The 9th Annual Epicurean Escape

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.

Teaser: Yum Yum

Scene from the 9th Annual Epicurean Escape, Grand Lido, Negril. Coming Soon!

See you in Jamaica.

Don't try this at home

The Water Sports Team at Grand Lido Negril, the perfect resort, got madd skillz. Don't keep Jamaica waiting!

Grand Lido, the perfect resort, is owned and operated by Superclubs.

See you in Jamaica.

Having Fun in Jamaica

Jamaica is the 'having fun' capital of the world. You can have clean calm fun, or wild dirty fun. Seek and ye shall find. How do you like your fun?

Clean Calm Fun


Wild Dirty Fun


Having Fun in Jamaica Photo Gallery

Note: New photographs are constantly being added to this photo collection (group) so keep checking back for updates.

Don't keep Jamaica Waiting.

Relaxing in Jamaica

When it comes to rest and relaxation, Jamaica rules. So many different ways to relax, so little time. How do you relax?

Relaxing in Jamaica Photo Gallery

Note: New photographs are constantly being added to this photo collection (group) so keep checking back for updates.

Don't keep Jamaica Waiting.

Sandals Resorts' Honeymoon Test Drive

For many engaged couples, the happiest time of their life can also be the most stressful. From cakes and canapes to dresses and deejays, couples exhaustively taste, test and sample it all, with the exception of one of the most important elements of getting married -- their highly anticipated honeymoon. With the notion that one's honeymoon should be just as perfect as the wedding itself, Sandals Resorts, the Caribbean's most romantic vacation experience, is offering a stress-free approach to honeymoon planning through its annual Test Drive Your Honeymoon event. Available on January 14, 2009 and January 28, 2009 for only $149 per person, including airfare, this exclusive event allows couples to take an unprecedented peek at their honeymoon long before they say 'I do' during a one-day jaunt to Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

"When its comes to honeymoons, it is stunning how many couples rarely try before they buy -- especially for what is considered one of the most anticipated of all wedding festivities," Joann Delgin, Chief Romance Officer of Sandals Resorts, said. "What we have created here is an amazing opportunity for couples to feel confident, excited and stress-free about their choice in honeymoon destination. From gourmet dining and luxurious accommodations to entertainment and the exclusive Red Lane Spa, 'test drive' couples experience it all and, as an added bonus, break free from winter's icy grip for the day!"

Complete story here: Sandals Resorts Honeymoon Test Drive

Find out more here: Sandals Honeymoon Test Drive

See you in Jamaica.

Shaggy's Tribute to the Jamaican Olympic Team

Big up Shaggy and Jay Will, the world's finest music video director. Congrats to the Jamaican Olympic team all over. Bim!

Live in Germany (1 zillion Germans - Big up Germany)


Feel the Rush (music video)

See you in Jamaica.

Jet Skiing in Jamaica

Warning. Jet skis can be dangerous, especially if you don't know what you are doing. But if you think you know how to drive one, go for it. Or, you can have one of the guys (be smart about this) take you for a ride. Either way, there's a different kind of thrill that you get when ripping the beautiful waves on a jet ski in Jamaica.

Jet Skiiing Jamaica Photo Gallery

Note: New photographs are constantly being added to this photo collection (group) so keep checking back for updates.

See you in Jamaica.

RIU Resorts Jamaica

There are a zillion resorts and places to stay when you visit Jamaica. Of course, we don't care where you stay; just visit Jamaica and have a beautiful and safe stay. The RIU Resorts are great properties. Put them on your list of places to consider to stay. And don't keep Jamaica waiting.

RIU Ocho Rios Photo Gallery

RIU Resorts of Jamaica Flickr Group

Note: New photographs are constantly being added to this photo collection (group) so keep checking back for updates.

See you in Jamaica.

The Amazingly Beautiful Wedding, Negril, Jamaica

The date was April 7, 2007. The occasion was Erick and Reneé’s wedding. The location was Blue Cave Castle Hotel, Negril, Jamaica. This is one of the world’s finest weddings, what we call The Amazingly Beautiful Wedding, Negril, Jamaica.

We are so impressed by the photographs from this wedding that we had to do a feature on it. Congratulations to Erick and Reneé. Photographs by Garrett Nudd.

Erick and Reneé’s Wedding Slideshow

For more info on Garrett Nudd Photography visit:
www.garrettnudd.com

Marry your special someone in Jamaica

See you in Jamaica.

The Palm Resort, Negril, Jamaica

This is The Palm Resort. It is fairly new but it has already won awards for its quality and service. Look for it on Negril’s 7-mile beach.

The Palm Resort Photo Gallery

Every country is great, especially Jamaica.

See you in Jamaica.

Sangster International Airport Departure Lounge, Montego Bay, Jamaica

Sir Donald Sangster International Airport is located in Montego Bay, Jamaica. It’s a first-world world-class airport. Here are some shots from the shopping area of the departure lounge area of the airport. Bim!

Sangster Airport Wiki

Sangster Airport Photo Gallery

Every country is great, especially Jamaica.

See you in Jamaica.

Cliff Jumping - Negril, Jamaica

In Negril, Jamaica, you can literally go jump off a cliff (for the fun of it). Yup, in the very western section of Negril, called West End, there are cliffs and caves galore. People go there to watch the perfect sunset, and also to get a super cool adrenaline rush by jumping off the cliffs into the beautiful Caribbean Sea. Rick's Cafe is the most popular spot for Cliff Jumping, but there are also several other great jumping spots.

Of course, you don't need us to tell you that jumping off cliffs is a very dangerous life-threatening thing. So if ever you jump, you do so at your own risk. Bim!

Cliff Jumping Negril Photo Gallery
Photographs best viewed as a slideshow.

Note: New photographs are constantly being added to this photo collection (group) so keep checking back for updates.

Every country is great, especially Jamaica.

See you in Jamaica.

Congratulations Jamaica

Jamaica gave the world something amazing to talk about, led by Usain Bolt's three world records, at the 2008 Summer Olympics, Beijing, China. Congratulations to the entire Jamaica Olympic Team. Such an awesome performance! Jamaica came in 20th out of 204 countries, winning 11 medals and starring the show.

Visit Jamaica to see for yourself what makes us so great. Don't keep Jamaica waiting.

Every country is great, especially Jamaica.

See you in Jamaica.

Happy 46th Birthday, Jamaica

Jamaica celebrates Independence Day on August 6th each year. Jamaica became an independent nation on August 6, 1962; never to be ruled again by the British or by anyone. We love it that we are now our own boss and run our own show.

From the Jamaica Information Service:

The Jamaican National Flag was first raised on Independence Day, August 6, 1962. It signifies the birth of our nation.

The Flag brings to mind memories of past achievements and gives inspiration towards further success. It is flown on many triumphant occasions, showing the pride that Jamaicans have in their country and in the flag itself.

Read on here: Jamaica Information Service

Make sure you take time to celebrate Jamaica's birthday.

See you in Jamaica.

Welcome to Negril, Jamaica

Negril is an absolutely fascinating city that is located at the very western end of Jamaica. Perhaps it is best known for the longest strip of pure natural beach in the world, which is seven miles long. But in Negril you will also find a secluded pristine beach that is hidden in a little bay, cliffs, caves, Bloody Bay, Booby Cay, among other great things and places in see. Of course, there are many hotels, villas, cottages, guest houses, restaurants, bars, and party spots in Negril. We counted four clothing optional (nude) beaches in Negril: RIU, Couples, Grand Lido Negril (the perfect resort), and Hedonism II. If you’ve never been to Negril, you’ve been denying yourself one of life’s greatest pleasures. Put it on the agenda to visit. If you’ve been to Negril then you know not to keep Negril waiting.

Here is a photographic tour of Negril. It was a cloudy, windy day and the sea was very upset. But Seymour and Andy were kind enough to take our crew in their glass bottom boat to capture the entire Negril shoreline. Big up Seymour and Andy!

This is Negril from East to West.

It starts at this secluded beach, in a little hidden bay. We named this beach Rude Beach. Oh, if only this beach could talk!

Then Bloody Bay, where you can find two RIU Hotels, a Couples Hotel, Grand Lido Negril (the perfect resort), and two or three public beaches. We stopped at one of the RIU hotels and caught some of the water aerobics action.

This RIU Hotel is non-stop party action

Water aerobics RIU Hotel

RIU Hotel # 2 Bloody Bay

Couples Hotel Bloody Bay, Negril

Grand Lido Negril (the perfect resort), Bloody Bay, Negril

Then there is Point Village and Hedonism II (look for separate feature on Hedo II)

Point Village

Hedonism II (nudism, exhibitionism, and non-stop fun)

Then Sandals Negril, where the seven-mile beach and the action begin.

Sandals Negril (Negril's seven-mile beach begins here)

Along the seven-mile beach are hotels, guest houses, houses, bars, restaurants, villas, party spots, among other things. Of course, we shot photographs of people, jetskiiers, boats and other things along the way, to keep things exciting.

Sandals Negril

Beaches Negril

The people who own Couples Swept Away owns this own

Couples Swept Away

For Real Hotel

Legends

Bourbon Beach (great jerk chicken and awesome party spot)

Errol's Sunset Cafe

Big Up Rastafari (flag)

The seven-mile beach ends right here in downtown Negril.

Downtown Negril leads into the cliffs and caves of West End Negril. Along the Cliffs and Caves of West End Negril are the Blue Cave Castle Hotel, Rockhouse Resort and Restaurant, Banana Resort, Negril Escape, and the world famous Rick’s Café (look for separate feature on Rick’s Café). The show ends at the lighthouse.

Church in Downtown Negril

Blue Cave Castle Hotel

Samsara Hotel

Rockhouse Hotel

Negril Escape (party spot)

Banana Shout Resort

Rick's Cafe (the world-famous Rick's Cafe)

The Caves (hotel) - Chris Blackwell owns this hotel

Negril Lighthouse

This is Negril from West to East

So you just saw the layout of Negril from East to West. Now here it is in reverse order, from West to East.

This time around the photographs show parts of the cliffs and caves, all of the seven mile beach, and ends at Grand Lido Negril (the perfect resort), in Bloody Bay. There are also photographs of Seymour and Andy, our great boat crew, and, of course, their beautiful glass bottom boat, Reality.

Kids having fun in Negril

Seymour & Andy, an their glass bottom boat, Reality.

Special thanks to Seymour, Andy, Conrad and the rest of the Water Sports Team at Grand Lido Negril (the perfect resort).

There is absolutely no place in the world like Negril, Jamaica.

Negril (East to West) Photo Gallery
Negril (West to East) Photo Gallery

Every country is great, especially Jamaica.

See you in Jamaica.

Green Jamaica

How green is Jamaica? Greeeeener than you think. Yup, Jamaica is not just sand and surf. We are a country of very rich vegetation that stays rich from just-the-right-amount of rainfall. The greenery of Jamaica is a very significant part of its pure natural beauty. When you visit Jamaica, look out for the richness and beauty of its vegetation. Welcome to the green.

Green Jamaica Photo Gallery
Photographs best viewed as a slideshow.

Note: New photographs are constantly being added to this photo collection (group) so keep checking back for updates.

Every country is great, especially Jamaica.

See you in Jamaica.

Mystic Mountain - Jamaica's Newest Tourist Attraction

Jamaica’s newest tourist attraction, Mystic Mountain (Rain Forest Bobsled Jamaica at Mystic Mountain), Ocho Rios, Jamaica, was opened on Saturday July 19, 2008. This new attraction comes to Jamaica courtesy of Rain Forest Aerial Tram, a nature-loving company that already operates four similar outfits in Costa Rica, St. Lucia, and Dominica (two in Costa Rica and one each in St. Lucia and Dominica). So Jamaica now has the 5^th such world-class operation in the world.

Here are the attractions that they offer, taken directly from their website: Attractions

Bobsled Jamaica

Photograph by Dameon Brackett

The park’s signature attraction, Rainforest Bobsled Jamaica, features a 1000m long gravity-drive through the rainforest on custom designed, high-tech sleds. Accessible via the Sky Lift Explorer, the Bobsled is a thrilling ride through dense tropical landscapes and coastal features on sleds that evoke Jamaica’s Olympic team.

Rainforest Sky Explorer

Photograph by Dameon Brackett

Positioned prominently at the park’s entrance is the Rainforest Sky Lift Explorer, a state-of-the-art chairlift that sends you soaring above the treetops up 700 feet to the top of Mystic Mountain. The descent carries you through the heart of the canopy, giving you firsthand glimpses of the wonders of the tropical seaside rainforest the Peak of Mystic Mountain.

Visitors will find the educational Pavilion; an engaging and educational encounter celebrating Jamaica’s rich history, the environment, the country’s colorful heritage and culture, Jamaican maritime prominence, and the long and decorated athletic tradition of the Jamaican people.

Tranopy
This three in one package offers: the Rainforest Sky Lift Explorer, Rainforest Bobsled Jamaica, and the popular Zip Line. Once the Sky Explorer carries you above the trees to the peak, both the Bobsled and Zip line will send you speeding through the heart of the forest. For fun, safe adventure, this comprehensive package is the best way to experience all of Mystic Mountain Jamaica’s Rainforest wonders.

All tours can be offered in combination with Dunn’s River Falls.

Find out more about this awesome attraction: Mystic Mountain

Jamaica Observer Story: Mystic Mountain

Jamaica Gleaner Story: Mystic Mountain

Every country is great, especially Jamaica.

See you in Jamaica.