Grazing by definition is to eat small portions of food, as appetizers or the like, in place of a full-sized meal. We are fine with that as long as the appetizers represent every type of cuisine from around the world. This is exactly what the Hilton Colombo’s signature restaurant “Graze” has on offer.
Post face-lift the Hilton looks stunning and many are flocking to see what’s new at one of Colombo’s familiar properties. To the right-hand side of the lobby one will find “Graze”, the hotel’s all-day, multi-cuisine dining experience.
As its name suggests the concept at “Graze” is to savour food from different countries in small portions, and the layout of the restaurant is done in such a way as to represent little hamlets of nations. Welcomed by pleasing staff, it is also interesting to note that each “corner” is watched over by a “native” chef ensuring that the dishes remain authentic. One of our favourite parts about the ambiance of the place is the low lighting and cosy seating which resemble little cocoons for those who prefer private dining. For the larger groups there are the open dining areas and for those who prefer to eat under the sun or the stars (depending on the time of day), an outdoor seating area overlooking the pond is also an option.
Drinks which come in hot and cold variants need to be ordered off the à la carte menu and can be anything from a healthy detox to traditional iced teas and milkshakes. Our choices were mixed with a La Menthe Aux Miel (Don’t be fooled by the fancy name, it’s simply a concoction of fresh mint, lemon and honey) and Cinnamon Peach Iced Tea. Unfortunately most establishments in Colombo fail in the drinks department simply because they add way too much ice and halfway through the drink its nothing but chilled lightly flavoured water. The tongue twister though was a welcome winner and a great palate cleanser in-between the nations.
As is customary with buffets we started off with the salads. Miniature bowls of mixed greens and meat topped with various dressings are displayed on racks carved in to stone that creates a rustic and “caveman” atmosphere. Don’t forget to pair the salads with delicious cheeses and breads, though we would go easy on the carbs to leave room for what’s to come.
An extension of the protruding stone that hides the salad bar is the wood-fired oven that opens way to the Italian “ristorante” serving up traditional thin crust pizza and pasta, followed by the grill. Where the grill scores the Italian failed with the pizza being seriously sans any topping and quite tasteless and hard. The grill however and the lamb in particular with its must-have mint sauce just melts in your mouth. A smaller portion of this dish may not suffice though!
Opposite to the Italian and grill is the Japanese and Indian corners decorated with the traditional embellishments indigenous to the two nations. The sushi and sashimi is plenty and the California roll was our preferred choice. With sushi one must-be a master artisan and we must say Graze have found one. The Indian corner serves their dishes in brass ware that holds everything from the biriyanis to naan and chapathi. We actually preferred the vegetarian dishes in this section specially the “channa masala”.
By far one of our favourite sections was the Thai food. It also probably has something to do with the Thai chef who mans the station and his infectious attitude to preparing his signature dishes and the constant chatter that he keeps up with guests while they wait for him to prepare their “laksa”. This is another must-try but be warned that despite our ability to handle spices, this one is super-hot.
The only way to down the spice is to hit the desserts and Graze has quite the spread of colourful cakes, tarts and puddings. You can never go wrong with hot chocolate pudding topped with (lots) of vanilla ice-cream. Don’t be afraid to get as big a serving as you want when it comes to this dessert. The rest of the little cakes and stuff are not the best and maybe Hilton should think of adding on their signature chocolates from Fine Things.
For those who are not the buffet types the à la carte menu is also available but consists mostly of set menus which to us didn’t sound so appealing. Our recommendation is to stick to the buffet coz after all who would want to go for a single meal when you have the option of 5!
So here’s our rating…
Location **** (Hilton’s facelift is a resounding success)
Ambiance **** (The low lighting and cosy seating hamlets are a winner)
Service **** (Staff are friendly but a little rushed trying to serve everyone)
Food **** (Only downside is that the desserts don’t do the rest of the menu justice)
Overall ****
Ratings
***** We Love It!
**** Got It Right!
*** Getting There!
** Not So Great!
* Needs Serious Re-Thinking!
By #FoodiesSL
Photo Credit: Suren Nimalan
Contact Information
Address: 2, Sir Chittampalam A Gardiner Mawatha, Colombo 2.
Telephone: 0112 492492
Website: www.colombo.hilton.com