Is anyone familiar with this, or done this? Thanks
http://www.zimbaliretreats.com/zimba...-cooking-show/
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Is anyone familiar with this, or done this? Thanks
http://www.zimbaliretreats.com/zimba...-cooking-show/
We ate there last week. It was ok. We found it a bit touristy. The road there is extremely bumpy. They said the government is saying they will fix it but it is in pretty bad shape. It was $80 per person including drinks which was not bad (FYI - must tip in cash). The atmosphere was very classy rustic but the staff and the musicians seemed like it was a effort to put on the smile for us tourists. We were the last couple when the owner Mark, was making his rounds and you could easily tell he was over the thank you as it appeared forced. Food was ok but not difficult in preparation like many tasting menus I have been to. Also it was cold as all 25 of us are served at the same time. I would recommend Just Natural at west end. It is amazing, local and better priced. I even thought the food an the presentation was better. I will be posting a review later this week. Zimbaili seems to be for the AI crowd to experience local Jamaican without actually experiencing local Jamaican.
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In my opinion, you nailed it. Price not bad but not a great deal either. "classy rustic". An "authentic" experience for people who don't usually go outside the A/I or their hotels. Nice people but (IMHO) a little contrived. But, I support people going to Jamaican owned and run businesses.Quote:
Originally Posted by Madmolecule
Peace and Guidance
Madmolecule , thanks for the information. The photos speak a thousand words. I think I'll stick with Jus Natural.
Regards,
Bob
We did the Zimbali tour back in 2013, when they first opened. At that time, there about 8 guests allowed in each session so it was a more intimate experience. We were able to talk to the farmers on the tour and ask the cook questions during the cooking studio sessions. Even then, I thought it was a nice excursion, but probably wouldn't return.
Looking at the photos above, it appears they have grown dramatically and lost that intimacy. The place settings look very "classy" and don't have the rustic vibe I remember from my earlier visit. If you want to watch a cook in action, I suggest going to 3 Dives. For a rustic farm-to-table experience, I would also recommend Just Natural.
Thanks Madmolecule! Valuable information and photos.
Mike, thank you also for relaying you experience.
Thank you also Accompong.
We went in November and did the dinner hour with the African drummers. We loved it! Everyone was very friendly and accommodating. The food was delicious. In fact, it's number 1 for us on our next visit! The road up there is bumpy, but well worth it in our opinion.
Thanks for relaying your experience.Quote:
Originally Posted by lahoge
Many years ago there was a small hotel on the beach where you could make dinner reservations and ask to sit near the kitchen. The lady who did the cooking was also the server. She explained how everything was made. They have not offered this type of meal service for years. Our group includes some really good cooks who are interested in a Zimbali type experience. Is the Zimbali tour the only venue in Negril where someone can learn how to cook Jamaican style? The more intimate the better.
Now Kold Ass Mofo,
If you don't mind going all the way local ...(It's the best)
many locals will teach you,
in their kitchen how to cook J-Style.
Bring school supplies, and a few toys so you can play with the kids.
Most big Mama's do it everyday and having some company
will make their day, at the least it will not hurt.
Have enough time on your hands,
It is a sloooooooowww process.
What I like best is watching them slice and dice and clean the food.
So many ingredients end up in 1 pot.
ENJOY!!!
As they say in Jamaica, "respect mon" meaning that in this instance everyone is entitled to their opinion. I have been to Zimbali a number of times as I own a home in Negril and frequently take friends to Zimbali who are visiting me. The road is bad? Welcome to Jamaica mon! The food has always been fantastic and the service and staff excellent. Maybe it was just an off night. As far as Mark the owner, I have always found him to be very genuine and friendly. The atmosphere and decor is classy but I don't see how that doesn't make it authentic Jamaican? Natural wood and locally made furniture. Heck, on one of our last visits with 20 of our closest local friends (all who had been there previously and I can guarantee will return) my wife even got up and jammed with the band. Figure that out, lol. I look forward to my next meal there in a couple of weeks when my folks come to visit and we take the bumpy ride up the hill. Irie mon!
i know the folks at ras rody's give cooking lessons. but you'd have to ask, and negotiate a price.Quote:
Originally Posted by Kold Ass Mofo
(i learned to cook jamaican food in the bronx, when i was a teenager. i always wind up cooking with people whenever i'm in jamaica [also haiti], so my skillz have sharpened over the years.)
Thank you all for the great ideas. We will be looking into a trip to Zimbali.
We went there at the beginning of 2018 for lunch with the farm tour and enjoyed it a lot. I think the entire group was no more than ten people, the food, juices and wine were great and the cooking demonstration was interesting.
Zimbali is special to us. Been to Negril 16 times now and had the good fortune to decide to spend 4 nights there during our February 2018 visit. Mark, Alecia, family, and staff made us feel special. My husband didn’t want to leave. They truly are trying to share the real Jamaica with people and the farm food is fresh and fabulous. Has it grown yes but that is a testament to all the hard work. Enjoy the bumpy road as it’s real, enjoy the freshly prepared food as they start chopping every morning, appreciate the Rasta culture they try to share. Or stay at the all inclusive and miss the experience. Blessings to Zimbali.
Thank you for the information. Do you know how long of a drive it is from Negril?Quote:
Originally Posted by Beachgyrl67