Tag: April-May 18

Sri Lanka: Vacation Hot Spot for Sperm Whales

“There were about two hundred to three hundred sperm whales swimming past us” enthused the amazing Daya, who swims alongside these amazing creatures on a regular basis. His passion for the seas and its splendor was recognized and featured in the prestigious BBC Blue Planet 2017 series in full HD with David Attenbourough narrating the programme. This amazing feat would not have been possible if not for the Head of Cinnamon Nature Trails; celebrated nature aficionado and advocate Chitral Jayatilake, who was instrumental in convincing the exclusive production house to visit our paradise isle and showcase its sperm whale pods to a world audience.

I was enraptured by a 3 minute video footage of the sperm whales ‘vacationing’ in Sri Lanka as Chitral revealed the lengthy process that led to this milestone in the history of our resplendent isle.

 

Pleasure in the Job Puts Perfection in the Work – Aristotle

Wetagodage Dayaratne or ‘Daya’ for short hails from Nuwara Eliya. The David Paynter Memorial School (David Paynter was the artist who painted the murals at the Trinity College chapel) built by his brother Arnold Paynter was his second home from the primary to the advance level classes. Thereafter, the young man enrolled at the Gamini Dissanayake Foundation for a period of two years. Following the completion of his studies, he worked at the NGO; CARE International, Hill Club, a garment factory and Yala Village managing to escape being a tsunami statistic thanks to the sand dunes that were the natural blockades against the killer waves that swept across the Southern coast on 26th December 2004. This eventually led to a hiatus in his career as his mother who had already lost a son to a watery grave felt compelled to keep Daya away from the water. During this period he spent his days close to his neighborhood which was none other than the forests of Nuwara Eliya with its abundance of fauna and flora. “My backyard was the jungle as our home was bordering the Horton plains and we were experts at combing through the plains and summiting the Pidruthalagala peak top umpteenth times.” His love for nature was evident in the manner he cared for even the creepy crawlies such as snakes as he was often called by his colleagues to relocate snakes found on various compounds back to the jungle.

My present job at Yala Nature Trails led to a marvelous self- discovery, his love for the ocean and its treasures. “I am so grateful to my present boss, Chitral Jayatilake for giving me an opportunity explore the vast ocean and for trusting his instincts about me as I had no certificates to show my love for nature except my unbridled enthusiasm. As I snorkeled at Pigeon Island, Trincomalee, I was literally hooked for life and refused to leave, eventually settling there and working in the deep blue and making new discoveries each moment in its depths.

 

I was employed at Chaya Blue for being trilingual but this eventually led to an exploration beyond my wildest dreams,” recalled Daya in amazement as he recalled the awe-inspiring experience of swimming alongside the gentle giants of the sea.

It was during one of his Moby Dick style adventures that he stumbled or shall we say swam into the supersized sperm whale pods which were unperturbed by this minuscule human who gaped with wonderment at the sight of them. “Thanks to my go-pro which a gift from my boss, I was able to video this marvel which was the start of a mission of Chitral’s as he was determined to woo BBC Blue Planet to SL waters. “During my annual visit to England for the Bird Fair in 2015, I took one of Daya’s videos and presented it to them at an impromptu meeting and they realized the potential of this tiny drop in the Indian Ocean. They were convinced of the endless possibilities in filming a supersized sperm whale pod which was a rare occurrence in any part of the world. In 2016 the crew spent 27 days filming the sightings for a clip that would last 4 minutes. This proves the extent of work which goes into producing the much loved program with a viewership of over 14 million people worldwide.”

 

At present Daya who has found his calling in life continues to support the many nature related programs which are spearheaded by Cinnamon Trails with Chitral Jayatilake and his team at the forefront.

The Blue Planet Series:
“Sir David Attenborough narrates this critically acclaimed series that dives deep into the marine environment of Planet Earth. Although two-thirds of the world’s surface is covered with water, scientists know less about the oceans than they do about the surface of the moon. This limited series travels from various coasts to the poles to examine watery denizens ranging from the gigantic blue whale to microscopic coral polyps.”

“Our work in Trincomalee since 2009 has uncovered a treasure trove of marine mammals and perhaps the highest concentration of sperm whales in the island. It was indeed a shining moment in our work to have BBC’s Blue Planet II filming with us and more so, when they picked our own Daya to be featured on this breathtaking production. Listening to the world’s greatest naturalist, Sir.David Attenborough colorfully narrating Sri Lanka’s marine diversity and Daya’s efforts was perhaps the single most fulfilling moment in my career,” remarked Chitral Jayatilake.

 

Written by Rochelle Palipane Gunaratne

Where Messy is Normal

 

Being a tropical island, Sri Lanka is blessed with an abundance of seafood. Yet, somehow the best of our saltwater and fresh water produce goes elsewhere and we’re left with having to pay exorbitant rates for a good catch. Even the dedicated seafood restaurants can be over-priced where most middle class folk can’t really afford. Regardless we love our seafood. From the Jaffna Crab Curry and the Negombo Lagoon Prawns to the traditional Southern “Ambul Thiyal”, seafood is an essential part of island life.

One of greatest things about seafood for us is that you need to really use your hands to get the best out of it. On the other hand this is one reason why many people avoid the crustaceans at buffet and fine dining establishments. We on the other hand have no reservations, and happened to find a casual dining restaurant that basically runs on the idea of “messy is normal”.

Tucked away down Bullers Lane in Colombo 7, Cajun on Wheels is actually a Singaporean based franchise. The idea is to recreate the famed Louisiana seafood truck experience. The Sri Lankan version is actually housed in a converted container with an option of also sitting under the stars in a backyard garden. The whole ambiance especially at night is very laid back and dreamy. One of the most welcoming sights is the giant smiley crab at the entrance which kinda gives you an indication of the atmosphere inside as well.

The smiles are commonplace with the staff whose bright red attire also adds to the chirpiness of the restaurant. They are also well versed with the entire menu and are more than happy to help you pick out what’s best. This is something a lot of places lack with the wait staff being clueless about their own wares. C.O.W scores big time on this point.

Keeping things simple, their drinks menu offers a choice of fresh juices at very reasonable prices. A rather tall glass of fresh juice is somewhere between 200-250 rupees depending on the fruit you choose but we felt the lime or passion fruit is just ideal with the seafood.

So here’s how you order at C.O.W. The first step is to pick from six different signature sauces. There’s Cajun Cheese, Herb & Butter, Cheesy Crab, Singapore Chilli Crab, Salted Egg Yolk and the traditional Sri Lankan Jaffna Curry Sauce. Once that choice is done, you pick your seafood from an array of sea bass, prawns, cuttle fish, crabs, lobster and mussels. For sides to go with the seafood, you can choose rice, cheesy fries, pasta, or the localized roast paan and pol sambol.

The first thing that comes to your table is not cutlery but a white plastic that gets put on the entire table. Then comes the plastic aprons and a series of tools that look like they came out of a mechanics tool box. And then comes the glorious, steaming hot buckets of seafood that gets dumped on directly to the table with all the sauces. We picked the Sailor’s Feast which is a sharing bucket for two packed with sea bass, prawns, cuttle fish and grilled corn. For this we had the Sambal Mayo and Chilli Tomato Concasse to dip in. To say the very least the food vanished before our eyes and before you could lick your fingers there came the Insane Shrimp Bucket with the Cheesy Sauce and the Reel Crabby Bucket with the Jaffna Curry Sauce. As if that wasn’t enough we also ordered a bucket of Flexing Mussels simply to try out the Famed Herb & Butter Sauce. Do not ask us to pick a favourite because we simply cannot! The sauces were all done perfectly and the seafood is fresh and light. The roast paan baked at the restaurant itself is perhaps the best accompaniment to soak in any of the gravies. Nothing is more satisfying than being “normal” and cracking open those crab shells and digging in to the succulent meat within. We will just leave it at that.

Once you are done with the monstrous meal, your table actually looks like a pretty mess (Refer the images) and you just sit there comprehending how you actually ate so much. Some people may think C.O.W is pricey but on the contrary we think the portions to share make it quite affordable. For the moment they do not do desserts and it’s not like anyone would have room left for much after that seafood feast!

So here’s our rating…

 

Location **** (Tucked away down Bullers Lane)

Ambiance **** (You may prefer to sit upstairs or outdoors)

Service **** (Excellent service with everyone knowing their stuff!)

Food ***** (Food was great… Experience was greater!)

Overall **** 1/4

 

Reviewed by #FoodiesSL

 

Price Range: Approximately 2,000 per head including drinks (Minimum)

Address: 4 Bullers Lane, Colombo 07.

Tel: 0766 388788

Run Porky… Run…

Pork is a staple in our diet. If we don’t have it at least once a week in some form or the other, our guys tend to get quite “hangry” (anger that is fuelled by hunger!). So when we heard that there is a couple who have dedicated their lives to promoting all things pork, we were overjoyed.

 

Big Bad Wolf first started off as a pop-up at the street food festivals and was an immediate hit. They then went on to do deliveries but that too only on specific days of the week. About two months ago though, they decided to convert their front yard and car porch in to a seating area and opened up an actual restaurant. We paid them a visit on a lazy Saturday afternoon.

Located in between the Dialog and HNB buildings in Nawala junction, this little lane is a bit hard to find. (Don’t go by Google maps because it will lead you elsewhere!). However the owners Paul and Liz tell us they hope to have a mural done on their wall so that this will be the landmark for hungry fans. Once you do locate the place, there are two seating options to choose from. We are told the evenings are perfect for a catch-up with friends or family as the sun sets and the lights come on dimly illuminating the garden. Might even be ideal for an intimate date with a twist.

If you are expecting though to have fancy menus brought to your table by a waiter in uniform, wrong place to be. What you will find though is warm and welcoming greetings from the owners who themselves play multiple roles of waiter, chef and entertainers. Paul does much of the waiting tables while it is Liz who is the maestro in the kitchen. Either way it seems to work for them. Then there’s “Odie” who sits by the entrance to the kitchen watching your every move but not really too bothered to venture out. At first you may think he is the “wolf” of this fairytale but unfortunately Odie is allergic to pork and can only wolf down (no pun intended!) a bun or two while his mistress prepares those delicious meals.

 

The menu at Big Bad Wolf is a simple A4 sheet on a board that actually keeps changing periodically. This is mainly because the recipes keep evolving with feedback from regular customers. However there are a few favourites that have stood the test of time and we had to order a few. Of these we ordered the Pork and Bacon Burger and the Classic Ribs. From the newer additions we ordered a typical Burgher meal of Yellow Rice with Kalu Pol, Potatoes and Pickle.

The Pork and Bacon Burger is a ground pork patty and a substitution of Strips of Bacon instead of the Lettuce Leaf. With chunks of meat and a bun that is overflowing this is one messy meal. (Tip: Ask for lots of tissues when you order!). We thought a great addition to this would be a slice of pineapple which would just make it perfect. Even without though the burger is a fulfilling meal for the stomach and the soul.

 

Next came our plate of 6 rather large ribs. All the sauces used at BBW are homemade to ensure authenticity in the recipe. Served with basic coleslaw the ribs were not too tender where the meat just melts off the bone and neither was it too tough. It was just perfectly seasoned, perfectly done, ribs that were a simple pleasure to tuck in to. Again messy but totally worth it.

 

The rice dish was nothing too fancy but the Kalu Pol Pork was definitely a winner. It wasn’t spicy to the degree of burning your taste buds but wasn’t too bland either. To accompany our meals we ordered both a Naarang Juice and a Ginger Beer both homemade by a local supplier. The Ginger Beer worked best with all our food choices and we highly recommend it.

Once we had been total “pigs” about our meal, we had enough room to try one of the signature desserts and chose a Brownie Smore from a list of about five. To say the very least, we were not disappointed. The warm chocolatey brownie was further “gooeyfied” (if that’s a word!) by the marshmallows on top melted to perfection. Every bite was like a combination of chocolate heaven. The perfect end to a hearty meal.

 

BBW is not rocket science cooking. It is the simplicity of the place, the people and the food that we love so much. Since then we’ve placed delivery orders and have tried many of the burgers and wraps as well which live up to the “so much pork” persona. But we definitely recommend eating at the restaurant itself for the full scale of yumminess.

So here’s our rating…

 

Location **** (Location is a bit elusive but we guess that works too!)

Ambiance **** (The garden is great for an evening catch-up!)

Service **** (Service is slow considering that 3 people run the show but we didn’t mind the wait!)

Food **** (We love our pork, let’s leave it at that!)

Overall ****

 

Reviewed by #FoodiesSL

 

INFORMATION:

Address: 277 Nawala Road, Nawala.

Tel: 0767 270389

Getting to know Mandy…

 

With its black and red retro-ish design cues, the Robata Grill by Mövenpick Colombo seemed the perfect place to meet Mandy Jayatissa. Shy almost, but confident too, she truly came across as a mixed pot of inspiration, emotions, creativity, and poetry. We’ve all heard about the accolades she has achieved for her book The Other One. But here’s a quick refresher: The Other One was published as an eBook on Amazon in the beginning of May last year; the novel was ranked number one on Amazon under the steampunk genre and third under the science fiction genre. The book was also shortlisted for the Fairway Literary Festival Award, which it won, and has shocked many with its storyline, and its shattering of stereotypes (yes, women can write science fiction).

 

Just like Robata Grill’s exceptional spicy tuna roll with its mishmash of desirable flavours, Mandy too was a collection of experiences. Having been born in Sri Lanka, she studied and worked in California and London, and currently works as a corporate trainer while heading the communications department at her insurance startup Save Your Monkey. How does one manage so many roles? You just do, she says. Patience is a virtue, and that is what helped her carve out a novel that was well received by all those who read it. A fan of plot twists, Mandy told me how fiction is never actually ever fiction. How can it be when it is your experiences in life that shape and form characters in your mind which emerge in the pages of a book.

 

Writers are voracious readers and the honest fact is that Mandy is no different. Burdened with the desire to see more people publish their work, she spoke highly of self-publishing and was thankful for services like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (Amazon KDP), which makes the whole process of putting your talent out there into the world a possibility. Other local writers like Yudhanjaya Wijeratne, who is the author of The Slow Sad Suicide of Rohan Wijeratne and Numbercaste, have also found great success thanks to such publication services like Amazon KDP. The future does seem rather bright when it comes to showing the world that there are local writers who can indeed compete with the best that the world has to offer.

 

Yet there is more to a person than just their work. Mandy and I spoke at length while sampling the very best of what Mövenpick’s Robata Grill offered; topics ranged from the increase in the rate of divorce to the millennial generation to her childhood to her marriage. Emboldened with her recent success, she has been doing her part in empowering young minds to follow their dreams – she recently participated in a creative writing workshop at her alma mater, Bishop’s College. Always persistent and desiring sleep, Mandy is already planning her next book. I’ve read The Other One, and it is addictive stuff. It’s no easy task to just sit and bleed your thoughts onto paper (think Hemingway), but writing is a therapeutic adventure that is rewarding in every possible way.

Time is a theme in her debut novel, and the smooth impermanence it offers is an affliction. The need to do more and achieve dreams seems to be something we are all burdened with, and Mandy has not been spared this affliction either. Ambition is part and parcel of being human, and this is something that should be embraced and cherished. Good things happen when you write. Good things such as being credible in front of the world, and thereby having the ability to make changes to the status quo to make it inherently better. This was something that was apparent when talking to Mandy: she wanted to offer the world something productive and valuable, and what she was offering is herself with all her imperfections.

 

And so we parted. She headed back to her office, and I off to mine. Writers are interesting people, I knew. With the heady aftertaste of wasabi rolling in my mouth, I was thankful to have been invited into Mandy’s world, which was as chaotic as it was structured. Considering the two hours of voice recordings I had tucked away in my iPhone, it was a matter of me bleeding onto paper and trying to understand the complex character that Mandy Jayatissa was and is. I think this article has done her justice. But as any writer would agree, that really is up to the reader to decide.

 

Website: http://amanda-jay.com

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmandaJayWrites/

 

Written by Rohitha Perera

NoarytheStylist: Beauty and the Palette

Noary Samarasinghe is young, beautiful and has worked for ten years in the hairdressing industry as a Cosmetologist at Ramani Fernando Salons and Instructress at the Ramani Fernando Hair and Beauty Academy. She has the hair and makeup looks of countless celebrities and models to her credit. Noary has worked with a number of local and international personalities in the glamour industry, such as Miss Iran, Miss Guatemala, Miss Colombia, Miss Kyrgyzstan and Miss Myanmar at the Miss Intercontinental pageant in 2016 and Colombo Fashion Week as a makeup artist. You can follow her at ‘NoarytheStylist’ on Facebook and Instagram.

This beautiful and vivacious girl is ambitious and passionate about her work. Her competitive spirit, determination to succeed and inability to take no for an answer is what writes her success story. Her pleasant and friendly demeanour endears her to her clients and this is a contributing factor to making her one of the most sought-after hair and makeup stylists in the city today.

 

How did your interest in the subject of Hair and Beauty begin?

“My father is quite artistic and at the age of 6, I would watch him decorating our Christmas tree and realised how talented he was. You could say that I basically learnt placing and balancing from him! Hairstyling and Beauty had always been my passion from my younger days and I used to love experimenting with all sorts of hairstyles on myself and my family. After I left school, I wanted to pursue either Hair and Beauty, or Fashion Designing, so I applied for both and decided to go with what destiny had in store for me. In future, I do hope to pursue another dream of mine, which is fashion design.”

How do you stay creative?

“Creativity, for me, doesn’t just stop at Hair and Beauty. Creativity constitutes part of whom and what I am; it is certainly a part of my life. I can be creative in everything, even something that I might not excel in. Even if you ask me to do landscaping, I’ll do my best like a perfectionist and succeed. I can meet any challenge and overcome it…that’s just the way I am.”

 

What aspect of your work do you enjoy the most?

“As a cosmetologist (makeup artist, hairstylist and beautician), I thoroughly enjoy every aspect of my work. The skin aspect of facials, the beauty aspect of makeup, the cutting, styling and colour aspects of hair, all of it gives me a deep level of satisfaction. My goal is to see good results in everything I do and I’m very insistent that the final result should satisfy me and every client I take on.”

What would you say was the turning point of your career?

“I would say there were two instances: back in 2010, a lady named Nina from MAC Cosmetics conducted a workshop on the basics of contouring and highlighting techniques with brushes. I learned a lot from her. The second occasion was when I attended a training course in Dubai in 2013. I developed my skills in haircuts, hair colour, ombré, highlighting and became more familiar with various cutting techniques. I also learned high technique skills in makeup, facial contouring and highlighting. I returned to Sri Lanka equipped with so much knowledge and made good use of what I had learned to improve my work.”

 

In your opinion, what is the difference between beauty and makeup?

“Beauty is pleasing aesthetic senses, how much enthusiasm a shape and form and sound can make you feel, beauty has balance and symmetry. Majority of people are under the impression that makeup is for the unattractive, but no it’s incorrect, make up is for the enhancement of hidden features, even for the attractive. People don’t always get this.”

Who do you look to for inspiration?

“Huda Kattan, Nikkie Tutorials and Georgiy Kot.

 

What sets you apart from your contemporaries in the field?

“I’m very competitive and adventurous enough to explore new trends. Like fashion, makeup has trends that constantly change and evolve and I am a strong follower of trends. Contouring and highlighting is a big trend all around the world and it has to be cleverly done. Sri Lanka is still getting there and the younger generation loves it. It just brings out the best in you.”

 

What do you do to relax when you’re not working?

“Dance is something that relaxes me fully. I’m a professional Latin dancer and I have competed locally and internationally with European and Asians, winning 1st place in Sri Lanka and in Asia. I became the 2010 and 2012 Asian champion held in Malaysia and Singapore, respectively; I had the opportunity to complete with top international couples. I also recently competed in China where I made it to the top 12.”

Thank you for your time, Noary. So what are your plans for the future?

“My passion for my profession will guide me to the best decisions and plans for my future.”

 

Text: Rohitha Perera

Photography: Nadun Baduge Weddings

Outfit: Ramona Oshini

Model: Iresha Asanki; Winner Miss Sri Lanka 2013

Location: Cafe Noir Sri Lanka

Makeup & Hair: NoarytheStylist

Why Health Insurance Matters…

As an adult, it’s hard for me to remember my mother before her sickness. But if I go back into childhood, I can access that.

— Bruce Eric Kaplan

One of the worst periods in my life was when my mother passed away due to colon cancer in February 2017. Having been in journalism for many years, garnering information and data in order to make sense of whatever conundrum I face is part and parcel of the various habits I have formed. When one is faced with a life or death situation, there comes a point that emotion dissipates and what you are left with is the need to find a solution to your predicament. As hard as it is to say this, there was a great sense of relief when she took her last breath since she was not in that horrid limbo where suffering was all she knew.

 

According to certain statistics there are around 6,000 people who are diagnosed with cancer annually here in Sri Lanka. While your genetic disposition can surely affect your chances of developing cancer, many other factors can also increase your chances of developing cancer – for example, smoking is known as one of the leading causes of oral cancer. My mother was misdiagnosed with a heart ailment when she was suffering from fatigue; in actual fact she was suffering from anemia, and was losing blood; the reason for this was a tumor that was the size of a coconut, which resided in her stomach. By the time a colonoscopy was done and the cause was found out – she was suffering from Stage Four colon cancer. I keep asking myself how a life could have been saved if early detection was something we were educated about.

 

An invasive operation was conducted to remove the cancer in 2016, and a steady stream of chemotherapy sessions were given in subsequent months. The only cure for cancer as per my understanding is early prevention. Sickness as an entity zaps so much energy from the person who is going through it and also from the family members. While the emotional despair is something that is very difficult to come to terms with so too is the level of financial strain. My mother went through two years of unbelievable agony, and all at a cost of LKR 6 million; this is taking into consideration the various misdiagnoses and the subsequent treatments for such false flags.

 

Adages and proverbs are there for a reason; one that surely comes to my mind is: forewarned is forearmed. The reality here is that I carry the same genes as my mother, and my aunt who passed away due to colon cancer as well. The advice given to me was to make sure I go for a screening every year. The cost alone for this is a taxing affair. Considering this reality and looking at the events of the past, what would really have helped me and my family would have been an insurance policy that was well-meaning and genuine in all aspects. A proper policy – like AIA’s Health Protector – would have helped us from a financial aspect, and even prodded us to go for regular health checkups to ensure a long and healthy life.

Written by Rohitha Perera

An Isle of Pleasure…

When it comes to artisanal ice cream, there are a few names that surely do take the scoop; yet none are as exotic as what Isle of Gelato offers. I was fortunate enough to land an interview with Suranjan Perera and Shalini Fernando at Caramel Pumpkin in Ward Place. This young entrepreneurial couple has been inspired by something that has made Italy famous – Gelato. With the whole influx of entrepreneurial thinking making inroads into people’s consciousness, it is refreshing to see two ambitious individuals who have a background in finance putting the method into the madness when it comes to creating a new brand.

But one of the biggest problems that entrepreneurs need to learn is that focusing just on the money is going to be a very short-term success story. It truly was refreshing to hear these guys speak so passionately about Isle of Gelato. With quality on their minds, and wearing their hearts on their sleeves, this was surely going to be a success story when you realize that what they have literally churned out is oozing with superlative quality. I guess a testament to this level of quality is when Peter Kuruvita himself collaborated with these enthusiastic founders to vouch for their hard-focused efforts.

One of the most redeeming factors when it comes to Isle of Gelato is the manic obsession with using fresh ingredients. One of the more adventurous flavours would be jackfruit or waraka; there is also turmeric and coconut milk making up a sorbet flavor option that is aptly called — golden milk sorbetto. This reminds me: gelato and sorbets are also on the menu, and, I assure you, none of them taste like what you think they taste like – they taste better. While Colombo’s discerning denizens have been hogging their way through cups of finely churned gelato, a huge following in Galle has also been enthralled with Isle of Gelato as well.

Marketing is only half the game when it comes to promoting the product; the real fact of the matter is that when it comes to business your product has to be star class. With so many players in the market, Isle of Gelato is being pitched at a premium standard as it rightly should; the effort expended when it comes to the level of sourcing good quality items plus the investment of over LKR 70 million in state-of-the-art machinery and freezers shows that this is some serious gelato. There is no artificial flavoring. Period.

The names of the various flavours themselves evoke a sense of desirability that even I, as a foodie, have not come across in all my travels across 14 nations. Every flavor is a must try, and it goes without saying that names like – Puttalam Sea Salt and Caramel, Island Coconut, Buffalo Lemon Curd, and Fior Di Latte – does provide you with a sense of longing that’s rather unbearable. Isle of Gelato has got an almost-Harry-Potterish-kinda thing going on with Shalini Fernando concocting a vast variety of flavours that are, on rare occasions, beautifully indulgent mistakes.

All things considered, Isle of Gelato has brought the best of Italy to Sri Lanka; and, frankly, in essence, dare I say it – these folks really do churn out some exceptional gelato straight from their quirky lab in Rajagiriya. This refreshing brand does also bring a few other things to the table: one, is that Sri Lankans truly do have the ability to produce something that is world-beating when it comes to quality, and we do have the natural resources to do so; two, the entrepreneurial spirit needs to be fostered and nurtured since initiatives like this where people do get to follow their dreams is something that the country does need, and in turn, so does the world.

This, I would think, is the most refreshing thing of all in the Isle of Gelato story.

 

Written by Rohitha Perera

Arie Lagoon: A Luxurious Escapade

Cossetted almost just half an hour from the Katunayake airport, Arie Lagoon offers a welcome respite for weary travellers and even holidaymakers looking for a unique sense of luxury. I was fortunate enough to have been shown around the whole property, which is beautifully landscaped and appointed with the best things in life when it comes to facilities and amenities.

Boasting three incredibly spacious restaurants, Arie Lagoon also has a wine lounge that is as quaint as it is nostalgic. The website description states – Wine connoisseurs and comfort seekers find paradise at the Kalapuwa Wine Lounge. This fine dining Negombo seafood restaurant provides exquisite meals to pair with your chosen wine – and this is certainly something that is sure to be viewed as axiomatic.

One of the most important facets when running a hotel property is the art of hospitality. With so much riding on proper customer service, it must be said that proper training is something that should be invested in. This is something that the management of Arie Lagoon is very focused on. Besides being run by a middle management that count many years in the hospitality trade, it is certainly noteworthy that the staff are very adroit when it comes to attending to every single whim and fancy on part of the guest.

As a person who does occasionally travel and does wine and dine quite a bit, proper service is something that can make or break the whole experience for a guest. This is precisely why I personally cherish superlative customer service, and I’ve had the opportunity of experiencing this first hand. While this may certainly be something that is regarded as a subjective thing per se, I must make a note of the fact of the vast investment that has gone into crafting this inimitable boutique property.

The rooms are designed in such a way to pamper you with beds that are as soft as clouds; in addition, one of the most redeeming aspects that guests would cherish would be how the doors open into a spacious area dotted with greenery around, and a cerulean sky above. While there are five types of accommodation options, the real cherry on top for most would be the premier deluxe room with plunge pool. The pitch blurb on the site describes it best – The Premier Deluxe Room with Plunge Pool at this 4 star luxury lagoon view hotel in Negombo, offers the perfect space to unwind in style. This fabulous abode features a courtyard with rain showers and sunbathing areas.

With absolute comfort being the real deal at Arie Lagoon, weary travellers are sure to be completely and utterly indulged when it comes to unique spa treatments at the Arie Spa. With well-trained Balinese therapists at hand to offer you complete indulgence with star-class essential oils that are elixirs per se, you are guaranteed to truly enjoy yourself in this serendipitous oasis. What is a boutique experience without a pool; at Arie Lagoon, there are two. One is aptly placed near the bar, which offers a range of tantalizing drinks both of the alcoholic and non-alcoholic variety.

While Arie Lagoon is a piece of heaven that is certainly something that is perfect for the whole family, recreational facilities are also provided, which includes a list of watersports.

Talk to any tourist or local, and they are sure to urge you to visit Negombo. But for those of us who have had the fortunate experience of having a sneek peek at this unique boutique hotel, it certainly goes without saying that a visit to Arie Lagoon is surely a must as well.

 

Website: http://www.arielagoon.com

Gauri Devidayal & Naserah Tyebally: Foodies at Heart

Words have a tendency to create a sense of vagueness. In fact, so do pictures. But we all know that images do have this innate power to cause cravings – more so when food is the subject of such visual seduction. Consider the Tiramisu Pancakes, which consist of Mascarpone Bavarois, Coffee Meringue, Cocoa, and Coffee-Amaretto Syrup. Haven’t got much of a sweet tooth? Then how about – Yellowfin Tuna Tataki with Avocado, Tomato Gelée, and Sesame Vinaigrette, or a

Duck Salad, Watercress & Herbs Salad, Red Cabbage, Hoisin Glaze, Thai Chili, and Pomegranate?

The food pictures (described above, and gracefully laid out on these pages) are just a microcosm of some of the dishes Gauri Devidayal’s The Table is capable of crafting, all thanks to her coterie of star-class chefs. Of course, with a restaurant that has been evolving for the last 7 years, The Table (www.thetable.in) was the brainchild of Gauri Devidayal and Jay Yousuf – a restaurant that has been solely inspired by the restaurant scene in California. A lawyer and accountant in a previous life, Gauri is the method to the madness. As she says with a smile – Rohitha, when running a restaurant every day is madness! But madness does lead to some genius creations; and the dishes by The Table, which came out during The Colombo Supper Club’s latest Pop Up, was nothing short of magical.

Focusing on simplicity, and believing that one should always taste the food, Gauri went onto describe The Table as – cuisine agnostic. Cast a voracious eye across her menus and you are sure to find the entire world represented; and, it is this representation that gels oh-so-well with the philosophy of Naserah’s Colombo Supper Club. Naserah explained how our Colombo denizens are slowly leaving their conservative desire for what’s comfortable (think of the buffet of French, Italian, Japanese, and South Asian cuisines) and exploring more adventurous fare. It is this focus that has made Colombo Supper Club so sought after by the social glitterati of Colombo. With a large majority of society being well-travelled and well-educated, they’ve found out that the world truly is their oyster when it comes to gourmandizing adventures.

Naserah wove a tale of desire and craving for food that is not only discerning but which also exudes quality with exceptional ingredients and condiments being utilized; the novelty of trying Japanese or Italian has, in a sense, worn off; people are more aware and want to taste the magical preparations of celebrity chefs. In other words, the restaurant industry is not cuisine-driven rather it is chef-driven. These are the trends of the time, and if one were to be honest, who wouldn’t want to taste something as exotic and tantalizing as a Rose Petal Panna Cotta with Damson and Lavender Viennese Shortbread dreamt up by a Michelin star chef?

Descriptions and pictures have an uncanny way of making us gourmands wag our tongues with expectation, and with pictures such as the ones plastered on this article doing just that, remember that Gauri was insistent that The Table’s most unique proposition was the use of organic produce. Her guarantee? You will taste the food, and, as a result, you will crave it. It is this desire for all things organic and natural that has made Gauri a fan of Sri Lanka and it’s abundance of vegetables, fruits, and seafood. Disclosing that she can eat her bodyweight in hoppers, she spoke of the great things this diminutive island of ours has to offer the world in terms of cuisine.

Remember how I mentioned that words and pictures have a rather annoying propensity to create a sense of vagueness? Nothing truly sets your mind at ease like appeasing your appetite, which is just craving to know. With that in mind, may I suggest you follow Colombo Supper Club on Facebook, and avoid that horrendous disappointment that afflicts all foodies, which is not knowing what you are missing out on. Regret, as we have found out at some unfortunate point in our lives, is an unpleasant state to be in.

 

(Oh, by the way, Rumour – that mischievous damsel – has it that Naserah Tyebally is hard at work crafting yet another adventure with a Lankan twist for her next Pop Up. As hard as it is, we are all familiar with that age-old proverb – patience is a virtue – so stay tuned.)

 

Written by Rohitha Perera

Photography by Suren Nimalan

MVIVO presents the future of Sri Lankan homes

On the 6th of March 2018, the Nelum Pokuna Main Theatre opened its doors to over 600 guests and invitees who witnessed the next phase of homes and home building in Sri Lanka. The launch of this novel concept was organized by MVIVO (Pvt) Ltd., an organization whose roots are firmly set in Europe, who now bring their expertise, innovation, and knowledge to the shores of Sri Lanka.

Speaking during the launch, Kjell Van Doran, CEO of MVIVO (Pvt) Ltd., stated “Our belief at MVIVO is that homes need to change with the times, they need to evolve. That is the focus of our company, innovative housing solutions, which we are launching for the first time in Sri Lanka. These new homes that we build take into account modern-day lifestyles. People want convenience, quality and most of all speed when building a home. And even once your home is built, the core of each house is built with the flexibility for future adjustments. Therefore when your lifestyles change over the years your home will too. A home that caters and evolves to your lifestyle needs.”

The launch gave the audience a clear perspective of the capabilities of the organization; for one, MVIVO abides by all Eurocodes and quality standards set by the European Union with regard to construction and construction materials, ensuring that every home built, is to the highest standards. Another key point that got the attention of the audience was the time factor required to build a home, which is currently seven months however MVIVO plans to reduce the time further, to four months. As new as these homes are to Sri Lanka, they keep to two of the essential requirements of any home, aesthetics, and comfort. Each home is energy efficient and ensures the comfort of every individual in the home. A highlight of the launch was the introduction of an innovation that only MVIVO can offer, which sets them apart from all other companies in the arena of home building; this innovation is the configurator also known as the Design Studio. The configurator or Design Studio is an interface unique to MVIVO, which has several benefits. First, it breaks with the norm of visiting one architect at a time by allowing customers to have access to a limitless choice of architect designed or drawn houses, which customers can then modify to suit their needs. Second, as the Design Studio is an online application, customers can enjoy flexible hours, as they browse, choose, modify and design their home at a time that is convenient for them. And once the home design is picked and finalized, the cost is fixed, which allows the customer to have a clear indication of the budget. The result of these benefits is an elegant and modern home, built in a collaboration that fulfills the customer’s need and elevates their everyday living standards.

At the launch, guests were informed that a new website detailing the capabilities and advantages of MVIVO would be online, for their convenience, at the end of March. Further, the invitees were also informed of the MVIVO Design Center that would allow for the complete experience of these new homes, which would be launched by the 28th of March 2018. The Design Center, which is fully built by utilizing the MVIVO systems will be located at 253, Galle Road, Colombo 04. To visit the Design Center an appointment can be made by logging onto mvivo.com.

In addition to introducing homes of the future to Sri Lanka, MVIVO is giving back to the community. Their CSR project named Shapes Foundation will allocate 1% of their revenue to provide homes for those in need. MVIVO is planning to build between 12-16 houses through this initiative.

At the conclusion of the launch, two factors were apparent; the first was that MVIVO is building homes for individuals seeking elegant, modern houses that stand apart from the rest and are in-tune with global trends. The second that with many advantages to offer, MVIVO is poised to change and innovate the face of Sri Lanka’s home construction industry and fast track it to the future.