Travel go guide

Number 18 - could be rated No. 1

"We all have equal amounts of talent," she says, "it's those of us who dare...." and dare she does, Nayantara Fonseka, who already runs a successful fashion design company, two very stylish boutique hotels in the South and also has just set up a trust to help those children orphaned by the tsunami, called neha, has recently opened Number 18 on Cambridge Place.

The latest gem to open in Colombo's dining scene is the chic and glamorous No. 18. In the heart of Colombo 7, down Cambridge Place this restaurant is a testament to Nayantara Fonseka's (better known as Taru) vision and sense of style.

A new opulence is spreading into the dining culture. How we eat is important to our well-being, and it's important to inject a little bit of luxury into our daily lives. The 1960s inspired d,cor is in keeping with the original design of the house.

The sleek interior is minimalist with white used as the central colour.

The relative absence of colour gives things a light and serene feel while retaining that overall sense of uuber chic.

Taru has gathered together a dynamic team, including consultant Taru Villas' Chef Russell Gronow of Melbourne's "MoMo's Restaurant" and "Mongusto Mama" and local chef Mark Smith.

They lead a team of local talent and together create cuisine whose standard and flavour have not previously been experienced in Colombo.

The emphasis is on high quality produce, imported largely from Australia. To this they add a combination of Asian, local and Mediterranean flavours to create unbelievable meals. Everything on the menu is made 'in' house from the delicious chilli grissini sticks, to the pastas, breads and ice cream.

Given that a variety of flavours are offered at 'Number 18,' the restaurant appeals to a broad target market. Locals and foreigners alike will appreciate the food and the option of dining outdoor or inside in the smoke free dining room.

The air-conditioned lounge bar with its great cocktails is a hit with pre-dinner guests and bar hoppers alike.

Taru of course does not stop there; determined to cater to the younger crowd in Colombo she muses that they will be in for a pleasant surprise on the weekends!

At 'Number 18' the concept is to savour your dining experience, enjoying a few glasses of good wine, fabulous modern Australian cuisine, the restaurants' ambience and most importantly... the company!

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Hotel "Breeta's Garden" celebrates fourth anniversary

Hotel Breeta's Garden, Ginigathena celebrated its fourth anniversary on a grand scale recently. As a special feature of the celebrations, Managing Director of Hotel Breeta's Garden Ajith Kumara Bandara felicitated all employees who had served the hotel since it began operations.

Hotel Breeta's garden has been built at a scenic location at Ranjurawa, Ginigathena along the Colombo-Hatton highway, overlooking the cascading Aberdeen waterfall. The hotel is surrounded by beautiful mountains, and a lush tea estate.

Breeta's Garden has a beautiful swimming pool which is something unique for a hotel in the hill country. The hotel has introduced an international lunch buffet every Sunday at an attractive price, for in-house guests and tourists travelling to Nuwara Eliya on the Colombo-Hatton highway. - LJ

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City's largest ballroom opens at The Colombo Plaza

The Colombo Plaza unveiled its newly renovated Grand Ballroom, the biggest in Colombo recently offering a venue of luxurious distinction with state-of-the-art technology, facilities and style.

As always, the capital's movers, shakers and the swish set including Colombo Plaza's loyal clientele gathered for the occasion, and were hosted to a simple but elegant cocktail complete with classical music and gourmet cuisine.

Following the Rs. 160 million renovation, the new ballroom was christened 'The Oak Room' with facilities on par with the world's best venues.

The expertise of one of Singapore's interior designers went into making the new ballroom a truly international conferencing and events venue.

The Oak Room is also not just about a new look, but will also offer clients amazing flexibility with catering for a variety of events, a state-of-the art lighting and sound system and the option of additional function rooms if required.