Category: Food

An Authentic Experience

Sri Lanka is a beautiful island filled with ethnic diversity, culture and vibrant history. Throughout years of colonization and influence from other countries, Sri Lanka has adapted its food culture into a blend of different curry concoctions and tasty dishes. A few things about Sri Lankan cuisine food can be said with certainty: we thoroughly love our spices, flavourful and deep-fried food. The cultural cuisine of Lanka will leave your mouth rejoicing with happiness. With the booming restaurant scene in Colombo, Culture Colombo (CC) is one of the latest additions on the culinary block. They offer an extensive range of authentic Sri Lankan dishes from around the country with their very own modern twist.

Ambience

Culture Colombo is located at Kensington Garden on Duplication Road; when you walk into the restaurant, you will notice that they are super spacious, have indoor and outdoor seating and also have ample parking space. The interior is attractive, with the use of vibrant colours and a homely ambience. The interior is designed to resemble a walawwa from the olden days along with some modern architecture. All the art adorning the walls within the establishment are courtesy of local artists and photographers and both paintings and photographs are prominently credited to its respective artist. The waiters were accommodating, attentive, well-versed with the menu and prompt with recommendations. They also insisted on us eating with our hands to get the real Sri Lankan experience and provided us with aprons to keep us from getting messy.

Food

At CC they believe the authentic way to showcase Sri Lanka is through the cuisine. Their menu covers all genres of our country’s gastronomy, from the Jaffna crab curry to the local isso wade. They use fresh seasonal ingredients and seafood to enhance the flavours. Their wide range menu can easily leave you wondering what to pick, but the waiters were more than happy to make recommendations. We started off with the Homemade Ginger Beer and it was better than my expectations. It had a strong flavour of ginger, yet it was not overpowering. The lime in this drink added a nice tanginess that I loved. Moving on to their famous Bamboo Biriyani; we opted for the chicken version, which was presented from a steaming hot bamboo making it Instagram-worthy and interesting. It came with a side of raita, homemade chutney and masala curry, tasted good and had generous servings of chicken pieces.

Scrolling through their menu, the page titled ‘The matti walande dry curry’ definitely caught our attention. These dishes were served tangy or spicy according to our preference on a banana leaf. We tried the Prawn Dry Curry Bowl, which is one of their signature dishes. The prawn is cooked in a clay pot served with a carb of our choice along with onion sambol. We went for roast paan because a good roast paan and prawn curry is always a winner. The prawn was cooked right, but I personally felt it needed a tad bit of more seasoning. However, there was an ample of prawns – with the onion sambol and roast paan combination, it hit the mark.

Culture Colombo offers a business lunch that comes with a choice of drink, mains and dessert. Since an authentic Sri Lankan meal cannot be completed without rice and curry, we opted to try out some white rice which came with a side of vegetable curries, mallung (green leaves) and achcharu. Since we also needed a pairing of curries with the rice, we ordered Kukulas Kuluwata Uyala which is chicken cooked in Ceylon spice-blended black curry and Maalu Ambulthiyal, a unique local fish recipe marinated in tangy and peppery sauce. I personally liked both the curries as they had bold flavours and sourness respectively, which was a delight. Our absolute favourite and the best dish we tried was the Hot Butter Dallo, perfectly batter fried cuttlefish cooked in spices and blended in red curry sauce. The seasoning was on point and tasted great. This is definitely my pick from CC and recommended too!

Overall

Though we were already stuffed, we had to end the meal on a sweet note. Me being a dessert fan, I was a bit disappointed to find very few options of desserts. I went for the Watalappam, but it did not hit the mark for me. They also had ice cream available, from which we indulged in chocolate flavour. It was classic goodness and couldn’t go wrong. All in all, at Culture Colombo the ambience is great with warm and well-trained staff. Since they are new to the culinary scene, I hope they will be consistent in their service and quality. The prices are not that heavy on your wallet, it’s reasonable in comparison to the proportion sizes. It’s worth dropping by for a good authentic Sri Lankan fix!

Reviewed by Shafiya Nawzer

A Whale of a Time

The term a “whale of a time” is most often used in Ireland or Irish culture to explain that one has had an absolutely incredible night out in town. Colombo’s latest watering hole, dedicated to the happy-go-lucky Irish way of life therefore wants every patron to have a good time in every possible way and keep coming back for more.

The Irish Bar & Grill opened on Park Street in an old converted house and is run by a family who knows their way around restaurant and bar management, With ample parking and a convenient location in the heart of corporate city, The Irish is not just open for drinks and grub after work but also has a great lunch menu packed with some great comfort food.

We paid them a visit during lunch and were surprised to find a few tables with ladies enjoying a tête-à-tête over drinks and food. Predominantly featuring wood in the interiors, the ambiance is somewhat dark to keep the pub atmosphere going. Some of the tables are actually converted beer barrels which adds a certain fun touch to the bar. Otherwise there’s bar stools or regular tables indoors and some great cane furniture outside if you choose to brave the Colombo sun.

One would also not find a bare space on the wall which has some great images of famous Irishmen (and women). In the centre is a bottle cabinet which complements the well-stocked bar at one end of the room. We also have to mention how cute the washrooms are with the washbasins set on top of more beer barrels.

One of the greatest things about our experience at The Irish was the impeccable service. No request goes unnoticed or unattended and our menus, drinks and food was brought out in record time. We also had a visit from the chef who wanted to make sure everything was ok with the food.

Since it was the middle of the afternoon we stuck to mocktails and had a Strawberry Hill and Shirley Temple. Both “pink” drinks were superb thirst quenchers but we preferred the Shirley Temple for its presentation and taste. Served in rather a tall glass, the concoction of Grenadine, Sprite and Lime had the right balance and was great for sipping on during our meal.

From an extensive food menu we ordered a very traditional Irish Stew, an Italian inspired Chicken Parmigiana, Grilled Calamari from the starters menu and a portion of Potato Wedges. Let’s start with the wedges which are a hefty portion served with Kochchi Sambal. Yes, you read right. The thick wedges, dipped in the spicy sambal had a unique flavour and we kept asking more and more of the sambal to go with it. The Grilled Calamari was also again two large skewers packed with well-seasoned calamari. Grilled to perfection it was easy to chew on and quite a treat.

Out of the mains the Irish Stew was just like mama makes it at home with huge chunks of beef swimming in a thick, super flavoured gravy, and potatoes and carrots to go with it. Served with Steamed Rice or Dinner Rolls we recommend you go with the bread as the rice was the only let down in the dish. The Chicken Parmigiana was another wonderful dish with a huge chicken fillet coated in bread crumbs and fried to perfection. It’s then topped with Tomato Sauce, Chicken Ham and tons of Mozzarella and Parmesan. Anything with so much cheese we absolutely love!

One more thing you must-try at The Irish is their fat fries. Make sure to ask for the Nai Miris (Snake Chilli) sambal and have your fries with this instead of dipping it in ketchup all the time. Not for the faint-hearted but totally worth it!

After so much food we actually didn’t have time for dessert but have heard lots of good things about their version of the New York Cheesecake. We’re definitely going back to try more of their food menu and of course their desserts!

So till then here’s our rating…

Location          ***** (Conveniently located on Park Road with ample parking!)

Ambiance        ****    (Great atmosphere and we love the beer barrels!)

Service            ****    (Superb service!)

Food                ****    (Great pub grub and super portion sizes!)

Overall            **** ¼

Price Range – 2,000 – 2,500 per person

Opening Times – 11:00am – 12:00 midnight

Address: No. 63 Park Street, Colombo 2.

Telephone: 0112 576027

Reviewed by #FoodiesSLPhotographs by Sanura Gunawardana

A Review Of CÉ LA VI

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

TRILLIUM HOTELS UNVEILS SIGNATURE MENU

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.”

The Luck of the Irish

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)

Address: 168 Maya Ave, Colombo 05.Tel: 0112 365865

Black Pepper – It’s more than just crab

A fusion of Sri Lanka’s natural essence, crab and pepper are the main feature at Black Pepper (BP). Taking its name after the king of spices, Black Pepper is located at one of the most happening parts of the city – Dutch Hospital. The restaurant is owned and managed by Earl’s Hotel.

An array of authentic local recipes has been selected from the four corners of the country to highlight the flavours of each region.

BP is a multi-cuisine combination of Sri Lankan crab, seafood and meat. They have a simple menu, focusing on the main culinary treasures. The head chef Charles Samarapala has been in the industry for years and heads the action inside the kitchen. He makes it a point to ensure that all ingredients are very fresh.

Service

A key to customers is good service and that is something BP is excelling at. From greeting you to showing you to your table, they are on their toes to serve you. Food arrives in 15 to 20 minutes, which is faster than other seafood restaurants and the waiters are very friendly and courteous.

Manager Manoj Fernando took me on an exclusive tour including a visit to the kitchen to experience the cooking. He made an effort to enlighten me about the concept of the restaurant and made my visit more pleasurable.

Ambience

The pristine black and white interior is the first thing that hits you when you enter. The restaurant has an upscale and elegant set up. It is on two levels and can accommodate more than 150 people in one dining room. The walls have been decorated beautifully, adding a very cozy vibe.

The standing wine rack is a significant feature. There are two fully-stocked bars and they have an exclusive menu, where they serve mocktails and cocktails as requested. The open kitchen is an interesting feature as diners can watch the cooking through the glass paneling.

Food

I started off with an iced tea, which was very refreshing as it was very different to the standard iced teas I have tried elsewhere. It was very flavoursome and made me go for seconds! Moving on to a light starter, I opted for the ‘chef’s special mixed salad with ‘kochchi’ sauce’. It was a generous portion of a vegetarian option with a spicy kick from the kochchi.  Next, I got my apron on, because I just had to indulge in the crab with my fingers. The star of the night without a doubt was their signature ‘black pepper crab’. It was huge and very fresh. The black pepper did justice to the lagoon crab, highlighting the authentic taste of our country. It was super flavourful and made my tongue tingle for more! Complimenting the crab curry was the oven-roasted bread (dara paan). It was a classic combination, which cannot go wrong!

Being a person with a sweet tooth; the dinner wasn’t complete without dessert. I tried the watalappam served with a kolikuttu banana; the presentation was worthy of notice since it was served on a king coconut decorated with banana leaves. I always tend to compare the watalappam to my grandmother’s, which is always the best for me. Well, this was beyond my expectations to be honest.

It was delicious, with the right amount of jaggery. It was delicious and complemented the banana well. Overall, I had a very heavy indulgence of crab and the messy hands were worth it. Will I visit again or recommend it to my friends? That’s a big, fat crabilicious yes! Bon Appétit! 

Reviewed By Shafiya Nawzer

A Mediterranean story is about to unfold at Mövenpick Hotel Colombo

It’s all about Santina

Mediterranean is a vast term, covering over 20 countries across the globe. When you think of Mediterranean food, you envision hummus and pitas, but the cuisine surrounding the Mediterranean Sea is extremely diverse as it includes dishes from European countries such as Italy and Spain, as well as Middle Eastern and North African countries. With a wide variety of ingredients and spices, this cuisine pops with flavour and is prepared with fresh, healthy ingredients.

 

Introducing Santina – Truly Mediterranean. Located on the first floor of Mövenpick Hotel Colombo, Santina is cosy, affordable and the newest entry to the city’s culinary options featuring the finest Mediterranean cuisine from the European region. Craving food from the lands of Southern Spain, France and Italy? You don’t need a passport to indulge in savory Mediterranean fare. The menu is stuffed with reliable favourites with clean flavours, showcasing the freshness together with high quality cuisine, served with passion and a true knowledge of how to cook traditional dishes.

Every item on the menu has its own story that wanders back to the Mediterranean region, much like the first paellas, made by farmers in Valencia using rice and available local ingredients to cook lunch in a pan over wood fire. Taste the fresh chicken or seafood paellas at Santina and savour their expertise in fish preparation with their locally sourced catch-of-the-day.

 

Santina promises Mediterranean flair with homemade linguine and penne with an array of meat and fish, with a selection of gnocchi. Its simplicity is in fact its complexity. It’s the real deal that melts on the tongue depicting the true Italian comfort dish, defining home-made goodness and the richness of Nonna’s cooking. Make sure to save some room for an Italian baked apple gateau or frozen cappuccino parfait.

Santina wins extra points for its vegetarian options and exceptionally friendly service. Be sure to feel at home and savour the finest Mediterranean flavours. Doors are open for both lunch and dinner. To make a reservation, please call 117 450 460.

Chocoholic’s – For your chocolate fix!

 

I am the type of person who could eat dessert all day and still crave for more; yes I am a big sweet tooth! They say something’s are worth getting diabetes for and I would still run to Chocoholics’s for my chocolate fix! Indeed a chocolate heaven, the name does the justice! If you’re a chocoholic or you like chocolate because come on who doesn’t; then the ideal place to visit is to head towards Havelock Road where you can find them on the main road! Chocoholics’s is a café that started back in December 2017, big thanks to the owner as he brought my chocolate dreams to life! They serve a large variety of dishes with the main concept of chocolate being signature; let me warn you they aren’t any normal boring chocolate, this is drool worthy, insta feed famous and tongue tickling good dishes! From the chocolate crepes, waffles, pancakes, chocolate sushi and the list go on!

Ambience

From the outside it looks very dainty; but be aware as looks could be deceiving they say! Its two stores and pretty spacious, more than 40 diners can be accommodated in one serving! The very chic interior with a theme of chocolate quoted frames and the sweet aroma around makes me adore this place more! The elegant hanging lights and the dark brown walls craft a perfect ambience to snap a picture for your social media. It’s very cozy and family friendly too!

Service

Well trained staff is another bonus to this place. After a conversation with the staff, I was more than impressed about their knowledge of the menu! They were fluent with the dishes and making suggestions according to our preferences. The food arrived really fast specially in comparison to other places. They have an open kitchen that is very well maintained and a delight to watch.

Food

The menu offers a wide variety for you to choose from and the pictures used in the menu are surprisingly the same when you receive it! The proportions are huge making it reasonable and light on your wallet! We started off with fettuccine inspired crepe which came with a huge dollop of ice cream and was completely drizzled in chocolate; this was a very interesting dish and not something that you commonly find. The crepe was sliced into strips and drizzled with the right ratio of chocolate and crepe. The ice-cream was an additional delight and made every bite more tasty.

Moving onto the chocolate viennois; it looked exactly like a mug of fancy chocolate drink with marshmallow toppings that you see in the Hollywood movies! Well it tasted just as good as it looked; it was loaded with whipped cream, marshmallows and chocolate syrup which worked wonders with the hot chocolate! That’s one drink that you want to grab seconds.

Mixed fruit pancake was a serving of a stack of pancakes, drenched in fine high quality chocolate and a side of grapes, strawberries and banana. Honestly how do I credit this place even more for presentation, they are on their ‘A’ game and the desserts a bit too cute to even cut into it. As elegant as it looked, the taste was just as good! Fluffy and soft, the sweetness from the chocolate and the tanginess from the fruits are an ideal combination.

 

I am not the biggest strawberry fan but I think Chocoholics just changed that after I tried their strawberry and cream cheese milkshake. That was definitely not your average milkshake; it was a punchy blend of fresh strawberries and a generous amount of cream cheese and I am not complaining. I simply loved it!

Lastly the best and my personal favorite dish; chocoholic’s classic it’s a serving of classic waffles filled with strawberries, drizzled with chocolate sauces, vanilla ice cream and a chocolate shot! I have heard a lot of this particular dish but really wanted to see what the hype was about and was it all worth it? It was and I am already planning my next visit. The waffles were very crunchy having the perfect texture and the sourness from the strawberries was balanced beautifully with the addition of ice cream and the extra chocolate shot. The flavors were spot on and not over powering; each element of the dish complimented the other well.

 

Now you know where to head to get your chocolate fix, pay a visit and I promise it’s worth it. Indulge in chocolate!

 

Reviewed By Shafiya Nawzer

Colombo Supper Club: A Special Invite…

It is not that often one gets an invite to a bespoke dinner that has been curated by a true aficionado of food. Esteem Magazine and I are no strangers to Naserah Tyebally and her inimitable concept known as the – Colombo Supper Club; we have featured her with enthusiasm and have had the rare opportunity to indulge in some of her globally-embraced offerings. One of the more memorable interviews I was granted access to was Gauri Devidayal’s The Table.  It was a restaurant that has been evolving for the last 7 years; it was the brainchild of Gauri Devidayal and Jay Yousuf, which is a restaurant that has been solely inspired by the restaurant scene in California. Focusing on simplicity, and believing that one should always taste the food, Gauri calls The Table– cuisine agnostic.

Yet Gauri’s story is something that you’ll have to read in the April/May issue of Esteem. This article though focuses on another aficionado of food that practices a different philosophy when it comes to cuisines. I along with some friends from the media had the opportunity to meet Naserah and another star brought down for a Colombo Supper Club popup – Michelin Star Chef Ivan Brehm. Ivan was chief in catapulting the restaurant known as Bacchanalia in Singapore to its very first Michelin star back in 2016. Ivan has an extensive culinary repertoire and gastronomic education with Culinary Art degrees from Senac, in his native Brazil, and the Culinary Institute of America in the US; Ivan’s aspirations have taken him on revelatory gastronomic travels.

What was a truly inspirational fact regarding his style of cooking was the ethos behind it. He is now the owner of Nouri that is founded on his concept known as – Crossroads cooking: a unique interpretation of food, and the fact that all cultures, in essence, are the same. Ivan asks quite poignantly – Can any culture ever own a dish? Perhaps the fact that his lineage is an eclectic mix of different heritages (think Italian, German, Russian, Spanish, Lebanese and Syrian) has led him to appreciate the various types of food that is enjoyed globally. Making the entire fine dining experience on that particular night truly exceptional was Wine World and its range of inimitable wines, which were adroitly paired with each tantalizing dish. The Kingsbury Hotel was the venue of choice, and this monolith of luxury provided exceptional service as always.

Ivan is an affable personality who was as polite as he was dexterous when it came to his craft. Politely answering questions, he went onto explain each dish in detail before leaving us to enjoy something that truly erased any doubt with regard to questions as to whether paradise exists. Each dish was impeccably presented, and Ivan made it look a real cinch. The consensus was that while each dish was exceptional to say the least, the real standout was dessert: the Lady Gray as per the menu was a 48-hour Caramelized Orange with Orange Blossom and Almond Emulsion Bergamot Pate De Fruit Ceylon Tea Emulsion.

The taste was unparalleled and spoke of how beautifully flavours can be utilized to present something that is extraordinary to say the least. Moreover, as Ivan states each dish is a veritable adventure, and what he serves to do is to simply deconstruct each and every dish to its roots. Multiculturalism is in and should be widely embraced; every aspect that makes up culture is some component that is fetched and used from some region or country in this vast homeland that we call Earth.

The 5-course meal that he served up in late June had certain “Sri Lankan-ness” about it too. For example, that inimitable dessert known as Lady Gray used an infusion of Ceylon Tea that complemented the rest of the fruity flavours present, which were largely constituted all things orange. It would be impossible to go through each and every dish he served yet we do have room for one more – the Black Pepper Beach, which was the main meal; it was described as: Picanha Steak Campot with Black Pepper Sauce and Vanilla Pickled Peppercorns with a Bittergourd Salad. Who in their right mind would utilize bittergourd in a steak, I wondered. Yet the combination was truly divine with the bitterness being converted to an almost tartness that accompanied the fierceness of the pepper.

All in all, it was a fantastic dinner and a truly exceptional testament as to what can be done with food. With Sri Lankans opening their minds and hearts to more cultures and experiences across the world, it comes as no surprise that an innovative initiative like the Colombo Supper Club is widely accepted, and has reached a level of popularity amongst Colombo’s elite thanks to a rich serving of uniqueness.

Why You Must Dine At 1864…

Here’s a small tidbit of historical significance: the Galle Face Hotel (GFH) is the first hotel in the country to be featured on a postage stamp. That admission touches just the cusp of the celebrity status of GFH. It has been visited by a potpourri of celebrities, royalty, and a great many VVIPs ranging from Carrie Fisher and Roger Moore; to Prince Sadruddhin Aga Khan, Princess Alexandra of Denmark, and Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh; to the Gandhis. This list does grow longer as the years progress. While a great many historical figures have indeed enjoyed the hospitality that GFH offers, there is no dilution in the sense of warmth and occasion that the property offers all its guests.

But, in my opinion, the real star of this inimitable location is 1864: the fine dining restaurant of Galle Face Hotel. The restaurant has gained rave reviews on TripAdvisor as well as many other lifestyle and review websites like Zomato for its high quality food and service. The Wine Cellar in this haven of sorts also offers an array of some of the world’s finest wines from the best vineyards to you at any time – it is located down a spiral staircase, opening up to a private area that can be used for small soirees.

 

I’ve dined here quite a few times, and I do have to state that the service and the ambience is something that is ethereal almost. There is a sense of sureness when it comes to the service that is offered where you really do feel you are special to say the least. The menu, which is inimitable to say the least, is curated to a point where you know you are going to indulge in something that is very much a heady affair. Moreover, it must be said that 1864 does curated dinners for special functions whether it be a birthday or anniversary or entertaining VIP guests.

The Crème Brûlée of Goose Foie Gras complemented with an Apple Celery Salad is everything what your taste buds would dream it to be. Another admission is that this is a fine dining establishment and hence the pricing is quite steep, yet this is something that is fully justified when it comes to the finery and quality that is given to you. At this point, once you have indulged in something as delicious as foie gras, which is a rarity locally, you will scan through the finely-printed pages to choose your main course. And what a choice you have.

Australian Black Angus Steak is heavily mentioned while Yellow Fin Tuna Steak is also included. There are plenty of sauces to choose from; the namesake 1864 Signature Butter is something that is special and is a great accompaniment when it comes to the great range of steaks residing with delicious promises on the menu pages. One recommendation though: Go for the Rib Eye Steak and the Lime Long Pepper Beurre Blanc sauce; I assure you that you will not regret it. There are plenty of sides that can accompany these steaks, I for one, prefer to indulge in something as special as Sautéed Forest Mushrooms, which promises a party of Oyster and Abalone mushrooms adroitly veiled with a hint of Thyme.

A fitting end to a fine dining experience surely is dessert, and there is a great spread to choose from. One of my personal favourites happens to be the Chocolate Marquise, which is a chocoholic’s paradise on a plate. So what exactly is it? What you are assured of is: Triple Chocolate Mousse, Poached Orange Compote, Caramelized Hazelnuts, and Artisan Butterscotch Ice Cream. Of course, I can go on and on, but instead, I encourage you to send your palette on a vacation to something akin to paradise by indulging in the star-class offerings of 1864.

Besides the excellent dining options on the property, the hotel offers so much more. I do encourage you to do visit GFH and settle into one of the chairs at the checkerboard, which can be found next to the excellent Seaspray Restaurant. In the late afternoons, you will witness a fiery sunset resplendent with oranges, reds and violets, which surely is a magical experience. In the mornings, though, one can enjoy a mellow comforting sunrise that promises a day filled with nostalgia in a hotel, which will offer you luxurious memories fit for a lifetime.

 

For more information on GFH, please visit: www.gallefacehotel.com

 

Text: Rohitha Perera

Images: Sampath Munaweera