Zimbali Mountain Cooking Studio

[Bruce]

Is anyone familiar with this, or done this? Thanks

http://www.zimbaliretreats.com/zimba...-cooking-show/

[Madmolecule]

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.

[Accompong]

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.

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.
Peace and Guidance

[rjonsun]

Madmolecule , thanks for the information. The photos speak a thousand words. I think I'll stick with Jus Natural.
Regards,
Bob

[Mike_D]

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.

[Bruce]

Thanks Madmolecule! Valuable information and photos.

Mike, thank you also for relaying you experience.

[Bruce]

Thank you also Accompong.

[lahoge]

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.

[Bruce]

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.

[Kold Ass Mofo]

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.