Author: Esteem Magazine

Timeless Glamour on the CFW Catwalk as CJS celebrates Ninety Five

March 20th 2017 Colombo Sri Lanka: The eternal beauty of dazzling diamonds, ethereal emeralds, resplendent rubies and sparkling sapphires set against the aquiline silhouettes of contemporary leather, spotlighted the magnificent legacy of Colombo Jewellery Stores as it showcased an impressive collection denoting Ninety Five Years of Timeless Glamour at CFW 2017. As the svelte models walked the runway at Sri Lanka’s biggest fashion festival, the nuances of a sophisticated design legacy that began in 1922 in the historic port city of Galle and traversed the globe, intertwined vignettes of the avant garde, ceaselessly transcending nearly a century of craftsmanship, curated design and unparalleled quality. The artistry and creativity that remains the quintessence of the heart and soul of CJS was brought to life with each pair of earrings, bracelet, ring, cuff and necklace, each making a bold statement about the empowered modern woman.

The fascinating discovery within some of the 95 designs in the Timeless Glamour Collection walking the ramp at CFW also highlighted the CJS commitment to saving the elephant in the wild and mitigating the human-elephant conflict highly prevalent in villagers spanning the elephant corridors. CJS unveiled the new pilot PachyDRONE project in partnership with the Sri Lanka Wildlife Society to monitor, manage and save the majestic pachyderm using drone technology. This non-threatening device which closely resembles the noise of humming bees, induces elephants to flee from areas where they could pose a serious threat to people, crops and property and is the ideal tool in not only alleviating the extinction of this majestic being but also in mitigating human-elephant conflict. In this social responsibility initiative, CJS declared that a percentage of the sales of the Timeless Glamour Collection will contribute towards the funding of PachyDRONE.

As Chairman of Akram Cassim mentioned in a post-show interview, “Over 95 years, CJS has transformed the concept of design and creativity into a hallmark of individual style and elegance, all the while affirming our founding core values of uncompromising quality, unparalleled craftsmanship and unmatched customer service. This collection epitomizes the legacy that my grandfather Thaha Cassim envisioned 95 years ago in its journey of timeless beauty, grace and style.”

Adding that the axiom of ‘Diamonds are forever’ inspired the concept of infinitude in this collection, Akram says, “Just as CJS has stood the test of time, our responsibility is to ensure that people understand that elephants in the wild play a fundamental role in the ecological balance.” Since 2014, CJS has become an interactive collaborator in a pilot project to save elephants in the wild in Wasgamuwa. Last year, CJS was instrumental in giving the villagers the ‘Elebus’ for safe transportation through elephant corridors in the village and also initiated a trilingual mobile awareness exhibition that travelled around Sri Lanka.

Hair Wizard Gerald Solomons – Now at the Mt Lavinia Hotel

Master Stylist and Hair Wizard Gerald Solomons who has established Chagall as Sri Lanka’s most elite and fashionable salon, has opened up a swanky new Chagall at none other than the iconic Mt Lavinia Hotel.

Gerald’s partner in his latest venture is Isabella who hails from Switzerland and is excited about her new venture in the Paradise Island as well as the prospect of teaming up with Sri Lanka’s very own Hair Wizard!

Isabella who has visited Sri Lanka on no less than 35 occasions and always stays at the Mt Lavinia Hotel, visited Chagall at Crescat and decided that Gerald simply had to open up Chagall in Mt Lavinia as well!

Having established himself and Chagall at Crescat as the hairdresser / stylist and salon of the elite, Gerald’s doors are open to anyone who wants to look good and his salon at the Mt Lavinia Hotel is dedicated to just that .

“Its not just the hotel guests that we will be catering to but our doors are open to everyone who wants to look good” says Gerald.

Manicures, pedicures, long and short hair cuts and styles, make up, facials, bridal dressing, sari drapes and the whole gamut of services will be available at Chagall Mt Lavinia which will be open 7 days of the week from 9 am – 7 pm daily.

While Gerald himself has clients from all over the world jetting down, just so that he could style their hair, Chagall Mt Lavinia will be giving both resident guests as well as those who live in and around the area a taste of Chagall!

Gerald has magic in his fingers and can transform one in literally minutes. A maestro at his art and a charming and sincere human being, Gerald is one of those rare people who can literally perform wonders.

His able staff at Mt Lavinia have been trained under him and promise all those who visit Chagall Mt Lavinia an unforgettable experience, while Geralds services too could be obtained by prior appointment.

Visit Chagall Mt Lavinia for unforgettable hair wizadry!

British Cosmetics celebrates student graduation with fashion extravaganza

British Cosmetics, Sri Lanka’s premier hair and beauty care provider recently held its annual student graduation at the Hilton Residencies. Chief Guest on the occasion was Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Education Mr. Anuradha Wijekoon and the Guests of Honour were Commercial Specialist of the US Embassy Mr. Adrian Mendus, Regional Director (South Asia) City & Guilds Mr. Mufthy Hashim, Director of the TVEC Mr. Vajira Perera, entrepreneur and award-winning actress Mrs. Sangeetha Weeraratne among an august gathering of distinguished guests.

The evening also saw British Cosmetics celebrate its students’ graduation with a fashion extravaganza in line with its credo to celebrate learning and its success. The graduation ceremony comprised a gala fashion extravaganza featuring psychedelic creations by the talented students in six varied segments named Beach, Fire, Floral, Bird, Sky, and Metal, choreographed by former super model and Miss. Sri Lanka Rozanne Diasz Leanage.

The trainers of the British Cosmetics Academy, Nail Techs and the Salon Staff of British Cosmetics also added colour and vibrancy to the evening with a ‘Cut and Colour’ segment which featured the variety of the British Cosmetics’ portfolio of colour products.

The celebratory soiree culminated in a spectacular ‘Evening Wear’ section by Ruchira Karunaratne of Rebel and an equally breathtaking ‘Bridal Collection’ by Ruchira and Michael Wijesuriya.

Speaking on the occasion, CEO/Technical Director of British Cosmetics Mrs. Nirosha Jagodaarachchi said that the Academy was proud to empower its graduating students to face the world as fully-fledged professionals. “We have imparted to you all our knowledge with passion. Together with our international partners we have exposed you to the highest international standards. Today you showcase your talent on stage and go out into the world, fully empowered and with your heads held up high”.

“The Academy has been in demand by hundreds of students who have sought to excel in the local hair and beauty care industry. We were all eager to learn various methodologies in this field and broaden our horizons as we step into an adventurous and ever-evolving career. We are indeed very fortunate to have been guided by industry experts,” said Dhaneeka Goonethilleke, who echoed the common sentiments of her graduating batch.
British Cosmetics counts 19 years of experience in the industry and is led by Dimuth and Nirosha Jagodaarachchi, the experienced professionals in the industry. It is committed to furthering the success story of the Sri Lankan cosmetics industry by scaling new heights of personal beauty care and lifestyle.

The British Cosmetics Academy of Hair & Beauty is committed to giving local beauty and hair dressing education a different dimension by delivering professional standards and higher educational schemes which enable students to tap into their potential and reach the zenith in this extremely competitive industry.

The team comprises highly professional educators, qualified and experienced internationally, who deliver innovative and state-of-the-art educational systems to elevate the apprenticeship. Their continuous global exposure to skill and knowledge enhancing keeps students infused with knowledge and inspiration.

The market is continuously introducing new trends in today’s dynamic industry which makes a valuable asset for all students. Career support is given free of charge to students with highest standards graduating from the Academy.

The British Cosmetics Salon & Nail Studios are considered a one-stop-shop. Its team of hairdressers, beauticians and nail technicians pamper clients from head to toe and enhance their natural beauty with their expert touch. The energetic and creative team ensures that all clients walk out with complete satisfaction.

Passion for Design

Dehara Gomes is no stranger to the world of design or for that matter to anyone in Colombo. She is what one would call a “modern woman” (although this term is used quite loosely nowadays few live up to its true connotations with Dehara being one of them), juggling a family, a business and a career with seeming ease. Describing herself as an emphatic individual who will push through adversity to make the best of any situation, she has in fact made a name for herself. Outgoing by nature she is compassionate toward the needs of others which is fuelled by her giving spirit.

Starting off her own design and construction firm at the young age of 24, Dehara has been instrumental in the success of “Westgate”, which begun small with only ten people to manufacture kitchen units. Today she has built a remarkable niche clientele ranging from homeowners with a big dream to multinational corporates. However running a design firm was not something Dehara envisioned for herself when she was schooling. “Running an organization is very different to designing, but it allows me to express my creative side, whilst building a successful business enterprise. It enables me to enjoy the best of both worlds so to speak”, she notes.

Inspired by everything around her including the environment, art, people, travel as well as new experiences, Dehara finds herself surrounded by a great team of creative designers who add a spark to the creativity within the organization. She adds, “Our people are a key differentiator for us. The collective talent that we house and the extensive care and detail that we consistently go into in order to fulfill the aspirations of our clients, truly sets us apart.”

Westgate also has its own integrated state-of-the-art factory in Panadura where they manufacture many of the designs conceptualized by the designers as the firm. Customizing design solutions allows the company to ensure customer satisfaction, every time. The manufacturing arm imports a wide range of raw material and accessories to create their own unique designs. This also helps them to offer clients a wide range of choice across homes, offices and beyond. Dehara believes that this coupled with speedy completion of projects and after sales service help put them ahead of the competition.

The Interior Design industry in Sri Lanka has evolved over the years and is growing at an exponential rate. However Dehara feels that the inculcation and use of better technology and the availability of a greater selection of raw material are two major areas of development that needs to be addressed in the near future. She also sees much potential in young designers who are daring to be different and aspiring to make a name of themselves, much like she did.

Being the wife of a public figure such as Dian Gomes has had many positive effects on Dehara’s life with her husband being her greatest influence. She speaks fondly of his support and inspiration that drives her to take her company to the next level. Surrounded by a loving and supportive family Dehara notes, “I make it a point to work manageable hours to make sure that I have free time to spend with my family. I have a great team that’s empowered to keep the business moving smoothly, even when I am not around. So fortunately, balancing the family and work has not been an issue for me.”

While a day at work is packed with meetings, briefings and site-visits, a typical off-day for Dehara begins with a daily exercise routine, followed by a catch up with friends over a movie or meal. A balanced life is commonplace for this woman who puts her heart and soul to everything she does.

“I haven’t thought much about what I would do in retirement, but I know that very soon I would like to hand over the business to my two daughters, Shahili and Elisha. They’re both capable young adults with Elisha holding a Management and Marketing, Degree with (Hons) from the University of Manchester and Shahili an MSc (Hons) from Imperial College, London. Can’t wait to see what heights they take the business to next,” says the proud mother.

An ambitious entrepreneur, Dehara also dedicates much time and effort to give back to society. She brings together her employees, clients and friends in various projects that aim to uplift the lives of children and youth wherever and whenever possible. Aspiring to do her bit to change the world, her tough exterior houses a tender heart softened by human need.

Overall Dehara is an epitome of what most women aspire to be; successful in all things.  The fond memories that friends and family share of her is testament to a woman with passion for everything she does.

Adventure Based Learning

by Rochelle Palipane Gunaratne

A few years back the word outbound training received a new lease in life! Gone are the days when companies or school outings were merely about singing songs, playing random games, and letting it slip out of your memory once you got home.

At present, companies, schools, and other entities invest a significant sum of money for their employees or students to hone in on developing their skills and building unity through various outdoor training programs.

Inadvertently, the number of adventure sports, and companies offering attractive training programs has increased throughout the years. Yet, it is important to dig deeper or do some sleuthing prior to investing in the best program on offer.

The proverbial “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” rings true, which is the main reason for folks to optimize on these adventure programs which are a source of learning. The lessons learnt through these resonate throughout the lives of those involved and creates a stronger bond within the teams.

The tête- à- tête with Major Raajiv Wanigasekerawas, an expert in the field was an eye- opener

Major Raajiv Wanigasekera takes his role in outdoor training to heart, with honorary credentials to his name, his knowledge and expertise in this sphere makes him a linchpin in this field. He is the Founder/ Director Training & Operations, the Chief Facilitator Outdoor Training, Game Changer at Adventure Education.

He is an alumni of S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia and a graduate from the Pakistan Military Academy. Besides serving with the elite 4 Armoured Regiment, Sri Lanka Armoured Corps and being attached to the Special Forces, he was actively involved in conducting Military training at all levels, including mission oriented special operations. He has also held office in various command and staff and training positions.

A paratrooper and a SCUBA diver who has seen combat in many fronts, he is highly decorated for bravery in combat and has been seriously injured in the line of duty. Raajiv retired as a Major with 15 years of distinguished service.

Major Raajiv has also worked at Brandix as Head of Group communication, and as AGM HR & Administration at United Motors PLC/ TVS Lanka. Imagination, creativity and planning are his core strengths. He specializes in customizing programs to suit the clients’ need. He has over 300 training programs formulated locally and internationally to his credit. Currently, he is involved full time in Outdoor Training and also consults on Human Resource Development and Training.

He holds a degree / diploma in Military science, Disaster management & Human Resources and is presently reading for his MBA. Major Wanigasekera is one of the few Sri Lankans who qualified as a White- Water Rescue Technician. He is also an active EXCO member of S.Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia, and a Committee member of the Wild Life & Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka.

Adventure Education
A passion for the great outdoors sparked Raajiv and his friend to launch their own company.

“We developed a love for nature and adventure as boy scouts, which was further nurtured by our parents. As adults we chose separate career paths, with me joining the army and he the corporate sector, yet we retained our friendship through various sports such as kayaking, camping and mountain biking as we derived immense pleasure through sports that revolved around nature.

Subsequently we developed a knack for sharing our knowledge with colleagues and friends, which gradually sparked an initiative called Adventure Education, which was launched in 2003.”

The facilitation, including team development activities, adventure and out-of-the-box corporate experiential, indoor and outdoor initiatives have led the company to the forefront in its field

A Sea of Options:
Raajiv runs his operation from a resplendent 50 acre land built and facilitated for adventure seekers. It is a natural teak plantation which provides an ideal setting for a training facility located on the banks of Maha-Oya.

The close- proximity to Colombo and easy access to the location makes it a preferred choice for outdoor training programs. In addition to top of the range facilities, the property which is named ‘Othara’ has its own in-house Chefs which concoct a variety of authentic Sri Lankan dishes, and much more.

“The campsite provides accommodation to 180 people in tents and billet type accommodation and is considered one of the biggest training facilities / campsites in the country. Apart from ‘Othara,’ we have access to many sites island-wide and the uniqueness of our operation is its “lifting capacity” as all the facilities can be moved to other locations. As in all options the client can select the most preferred site as well. We are renowned for our mobility, flexibility, adaptability, and our innate love for nature.

Our packages are customized to suit the requirement of the HR development offices in all functioning sectors from the corporate, banking, universities, schools. We give attention to detail, for instance we provide a variable, on point training which is beneficial and affordable to the customer and follow up to gain the feedback as we value the input.

We offer Experiential learning, Team building, Soft skills developments and Coaching, Adventure based activities, Zip line, Slacklining, Mountain biking, Water zorbing, Military grade obstacle course, Air rifling, Archery, White water rafting, Flat water rafting and Kayaking, Specialty activities, Amazing Race (This activity is based on a popular TV reality show. The brand is locally registered to Adventure Education, and the program can be conducted in any location island wide), Paint balling, Ultimate team cook-out, Orienteering, Backwoodsman skills training, Outdoor corporate events,

Further, we have established Sri Lanka’s first ever ATV (All- terrain vehicle), and SUV technical tracks which will enable enthusiasts to practice to their hearts content and learn the art of ‘off roading’ and the correct use of recovery gear etc.

Our programs can be customized to suit any need, from half day and full day options, multi-day options to post-event milestones and follow through.

Surmise it say, we have a sea of options for the client to choose from and it enables us to provide the most suitable package available,” informed Raajiv.

 

The Advantages of Outdoor Training Programs
These value- added programs manifests a behavioral change as it requires getting out of their comfort zone, and it provides a great platform for experimental learning and it is guaranteed to make you a better person. “Their thrown into the proverbial ‘deep’ with none but each other to hang on to, and they have to make a herculean effort, test their inner strengths, and endurance levels to achieve success individually and as a team.”

Safety First
“As in all matters concerning the wild, one must be aware that it comes with no foolproof guarantee of safety, yet with us there are no holds barred when it comes to safety,” stressed Raajiv. “We use a range of reputed brands and all the activities are assessed by certified safety officers. Risk taking is mitigated due to excessive precautionary measures and we are prepared to handle any eventuality having facilitator trained locally and internationally on life saving, first-aid and CPR and rope rescue ” stated he.

Our Mission:
“Our mission is to spearhead outdoor training, experiential learning, and adventure facilitation in Sri Lanka, with key focus on innovation, safety, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. With experience in designing and delivering programs, events and solutions for major international & local corporate clients and organizations over the past 13 years, the Company combines youthful energy with experienced expertise. Our strength lies in our ability to create ‘tailor-made’ training solutions as per clients’ requirements.

I idolize the methodologies of Sir Richard Branson and Robin Sharma who have shaken the thought process of the corporate world by their brand of thinking. It is clearly out-of-the-box, and out of the realm of many mainstream individuals who fail to make a statement due to archaic methods they follow. We need to muster the courage to make the change and be the change by growing with the parameters of time and opting for brand new ways of motivating our employees, students, and other subordinates in order to reach the zenith.

Most often the management finds employees lacking motivation despite the umpteenth meetings, but our programs tend to make them more productive by incorporating the learning element.

“We offer new and innovative experiences which are based on the element of fun and adventure,” concluded, Raajiv, who encapsulated the basic prerequisite for effective learning, which should always be intermingled with a spark of adventure …..

Address : Adventure Education – Sri Lanka 192/6, Robert Gunawardene Mawatha, Pelawatta, Battaramulla.
Hotline :+94 770 77 88 55
Email : raajiv@adventure.lk

Cocooned in the Hills

If my memory serves me right, my parents took me on my very first vacation to Nuwara Eliya. I have loved it since then. Everything about “Little England” as it is fondly known, reminds me of cozy and comfy. Everything a caterpillar must feel inside his cocoon before he spreads his wings and flies. This is what Royal Cocoon wants each guest to feel at their luxury bungalow.

Situated a few hundred meters away from the world famous Victoria Park, Royal Cocoon is all about warmth. Getting here by car takes approximately 5 hours but by train would add on 2 more. Those who don’t mind the lengthy journey are welcomed by picturesque views of lush green tea plantations and snowy white clouds reaching down from the heavens. Even during the month of March temperatures are between 15-20 degrees Celsius and may drop lower in the night time so it’s best to take warm clothing anyway.

We arrived in the wee hours of the morning and were hit by the biting cold the moment we stepped out of the car. The warmth and hospitality with which guests are greeted though soon serves to warm you up as much as the steaming cup of coffee or tea that awaits your arrival.

Royal Cocoon has 7 luxury bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. Each room also has its own heater and an old fireplace reminiscent of the bygone days of the British. Hot and cold water, cable TV, Wi-Fi, tea and coffee machines in each room adds to the comfort, homely feel.

The restaurant at Royal Cocoon provides all day dining on an à la carte menu that is a mix of continental and traditional Sri Lankan wares. For breakfast we tried both varieties and were pleasantly surprised by the magnanimity of the portions served in the garden. Continental breakfast included a platter of fresh fruit, scrambled eggs on toast with sausages, waffles with honey, yoghurt and chocolate cake. Traditional breakfast on the other hand was a plate full of milk rice made with very non-traditional long grain rice, coconut rotti served with chicken curry and “lunu miris”. That was a lot of food for just two people.

Satisfied and our tummy’s full, we decided to take a stroll in the one-acre landscaped garden that also converts to a mini-golf course on request. You can also choose to read or enjoy the weather outside basking on one of the deck chairs or under the garden umbrellas. A visit to the botanical gardens next door and the famed strawberry farms is also something you may opt to do. For those who prefer to snuggle up indoors Royal Cocoon has books to read and board games to enjoy.

Lunch we decided was to be a traditional affair as we were told the chef prepared a mean rice and curry. We heard right. Steamed basmati rice was served with tempered potatoes, beans, beetroot, chicken and fish curry, “mallung” and the unforgettable “pappadam”. Despite the heavy breakfast, this meal enjoyed historically by kings and commoners alike is satisfying to say the least. For dessert you can pick from curd and treacle, a fruit platter or ice-cream if you dare. Call me boring but the only thing you want to do after lunch is take a nice nap, and that’s what I did to wake up in time for dinner.

Dinner for us was Western. A plateful of French fries, steamed upcountry vegetables and quarter of a grilled chicken was preceded by a salty vegetable broth that is the best remedy to beat the cold outside. Royal Cocoon understands that food is an essential part of a good holiday.

Reasonably priced and with service that is exemplary, this small but luxurious boutique hotel is constantly booked by some interesting guests that you will come across if you browse through their guest book. It is best to make reservations well ahead of time. One other unique thing about Royal Cocoon is that it is private and sans the hustle and bustle of larger hotels. Tranquil is probably a good way to describe it.

 

By Nishu Hassim
Photo Credit: Sanura Gunawardana

Box Information

Royal Cocoon, No. 2 Wedderburn Road, Nuwara Eliya.
Tel : +94 722 324091
E-mail : info@cocoonresorts.com
Website: www.royalcocoon.lk

 

Hellibees Racing shines with their Formula Mclarens drivers at Katukurunda

Hellibees Racing stole the show with their team of well-known Formula drivers in Sri Lanka. The Formula team comprising of Andrew Choksy, Chandima Gooneratne and Dhanushka Suraweera commanded both races with podium finishes. The Sri Lanka Super Series at Katukurunda is a premier circuit meet for the year and a highlight of the national championship with a record number of entries and participants.

The Formula Mclarens 4 event is a very competitive class comprising of the best open-wheel competitors in the Island. Hellibees Racing has dominated this event for many years with 2017 being no different. Chandima Gooneratne topped the timings on Qualifying and claimed pole position. Andrew Choksy qualified in 4th where the top 4 starters were split between hundredths of a second.

The formula event had two races on the day with Race 1 being conducted in the morning and Race 2 in the afternoon. In Race 1, Gooneratne led from start to finish. Choksy managed to convert his 4th position grid start to a podium finish as he claimed 2nd place behind Gooneratne at the checkered flag. In Race 2, Gooneratne suffered a mechanical failure and did not move on the grid. Choksy managed to grab the lead and fought off fierce competition to win the final race of the day. Dhanushka Suraweera finished in 4th position. The Hellibees Formula team had a very successful outing claiming top times in Qualifying and a 3 podium placing’s on race day.

“It was a tough race in extreme heat at Katukurunda. We had to hold back a lot and drive smart in order to get a good result. I am delighted that I was able to bring home double podiums for Hellibees Racing and keep the team flag flying’’ said Andrew Choksy, Formula 4 EFi Driver.

The Sri Lanka Super Series at Katukurunda was the first tarmac race meet of the year for the Formula event and was seen as a widely successful weekend. Hellibees Racing hopes to continue their success in the Formula class and will be seen as a top contender with their drivers once again this year.

Andrew Choksy is also a competitior in the Honda SLH 1618 class where he drives a Honda EG6 VTEC for Hellibees Racing. Esteem Prime is a proud sponsor of Andrew’s car and look forward to his racing in tarmac events this year.

 

Photo Credits to Maryse Navaratne

Andrew Choksy pictured with his 1st place Formula 4 EFi trophy.

 

 

Colombo Supper Club: Gourmet Cuisine At Its Finest

Ever dreamed of having Michelin chefs craft up a five-course meal fit for a King? Well, the Colombo Supper Club does just that. The brainchild of Naserah Tyberally, this innovative idea seeks to cater to those connoisseurs of fine dining with degustation menus that are truly exceptional. Of course, quality of this standard will cost you, and it should especially since Naserah has managed to extricate some of the finest chefs the world has ever known — think Chef Rishi from Cheek by Jowl, and Chef Sun Kim from Meta — and flown down to Sri Lanka just to serve you a five-course-piece-of-heaven on a plate.

Always busy and preferring to embrace life that way, I caught Naserah at Asylum located on Arcade Independence Square for a delectable conversation peppered with insightful anecdotes that are as rare as a platter of foie de gras. You may pocket out a grandiose LKR 20,000 for what’s offered at Colombo Supper Club yet it must be mentioned that the prices do vary depending on the menus. Of course, you’d be hard pressed to find dishes such as squid ink sago, cream cheese, octopus, ikura and fennel preceding a dinner elsewhere in Colombo.

My conversation with Naserah lasted a good one hour and thirty minutes. With a background in law, it’s somewhat of a surprise that Naserah found her calling in food. But then again, the heart wants what the heart wants; and, truth be told, the fact is she along with her family are an indulgent lot. She’s at home when indulging in the weird and wonderful when it comes to food. And what could be more interesting and generous than her sharing her love for food with us.

Fortunately for her, she managed to garner the créme de la créme of partners who were piqued by the Colombo Supper Club initiative, and decided to get on board. The partners include: Sri Lankan Airlines, Jetwing Colombo 7, Wineworld, and Asylum.

I asked her whether the response for Colombo Supper Club by Colombo’s denizens has been what she hoped for. More than! — was her effervescent reply. Wearing a shimmering number from Anouk, Naserah truly is a mesmerizing hostess. Her personality is just as tantalizing as the menus she crafts with her horde of Michelin chefs, and her ready-at-hand grin is offered freely without hesitation that sets you instantly at ease.

She took me on a verbal journey across her gormandizing adventures that are too filled with details that I just can’t find the space for on these pages. A few highlights such as the love for wallaby meat, and a sliver of expensive and exquisite Japanese melon, which tasted as it has been transported from heaven’s kitchen, saturate my memory with awe.

There seems to be a evolution afoot as far as Sri Lanka’s tastebuds are concerned. With a waiting list being guaranteed every time she announces a dinner event, she talks of how Sri Lankan’s do desire adventure, and that people really want to taste different foods. This is pretty much is evident with the great deal of restaurants and eateries that are popping up around town. People truly are hungry for more, and Colombo Supper Club brings a menu of diversity and variety that Sri Lanka has never ever before seen.

Touting her family as an extraordinary support network, she states how her children have got the food bug as well. They’d be more than happy to wait hours in line near a food truck to just savor what’s new and good. The same goes to her husband who now is very much a food convert. But as always, time whittles away, and it was time to bid adieu. For those whose curiosity have been stirred, and are riddled with questions this article has not answered, you may give the Colombo Supper Club a ring on 0772 300 038.

Just as discerning tongues will be wagging with curiosity as to when the next Colombo Supper Club event will happen, I too will be following — facebook.com/colombosupperclub/ — with a growling stomach. Having missed a March event that was resplendent with Smoked Quail and Sashimi of Hokkaido Scallop, my appetite has already been whetted with a burning sense of curiosity as to what type of menu Naserah with her band of Michelin star chefs will conjure up next. I cannot wait. I’ve been told that a promise of a delectable spread awaits.

Bon appétit then? Oh yes, indeed.

 

 

Good Food… Good Life

“Ayu” in Sinhalese means “life” and is an essential part of how Sri Lankans greet each other when we say “Ayubowan” or “May you have long life”. At Mövenpick’s all-day dining restaurant it is all about good food that makes life worthwhile.

Opened at the beginning of this year, Mövenpick comes backed with decades of Swiss hospitality and inspired cuisine. Their GM Markus Marti and Executive Chef Alfred Zuberbuehler both boast years of experience in the hospitality sector and the Mövenpick chain itself. Working together with internationally acclaimed interior designers and a talented local team, the hotel’s first restaurant has been quite the talk of the town. We decided to see for ourselves why.

Situated in the heart of Colpetty, the hotel has ample parking and is easily accessible. The entire fourth floor is dedicated to “Ayu”. The concept at the restaurant is that of urban grocery stores with a lot of emphasis on fresh produce. We are told that many of the exquisite cheeses and delicatessen meats are sourced from around the world while the fruits and veggies come from local producers.

We started by ordering our drinks from a comprehensive beverage menu which now stocks everything from wines to beers to options for teetotalers like us. We picked a coconut milkshake and a good ol’ lime juice. The milkshake was well blended and didn’t taste too much of milk or coconut, but the lime juice could do with a little more lime in it.

The salad bar is our first stop and for someone who loves salad as much as I do, this is heaven on earth. The salads come from around the world and my favourites by far were the kimchi and hummus. It is also lots of fun to put together your own version of salad with a mountain of greens, vegetables (fresh and pickled) and an array of dressings. The salad bar also makes room for a deli-slicer and a friendly chef behind it who explains the various types of cold cuts amongst his wares. We absolutely love the cheese section and I could eat blue cheese till I’m blue in the face! But I had to leave room for my sushi…

This is where I was disappointed. The sushi isn’t freshly made so is pretty dry and kind of begins to crumble. Considering that “Ayu” emphasizes much on freshness, they may want to consider doing fresh sushi instead of rolls in a glass display. For those who love their seafood, the fresh cove has tons of crab, prawns and calamari nicely paired with thousand island dressing.

Keeping with the European tradition of meat-heavy mains “Ayu” has the best of both worlds. Their European corner has a lively action station with the chef preparing one-minute steaks on the day we visited. The steaks are served with either fat fries or potato wedges, and were my partner’s favourite part of the meal (him being a typical carnivore). I personally preferred the lamb with mint sauce and Seafood Au Gratin. The extensive mains buffet also has an Indian and Sri Lankan corner, served up in traditional brass and clay pots respectively. Rice and many curries or authentic biriyani could really stuff you up, so we recommend to go easy on these for what’s in store next.

Dessert at “Ayu” is a world of its own. Everyone knows that Mövenpick is known globally for their AWESOME ice-cream but despite not serving it here (yet!), the dessert display is something else. One of the first things that catch your eye is the green tea mousse cake with its shiny bright green glaze. Many people might be a bit apprehensive coz not everyone is a green tea fan, but take our word for it when we say you will be after just the first bite of this one. It isn’t too sweet and just melts in your mouth. The crème brûlée served in little tea cups is another must-try. Considering that Swiss chocolate is the best in the world, Mövenpick’s pastry chef’s pride and joy is his rich chocolate cake which they insist you try. No regrets there either.

All of the food is served with much love and hospitality, but there was a downside for us with some of the stewards being a little too enthusiastic to take our plates away even before we actually finished our meal. The food makes up for these little growing pains though.

“Ayu” is also about value for money. With such an extensive spread it’s nice to be able to satisfy all your taste buds in one sitting. The friendly atmosphere and the constantly evolving menu tells us that that this place is sure to have many regulars as time goes by. We might just be on that list too!

So here’s our rating…

Location          ****    (Mövenpick is in the heart of Colombo 3 and therefore super convenient)
Ambiance        ****    (An entire floor dedicated to the restaurant and the décor being chic and modern with a local touch creates a unique blend of East meets West)
Service            ***      (Staff are friendly but a little too rushed)
Food                ***** (Simple yet satisfying! Tip: Go 40% salad, 20% main and 40% dessert)
Overall            ****

Ratings

*****              We Love It!
****                Got It Right!
***                  Getting There!
**                    Not So Great!
*                      Needs Serious Re-Thinking!

By #FoodiesSL

Photo Credit: Sanura Gunawardana

Contact Information
Address: No. 24, Dharmapala Mawatha, Colombo 03.
Telephone: 0117 450450
Website: www.movenpick.com/en/asia/sri-lanka/colombo/movenpick-hotel-colombo/overview/

 

Little Adventures You Want To Hop Into!

By Michelle Alles

There’s no such thing as too much exercise for active kids and TinyHop makes sure they get just that! Situated at 3/8 Gunasekara Udyanaya, Nawala Road, Rajagiriya, TinyHop promises kids and their families an exciting experience of the great outdoors. With friendly staff, a clean and safe environment and a comfortable space to play, entertain, socialise and relax, TinyHop is a rapidly sought-after name in kids’ entertainment. TinyHop is also the perfect spot for kids’ functions and they also offer exciting package deals and customized solutions for birthday parties or events.

TinyHop was launched in August 2016 and is the brain-child of Ranganiy Hettiarachchi, Chethaka Wijesekera and Thathsaranga Dadimuni. Ranganiy and Thathsaranga having schooled together at Musaeus College, always had the passion for working with kids and saw a gap in the entertainment industry for kids in Sri Lanka. Seeing this opportunity, Ranganiy decided to get Chethaka on board knowing that he too had similar interests in opening up a club house for kids.  The idea generated in mid-2015 and TinyHop was constructed and built from scratch on bare land in Rajagiriya.

Chethaka is a former student of Royal College Colombo and graduated from Deakin University with a background in International Business, Marketing and Management. He then worked as an Investment Associate for an Australian firm based in Sri Lanka. Chethaka decided to team up with Ranganiy and Thathsaranga and his business acumen has proved a worthy asset for TinyHop.

Thathsaranga has been in the garment industry for past 16 years and always had a vision of starting her own business. With her family’s support and blessings, she decided to go ahead with TinyHop by partnering with Ranganiy.

Ranganiy graduated from the University of London in Business Management and also has an MBA from Cardiff University. She owns the restaurant chain Taphouse by RnR.

Chethaka: “We see a lot of parents talking about not having enough places to take their kids out and a shortage of places to throw a kid’s get-together that provides a complete party solution. These parents happen to take their kids abroad if they need some sort of entertainment which is quite costly. After searching for numerous locations, we found this place in Nawala which was ideal given that it had a large garden area that fitted our criteria,”

Thathsaranga: “Our aim is to not just entertain kids, but also to develop other aspects of how they think. Our facility is designed for children aged 1 ½ years and upwards to satisfy their mental and physical stamina while dazzling them with fun, smiles and laughter,”

Ranganiy: “This is just the beginning of the adventure we have planned for everyone. We hope to introduce new concepts to keep up with the changing times and technology. We just launched Colombo’s first sports climbing wall in partnership with Adventure SEALS, the local authorized agent for the international climbing gear brand Petzl (France) and the international climbing walls and holds producers Entre-Prises(France). The launch chief guests were the mountaineering duo of Jayanthi Kuru-Utumpala and Johann Peiris known for the recent Everest Expedition. The climbing wall is for both adults and kids and this reflects TinyHop’s goal of offering something for the whole family,”

The Best Advice We Have Gotten

Chethaka: Have the right balance in life between work, family, friends and joy.

Thathsaranga: There are a lot of opportunities out there; look out for them and you won’t see them unless you come out of your comfort zone.

Ranganiy: If you want to be powerful in Life, educate yourself.

Advise For Young Entrepreneurs

Chethaka: Keep dreaming big, but at the same time start working toward those dreams and start now!

Ranganiy: Don’t go with the flow; be the Flow.

Thathsaranga: Always look out for opportunities. Grab them fast as they won’t come every day. Don’t be afraid to take risks and always have ‘can do’ attitude.