Category: Food

Colombo Supper Club: Gourmet Cuisine At Its Finest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bon appétit then? Oh yes, indeed.

 

 

Good Food… Good Life

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So here’s our rating…

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

Ratings

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

By #FoodiesSL

Photo Credit: Sanura Gunawardana

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

 

Harmonious Senses

No matter where you go in the world you will find Thai food. That’s a guarantee. Be it an upscale restaurant or a simple street vendor, Thai cuisine is a global phenomenon. Distinctly different from its other Asian cousins, Thai food incorporates different flavours and aromas in to one dish playing on several taste senses at the same time. This is perhaps why although the cuisine is widespread not many get it completely right.

In the sunny island of Sri Lanka where one can find almost any type of cuisine, Thai has been one that many have tried and failed to get right. Kudos to those few establishments who have got it right though and maintained their offering over the years. The latest addition to a handful of authentic Thai restaurants is “Nara Thai”, a Thai food franchise that opened up on Duplication Road.

 

The old building that earlier housed Chesa Swiss was converted in to a more colourful restaurant sporting bright purple, red and gold colour palettes in keeping with the flamboyance of the cuisine being served inside. The outdoor seating area is also decorated with some interesting ornaments and large metal gongs which we are told have significance to Thai culture. Conveniently located and easily accessible the restaurant also scores with adequate parking and easy access.

However, where location and ambiance scores Nara Thai loses out on service. Although the staff is friendly and welcoming, they seem to keep with the laid back atmosphere of the restaurant and take ages to first take orders and then actually get the food on the table.

Thai cuisine is known globally for sizeable portions and Nara Thai pays tribute to this fact by being equally generous. Once the food actually makes it to the table there are no complaints on the feast before your eyes. Much attention is paid to presentation especially with the purple orchids that add a touch of class to the dishes.

Our first dish for the day was a spicy Tom Kha soup which is a lemongrass and coconut milk soup in either beef or chicken. We opted for the beef which was tender and well cooked. The sizeable portion enough for two was thick in consistency and surprisingly did not have a strong aftertaste from the coconut milk. Instead it gives a tangy and spicy mixture of flavours. Next came an array of chicken satays which were also well seasoned and cooked. Traditionally served with plum sauce or chutney, the restaurant has various choices in terms of dips.

Our host for the afternoon also suggested that we try one of the traditional Thai lobster dishes and we were not disappointed with his suggestion of the Lobster Phad Kra Pao or the Chilli Basil Lobster. Although a bit pricy the dish is sufficient for 2-3 people and beware is a bit on the spicy side. The menu is quote extensive when it comes to its seafood offerings and some of favourites we are told include the Pla Dory Neung Manao (Steamed Dory with Spicy Chilli Lime Sauce), and the Kung Tord Kratiem (Deep Fried River Prawns with Garlic). For those who prefer their meats we recommend (strongly!) the Pae Aob (Braised Mutton Ribs with Ceekrong Coriander and Garlic). Paired with Jasmine Rice these dishes need to be enjoyed slowly as the flavours breakdown individually.

No Thai meal is complete without the traditional dessert of Sago Pudding or Sweet Sticky Rice with Mango and Nara Thai serves up healthy and tasty portions of both. The Sago Pudding has just the right balance of sweetness but for those who prefer something very sweet then the sticky rice cooked in coconut milk is definitely a must-try. We personally preferred the latter.

To wash it all down Nara Thai also serves some traditional Thai beverages which you could try if you are brave enough. The Anchan (Butterfly Pea) and Lemongrass juices are quirky in taste and may not be for everyone. If you want to play it safe with the drinks then the restaurant also serves the usual juices, iced teas and fizzy drinks. The perfect combination for the food we feel though is the lychee, peppermint or lemon iced teas.

One of the reasons we would definitely go back to Nara Thai is for the food and the fact that they have truly kept it authentic. All they need is to up their game on the service front and we have a healthy competitor in Colombo’s ever growing list of must-try food outlets.

So here’s our rating…

Location          ****    (Easy access and parking is always a plus point!)
Ambiance        ****    (Apparently a professional Thai interior designer was hired for the job!)
Service            **        (Friendly but extremely slow!)
Food                ***** (A great combination of taste and value for money!)
Overall                        ***

 

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

By #FoodiesSL

Tasty brings authentic Thai Cuisine to Mount Lavinia with La Rambla

Amidst a multitude of dining options that make Hotel Road in Mount Lavinia the culinary hub that it is, the brand new Thai Cuisine La Rambla stands out – not just as the only Thai restaurant in the area, but also for its impeccable offering. With a menu devised by the deft hands of Chef Papat Pachid from Thailand, and set against the quirky charm of a whitewashed building in the heart of Mount Lavinia, this new restaurant will offer a delicious and completely authentic glimpse of Colombo’s favourite indulgence when it comes to dining out.

This is the second Thai restaurant by Tasty Caterers, which also owns Thai Cuisine Boulevard on Queen’s Road. Headed by well-known Thai chef ‘Mama’ Ari Jittman, Boulevard has become Colombo’s go-to for Thai in the short span of a year. Tasty is also the name behind some of Colombo’s old favourites including Tasty on Fife Road, Café on the Fifth, and Crossroads in Nawala.

With La Rambla, the vision is to offer the same authenticity and deliciousness but with a distinctive touch, says Tasty Founder Kanthi Jayamaha. Kanthi is closely involved in the day to day operations of her business keeping it attuned to the changing needs of her customers. “Our La Rambla customers have been asking us to expand the small Thai cuisine section of our menu for years,” she says. “Since this area has no other Thai restaurant, we felt that it would be fitting to let La Rambla focus exclusively on Thai cuisine.”

Kanthi has enlisted the skills of Chef Papat Pachid for the job. Chef Pachid has worked in several Thai restaurants across South East Asia, most notably in Singapore. His signature dish is a fiery but sophisticated Panang Goong, or prawn red curry. A fragrant curry paste packed with red chillies, lemongrass and coriander is tempered by coconut milk, palm sugar and Thai aromatics for this delicious classic; Chef Pachid says it is second nature to him, adding that “if the diner is happy and returns regularly to us for their Thai fix, then I have done my job.”

The menu at Thai Cuisine La Rambla is extensive but well curated, with Chef Pachid devising each item to preserve the authenticity of his country’s cuisine with a nod to the heat seeking Sri Lankan palate. Begin your meal with a starter such as Crispy Marinated Chicken wrapped in Pandan Leaf or a classic Tom Yum, or try something new with Yum Som O (pomelo fruit salad with chicken and shrimp in Thai dressing). Creamy, well spiced and lightly tempered Chicken Phad Thai is a must have from the menu.

You can take a break from the heavier dishes with a fresh Green Papaya Salad, and sip on tangy tamarind juice. If you’re vegetarian, there’s Tofu Eggplant or Taow Hoo Pak Ruam (tofu and long beans).

For dessert, the classics come into play; try Kao Niew Ma Mwong (sticky rice with mango) or Woon Gati, Thai coconut jelly served with jaggery for a lighter end to your meal. For drinks, the restaurant staff will recommend the subtle lemongrass iced tea or fizzy, sweet ginger lemonade.

At La Rambla, diners can enjoy their meal inside the restaurant, decorated with a quietly oriental touch and complemented by piped music playing melodic folk tunes from Thailand. Or they can dine al fresco with the mild sea breeze. Restaurant managers Noel Kelaart and M.P. Mahanama are veterans in the hospitality industry and will be on hand to assist diners with the menu and other queries. The restaurant can accommodate up to 50 diners and will remain open around the year from 11am to 11pm. A semi private dining area inside is well suited for small events and extended family dinners. Make your reservation by calling 0112725403.

About Tasty Caterers:

Over the years, Tasty Caterers has grown to be an instantly recognisable and trusted caterer in Sri Lanka. Reputed for its outdoor catering services encompassing a variety of cuisines such as International, Fusion, BBQ, Mongolian, Oriental, and Sri Lankan, the team is equipped to cater for Weddings, Cocktail Parties, Children’s Parties, and even small gatherings.

Bubbles of Fun!

By Michelle Alles

Hiruki Wickramasinghe, a former student of Colombo International School, completed her degree in Fashion and Textile Retailing at the University of Manchester, UK. When she moved back to Colombo in 2012, she knew she wanted to work in fashion, so she started off her career at Odel. Three years later, she fulfilled her dream of starting her own business when she and her brother, Veron Wickramasinghe started up Bubble Me, which is a smash hit in Colombo’s tropical weather. Hiruki is still very much into fashion and plans to start a new venture soon. Read on for more…

On Bubble Me…

Bubble Me aims to satisfy your bubble tea cravings. Located in Thimbirigasyaya, it’s a takeaway style outlet that serves a huge variety of bubble tea drinks, ranging from milk teas, fruit teas, yoghurt teas and slushies’. You can pick your own sugar level, as well as your topping (pearls, jellies or popping boba). Bubble Me is most popular for its range of milk teas and fruit teas, as there are so many options to choose from.

 

When They First Dreamed Up The Bubble Me Concept…

Bubble Me is the brainchild of Veron Wickramasinghe, my brother, who ventured in my father’s footsteps and went into Civil Engineering at the University of Southampton. He had thought of the concept in 2012, after years of travelling and drinking bubble tea in countries like Singapore, Thailand and Australia, he thought there would be a potential market for it in Sri Lanka seeing as how Sri Lankans have the tendency to love anything sweet! And with so many coffee shops popping up it would have been a refreshing change. However due to other work commitments, it was not feasible to go in to it at that time, as I myself had just started my career at Odel. It was only in 2015 when we started talking about future plans and I had realised by then that I wanted to work on a project of my own, that we came together in a partnership to bring his idea from 2012 to life. He had already laid the groundwork for it in 2012 so we followed up on that and 10 months later we opened our first outlet in September 2016.

How She Balances Time Between A Business And Looking So Fabulous…

Why, thank you! To be honest it was challenging at the start, I am an extreme fitness enthusiast and follow a very healthy lifestyle from clean eating and working out at the gym. After Bubble Me opened, I spent all my time there, missed my workouts and was eating fast food. At the beginning its always going to be tough finding time for yourself because your priorities change as you dedicate yourself to your work. But it’s all about finding balance, after 2 months of settling in with the shop opening and realising the demands of the customers and most importantly finding a solid team to work with, I started incorporating my workouts and clean eating back in to my daily routine, I would prepare early and pack a gym bag and leave it in the car so that I could even go for an hour if I got the chance. I firmly believe that feeling good on the inside will have an effect on how you feel on the outside. I feel so much more energetic, active and motivated now than I did 2 months ago. And that in turn affects your daily performance and mental thinking.

On The Best Advice She’s Ever Been Given…

Life is too short, don’t waste time, and don’t have regrets…live it to your fullest.

On Hiruki’s Personal Style…

I love a lot of things when it comes to fashion, but one thing I love the most and also get teased all the time about by my friends, is my obsession with black and white clothes. If you look in my wardrobe, you’ll find mostly monochrome shades, some greys and navy and only splash of colour here and there. I find black to be the most flattering colour on a woman’s body, no matter what shape or size; there is no way wearing black could ever go wrong! When it comes to trends I wear what I want, mostly high-street pieces from Zara or Topshop (two of my favourite stores). My style has changed quite a bit in recent months, I’m moving more towards simple, classic pieces and away from girly pieces and prints, I think it’s to do with getting older, haha! I also like to be comfortable when I’m at work, so it would be mostly jeans and a loose fit shirt, or a shift dress. You can’t go wrong with loose fit shirts or shift dresses and both are absolute staples in my wardrobe.

On What Makes A Woman Beautiful…

A strong, independent woman who knows what she wants. Looks are only skin deep. A woman with drive, ambition, kindness, generosity would inspire me any day.

On Role Models…

Yes, two of the greatest men I know…my dad and my brother. I am where I am now because of them. My dad has always set an exceptional example to both his kids; he pushes us every day to be a better version of ourselves in all aspects of life. His work ethic is unbeatable, and he is the most humble man I know.

My brother is my mentor. They say working with family is risky, but I don’t regret my decision at all. Partnering up with him for work has changed my life – I would have never have imagined to be running a popular bubble tea outlet had it not been for him! He doesn’t live in Sri Lanka anymore, yet we talk regularly and I always involve him in my decision making process – whether it’s professional or personal, because I value his opinion. He does more than mentor me; he helps make me a better person.

On Advice To Young Entrepreneurs…

Don’t be afraid to take the risk. It seems scary and daunting at the start and you definitely have to step out of your comfort zone and lose the security blanket but if you believe in your idea and you have a support system to help you, then take that leap and go for it, because if you don’t, someone else will! There is nothing worse than looking back and thinking “I should have done that.” My other piece of advice would be – don’t waste time. Time is so important. If you have an idea, work on it and see it through without wasting time. Do everything you can to get that idea going. If not, before you know it, someone else may have stepped into the game and you will find yourself lagging behind.

On Hiruki’s Future Plans…

We have big plans for Bubble Me and we are already working on opening our next location. Apart from that, I am also working on my own project, which will be along the lines of fashion. It’s quite an exciting project and I hope to have that ready in the next month or so. Since I studied fashion and it is absolutely my core area of interest, I knew I had to, and wanted to get involved in the industry so stay tuned for updates on that later!

The World on a Plate

Grazing by definition is to eat small portions of food, as appetizers or the like, in place of a full-sized meal. We are fine with that as long as the appetizers represent every type of cuisine from around the world. This is exactly what the Hilton Colombo’s signature restaurant “Graze” has on offer.

Post face-lift the Hilton looks stunning and many are flocking to see what’s new at one of Colombo’s familiar properties. To the right-hand side of the lobby one will find “Graze”, the hotel’s all-day, multi-cuisine dining experience.

As its name suggests the concept at “Graze” is to savour food from different countries in small portions, and the layout of the restaurant is done in such a way as to represent little hamlets of nations. Welcomed by pleasing staff, it is also interesting to note that each “corner” is watched over by a “native” chef ensuring that the dishes remain authentic. One of our favourite parts about the ambiance of the place is the low lighting and cosy seating which resemble little cocoons for those who prefer private dining. For the larger groups there are the open dining areas and for those who prefer to eat under the sun or the stars (depending on the time of day), an outdoor seating area overlooking the pond is also an option.

Drinks which come in hot and cold variants need to be ordered off the à la carte menu and can be anything from a healthy detox to traditional iced teas and milkshakes. Our choices were mixed with a La Menthe Aux Miel (Don’t be fooled by the fancy name, it’s simply a concoction of fresh mint, lemon and honey) and Cinnamon Peach Iced Tea. Unfortunately most establishments in Colombo fail in the drinks department simply because they add way too much ice and halfway through the drink its nothing but chilled lightly flavoured water. The tongue twister though was a welcome winner and a great palate cleanser in-between the nations.

As is customary with buffets we started off with the salads. Miniature bowls of mixed greens and meat topped with various dressings are displayed on racks carved in to stone that creates a rustic and “caveman” atmosphere. Don’t forget to pair the salads with delicious cheeses and breads, though we would go easy on the carbs to leave room for what’s to come.

An extension of the protruding stone that hides the salad bar is the wood-fired oven that opens way to the Italian “ristorante” serving up traditional thin crust pizza and pasta, followed by the grill. Where the grill scores the Italian failed with the pizza being seriously sans any topping and quite tasteless and hard. The grill however and the lamb in particular with its must-have mint sauce just melts in your mouth. A smaller portion of this dish may not suffice though!

Opposite to the Italian and grill is the Japanese and Indian corners decorated with the traditional embellishments indigenous to the two nations. The sushi and sashimi is plenty and the California roll was our preferred choice. With sushi one must-be a master artisan and we must say Graze have found one. The Indian corner serves their dishes in brass ware that holds everything from the biriyanis to naan and chapathi. We actually preferred the vegetarian dishes in this section specially the “channa masala”.

By far one of our favourite sections was the Thai food. It also probably has something to do with the Thai chef who mans the station and his infectious attitude to preparing his signature dishes and the constant chatter that he keeps up with guests while they wait for him to prepare their “laksa”. This is another must-try but be warned that despite our ability to handle spices, this one is super-hot.

The only way to down the spice is to hit the desserts and Graze has quite the spread of colourful cakes, tarts and puddings. You can never go wrong with hot chocolate pudding topped with (lots) of vanilla ice-cream. Don’t be afraid to get as big a serving as you want when it comes to this dessert. The rest of the little cakes and stuff are not the best and maybe Hilton should think of adding on their signature chocolates from Fine Things.

For those who are not the buffet types the à la carte menu is also available but consists mostly of set menus which to us didn’t sound so appealing. Our recommendation is to stick to the buffet coz after all who would want to go for a single meal when you have the option of 5!

So here’s our rating…

Location          ****    (Hilton’s facelift is a resounding success)
Ambiance        ****    (The low lighting and cosy seating hamlets are a winner)
Service            ****    (Staff are friendly but a little rushed trying to serve everyone)
Food                ****    (Only downside is that the desserts don’t do the rest of the menu justice)
Overall            ****

 

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

 

By #FoodiesSL
Photo Credit: Suren Nimalan

Contact Information
Address: 2, Sir Chittampalam A Gardiner Mawatha, Colombo 2.
Telephone: 0112 492492
Website: www.colombo.hilton.com

 

 

 

Let The Music Play…

If there ever was a combination that is just perfect its good food and good music. Essentially this is what Sooriya Village is all about; a tribute to both.

As the now popular story goes it all started in 1968 when Gerald Wickremesooriya founded the Sooriya Record Label, considered to be the country’s most innovative and revolutionary record label at the time. His grandson Sanchita in an effort to take his grandfather’s vision of creating a space and platform for Sri Lankan music a step further founded Sooriya Village.

Essentially the converted “walauwa” type house is an arts village with its own restaurant, two fully equipped performance arts rehearsal suites, a practice space for visual arts performers and a state-of-the-art recording studio. Everything within the premises has a connection with the arts, starting from the psychedelic piano and the more-than-life-like devil dancers that welcome all guests. One can choose to dine indoors in a cosy dining area or sit outdoors along a corridor adorned with blown up prints of how the newspapers reported the birth of Sooriya in the 60s.

One of the quirkiest and cutest things is the colourful table mats and coasters which are made up of rolled up newspaper strips. That is until the waiters clad in khaki shorts and Sooriya t-shirts come over with the drinks menu printed out on replicas of vinyl records. The names of the drinks are another story in itself and the “Bibiti Bobiti Lime” comes highly recommended. We personally prefer the “Pink Lady” though which is a combination of just the right amount of rose syrup and barley.

Being that the consultant behind the menu is the dynamic Kollu himself our expectations are quite high in terms of the food. Sooriya has an intercontinental menu but has also given each dish a Sri Lankan twist. Between the three of us we decide to try out two varieties of salad and one soup. The “Asian-style Poached Chicken Salad” is a hefty serving of rocket leaves, generous strips of poached chicken seasoned to perfection and lots of pink pomegranate and actual walnuts. By the time you are done with this one, you actually may not have room for mains. The other salad we picked was the “Oriental Shrimp Salad” which honestly wasn’t as great as the chicken. We were a little put off by the fact that the shrimp had been sliced in half and the salad bowl contained only about 4 halves. The “Oriental Prawn Soup” though is a sure winner. With a base of coconut cream the soup is thick and full of flavour and aroma.

When it comes to the mains we opted for three completely different dishes. The “Baked Crab” served with Green Salad and Garlic Bread was the first to arrive. The crab itself was well-cooked and creamy. It was also quite a large portion. We also tried the “Portuguese-style Seafood Rice” which is more like yellow rice cooked in a thick tomato sauce mixed with generous chunks of fish, cuttle-fish and whole prawn (Yay!). The best part about it though is the crunchy bacon topping, and we all know that you can’t go wrong with bacon. Which brings us to the third main we ordered – “Belly Pork in Hot Butter Sauce” served with steamed rice. The pork was perfectly done with the sauce not being too spicy and just right. The steamed rice was a bit dry but that didn’t stop us from ordering a second portion of the same.

You would think that after all that food, we wouldn’t find room for dessert but who wants to miss out on Chocolate Mousse Cake, Cinnamon Honey Crème Brulee and Passion Fruit Pavlova. For those who prefer something less sweet the crème brulee is ideal but the pavlova is a must-try with its perfect balance of sweet and tangy. The bottom-line is that even if you don’t have a single musical bone in your body, you still need to visit Sooriya just for the food.

If not you can also use it to record your next Grammy-winning track, practice with the band, hold auditions for a talent show, stage a play under a tree or even convert the garden to an outdoor wedding setting. The possibilities are endless and Sooriya is just so welcoming. Sanchi and his crew also have plans to extend accommodation facilities for aspiring artists from around the world and closer to home.

With tummies filled to the brim with good food and hardly a dent in the wallet, Sooriya Village is one of our go-to places for good food and a good time.

So here’s our rating…

Location          ****    (Parking is a bit of an issue, and the temple in front means the music can’t be too loud which kind of kills the whole concept of the place)
Ambiance        ***** (The décor and ambiance is so artsy. Lovely place to chill and hang out)
Service            ****    (A few of the staff members seem a bit lost but one uncle was just awesome! We love their shorts and t-shirts)
Food                ***** (Soul Food!)
Overall            **** 1/2

 

Ratings

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

 

By #FoodiesSL

 

Contact Information

Address: 49, Skelton Road, Colombo 5.
Telephone: 0112 552666
Website: www.sooriyavillage.lk

 

‘VU’- Colombo’s first rooftop resto-bar opens at Best Western Elyon Hotel

With ‘VU’, Best Western Elyon brings Sri Lanka’s first resto-bar themed rooftop lounge to Colombo. Expertly mixed drinks, a delicious all new menu, great music and an elegant hideout in the city all come together to make VU the hottest new ticket in town, and it’s open throughout the week from 3pm to midnight.

Best Western Elyon Colombo is part of Best Western Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s largest hospitality chains with over 4100 hotels in 100 countries. Located on Baseline Road in Kirulapone, Elyon is a stone’s throw from the city centre and just far enough from its madness to offer a place to unwind and relax. Its rooftop offers a spectacular view of the city; on one side the rapidly changing landscape and twinkling lights of Colombo and on the other, a quiet suburban neighbourhood.

Derived from déjà vu, VU resto-bar, aims to give its patrons that sense of comfortable familiarity. Inspired by the Japanese word ‘Ukiyo’ which means ‘floating world’ VU lets you disconnect from mundane life. Float above the chaos of the city as you sip your exotic drink indoors or out; catching the cool breeze as it drifts through the open design of this casual lounge.

At the bar, the drinks menu features a curated blend of classics including 16 varieties of arrack based cocktails, a select wine list, special blends, beer cocktails as well as grogs and punches. Some of the exciting beverage concoctions include a chilli cocktail, chocolate margarita, Jello drops, power juices and all natural non-alcoholic boosters.

Beside the beverages, a show kitchen will create dishes to order off the eclectic menu. The menu includes everything from starters, such as nachos and salads, to chicken yakitori, special burgers, fish kebabs and an extensive selection of meat dishes as well as arguably Colombo’s biggest spare ribs. Chase that up with a smoky sizzling brownie, mixed berry apple pie or even a Kahlua infused coffee pudding. Diners can play around with the menu selections to customize their orders. True to its resto-bar heritage; VU offers a pairing of each food item with a suggested wine or cocktail to complete the dining experience

For entertainment, VU offers one of the best playlists in town and live music four nights a week. Be it reggae on Sunday, soul on Friday or slow rock on Thursday, these performers – Thanuja, Adam and the Eves, and Keith Gibson will provide an excellent soundtrack to your conversation.

VU is the perfect meeting spot for those who don’t want to wander too far from the city and those who don’t want to get too close, especially on a busy weekday, says Roshan Adhihetty General Manager of Best Western Elyon Colombo. “We have created the perfect set up with soulful music, delectable food and an expansive menu of beverages to help our guests wind down after a busy day; just the perfect for the kind of ambience to watch the world around”

VU is open throughout the week from 3pm to midnight, on the rooftop of Best Western Elyon at 102A, Kirulapone Avenue, Baseline Road, Colombo 5.

The Dishes served at the VU Resto-Bar Launch.

To Start

  • Caesar Salad with Chicken / Tofu
  • Tuna Pasta Salad
  • Arabic Fattoush
  • Beef Salad
  • Griddled Vegetable Salad

To Warm Up

  • Garlic Bread /Cheese bread
  • Fish Fingers
  • Chicken Yakitori
  • Hot Buttered Calamari / Cauliflower
  • Big Western Club Sandwich
  • Cheese Toast
  • French Baguette Pizza – Margarita
  • Cajun Avocado melt
  • Jumbo Dogs
  • Kati Kebab
  • Asian Fish & Pineapple Kebab

To Hang On

  • Jumbo Prawns
  • BBQ Chicken
  • Chicken Bockwurst
  • Jumbo Rib Lovers
  • Big Steak Corden Bleu
  • Vegetable Ravioli

To Finish

  • Mixed Berry Apple Pie
  • VU Velvet
  • Smoky Sizzling Brownie

 

 

Whight & Co Café – Delectable Breakfast and Coffee

If you are someone who is serious about your coffee then we are almost a 100% sure that you have already been to Whight & Co. They opened for business last year in March and have made quite a name for themselves with their locally grown and brewed Ruby Harvest coffee.

Esteem frequents this cafe as it is spacious, serves amazingly good coffee and their breakfast is to die for.  They commence business every morning at 7.30am and they close at 11pm. They aren’t just a breakfast café, they have a full menu and they serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, juices, alcohol, cocktails, desserts and of course coffee.

Loated at the corner of Aloe Avenue and Marine Drive, this is probably one of the most beautiful views available at any café in the city. We usually get a lot of work done here in the mornings while enjoying the view of the Indian ocean and the trains rushing by.

We have tasted everything on their coffee menu; espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, mochas, frappes, caramel lattes, cold drip coffees, Vietnamese iced coffee and their signature pour over coffee. The coffee is strong and gives you an instant caffeine boost. All their coffee is priced between Rs. 300 to Rs. 480. This is extremely affordable compared to other international brands in the city and sometimes if you’re there for more than a few hours you could enjoy a second cuppa joe without feeling too guilty.

Their breakfast menu is great. They’ve got Eggs Benedict, Croque Monsieur, Chili Scramble, Two Eggs Any Style, Sri Lankan Breakfast (String Hoppers and Chicken Curry), Ham and Cheese Croissant and a few other items. All their breakfast items are priced between Rs. 600 to Rs. 750 and the portions are very big. When we have breakfast here, we always skip lunch because that is how full you will feel after devouring your brekkie.

We love the Eggs Benedict, it is without a doubt the best Eggs Benny in the city. Two perfectly soft poached eggs on ham, served with a grilled tomato, rocket leaves, a large hash brown and two slices of thick cut toast. Eggs Benedict is traditionally served with Hollandaise sauce however here, they serve it with a Béarnaise sauce. We usually ask them to substitute the ham with bacon and it becomes the most indulgent thing you could ever eat for breakfast.

Another of our favourites is their Croque Monsieur which is essentially a ham and cheese sandwich coated in Béchamel and toasted till the cheese is melted and becomes gooey. It’s served with two grilled tomatoes and a generous helping of rocket leaves, we are partial towards rocket so it won’t come as a surprise that we love this meal as well.

In order for us to tackle the Chili Scramble we have to be quite hungry and work up an appetite as it is three eggs scrambled with chives, onions and red chili, a hash brown, three rashers of bacon, a beef sausage, tomato relish and two slices of thick cut toast. Absolutely indulgent and so tasty, fills you right up and you will feel a bit guilty for eating so much. Don’t let that stop you though!

If you want something healthy they do have a Fruit Platter for Rs. 300 which is a mix of mango, banana, papaya and pineapple. We have it on the rare occasion that we decide we want something healthy for breakfast.

Whight and Co have definitely made a name for themselves in Colombo and it is our favourite place for coffee and breakfast in the city.

The service is the only thing that is inconsistent here. It has been a problem since they opened almost 2 years ago and we really wish the management can address this. Sometimes we have to motion them over to take our orders, bring the bill or even request them to take away our mugs and dishes once we are done with our meal.

Our overall rating of Whight and Co is as follows:

Ambiance: 8/10

Food: 8/10

Coffee: 9.5/10

Service: 5/10

Portion Size: 9/10

Value for Money: 9/10

Words and pictures by Surovi Salgado

Get With The Flow!

I’m no stranger to Hilton Residencies; I’ve spent many a day drowning my sorrows at the bar contemplating the meaning of life and suffering an existential crisis. At that time Hilton Residencies needed a facelift and I had to get my life in order.

On a serious note, it was about time that Hilton Residencies got its act together, and what better way to do that than to come up with a brand-spanning new restaurant called Flow. It goes without saying that Colombo is saturated with plenty of restaurants and hotels; however, with the taste buds of customers forever evolving, it would come as no surprise that nearly all these establishments have found out that they need to innovate their menus if they are to keep customers coming back for more.

Not that people seem to be tired of the usual buffet suspects — think Cinnamon Grand, Cinnamon Lakeside, Kingsbury, and Mount Lavinia; but who’s going to say No to another buffet fiesta? I ended up at the Flow with two of my friends for the Sunday buffet; it didn’t disappoint. The price was steep — no surprise there (LKR 13,000 odd for three with drinks; ok, I admit it — I had a few beers, but, hey, that’s what guys do). Yet it must be said that this certainly was a Sunday lunch that was a feast for your eyes and your taste buds.

The thing with Colombo is that you’re bound to bump into quite a few familiar faces; some you genuinely want to say Hello to, while the rest you either pretend they didn’t exist or you them give a fake smile that are Disney-like in proportions, and remind yourself to visit Katharagama armed with a few coconuts hoping you can plead for some divine retribution. (But I digress; let’s stick with the buffet.)

Trust me on this — there was plenty of food; cuisine from countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Japan, China and Italy were well represented. I had them all. I ate so much that I felt my innards grew fins and were swimming in a sea of food. It’s impossible at this juncture to tell you about every single dish, but what I will say is that they served a Black Pork Curry that was to die for. The Sushi was a-okay, but to be honest, I’ve had better. Other noteworthy mentions would be the Roast Pork and a heavenly combination of Roast Chicken wrapped in Bacon. It was Valhalla for those who love the Paleo lifestyle. Hell, it was paradise for those who just adore food.

So was it all good? It was; the service was a bit lacking (I had to remind the waiters a few times to bring my beer) but this may be due to the fact that the whole place was packed with people. I’ll tell you what was better, though — it was the dessert spread. The usual suspects — Chocolate Mousse, Passionfruit Mousse, Waffles, Ice Cream, Ice Cream Kottu, Fruit Salad, Caramel Pudding — were well represented; however, what really took the cake (pun very much intended) was the Chocolate Marquise. This dessert was just an orgasm on your tongue; so says my taste buds.

I suppose what really was a first for me was the fact that this buffet also offered Dim Sum. In all my buffet journeys, I’ve never come across anyone serving Dim Sum. It also needs to be said that besides a few lapses in service, the staff were very very obliging and were eager to please; most even wore that charming Lankan smile that Sri Lankans are well known for; this seems to be a quality that is somewhat lacking in other establishments.

All in all, I can truly say that this is certainly a restaurant that needs to be paid a visit at least once. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that I’m a frequent visitor to this newly revamped and refurbished establishment; the gastronomical journey is one that’s promising and ultimately quite promising, too.