|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Saturday, 5 October 2002 |
 |
|
 |
Features | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
|
Colombo by light By Chitra Weerasinghe Who says Colombo is dead at night?
Grandiose plans to make our little Lanka similar to Singapore, Dubai, Costa Rica, the Caribbean are under way. And soon you will be able to dine alfresco style when those boutiques, shops, warehouses, on that stretch of land from St. Joseph's College right up to Duplication Road, is converted into a busy, bazaar area with a carnival like atmosphere on the lines of Singapore's Clarke Quay - with restaurants, shops, pubs, cafes and push cart stalls lining its walkways - selling practically everything from curios, artifacts, household items to designer wear. And what about those night cruises on the Beira Lake where you could wine and dine in the floating restaurants? Chairman Tourist Board Paddy Withana is moving fast on getting ``those ideas and activities'' going. He has already met with the Director of the Singapore Zoo to have a similar facility in an under-utilised area close to Colombo. He's talked with investors about a `Theme Park' which he wishes to have within a 20 to 30 minutes drive from Colombo. That will see more visitors to the city. But until then while Colombo keeps should I say semi-awake with its 5-star hotels, night clubs, discos, pubs and clubs catering to the night life thirsty, the Galle Face Green appears to be the place that will power Colombo's economy attracting as it does people from all walks of life, diverse interests and desires. Many years ago the Green was patronised by nocturnal joggers who had their fill of exercise; lovers who sat in parked cars, marvelled at the setting sun and whispered their sweet nothings to each other; the saruvath, saravita, kaddala and wadai karayas; the ice cream vendors; and the occasion seller of a cheap toy like a bullock cart or pin wheel. A solitary stroll on the Green last week found me surprised that even a religious dignitary had decided to have a sermon on the Green - amidst all that cacophony of sound. I admired the devotees, the peace loving and the curious who stood listening patiently to him talk of peace. Yes! `peace' is the buzz word today. The weary city worker was seen enjoying a quick snack and drink seated on the grounds prior to leaving for home. I was surprised to see `Nanas' still in business on the Galle Face Green. And more surprised when I found that old Nanas, the pioneer had a rival - this one called `Nana.' To `Nanas,' the Galle Face Green is the only world he knows for business. It is the one place he just cannot let go. On a Saturday or Sunday night he earns as much as Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000. On other days its much less - yet in the region of a Rs 8,000 to 10,000. Old Nanas has been in business since 1972. Anslem, the other `Nana,' one of a family of five had worked under `` Nanas' gained experience and then ventured on his own. He's been on the Green for 10 years. Both Nanas and Nana appear to have a good sense of business acumen. No over supply; no waste. We have a record of the popular items and on what days what will sell." I chatted with 20-year old Rusmi, the gram seller who has been assisting his father since his eighth year and who now runs his own business. Has the additional lighting in the vicinity brought you more customers? I asked. And I was amused when he replied: ``People don't come here because of lights. They come here because of liquor; they want to drink as much as they like and eat our devilled items for `taste'. But now that bringing liquor to the Green has been stopped business is not what it used to be." But I was happy that all the vendors on the Galle Face Green welcomed this liquor ban as a ``good idea for now people could come with their families, eat, drink water, Pepsi or Cola and remain as long as they wished to for they were now absolutely safe from resultant drunken brawls or unavoidable thefts. ****************** The art of food at Gallery Cafe By Tharika Goonathilake If you like fine things- fine food, fine service and fine decor- then the Paradise Road Gallery Cafe, epitomises a fine choice. Undoubtedly, one of Colombo's finest restaurants, owned by Udayashantha Fernando, the man behind one of Sri Lanka's most up market lifestyle stores comprising Paradise Road, Paradise Studios- The Galley Cafe, presents haute cuisine at its best. The former home of architect Geoffrey Bawa, the Cafe, holds the signature water bodies and columns associated with Bawa architecture and has been designed to create the right kind of ambience for dining and wining in style. From the moment you enter, it is quite clear that the place is much more than for just food. Stylishly designed in a black and white fusion of earthy tones and colours, antiques, modern sofas, soft lamps and wrought iron furniture, the Cafe presents subtle elegance with a traditional touch. So whether its a candlelight dinner for two or a more lavish sit down dinner for ten, the Cafe provides a chance to savour the flavours of a unique blend of dishes with its own brand of piquancy. Those not carried away by the impressive wine list can even sip the excellent in-house ginger beer. Starters like Olive Oil Sauntered Onion Rings and Pumpkin Ravioli served with Basil Pesto Cream Sauce, Fettuccine with Smoked Salmon and Herb Cream Sauce are must try's. The tasty Gotukola soup too deserves special mention. The range of salads is also amazing and so are the main dishes with their blend of flavours that titillate your palette. For the vegetarians there is a delightful selection, dressed up with the right kind of innovative ingredients to add variety to choice. Our Favourites included the Thai vegetable curry and the Vegetarian Filo Parcels. There is also veggi lassagne. The desserts, fusing international delights and the Chef's innovations play their part in the grand finale. The wining and dining completed there's a little more on offer at the Galley Cafe- a bric a brac shop, beckoning to those who love a good buy. Here, you'll discover an extraordinary mix of wares from objet' de -art to anything and everything that could make a lovey gift to remember your experience at the Cafe or take back home as a memento. The Paradise Road Gallery Cafe is located, Alfred House Road, Colombo 3 and is open from 10 a.m to 12 midnight. ****************** This October Around the Town CUISINE Sizzling Steaks at the London Grill Enjoy a range of sizzling steaks, cooked to perfection at the Ob-eroi's fine dining restaurant from October 11-20. T-bone to tenderloin, veal, lamb and even char grilled Norwegian salmon steak will be on the menu to savour in style. The chef's choice of seasonal vegetables, potatoes and fresh greens coupled with a selection of exotic sauces will add spice to the steak out ! **** Culinary themes at the Mount The Governor's restaurant is playing host to different beats and different treats with a seven-day-cuisine special this month. On Monday it will be a truly Sri Lankan Culinary experience while Tuesday is vegetarian. Chinese and Mongolian specialities will be the attraction on Wednesday followed up by Arabian delights on Thursday night. On Friday its B.B.Q night with a jazzy band in attendance. On Saturday there are Italian specialities with Sunday's buffet giving British treats, fish and chips, cottage pie and Yorkshire pudding to name a few. **** Octoberfest at Trans Asia A finest selection of sausages and cold cuts Bockwarst ham, Beafsteaks and lever Pate will be on offer during this month at Octoberfest at the Summer fields restaurant. **** Kushiage Promotion at Hilton Enjoy a range of skewers with meats, vegetables deep fried and bread crumbed during this special promotion from October 10- 24, 11.00 a.m to 12 mid night. **** ART & CULTURE * Giacomo Puccini's poignant love story with all its passion, intrigue and tragedy revolving around possessive Rodolfo and his tragic Mimi will be brought to life When Opera and Concert productions Worldwide go on the boards on October 23. The Golden Ballroom of the Lanka Oberoi will host the event. * Comedy Hurry for Hollywood - the lighthearted musical will go on stage at the Golden Ballroom of the Oberoi on October 24. Let us in on Colombo's best kept secrets. We need hot tips on night
spots, restaurants, cuisine and the latest in entertainment. Tell us what
you like or share with us good bargain buys, promotional events, travel
news- anything under the sun. If your tip is worth following, we will
feature you on this page. Write to the Editor Travel, Daily News, Lake
House Colombo 10 or e-mail us at |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
Even if it were, a few months ago, the city is quietly awakening to
government's call for lighting its environment. And I believe it will take
a few months before this financial hub begins to glow and bustle with the
kind of activity it is hoped, it would.
