The Epicurean Escape is a very special food (yum yum) festival that is hosted annually by Grand Lido Negril, the perfect resort. This year saw the festival celebrating its ninth year. And what a celebration it was. Five days (June 25 – 29, 2008) of food festivities being presided over by some of the world’s finest chefs.
Many celebrities, dignitaries, students, guests, media houses, and food fans converged upon Grand Lido Negril, the perfect resort, to eat, party, relax, and then eat again. Our favorite events were the cooking classes, the beach party, the grand gala banquet, and the cook-off (cooking competition). So many treats, so little time.
Special thanks to the management and staff of Grand Lido Negril, the perfect resort, for hosting such an awesome world-class food festival. You did Jamaica proud, yet again.
Cooking Class - Day 1
Corporate Executive Chef Michele Mazza, of Il Mulino (restaurant in New York City), with guest/volunteer while teaching a cooking class.
Welcome Cocktail Party - Night 1
Robert Pelliccia, General Manager of Grand Lido Negril, welcomes everyone and officially opens the 2008 Epicurean Escape
Cheryl Moore (left), Entertainment Manager (Grand Lido Negril), talks with Norma Shirley (right), Executive Chef / Owner of Norma On The Terrace (Restaurant in Jamaica).
Jose Riquelme (left), Corporate Chef of Sunset Jamaica Grande (Ocho Rios, Jamaica), talks with Sharon Parris-Chambers from Positive Tourism
Treats, Grand Lido Negril style.
Culinary Jouvert - Party on the Main Beach
Robert Pelliccia (left), General Manager of Grand Lido Negril, opens the beach party, with Ginger, (right) Entertainment Coordinator.
Beach party fun.
Beach party fun.
Beach party fun.
Beach party fun.
Grand Terrazza (Dinner Party) - Night 2
Gran Terrazza party fun
Gran Terrazza party fun
Hugabe (group/band) rocking the Gran Terrazza party
Gran Terrazza party fun
Gran Terrazza party fun
Gran Terrazza party fun
Gran Terrazza party fun
Gran Terrazza party fun
The Cook Off (Cooking Contest) - Day 3
Jean-Francois Bonnet (right), Executive Pastry Chef of Tumbador Chocolates, New York City, USA, and his wife (left)
Melvin Toledo (right), Executive Chef of Posh Restaurant, Atlanta, USA, and his partner (left).
Michele Mazza, Corporate Executive Chef of Il Mulino (Restaurant in New York City)
The heat is on...
Students look on as the competition picks up...
Sharon Parris-Chambers from Positive Tourism getting that interview
Adding a pinch of salt...
The heat is on...
Michael Price (CVM TV News, Jamaica) interviewing Suzanne McManus, Vice President Public Relations (SuperClubs)
The heat is on...
Grace coconut milk, the world's finest coconut milk
The heat is on...
The heat is on...
The three Judges
One of the Judges sampling...
Staff members and onlookers
Gal Kotzer (right), Executive Chef of Grand Lido Negril, talking with Jean-Francois Bonnet (left), Executive Pastry Chef of Tumbador Chocolates, New York City, USA
Chef clowning around...
Efisio Farris, Executive Chef of Arcodoro (restuarant), Houston, Texas, USA, clowning around with partner
Jean-Francois Bonnet (right), Executive Pastry Chef of Tumbador Chocolates, New York City, USA, clowning around...
And the winners are Jean-Francois Bonnet (right), Executive Pastry Chef of Tumbador Chocolates, New York City, USA, and his wife (left)
Photo Galleries
The 9th Annual Epicurean Escape Photo Gallery 1
The 9th Annual Epicurean Escape Photo Gallery 2
The 9th Annual Epicurean Escape Photo Gallery 3
The 9th Annual Epicurean Escape Photo Gallery 4
For more information on Grand Lido Negril and on the Epicurean Escape, please visit: www.GrandLidoNegril.com
See you in Jamaica.
