with carrots and celery. I have never had collard greens prepared in such a manner. I found it quite pleasing.
BBQ Jerk Chicken
The BBQ Jerk sauce really made the dish. The sauce was sweet with a hint of spice. I loved it so much I asked for a small container to carry home.
Coconut rice and peas
Rice is a very important componet to the Caribbean dish. This rice was fluffy and light with a pleasant hint of coconut flavor. It came very close to the sweetness of my mother's cooking.
Chicken and Waffles
The signature dish of Harlem is Chicken and Waffles. First, the presentation of the dish was the best I have ever seen. I have been to many restaurants that serve this dish and Harlem's presentation is the most attractive. I love that the chicken came with three dipping sauces - sweet and sour, maple syrup, and scotch-bonet-corriander-lime gravy. The chicken was exquisitely prepared --juicy, tender meat, covered in a thick, crispy batter. One bite and I feel under it's sinfully delicious spell. The waffles were fluffy with a tasty buttermilk flavor.
Mango Chiffon Cheese cake
My meal concluded with a signature slice of Mango chiffon cheese cake. The delectable dessert was velvety light and heavenly extraordinary.
The dinner was accompanied by a comedy show presented by one of Toronto's top comedians +Quinn Martin. He was very entertaining and a great complement to a satisfying evening.
Quinn C Martin - Comedian
Overall, my experience at Harlem Restaurant was filled with appetizing foods, gracious portion sizes, friendly service and excellent entertainment. The restaurant provided a great taste of the traditional South with new twists of flavors. I truly had a marvelous time and look forward to returning in the future. So, next time your in Toronto, stop on by Harlem Restaurant for a roller coaster ride your taste-buds will never forget. Harlem Restaurant -East
My recent roaming adventure lead me to the beautiful island of Jamaica.
Being a native of the island, I always jump at the opportunity to return to and
explore the jewels of my country.
