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| Saturday, 7 February 2004 |
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Nightingales - the place for the last nightcap by Tharika Goonathilake Nightingales, the name might be, but rest assured that you don't need to have vocals to match if you are interested in checking out the City's newest pulse point. The place being, the Galadari Hotel's Nightingales Karaoke Lounge, which was opened a few weeks ago with the aim of providing Colombo's stressed-out folks a chance to relax and sing their work care blues away while honing their musical inclinations.
The hotel has invested nearly Rs 1.5 million in the new look Lounge, which boasts of state-of the-art sound equipment not to mention popular hits that include a base of over 1500 songs. At Nightingales, the feel is cosy, yet one of space with the decor attempting a certain American ambience. The place can accommodate up to 40 people with a private lounge also available for bookings. The latter can cater to around 20 people. The music selection range varies from bubblegum hits of the day through to old classics and can cater to a repertoire of tastes. if you are looking for English, Tamil, Sinhala, Arabic, Japanese or even Korean songs the music is right up your street. The GM says that plans are also being made to add new Cds to the selection available, giving heed to visitor preferences. The main attraction about the lounge, however is its 'easy on the purse string' mode of operation, unlike many of the other Karaoke joints that dot the City. Patrons are not charged a entrance fee but the cost of 'participation' is set against the drinks and food bill, with a minimum charge tag. The Drink menu is extensive and offers a good selection of cocktails, spirits and lagers, all at reasonable prices. The snack menu too provides a hearty selection of nibbles. A novel feature at Nightingales is undoubtedly its `Bottle Bank' that enables visitors to try out the Lounge's extensive drinks list. The Bar encourages purchase by the bottle with guests having the opportunity of saving it for a later date. "The bottle is sealed and tagged by the barman and stored away for future use on demand," says Siriwardena citing it as a novel way to savour spirits and even cut down costs incurred by guests. With recent research proving that singing is good for health and the heart, there's no better way to call it a day than a bout of hearty Karaoke. The Nightingale experience will leave you fresh to face another day, enriched either by the selection in the Lounge, or by the live KJs playing hits seven days a week, 7.00 p.m to 1.00 a.m. ########## Skywards takes you places
Skywards members earn rewards not just for flying with Emirates and SriLankan Airlines but also on buying products and services from its key partners - major airlines, luxury hotels and resorts, retail and tour operators, car hire and financial services. Loyalty is rewarded with a variety of opportunities and advantages - free travel, upgrades, holidays, safaris, cruises, luxury goods, invitations to high profile events, and a multitude of other rewards. Skywards currently offers three membership tiers, each offering a greater degree of benefit and privileges - Skywards Blue, Skywards Silver, and Skywards Gold. Kids matter Skysurfers, the FFP for youngsters aged from two to 16 years, is tailored to their preferences and interests. Young 'Skysurfers' receive the same benefits as members of Skywards, which include earning Skywards Miles with Emirates, SriLankan and its partner airlines and hotels worldwide. Members need 60,000 Skywards Miles to redeem a free return Economy flight from Dubai to Lagos or Dubai to Accra: a one-way upgrade is 30,000 Skywards Miles in Economy. Members need 10,000 Skywards Miles to redeem a free return Economy flight from Lagos to Accra. Visit www.skywards.com for more information. ########## Valentine Celebrations Romantic, or quiet, whatever your preference most hotels have lined up an array of events to celebrate Valentine's Day in style. Here's a pick of what's on offer. Galadari There's a buffet style spread at the Coffee shop this Valentine's day so if you want a quiet celebration, here's the place to be. Remember to stop over at the sweetheart tree, where you could also capture `the special moments,' with a free snap shot being offered to couples.
If you have no time for a sit-down extravaganza but is still looking for an expression of love, the Flower Shop is worth a visit. How ever if you prefer a do-it-your-self kind of bouquet, no problem the florists will be happy to help you create the perfect floral tribute. Prefer something a little more sweet ? then head to the Pastry Shop, there's an array of goodies and chocolates for the taking. Le Kandyan If the cool hill country is your idea of a romantic night out on Valentine's Day, Le Kandyan's `Le Garage' night club has on offer a night of good music, food and entertainment lined up. Special entertainment spots including crazy contests have been organised with a super array of prizes to be won. There will be the selection of 'Valentine's Queen and King'. The hotel's 'Rasawasala' restaurant too has a line up of events including a special candle lit sumptuous dinner to celebrate the night of romance. Ladies will be offered a red rose with the gents in for a chocolate treat. Hilton If you want to fascinate your loved one with a dreamy, candlelight evening with delicious food and excellent wine, well then the Spoons restaurant is the best place for you. The hotel's signature restaurant has already acclaimed a name for its unique atmosphere and gourmet cuisine. A special 5 course menu will be served on Valentine's Day. Couples will receive giveaways at the entrance too. The Italian restaurant - Il Ponte will also have a romantic candlelit dinner with live jazz music in its beautiful surroundings. A special 4 course menu will be yours to indulge in. And that's not all! Fine Things the hotel's gift boutique will be filled with delicious handmade chocolates, lip smacking cakes, gorgeous red roses and other gift items available from 10th - 14th February 2004. |
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Produced by Lake House |
According to the hotel's GM Sampath Siriwardena, the increasing
popularity in entertainment options of this nature, especially among the
young and upwardly mobile Colombo denizens has been the main reason for
opening up a music zone of this nature.
The California Grill Rooftop Restaurant is worth a visit if you looking
for that ultimate romantic getaway on Valentine's. On offer is a grand
repast with champagne and roses. The five course sit down meal and music
by the popular group Ernest and Combo creates the perfect ambience to
serenade the one you love.
