Finally the denizens of Colombo have the opportunity to indulge and enjoy in some of the best Asian dishes around. Widely touted as a premier restaurant option that has its influence in countries from Taipei to Shanghai to Hong Kong, the Sri Lankan version stays very true to the CÉ LA VI philosophy, which is to offer a range of discerning experiences that encompass not only a delectable range of dishes but also drinks and a unique ambience. A direct translation of the term can be written as This Is The Life, and it truly does encapsulate an environment that is unlike any other.
The Esteem team was treated one fine day to a lunch experience that was truly something. The cocktails that we were offered were exceptionally delicious with the presentation being truly international. We had the Colombo Ocean Mist (Russian Standard Gold Vodka, Limoncello di Capri, Blue Curaçao Liqueur, Fresh Lemongrass, Fresh Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Celery), CÉ LA VI Rose Berry
(Grey Goose Vodka, Cointreau, Fresh Strawberry, Fresh Rosemary, Strawberry Liqueur, Fresh Lime Juice, Fresh Cranberry Juice), Singapore Sling (Colombo No.7 Gin, Cointreau, Cherry Brandy, Bénédictine Dom, Pomegranate Syrup, Fresh Pineapple Juice, Fresh Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Aromatic Bitters, Club Soda), and the Cucumber Mint Crush (Fresh Cucumber, Fresh Mint, Fresh Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Crushed Ice). We could not find any fault with either drink, although I will state that the Rose Berry cocktail was something I personally enjoyed.
The beverages offered a hint as to what to expect from lunch, and it was all just pure happiness. The mains were preceded by a potpourri of tempura platters and tuna and seafood rolls with the standard additions of wasabi and soya sauce. We were treated to the Grilled Salmon (Ikura, Balsamic, Teriyaki), the Braised Pork Belly (Garlic Chive Kimchi, Ssamjang Sauce), the Angus Filet Mignon (Grain Fed Beef, Cucumber Kimchi), the Balsamic Chicken Teriyaki with Balsamic reduction, the French Duck Breast (Pickled Wasabi, Ponzu, Negi, Fried Garlic), and the Fresh Catch Modha (Saikyo Miso, Negi). Being a person who is very fond of his meats, I must say that the pork and beef came out on top. The belly pork was almost ‘dry roasted’ to perfection and wasn’t sloppily moist like how most belly pork dishes tended to get. The roasted garlic added a much-loved fillip to the whole taste experience; such was the impression it made on me I went back to CÉ LA VI twice for dinner just to indulge in the pork.
Any meal deserves a finale that offers a buffet of sweet treats, and this review experience was no different. We were treated to a Hazelnut Truffle (Chocolate Brownie, Scotch Whisky Ice Cream, Frozen Hazel Nut Soufflé), a Mango Cheese Cake (Yogurt Sorbet, Caramelized Almonds & Pistachio Crumbles), a Rose & Watermelon Petit Gâteaux (Rose & Vanilla Opalys 33% White Chocolate Cremeux, Fresh Watermelon, Raspberry Crumble) and, a Yuzu Tart (Caramelized Meringue Almond Crust Yuzu & White Chocolate Curd). The best dessert out of them all was the rose and watermelon concoction, which was a delightfully mixed bag of incredible flavors. On a separate occasion, I have tried the hazelnut truffle and it has been very consistent throughout. Still for all, on a personal note, I enjoyed the gâteaux the most simply because it was a dessert that has no comparison elsewhere in Colombo restaurants or hotels.
The pricing structure is reasonable given the levels of customer service and exemplary input that goes into every single individual dish. I am a fan, and so too is the rest of the Esteem team. My only gripe about the place was the fact that the restaurant is found in a corner and is easy to miss. With great levels of hospitality being on offer, this is certainly a restaurant that will offer your taste buds an adventure of sorts. They also have an extensive wine list, which I have had the opportunity to indulge in. My suggestion for you is to enjoy the lounge, which offers live music in the evenings while sipping one of their exceptional cocktails, and then making your way to dinner; this is sure to give you an overall experience when it comes to enjoying every aspect of CÉ LA VI.
Written by Rohitha Perera | Photography by Sampath Munaweera