Couples Resort celebrates 25 years with food and 1920s fashion
Published:Thursday | October 12, 2023 | 12:07 AMJanet Silvera/Senior Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Couples Resort Jamaica’s 25th Anniversary was a celebration of fun, food and all the glitz and glamour of the 1920s Great Gatsby Era. Think pointed lapels, bow ties, suspenders, flapper dresses, feathers and V-neck adorned sequins and fringes, the birth time of jazz. Now, think of cuisine to match and Couples Negril’s beachfront adorned with slow-melting ice sculptures, extravagant liquor, and customer service that is beyond the bar. All puns intended.
This was the Grand Anniversary Gala last Saturday night, one of several celebratory events, which demanded that guests ‘Experience the thrill and gala of the 1920s’, and that they did. Most came prepared in feather headbands, suspenders and mailboy hats. The ladies, in particular, favoured frills.
“The 1920s in its own way was a period of transition. Many new ideas and artistic creations were born in the 1920s,” explained a jubilant Caroline Cousins, general manager. “There was a celebratory feeling to the time and we wanted to stimulate that artistic talent.”
“Tonight we are enlivening ideas and bringing a very creative flavour. It’s a night of inclusiveness for both our guests and staff, some of whom have been with us all 25 years,” she continued, noting her appreciation for guests and staff who have shared the experience.
“Couples represent Jamaica. You can’t help but feel the vibe, feel the people, when you are on our properties,” offered CEO Wayne Williams, noting that the resort is 100 per cent Jamaican-owned. “It really has a vibe and there’s some things about Couples that you really can’t put into words. You just have to experience it.” He said the resort has been growing and continues to grow, remaining true to its values of love, connection and relaxation in the Jamaican sun and sand.
VARIETY OF FOODS
Then there is the food, which has set itself apart, many would argue, among the competitive Negril hotel landscape. All made in-house, there was plenty to try Saturday night, ranging from cold to hot cuisine, and from a bakery stand to a pasta station. The seafood, in particular, was a standout, with each crustacean cooked to perfection in a variety of exquisite dishes.
Executive chef, Andre Campbell, and his team made sure guests were treated to various styles of sushi, crabs, salmon and lobster, and were invited to a delicious fruit and cheese display.
Chef Campbell settled on the sesame barbecue ribs from the Asian section, and the brazed rime ribs from the International Foods section, as his favourites for the night but confessed it was a hard compromise as all the offerings were so delicious.
Pastry chef Errol Sewell outdid himself with a remarkable pastry station, or better yet, pastry room, loaded with cupcakes of all shapes and sizes, flavours and textures. Some even had fruits sticking out playfully.
Arguably, the dessert stand could have easily been the aesthetic highlight, if not for the ice-sculpted seahorses, dolphins and 25th anniversary art pieces dripping luxury throughout the venue.
“Couples Resort punches above its weight both locally and internationally. When you are out you wouldn’t believe it is such a small company. So we just wanted to celebrate our food and people and look forward to another wonderful 25 years,” said Williams.
The night ended with a cabaret show and dance party where guests were treated to renditions of some famous tunes from Jamaican songstress, Stephanie Barnes.
“I really loved the seafood, especially the crab legs which I think were awesome. But if I were to choose I would definitely pick the pastry room as the highlight. And I absolutely loved the dance party,” revelled guest Nickeylee Simpson.