The 7 Curry Tour Itinerary
Embark on an immersive culinary and cultural journey into the heart of Guyanese tradition with our exclusive 7 Curry experience. This isn't merely a meal; it's a vibrant exploration of history, flavor, and community, centered around a dish that embodies the unique fusion of cultures that defines Guyana.
The 7 Curry, a beloved staple among Guyanese, traces its roots to East Indian heritage, yet it has evolved into a distinct culinary art form, a testament to the nation's ability to adapt and transform traditions. Unlike its origins, this specific preparation is now uniquely Guyanese. Traditionally reserved for celebratory occasions such as weddings, this vegan feast is served in the most authentic way possible: on freshly gathered lotus leaves, connecting you directly to the natural bounty of the land.
The day commences at 9 a.m. with a welcoming gathering and a concise briefing, ensuring everyone is comfortable and informed about the day's itinerary and necessary COVID-19 protocols. We then set off on our first adventure: gathering the very plates upon which our meal will be served. A short journey to a tranquil local waterway allows us to harvest beautiful, broad lotus leaves, a traditional and eco-friendly practice that adds a unique touch to our dining experience.
From there, we venture to the lively Merriman Mall market, a sensory explosion of colors, sounds, and aromas. Here, we'll procure the freshest vegetables and spices essential for our 7 curries. We'll also have the pleasure of meeting Buddy and his family, purveyors of refreshing water coconuts for over half a century. Enjoying a chilled, sweet coconut water straight from the shell is an integral part of this Guyanese market experience.
Our next stop is the renowned Tony's Favourite's Puri shop, a local institution where you'll witness the mesmerizing art of puri making. Tony and his family will demonstrate the intricate process, from kneading the dough to expertly frying these golden, puffed delights. If you're feeling adventurous, you'll have the opportunity to try your hand at this traditional craft.
We will take some of the puri with us for the 7 curry meal, and also enjoy some fresh made puri on the spot, filled with a delicious vegan filling and washed down with fresh local fruit juice. Then we proceed to the secret garden. A truly tranquil location, within the city of Georgetown. This location is full of fruit trees, herbs, and local vegetables. Here is where the cooking class will take place.
In the lush, secluded setting of a secret garden, shaded by fruit trees and fragrant herbs, the culinary magic unfolds. Eon John, The Singing Chef, will guide you through the preparation of the 7 curries, traditionally cooked outdoors. You'll learn the secrets behind each curry, the delicate balance of spices, and the traditional techniques that make this dish so special. While the curries simmer, we'll enjoy homemade fruit cordial and aromatic masala tea, further immersing ourselves in the flavors of Guyana.
We'll delve into the fascinating world of Guyanese spices, exploring the unique properties of each ingredient and their health benefits. As the curries reach their peak of flavor, we'll gather under a rustic gazebo, surrounded by the garden's natural beauty, to savor our communal feast. The lotus leaf plates, the vibrant curries, and the joyful atmosphere create a truly unforgettable dining experience, with ample opportunities for photographs.
To conclude this extraordinary day, Eon John will take to the stage for a private concert, serenading you with his original Guyanese songs, a perfect blend of music and culture. Finally, at 3 p.m., we bid farewell, leaving you with a profound appreciation for Guyana's rich culinary heritage and warm hospitality.
Pricing
Price per person:
1 person US$100 (GY $20,000) each.
For groups of 3 or more, please call for prices.
The 7 Curry, a beloved staple among Guyanese, traces its roots to East Indian heritage, yet it has evolved into a distinct culinary art form, a testament to the nation's ability to adapt and transform traditions. Unlike its origins, this specific preparation is now uniquely Guyanese. Traditionally reserved for celebratory occasions such as weddings, this vegan feast is served in the most authentic way possible: on freshly gathered lotus leaves, connecting you directly to the natural bounty of the land.
The day commences at 9 a.m. with a welcoming gathering and a concise briefing, ensuring everyone is comfortable and informed about the day's itinerary and necessary COVID-19 protocols. We then set off on our first adventure: gathering the very plates upon which our meal will be served. A short journey to a tranquil local waterway allows us to harvest beautiful, broad lotus leaves, a traditional and eco-friendly practice that adds a unique touch to our dining experience.
From there, we venture to the lively Merriman Mall market, a sensory explosion of colors, sounds, and aromas. Here, we'll procure the freshest vegetables and spices essential for our 7 curries. We'll also have the pleasure of meeting Buddy and his family, purveyors of refreshing water coconuts for over half a century. Enjoying a chilled, sweet coconut water straight from the shell is an integral part of this Guyanese market experience.
Our next stop is the renowned Tony's Favourite's Puri shop, a local institution where you'll witness the mesmerizing art of puri making. Tony and his family will demonstrate the intricate process, from kneading the dough to expertly frying these golden, puffed delights. If you're feeling adventurous, you'll have the opportunity to try your hand at this traditional craft.
We will take some of the puri with us for the 7 curry meal, and also enjoy some fresh made puri on the spot, filled with a delicious vegan filling and washed down with fresh local fruit juice. Then we proceed to the secret garden. A truly tranquil location, within the city of Georgetown. This location is full of fruit trees, herbs, and local vegetables. Here is where the cooking class will take place.
In the lush, secluded setting of a secret garden, shaded by fruit trees and fragrant herbs, the culinary magic unfolds. Eon John, The Singing Chef, will guide you through the preparation of the 7 curries, traditionally cooked outdoors. You'll learn the secrets behind each curry, the delicate balance of spices, and the traditional techniques that make this dish so special. While the curries simmer, we'll enjoy homemade fruit cordial and aromatic masala tea, further immersing ourselves in the flavors of Guyana.
We'll delve into the fascinating world of Guyanese spices, exploring the unique properties of each ingredient and their health benefits. As the curries reach their peak of flavor, we'll gather under a rustic gazebo, surrounded by the garden's natural beauty, to savor our communal feast. The lotus leaf plates, the vibrant curries, and the joyful atmosphere create a truly unforgettable dining experience, with ample opportunities for photographs.
To conclude this extraordinary day, Eon John will take to the stage for a private concert, serenading you with his original Guyanese songs, a perfect blend of music and culture. Finally, at 3 p.m., we bid farewell, leaving you with a profound appreciation for Guyana's rich culinary heritage and warm hospitality.
Pricing
Price per person:
1 person US$100 (GY $20,000) each.
For groups of 3 or more, please call for prices.
The Taste of Freedom Tour Itinerary
Embark on a profound journey into the genesis of Victoria and Buxton villages, tracing the remarkable story of their establishment by freed ex-slaves. This immersive tour, guided by The Singing Chef, Eon John, offers a unique blend of historical exploration and culinary discovery.
The experience begins with a visit to the iconic Kofi statue, where you'll learn about his pivotal role in Guyanese history and appreciate the artistic brilliance of Philip Moore's creation. We then proceed to the 1823 Rebellion Monument, gaining insight into the rebellion's historical context and admiring Ivor Thom's powerful sculpture.
Our journey continues to Victoria, the first village in Guyana purchased by freed ex-slaves. Here, we'll visit the original hut where the purchase funds were recorded and transported, and witness the church bell that rang out in celebration of their land acquisition. A village walk provides intimate glimpses into the lives of its residents. We'll also learn the traditional use of wild black sage, demonstrating how it was used to make toothbrushes.
We'll explore early settler houses and visit the site where determined freed female ex-slaves halted a train, protesting the oppressive taxation imposed on Buxton. A highlight of the tour is a visit to Auntie Gloria, a renowned herbalist and direct descendant of Mama Fee Fee, a leader of the protesting women.
Next, we delve deeper into the region's history with a guided tour of the Buxton Friendship Museum, which chronicles the establishment and evolution of Buxton by freed slaves. We then journey to Beterverwagting, another village born from emancipation.
The tour culminates in the enchanting Secret Garden, where Eon John will demonstrate the preparation of traditional dishes from that era, including Cook-up, Mettagee, local Fried Fish, and Conkee, all while being serenaded by authentic period music.
We conclude our day with a return to Georgetown, carrying with us a wealth of historical knowledge, cultural insights, and the rich flavors of a traditional meal, reflecting the enduring legacy of the African heritage in Guyana.
Pricing
Price per person:
1 person US$150 (GY $30,000)
For groups of 3 or more, please call for prices.
The experience begins with a visit to the iconic Kofi statue, where you'll learn about his pivotal role in Guyanese history and appreciate the artistic brilliance of Philip Moore's creation. We then proceed to the 1823 Rebellion Monument, gaining insight into the rebellion's historical context and admiring Ivor Thom's powerful sculpture.
Our journey continues to Victoria, the first village in Guyana purchased by freed ex-slaves. Here, we'll visit the original hut where the purchase funds were recorded and transported, and witness the church bell that rang out in celebration of their land acquisition. A village walk provides intimate glimpses into the lives of its residents. We'll also learn the traditional use of wild black sage, demonstrating how it was used to make toothbrushes.
We'll explore early settler houses and visit the site where determined freed female ex-slaves halted a train, protesting the oppressive taxation imposed on Buxton. A highlight of the tour is a visit to Auntie Gloria, a renowned herbalist and direct descendant of Mama Fee Fee, a leader of the protesting women.
Next, we delve deeper into the region's history with a guided tour of the Buxton Friendship Museum, which chronicles the establishment and evolution of Buxton by freed slaves. We then journey to Beterverwagting, another village born from emancipation.
The tour culminates in the enchanting Secret Garden, where Eon John will demonstrate the preparation of traditional dishes from that era, including Cook-up, Mettagee, local Fried Fish, and Conkee, all while being serenaded by authentic period music.
We conclude our day with a return to Georgetown, carrying with us a wealth of historical knowledge, cultural insights, and the rich flavors of a traditional meal, reflecting the enduring legacy of the African heritage in Guyana.
Pricing
Price per person:
1 person US$150 (GY $30,000)
For groups of 3 or more, please call for prices.
The One-Cent Magenta Stamp Tour Itinerary
Embark on a captivating historical journey through Guyana, commencing at 9 a.m. with an informative briefing on the day's itinerary and COVID-19 protocols.
We'll delve into the fascinating colonial history of Guyana, with a spotlight on the legendary One-Cent Magenta, the world's rarest and most valuable postage stamp.
Uncover the intriguing tale of the stamp's discovery by a 12-year-old schoolboy, L. Vernon Vaughan, in 1873, amidst family papers from an 1856 edition of The Royal Gazette Georgetown.
Learn how this seemingly ordinary item transformed into a prized relic, embodying the cultural significance described by historian Philipp Blom.
Our exploration begins with a visit to the serene manatee pond in the National Park, where you'll observe these gentle creatures, featured on Guyanese stamps in 1993.
We'll then journey to the original site of The Royal Gazette newspaper, the very place where the One-Cent Magenta was first printed in 1856.
Next, we'll visit the Parliament Building, the site of Guyana's first post office, where you'll view the original post box. We'll then proceed to the Tortoise Protective Haven, home to 12 giant yellow-footed tortoises, showcased in the 2012 Reptiles of South America Stamp edition.
The afternoon takes us to the enchanting Secret Garden, featuring a picturesque coconut palm and bamboo gazebo. Here, Eon John will prepare a delectable meal, blending traditional British fare with Guyanese flavors, reminiscent of the era when the One-Cent Magenta was discovered.
We'll also explore the cultural impact of the stamp, viewing the original 1952 Donald Duck comic depicting his search for the Magenta in British Guiana, and photographs of President Ali with the stamp in London.
The day culminates with a captivating concert by The Singing Chef, Eon John, who will perform songs from the historical period, bringing the era to life through music. The tour concludes in the afternoon at 3 p.m.
Pricing
Price per person:
Groups of 3 or more US$115 (GY$23,000) each
2 people US$144 (GY$29,000) each
1 person US$230 (GY $46,000)
Dining in the Secret Garden with the Singing Chef
Guyana, a land of abundant natural resources, presents a culinary landscape as diverse and vibrant as its culture. From the glistening waters yielding delectable fresh fish and succulent prawns to the lush pastures nurturing grass-fed cows and the fertile soil producing mouth-watering chicken, the nation's tables are graced with an array of flavors. This bounty extends to a profusion of luscious and exotic fruits and vegetables, each a testament to Guyana's rich agricultural heritage.
In the heart of this gastronomic paradise, The Singing Chef, Eon Jones, extends a warm invitation to an exclusive dining experience within the enchanting confines of his secret garden home. Here, guests are treated to an eclectic menu that masterfully blends the finest local Guyanese ingredients with international culinary techniques, resulting in a symphony of flavors that tantalize the palate. This unique fusion is complemented by refreshing beverages and a sprinkling of Eon's captivating songs and stories, creating an atmosphere of warmth and conviviality.
The evening commences with a delightful rum, coconut, and mango cocktail, served beneath the sheltering trees of the front lawn, a prelude to the sensory journey that awaits. Following this refreshing introduction, guests embark on a guided tour of the fragrant herb garden and the lush fruit trees, gaining insight into the origins of the ingredients that will grace their plates. The journey culminates in a rustic-chic, candlelit dining area, where the Guyanese feast is served under the starlit sky.
Internationally-trained chef and accomplished professional musician, Eon Jones, takes immense pleasure in personally sourcing the freshest local produce and crafting a bespoke menu tailored to each guest's preferences and dietary requirements. This personalized approach ensures an unforgettable culinary experience, where every dish is a reflection of Guyana's rich flavors and cultural heritage.
As the evening unfolds, Eon serenades his guests with original, often humorous songs that celebrate the folklore and natural beauty of Guyana, weaving tales of the land and its people through music. This unique blend of culinary artistry and musical storytelling creates an immersive and unforgettable dining experience.
Pricing
Price per person:
Groups of 3 or more US$100 (GY$20,000) each
2 people US$125 (GY$25,000) each
1 person US$200 (GY $40,000)
In the heart of this gastronomic paradise, The Singing Chef, Eon Jones, extends a warm invitation to an exclusive dining experience within the enchanting confines of his secret garden home. Here, guests are treated to an eclectic menu that masterfully blends the finest local Guyanese ingredients with international culinary techniques, resulting in a symphony of flavors that tantalize the palate. This unique fusion is complemented by refreshing beverages and a sprinkling of Eon's captivating songs and stories, creating an atmosphere of warmth and conviviality.
The evening commences with a delightful rum, coconut, and mango cocktail, served beneath the sheltering trees of the front lawn, a prelude to the sensory journey that awaits. Following this refreshing introduction, guests embark on a guided tour of the fragrant herb garden and the lush fruit trees, gaining insight into the origins of the ingredients that will grace their plates. The journey culminates in a rustic-chic, candlelit dining area, where the Guyanese feast is served under the starlit sky.
Internationally-trained chef and accomplished professional musician, Eon Jones, takes immense pleasure in personally sourcing the freshest local produce and crafting a bespoke menu tailored to each guest's preferences and dietary requirements. This personalized approach ensures an unforgettable culinary experience, where every dish is a reflection of Guyana's rich flavors and cultural heritage.
As the evening unfolds, Eon serenades his guests with original, often humorous songs that celebrate the folklore and natural beauty of Guyana, weaving tales of the land and its people through music. This unique blend of culinary artistry and musical storytelling creates an immersive and unforgettable dining experience.
Pricing
Price per person:
Groups of 3 or more US$100 (GY$20,000) each
2 people US$125 (GY$25,000) each
1 person US$200 (GY $40,000)