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
With an unapologetic belief in magic, madness and Santa
Claus and a slightly unhealthy obsession with coffee and the moon, Megan is a
creative multidisciplinary who toys with a pet expressive avenues like writing,
voice acting, singing, yoga and Art Direction & Design for advertising. Her
often melancholy and gritty short verse found its home on Instagram, and has
now made it into a debut collection “Poison Apple” published by Unsolicited
Press, USA. Megan is an Alumini of Holy Family Convent, Bambalapitiya, and
holds a BA in Advertising from RMIT University in Melbourne. She currently co-runs
a small creative think-tank, The Next Big Think, which handles advertising and
marketing campaigns for small niche businesses. She is also a mum to seven year
old Navya. Here’s what we discussed about The Next Big Think, her career and her
aspirations.
What inspired you
to start the next big think?
My partner Dillai Joseph and I were young mums trying to
battle the hours and demands of a traditional agency job. We both quit at
different times, choosing to dedicate more of our time to our very young
children, but at the back of our minds, we still felt that we still had a lot
to offer creatively to the ad world. We decided to come together, each bringing
to the table different strengths, to tailor make an agency model that was
workable for us as well as for potential clients. That’s how The Next Big Think
was born.
What makes ‘The
next big think’ different from other advertising agencies?
I wouldn’t go so far as to call ourselves a traditional agency.
We are a creative think tank that was founded to provide marketing solutions to
niche and growing brands, who may not be able to afford the large price tags of
a multinational. We are virtual, do not function in the typical brick and
mortar office and are focused on building your brand with you by giving you
more time.We believe in collaborating with different talents in the industry to
best fit the project and this model seems to work well for us as there is much
more transparency with the client and it also allows us to be more focused on
our creative product.
What were some
special campaigns you worked on?
Since beginning the Next Big Think we have worked on
quite a few different types of projects but a few stand out. Ohè Island was one
that was close to our hearts, as it spoke to women just like ourselves and was
marketed in an entirely different manner. We enjoyed creating experiences for
the loyalty members of Amante Boutique and designing some iconic window displays
for them as well. We also did an interesting rebranding exercise for the
popular Jewellery brand Lalitha, which was a lot of fun and we feel has given
the brand a much needed facelift. You can find more about our work on our
website www.thenextbigthink.co
How do you manage
to handle so many important clients when there’s only you and Dillai working
together?
We consciously take on a limited number of
clients/projects at one time. Currently we try not to handle more than 4
projects at any given time as we want to spend as much time as possible on each
client. Stretching ourselves will only mean that our end product suffers, and
we definitely do not want that. We also collaborate with a few others in the
industry on things like PR, Media and Graphic Design if need be, while
retaining full creative control of the job.
You’re also a poet
and an instagrammer. Tell us about it.
I’ve been writing in some way or another for as long as I
can remember, and poetry happened to suddenly triumph as my favourite form of
expression a couple of years back. I started writing in short verse and prose,
and shared these verses on social media before compiling them into a book about
2 years ago. My book “Poison Apple” is now internationally available and I have
been doing many readings of the work at open mic sessions in Colombo. My Instagram
@meganpoisonapple now shares my new work and some readings as well.
What are the main
themes you mostly focus on poetry?
Currently my writing is mostly centered around love, loss
and the fragility of human relationships.
When starting the
next big think, what was the support you got from your family members?
My family is extremely supportive of my work and help in
any way they can to take care of my daughter if I need to be away on meetings
or shoots. There are occasions where I have to work late or on weekends and
they rise to the occasion with no questions asked. I’m really blessed that way.
Any future plans?
I’m a restless soul by nature and not one to really make
concrete plans. For now I want to keep my work with The Next Big Think going
and stay as true to our purpose as possible, I definitely want to take my
writing more seriously and see what other forms of writing I can delve into.
Set against breath-taking
views of the Indian Ocean, and surrounded by lush coconut palms, Ayana Sea
resort, Wadduwa’s newest luxury boutique villa recently celebrated its official
unveiling amongst guests, well-wishers and friends in the media.
Only an hour’s drive
away from Colombo, Ayana Sea is the epitome of relaxation, offering 5-star
luxury accommodation and customized experiences for each guest, including
modern luxuries such as private plunge pools and sun shower bathtubs. The villa
caters to the needs of every guest, from delectable cuisine whipped up by
experienced chefs to the perfect ambience recreating the intimacy and comfort
of home, all amidst the backdrop of a stunning location.
“We’ve brought
together all the essentials of a perfect holiday with added luxuries. We
believe that the perfect holiday is where you feel at home, and our goal was to
recreate this feeling. Ayana Sea is a secluded, laidback paradise where you can
relax in peace and indulge in a space that is a home away from home.” said Mrs.
Sheromi Samaradiwakara, Founder of Ayana Sea.
Its stunning oceanfront
location and calm, clean aesthetic makes Ayana Sea the perfect venue for small intimate weddings, honeymoons, family gatherings and special events. Ayana
Sea delivers a truly perfect, private holiday where you feel at home with the
comforts of delicious cuisine, luxurious accommodation and spectacular
location.
The luxury boutique
hotel consists of 16 beautiful villa-style rooms on
the beachfront with private plunge pools, sun shower bathtubs, a bar, a spa, a restaurant and a spacious swimming pool overlooking
the magnificent turquoise ocean.
Set within two acres, the villa is tucked away from the city and offers
unparalleled views of the Indian Ocean. Hedged by lush coconut groves and
bathed in the glorious shades of the setting sun, Ayana Sea is a retreat from
reality and a perfect getaway destination for both couples and families.
For
more information and to make a reservation, please contact: 038 2282885 / 076 9347163
The newly
opened luxury boutique city hotel Trillium Hotels at Torrington Avenue, Colombo
07 unveiled its signature menu recently, heralding a new era in epicurean
dining. Its restaurant on the Mezzanine floor, The Mezza9 serves a
curated symphony of international offerings from simple salads to gourmand
meats and the finest seafood and poultry, all prepared with handpicked quality condiments
and the finest herbs and ingredients. The Church Lounge & Bar with
its spectacular panorama of Colombo City, including access to the rooftop and
infinity pool offers the ideal R&R space. Sip a Trillium signature cocktail
to unwind, whether it’s a vodka based Trillium Delight or a combo of gin and
vodka for some Trillium Spirit or maybe a Sky Rock, premium scotch with a dash
of amaretto accompanied by some flavoursome tapas including salmon two ways and
hot butter sea bass. The complimentary nuts are a journey in itself; almonds,
pistachios, Macademia and brazil nuts.
Chairman
of Trillium Hotels Janaka Ratnayake has a simple three-fold formula for the Group’s
F&B offering. “What we offer are attractively priced dishes using the best
proteins, vegetables and ingredients from all over the world, serving larger portions
than conventional which means value for money. We source all our meats
including poultry from premium suppliers in Australia, Canada and Europe and
our seafood from export quality A grade suppliers from Sri Lanka and Europe. The
specialty condiments, herbs, spices, flavoured oils and salts are all handpicked
from the best around the world.”
The
Mezza9 has a surfeit of curated dishes to delight any foodie. The Peri-Peri
Chicken, Duck & Beetroot Two Way, Sturgeon Caviar, Salmon Two Way, Seared
Yellow Fin Tuna and the Seafood Paella are definite must try options. The meats
are about sheer decadence. Whether it’s the Wagyu Rib Eye or Angus steaks, herb
crusted lamb rack, grilled venison loin or the most exciting connoisseur
combination of lobster, angus sirloin steak and truffle chips, the Mezza9
signature dish Surf and Turf, the hotel excels in its gastronomic choices. While
the staples of rices, pastas, rissottos and noodles are all given a Mezza9
twist, the Magic Mushroom burger is a delightful option for the vegetarian.
Push the tastebuds further with a choice of desserts including specialty
Movenpick ice creams.
“Trillium
Deli Gourmet – Supermarket at Park Street is where we give customers the option
of actually taking home these specialties and cooking it themselves,” explains
Director Lekhya Ratnayake. “Not only do we have the salmon, the duck, chicken,
steaks, lobster, yellow fin tuna and scampi trimmed, cut, cleaned and prepped, ready
for the oven or grill, we also prepare BBQ portions marinated in our gourmet
sauces and even have rental BBQ utensils for your party.” While the Deli
retails a range of Movenpick ice creams, specialty cheeses, hams, sauces, herbs,
oils, salts, coffees and even Kopi Luwak (Civet Coffee), he also mentioned that
turkey, stuffing, Christmas cakes and puddings will be added to the range for
the festive season. “We have freshly baked breads every day and our specialty
breads including the banana and carrot have got great reviews.”
For
Director Rachitha Ratnayake this 34 room hotel marks the difference in city
hospitality as it is an exclusive retreat in a luxury resort environment. “Not
only do we offer the business traveller the convenience of location, but it is
the luxurious amenities and well- appointed spacious rooms designed to five-
star standards, customised with hand-picked finest quality linen, original
artworks, butler services including cyber butler service, 24 hour concierge and
in-room dining that is unique. Given that we have seven categories of rooms,
each customised to ensure comfort amid contemporary luxury with classical
vignettes, our guest will always be special, something we instil very strongly
with our individualised service.”
Standing on
the shore of the sea of life, its easy to wonder ‘what if’. And shrink back.
Or – like
Howard Martenstyn you can muse that life is an ocean of experience and dive
right in!
For the
better part of the year, this wild about whales’ enthusiast has been immersed
in realms of research, an overload of photographs, and never ending facts and
figures all which translated into a sublime collection of awe inspiring marine
pictures, meticulous up-to-date data – captured in a long awaited revised
edition, launched just last week.
To
understand his desire to open his world out to us again, one must start by
trying to appreciate his world.
Who doesn’t
love whales? Along with dolphins these majestic marine mammals are revered the
world over. Watching the way, they move, hearing the sounds they make is both
hypnotic and calming. These intelligent, mysterious and resilient animals are
an evolutionary marvel and key players in the marine eco system. The mystery
and grandeur of the ocean that accounts for 90% of the biosphere is graced with
thousands of dolphins and whales.
Sadly,
whales were pushed into near extinction through whaling in the last century.
Thankfully the numbers have rebounded tremendously thanks to awareness and
their growing protected status.
While most
of us are content to watch these animals from relatively close by Howard has
taken his passion to another dimension, he has spent so many hours in research
that he has literally travelled more than halfway around the world in Sri
Lankan waters. He has written, re-written & re re written and with the help
of his brilliant editor Richard Simon, brought this book to a whole new level.
His love
affair with the ocean and fascination of the oceans biodiversity started way
back in his childhood when his brother, Cedric threw him over board a boat
& simply said ‘swim to the other boat!’. Howard literary works are dedicated
to his brother Commander Cedric Martenstyn who served in the Sri Lanka Navy.
Spending much time operating from his other brother Dallas’s hotels in
Kalpitiya, his knowledge grew in bounds.
The more time Howard spent gleaning information on these majestic creatures, the more his desire to inspire and instill this appreciation and respect in the next generation grew. And to this end he will next year donate 4000 Sinhala books of an edited & translated copy of his new book to coastal schools, hopefully giving the students a new appreciation of the marine world at their doorstep, and promote best practices while watching marine life.
Howard
particularly dislikes marine life in captivity because, no tank, no aquarium
however large, however decorated can ever replicate the conditions of the
rivers and seas.
A past pupil
of the famed St. Thomas College Mt Lavinia and a corporate success in the field
of engineering, Howard feels that in retirement he has finally found his
calling.
Howard has
been a recipient of the coveted top award for Best Sri Lankan website in the
Travel and Tourism category having designed the website himself.
He was a
director of CRIOMM (Centre of Research for Indian Ocean Marine Mammals) and a
part time educator on marine life to the navy.
His launch
was widely attended by enthusiasts and well-wishers alike.
There is a
little bit of the ocean in everyone of us but more so in Howard Martenstyn.
We eagerly await to see what he will come up
with next.
Correct me if I am wrong, but Yasodhara Pathanjali reminds
me of Nelly Furtado. What could possibly be the similarities, you’d ask. And I
suppose the same face cut and an almost gypsy-like adoration of colour and a
few things folksy would be it.
We met at KIKU — a workshop studio and eatery — above
Shirohana on Dr. Lester James Peiris Mawatha. It proved to be the perfect
setting for an interesting chat on her life, and her pursuit of honing her
skills when it comes to art. I must mention the fact that she spoke rather
openly, and this is because she firmly does believe in having an open dialogue
whatever the situation — since this is the starting point in helping resolve
issues.
KIKU is art. It’s eclectic presentation of Japanese cuisine
with a minimalistic fervor was homely and warm. Yasodhara was bursting with
color just like her art pieces, and her infectious laugh was a brush stroke of
sheer personality. We spoke about everything BUT art. I will tell you this,
though — she is reluctant to define her pieces of art stating that they are all
open to interpretation with each piece offering an explanation that is personal
and private.
Admirably she is self-taught and has spent most of her life
in London. With a penchant for sarees and intrinsic detail, she elaborated on a
host of topics from the need to create more awareness on mental illness to
culture and how it evolves to expressing oneself through art.
Like any artist worth her salt, Yasodhara’s art takes on
different forms. She’s been passionate about embroidery, wood working,
painting, stone carving, paper arts, pottery, creative writing and a myriad of
other forms. With a fashion label in its infancy, her clothes are her own
creation, which boasts a colorful myriad of flowery prints.
As a mother of two children, she does an exemplary balancing
act handling multiple roles while also being an accomplished cook. (Cheese, she
says, is what she loves.) With a desire to bring her art to the rest of the
world, she believes that art has the capacity to heal and craft out new
beginnings. Believing in homeschooling her children, it is heartening to see
how she entertains a proclivity to lend her knowledge to the new generation.
Forward thinking and progressive in her beliefs, Yasodhara,
proves to be a breath of fresh air in an island that is still very much stuck
in an environment of orthodoxy and conventional thinking. And it is this train
of thought that has led her to pursue some unconventional endeavors like
painting what is probably the largest mural in Sri Lanka.
It was a great initiative since it does showcase an
exceptional will to succeed, and it is also testament to an ambitious
generation that artistic creativity does pay dividends. From a
business-oriented perspective, Yasodhara has converted her artistic prowess
into something that is adored and that has led to a great many commissioned
projects.
With color forming the basis to her personality and life,
Yasodhara, has used her knowledge, which is largely self-taught, to expand her
horizons and become a creative and inspirational person. Personally, I think
her persistence and desire to use her talents to express and ultimately teach
others her passion is noteworthy. The fact that she is a personality who
desires to succeed no matter what is inspirational.
Moreover, her socially-conscious initiatives — empowering women, helping children find expression, drawing awareness to societal issues etc. — proves that art can create a better world for all.
Written by Rohitha Perera | Photography by Sampath Munaweera
I
first met Gaia Kodithuwakku many years ago during my stint on radio. Even then
she was the hot girl on the radio jockey side of the fence, and I was the nerdy
news presenter. Fast forward to at least 5 years later and here we are, Gaia
being one of the Top 10 social media influencers in the country and me writing
her story.
From
what I know of this wonderful young woman, fitness expert recognized around the
world is not something she had in mind growing up. Having imagined herself a doctor, married with kids by this age, and of course
acquiring financial wealth, life has taken her on a completely different
journey. “I am thankful that I have aligned myself with the journey life
decided to take me on because I honestly believe that this the best life for me.
I get to work from home, lying down on my bean bag, with my feet up on a footrest
and a warm cuppa almond milk coffee in my hand. I honestly believe I am living
the dream. I get to do what I love, get to have TIME for myself, a few very
special people in my life and also to get to travel, explore, learn and
experience life, while running a super lucrative business”, she says.
So much confidence is what was
required for Gaia to initially make the switch from radio to her current
occupation. She tells me that the transition took place both very intuitively
and fluidly, over time. “Just identifying what really brought me joy and
directing a lot of pure positive focus towards it is what has gotten me so far.
The process of training and eating within strict perimeters always gave me a
natural high that empowered me. It came with the discipline you learn
throughout the process of becoming better. I loved it so I did more of it,
until it was all I could think about. It consumed me, and I had no choice to commit
to it full time”, she adds.
Her physical and mental
transformation is what first catapulted Gaia in to becoming somewhat of a
fitness icon inspiring not just women but also men to be the best version of
themselves. Having recently been included in the Top 10 Instagram Influencers
in Sri Lanka listing however is something Gaia is proud of and thankful for,
but says she prefers to grow herself as a brand with more face-to-face
interaction with people. “This type of thing is great, so you take a moment, be
grateful and continue having eyes on the prize, your work”, she quips.
Humility has always been a trait
to be admired in this woman of many talents and it is this same characteristic
that never lets her refer to herself as a celebrity. “Again like I said earlier
I’d rather be an influencer who is more relatable, almost like a middle man (or
woman in this case!) between the people and the stars. So I prefer to share my
life and experiences so that someone out there can be motivated to become
better or live a better life”.
Living a better life is a art
that Gaia has mastered and taking one look at her schedule makes me want to do
with mine. Instead of writing a whole paragraph on her daily routine, I’m going
to list it out with the hope that you are inspired too.
5:30 – 6:00am Wake up
6:00am – 6:30am Coffee
on my terrace with a view of the greenery and waterfront. This is my morning
ritual when I just sit there, breathe and soak up the sun.
7:30am Morning
cardio which is usually a slow walk for an hour or so
9:00am Breakfast
11:00am Sit
with my laptop, reply emails, follow up with clients and create new programmes
etc.
12noon 2nd
meal of the day
1:00pm – 2:00pm Meetings,
chores and responsibilities
2:00pm 3rd
meal of the day
4:00pm – 5:00pm Gym
9:00pm Dinner
followed by 250g of Pineapple for digestive enzymes, drink my Vitamins and
Creatin
11:45pm Hit
the sack
Seems too good to be true? But
it isn’t and Gaia says it all comes down to discipline. It’s the same message
she has for anyone willing and wanting to stay healthy. “For me this journey
has been intended from the very start to be one that I draw energy from. I
never trained to just lose weight. I trained to feel better, stronger, more
powerful, and more confident. To become more of who I truly am. What we need to
change is the way we perceive this whole journey. Training doesn’t have to be
this horrible, torturous experience. If you knew how training makes me feel
like a million bucks every day, if you could just tap into two seconds of that
feeling, you’ll never skip it ever again. It’s this amazing feeling of
connection with my body. It is the greatest therapy, greatest satisfaction and
the happiest place I go back to every day. You shouldn’t do it because you hate
your body, but because you love it and you know its full potential”.
After those wise words here’s a
bit more of what makes Gaia an extraordinary woman…
Not So Simple
Describe Gaia in one word: Alchemist
Must haves in your handbag at all times: Wallet, Ray Bans, Deodorant, Perfume and a travel-size
pack of Body Butter
One thing you hate that people say about you: If someone were to ever question my work. I’m very open
to criticism and I’m always learning and getting the best in the world to
mentor me. I am very blessed to have the support of some of these giants. And
because of this constant growth my work too improves rapidly and I have
produced supernatural results with clients in Sri Lanka and all over the world.
So if someone were to ever come at me in the effort to call out the work I
produce, then you better come with a lot of background information because a
lot of time, research and experience has been put into what I do, and I WOULD
take it personally if you were to question it without basis!
One person you absolutely cannot live without: No chance I could pick one person. Mom, grandparents, my
man and Jazz my Rottweiler
One fitness hack that works for you: Zero hacks. Hard work discipline and commitment, through
and through. There is no hack that will reverse the effects of years of abuse
we put our bodies through.
Favourites
Food: Anything Salmon
Song: Shine on You
Crazy Diamond – Pink Floyd
Clothing Brand: I
couldn’t care less, unless it’s Sportswear.
Perfume: Issey Miyake
Movie: Before Sunrise
Quote: “Speak the
Truth Even When Your Voice Shakes”
Profile
Full Name: Gaia
Kodithuwakku
DOB: 02/05/87
Alma Mater: RMIT
Australia
Current Occupation:
Fitness ProfessionalBy Nishu Gunawardana
Nail Art is a creative way to
decorate and enhance one’s nails, after a manicure and a pedicure the nails
will appear to be trimmed, shaped and polished; it makes the cuticles softer
around the skin area.
As a part of the grooming
process, nail art was practised, in ancient times. Dates aren’t mentioned
properly of the origin, in Egypt around 5000 B.C. to 3000 B.C., women used to
dye their nails with henna to indicate social status and seductiveness.
In 3200 B.C., in order to
prepare for war men used to paint their nails in black and green kohl, it’s
said the first nail polish was discovered in China. The Chinese dipped their
nails in a mixture and left to dry. The colours change according to the mixture
used.
In Today’s Culture
Today, the nail art has
changed with a variety of designs, from imprinting idols to superheroes or even
the initials of one’s name. Some prefer
the traditional methods, and others want to indulge more in the modern nail
art. A documentary film was released in 2012 under the title
“NAILgasm”. The focus of the film was on the aspects of the growing
trend of nail art, and how it has influenced the fashion culture.
Many are obsessed with nail
art, be it women or men. Several media outlets are dedicated to nail art, with
many trending online such as YouTube Instagram and Pinterest getting new concepts
how it can be done at home.
Master of nail art in
Colombo, Lucky Susil of Chagall with much exposure aboard and here talks to Esteem
about building one’s self-esteem through beautiful hands and nails. Keeping it
clean, tidy and trimmed, having those tiny cuticles groomed makes one feel
confident.
Is there something called perfect nails?
No, we try to complete the
nails with a perfect finish. It’s all in the hands of the nail artists to
produce a perfect set of nails. However, there is nothing called a perfect
nail. Nails come in all shapes and sizes and depending on the fingers we shape
them to best suit the hands.
How often should one do his or her nails?
It really depends on the
person; someone can come every week to get their nails clipped while some visit
in two weeks or some in three, ideally in two weeks would be a good time.
Would you want to change the concept of manicure and
pedicure in Sri Lanka?
It is a growing field and I
plan to open doors for many students by extending my knowledge and start
workshops and classes in the near future.
How has nail art inspired the beauty industry?
Nail art is very well
developed now in Sri Lanka. Many designs and styles have come and many people
are interested. Nails have become a part of dressing up. The beauty industry is
very much on par with international standards in terms of nail art.
Where do you see nail art in another ten years in Sri
Lanka?
I see it going up to the
international standards. We are going to
be in par with the international market very soon.
Is there a perfect pedicure and manicure?
There is no perfect manicure
or pedicure. It is simply how well the nail artist does the job that matters.
The extent to which the artist takes the trouble to make the client look
beautiful is the ultimate result of a manicure and a pedicure.
Remember
the stories about the little green men who hid their pot of gold at the end of
the rainbow? Or the elusive four-leafed clover that if found would bring the
person good luck? Somehow childhood myths and legends are perhaps the most
we’ve heard about the centuries old Irish culture. Yet, there is so much more
to discover, especially when it comes to Celtic, Nordic and Viking-inspired
Irish cuisine. In modern days this cuisine has evolved in to a lot of comfort
food, rich in meat, gravies and yams.
As
Sri Lankan opens up her doors to cuisines from around the world, Irish food
which was limited to Pub Grub is not finding its way to our shores. One
restaurant that is taking the “Irish Vibe” very seriously is the Four-Leafed
Clover.
Situated
down Maya Avenue in Colombo 6, the well-lit building is not hard to find.
However, the fact that this road is one-way creates a small issues for anyone
coming in from Kirulapone junction side, as you need to take a longer route to
get here. Parking at the restaurant is also limited to a couple of vehicles. We
went in on a weekday and the place was relatively crowded and were told
weekends get quite busy especially if a good game is on the tele.
To
put it in as simple a sentence as possible, we love what the owners have done
with the interiors. What used to be a clothing store has been completely and
artistically transformed in to different dining spaces, depending on your mood
and group. There’s a little garden at the back of the restaurant which can be
used for those who prefer outdoor dining, while the insides have comfy seating
with great views of the screens. A winding staircase takes you to the upper
floors where a private room has been done up for business meetings, a secluded
area can be used for private functions or tables-for-two for intimate dining
with a special someone. The idea is that they will accommodate anyone and
everyone. The bottom floor also houses a bar area.
Our
favourite parts of the interiors though was the mural containing tons of Irish
symbolism. Drawn by a local artist, the details are so mind-boggling that for a
moment they seem to intertwine with each other creating a psychedelic effect.
Stare at it for a few minutes and you might almost think it comes to life! Then
there’s the centerpiece lighting made up of empty bottles. Each bottle we were
told comes with a story or memory depicting a moment in the owner’s lives.
In
fact much of the restaurant revolves around the character and personalities of
the couple who own the restaurant. Together with their consultant chef, a lot
of thought has clearly been put in to the interior, ergonomics, menu and even
the wait staff’s attire. Staff are also pretty high-tech all wired up with
walkies connected to the main kitchen. It is through these devices that they
communicate the orders to the kitchen and know when the orders are ready to be
brought out.
The
menu at Four-Leafed Clover is quite descriptive which helps those who haven’t
tried Irish food before to make informed decisions. Off the Mocktails menu we
first ordered a Blue Berry & Orange and a Citrus Cooler both of which were
served in tall glasses. We definitely preferred the tangy berry flavour of the
Blueberry which was perfect for our heavy meals.
The
mains menu has everything from steaks and pies to chops, coddle, fish n chips,
and even throws in some burgers and Italian fare. Being a hungry bunch we went
to town with our orders and it didn’t help that the owners kept insisting that
we try a few more dishes. So we ended up with a table full of Shepherd’s Pie,
Lamb Shank, a Grilled Chicken Burger and a Prawn Tortellini. Let’s start with
the Italian dish and tell you that it was amazing. The prawns were perfectly
cooked in the pasta and the cream cheese spices with saffron sauce was simply
divine. Full marks also for presentation. The burger was served with a generous
portion of fat fries but didn’t really meet our expectations of a good burger.
This was the only food item we didn’t particularly like.
Lamb
Shank when done right is slow-cooked perfection and we felt that Four
Leafed-Clover had taken a lot of care to put this dish together. The lamb
marinated in red wine and rosemary is slow cooked until the meat is literally
falling off the bone. Needless to say we made a mess of our faces digging in to
this one. Our favourite though by far was the Shepherd’s Pie. In true
Irish-style the stew inside a pastry crust was served in the pan it was cooked
in itself. For the price tag on this dish, it was fully worth it and so filling
that it’s almost shareable… That is if you feel like sharing!
As
if all that food wasn’t enough, we were told we had to try their version of the
classic cheesecake. Being stuffed to the brim and waiting to burst like a beer
barrel we opted for just one portion and certainly didn’t regret it. We were
served a hefty slice of cheesecake, which had all the elements well done. The
crumble base was not too buttery or too flaky and stuck together perfectly
while the layer of cake was light, moist and didn’t taste like the
gelatin-infused ones you get in most places nowadays. Topped with an almost
salty, strawberry compote the cheesecake was definitely one of the better ones
we’ve had in town.
We
forgot to mention earlier that all meals come with a complimentary bread basket
that is freshly baked. You may not be able to keep your hands off this as you
wait for your food to arrive because they just smell so good!
Enough
of us ranting and raving about this place… We suggest you try it out for
yourself… And maybe collect a bit of luck on the way…
So
here’s our rating…
Location
*** (One-way
street and parking is a bit of an issue!)
Ambiance
***** (Nice interiors especially
the various paintings of crabs!)
Service
**** (Service was courteous
but pretty slow!)
Food
***** (A lot of attention
to detail!)
Overall
**** ¼
Reviewed
by #FoodiesSL
Price
Range: Approximately 2,500 per
head including drinks and dessert
Opening
Times: 12:30pm–11:00pm daily
(Closed on Monday)
Getting out of bed on a Sunday morning can be challenge for many,
but I have absolutely no regrets doing so for an interview and shoot with a dynamic
couple that I am going to tell all you lovely readers about. This vibrant duo
has been together for the past five years, and is one of the most admired
couples in the city. One is a Senior Designer at MAS Intimates, a Fashion
Designer in her own right, is highly sought-after as a Ballroom/Latin dancer
and DanceFit Instructor and is religiously followed by fans on social media.
The other is a Fitness Instructor at High Octane Fitness, a male model and one
of the most romantic and devoted husbands a girl could ever ask for; I am
talking about none other than Tarja De Silva and Alberto Ruiz, who grace our
cover this issue!
Watching both of them working together at the shoot, it’s easy to see that Tarja and
Alberto vibe together perfectly and bring out each other’s personalities in the
best possible way. This lively and high-spirited couple are the ultimate relationship
goals and are so much fun to be around as they possess an enthusiasm for their
life, work and everything else in general that is just infectious. It’s very
refreshing to see two people fit together so perfectly that they are like two
halves of a whole; when they come together, absolute magic happens as they
bring out the best in each other. Their story will make any jaded or disillusioned
soul believe in true love again, and a Disney movie should seriously be made
about these two!
Alberto comes from a family of four boys. One day he packed up and
moved to Bristol, UK with the plan of either going big or going home. The
latter wasn’t necessary though; when you leave your comfort zone, magic happens,
and magic did happen to him in the form of Tarja who danced into his life at a
salsa class and the rest is history.
Tarja was in the UK studying Fashion Design and was naturally
pursuing dancing as well. She was in her final year when they met at a salsa
class. Tarja could not resist the best-looking male in the room or his dance
moves and still has the slip of paper on which his phone number was written! Just
like the many ironies of life, Tarja had to leave for Sri Lanka three weeks later,
but they kept in touch and their romance blossomed over the miles, proof that
LDRs’(Long Distance Relationships) can work out with the right amount of
commitment.
Six months later, an opening for a fitness instructor came up at High
Octane Fitness, and Alberto was more than willing to move to Sri Lanka and take it, but
commitment, adjustments and big decisions were involved and all that at such an
early stage in any relationship is bound to be more than a little overwhelming.
However Tarja being Tarja, took it all in stride and made things work, making the
transition from fairy-tale to real life a good one, which goes to show that any
relationship can work out if the pair believes in and does not give up on each other (people, take
notes).
It’s very endearing how Alberto is completely fine with Tarja being
the star, but when you’re next to one, some of the spotlight falls on you as
well. Some partners want to be sole receivers of all the attention, but Alberto
is completely fine with the way things are; that says a lot about his character
and how secure and grounded he is (boys, take notes).
Today we take a look beyond the glam pictures of their lifestyle
that we see on social media, and gain insights into what these two balls of
energy are truly like.
Esteem: I’m sure you may have been asked this question before, but how do
you maintain your weight while travelling?
Tarja: When I travel, I really don’t watch my calories…I eat whatever I
want, because who wants to watch calories while travelling? Plus when we
travel, we walk a lot as Alberto is a huge fan of walking and no matter what
time it is, we go exploring, so I can afford to eat all the gelatos, cheese and
have all the wine I want as the calories are burned off! Anyway we are very
active even while on holiday – we’re not the ‘stay in a room and watch TV’ sort
of people, in fact – we need a holiday after our holidays!
Esteem: Tarja, you have a beautiful smile…what makes you laugh, smile, and
be joyful?
Tarja: It doesn’t take much to make me happy…you have to always stay
positive and count your blessings! I would say that the simple things in life,
such as being near my family, my husband and my close friends are what make me
the happiest. I definitely count Dancing as one of my happy places! A person’s
source of joy is being who they really are and doing what they really love.
Esteem: Alberto, how did the two of you meet, and what was the first thing
that attracted you to Tarja?
Alberto: Tarja gives out this energetic and positive vibe which uplifts not
just her, but everyone else around her.
Esteem: Alberto, how would you describe your philosophy about being fit and
healthy?
Alberto: I don’t believe that you have to push yourself into working out and
desperately count calories in order to look great. What you see on social media
is the ‘perfect body illusion’ portrayal as a business for people who want to
sell their fitness products; most of what we see on social media is not real
and is actually being marketed to us. The people who come to my classes lead
real lives…they go to work, they have kids, they go out and eat, drink, have
dessert, the works! If they want to look like a certain fitness model and
follow a strict diet and a heavy workout plan, there’s a good chance of them
giving up after 2-3 weeks as it cannot be sustained. I tell my clients to
strike a balance between what they like and what they want; I believe that the
more they restrict themselves, the greater their chances are of going overboard
and making unhealthy food choices. So I have them make flexible meal choices
that would let them enjoy what they like, yet also eat healthily.
Esteem: What were the most important things you learned from your
respective parents?
Tarja: From my father, I definitely learnt his perseverance and his work
ethic. He started from grass-root level and worked hard to get to where he is
now, and I really admire how he has earned his position and where he is today. From my mum, I admire the patience she had
with me and I don’t know how she did it because I was a difficult child, but she’s
so selfless and her whole life’s dedication to me is something that I can never
repay.
Alberto: They taught me the value of hard work and how to respect
people.
Esteem: What would both of you say are the keys to a successful
relationship?
Both: There’s a key? Can we have it? (They don’t really need a key, why
are they asking for it?!)
Tarja: It’s really about understanding and respecting each other. You have
to let your significant other grow the way they need to and know how to; never
restrict them from anything. Trying to change a person is equivalent to
controlling them – breaking their spirit and making them feel like they’re not
good enough is the worst type of relationship anyone could ever be in. If you
find a partner that truly accepts you for who you are, you are sorted for life.
Alberto: For example, I met Tarja while dancing and that was one of the
reasons I fell in love with her, so what right do I have to ask her to give it
up just because I don’t like seeing her dancing with other guys? Nobody has the
right to ask their partner to give up something they are really skilled
at/talented in! Our relationship is successful because we give each other space
to grow and evolve. We’re pretty laid back in our relationship, we don’t set
any rules and we’re not insecure about one another. I think the key to any
successful relationship is to have a complete sense of who you really
are, then that way you can be absolutely relaxed and sure of your partner.
Reader’s note: The only time they do disagree is when Tarja
has taken on too many work appointments and Alberto gets upset with her for not
getting enough rest!
Esteem: How do you make quality time for each other with your busy
schedules?
Both: Weekdays are insane…we only see each other at night, when we have
dinner and go to bed! Some weekends can also be quite hectic, but there are the
ones where we take a little trip out of Colombo and spend quality time together.
Esteem: Can you share a memorable story with us?
Tarja: I was training some kids for a dance competition and one day, my
colleagues from dancing told me that we had a show in Trinco which was on the
same day as the competition. As they had specifically asked for me and Kevin, I
agreed to go. A few days before the ‘competition’, Alberto offered to pack my
suitcase for me and even said he’s coming with me to ‘Trinco’. I thought that
was really weird because I’m quite picky with my packing, so he lets me do it
myself. I felt there was something fishy, but I let it go. I had a very busy
week and when we left on Friday, I was so tired that I fell asleep in the
vehicle. When I woke up, Alberto and I were at the airport and there was no
sign of Kevin or the dancers! I was so confused and asked Alberto what was
going on, but he remained mysterious. As he had my passport with him, I had no
idea where I was going when I got to the check-in; he even passed through immigration
for me! I did not know what was happening until we got to the gate and when I
found out that we were going to Maldives, I was thrilled as it is one of my
favourite holiday destinations. We stayed in this stunning resort and went on a
really romantic sunset cruise. That night at dinner, Alberto presented me with
a beautiful bouquet of roses and PROPOSED TO ME! The ring was hidden in the
roses! Words cannot describe how I felt; shocked, delighted and just over the
moon! That was one fairy-tale proposal and that weekend will never be
forgotten!
Esteem: What do you feel is your responsibility to your community?
Tarja: I love to dance and as that is my calling, I would like to teach
someone how to do that and mostly to people who haven’t had much exposure. I
have done dance training with kids at many dance schools and I may open my own
dance studio someday, but there are no solid plans for that as yet. I would
also like to work more towards women’s empowerment, because even in this day
and age, there is a lot of female discrimination and women are still slandered,
in person and on social media. I don’t think anyone has the right to sit behind
a screen and judge people, so I support the life ethic about women empowering
themselves to do whatever they like, without being bullied by people. Women
should know their self-worth and stand up for themselves.
Esteem: Where do you see yourselves 10 years from now?
Tarja: We hardly know what we’re going to do next week! I love dancing and
performing and I want to give that back to society. It has always been my dream
to open my own dancing studio, but I don’t know when I will do so. The one
thing I do know is that whether I do or not, I will always continue to dance.
Our goals are to better ourselves every day, grow and evolve. We actually know
more about when our holidays will be than our life plans, because the best part
of about Life is not knowing where our road will take us next.
You can have an idea of what you want to do and where you see yourself, but the
bottom line is that life just happens and you can’t really plan it. It’s about
taking the best of the situation you are in and making it work. It’s nice to
always be open to change.
Alberto: It’s a good idea to have pencil sketches of what you want, and keep
the eraser with you as well! If you had told me six years ago that I would move
to England, meet the love of my life and find myself travelling around South
Asia and working in Sri Lanka, I would never have believed you, because I did
not see myself doing that! Life is full of challenges and I want to see us growing,
improving and evolving into better people than we already are.
Some of you might say that Tarja and Alberto are happy people because
they get a lot of exercise. That’s partly true and all of you should take a
trip down to the gym, like right now! But seriously, the actual reason they exude
such lively and vivacious vibes is because they are living their lives to the
fullest and on their own terms.
By Michelle Alles & Photography by Anushka Sanjaya Perera
