Hotels

Cinnamon Lakeside opens in style:

Stepping into indulgence

Ruwini Jayawardana

'Indulgence' is the key theme behind the newly re-branded Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo, which opened doors to guests from September 1.

Previously known as Trans Asia, the luxurious resort hotel of five stars falling under the Cinnamon brand of hotels and resorts emerged with a brand new look in an attempt to give Sri Lankan hospitality a new meaning by taking the concept of indulgence to a new level.

"Many expressed their doubt towards the decision of closing doors to visitors to refurbish and re-brand the hotel. However the team worked hard to speed up the process and reopen in three and a half months. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 500 million," Chairman of John Keells Group, Susantha Ratnayake said.

Overlooking the panoramic view of Beira Lake and located in the heart of the city, Cinnamon Lakeside had added a new and luxurious dimension to their list. Be it a meeting point for friends, a setting for a business meeting, a venue for a glamorous wedding, conference or simply escaping the daily routine to pamper yourself on a vacation, the refurbished Cinnamon Lakeside offers its guests an ideal hideout in the hustle and bustle of the city.

Their latest additions are headed by new restaurants, a stylish bar and renovated rooms with a scenic view of the lake. Among these the Azmaara Spa which offers a variety of spa treatments and 7 Degrees North, the restaurant and bar which offers a trendy dining experience overlooking the Beira Lake are the hotel's top spots to watch out for.

In addition to these changes the hotel lobby had taken on a dramatic change with flooring, furniture and décor while sheer glass doors had been added to reveal the absorbing view of the lake and pool to the guests. The ballroom too had taken an enchanting twist with chandeliers and a new carpet making an appearance.

Also new to the scene are The Dining Room, a classic 24-hour coffee shop that caters international as well as Asian blends. The Lounge, the lobby with its tantalizing High Tea and dessert trolley while the hotel's renowned hotspots Royal Thai, Long Feng, Goodies, Pool Bar and The Library will function as before.

The opening week at Cinnamon Lakeside will go with a series of celebrations from September 1 to 7. Food carvings Master Chef Aree will take place on September 5 at 5 p.m. while a 'Cook with pastry Chef Jagath' session will be in store for those who visit The Lounge on September 6 at 5 p.m. Popular all-male choir 'The Revelations' will stun music enthusiasts with a memorable performance on September 7. A new monthly newsletter named 'Grapevine' also made its appearance with the re-branding of the hotel.

Green Globe Certification in 2010:

Mount Lavinia Hotel Going Green

Mount Lavinia Hotel has announced that it is paving its path to be the first hotel in Colombo to achieve the prestigious Green Globe Certified status.

The world's renowned distinction recognizes hotels that are committed to operating at the highest environmental standards. Mount Lavinia Hotel General Manager Anura Dewapura said, "We are not only looking at the environment but also the food we present to our guests in the hotel hence bringing together pleasure and responsibility and indeed making them inseparable".

The hotel chose to demonstrate their commitment to the environment by undertaking five aspects that will be assessed towards Certification in the future. The hotel will be assessed according to performance criteria that will guarantee better waste management, less air pollution, noise control, energy and water consumption control.

After an initial benchmarking phase in 2010, the Mount Lavinia Hotel will be audited in order to obtain the Green Globe certification, and will undergo the same process annually in order to guarantee that the criteria are maintained.

The successful completion of the Certification process will demonstrate strong commitment to the principles of environmental sustainability and in conjunction with endorsing that eco-gastronomy is the best way to move forward in the culinary world.

Employees at all levels are involved in the process, at the start of the project which focused on sustainable development, the hotel's commitment, that it should begin at domestic levels and the criteria that needs to be met in order to make it a better place to be in.

The project began with an awareness session for the whole hotel that lasted for two weeks conducted by Hemantha Ratnayake the spear head of the Green Globe certification at a leading hotel in the Cultural Triangle. He encouraged extending the awareness to conserve to family members and even the employees endorsed that their home fronts need to be aware of the conservation procedures and the importance.

"At our team members day which we have scheduled for November 2009 the theme in perspective will be 'why go green'. In the agenda will be tips and a slide show presented to the spouses on awareness to conserve.

Awards will be presented to environment champion, employee with the most innovative idea in conservation, poster competition on the theme going green, award for the best home garden. All of these aspects will be to boost the morale of the employee and in turn educating them with the household involved is the best way to establish a commitment at the work place", Anura said.

Five committees were appointed to focus on the five aspects of conservation that Mount Lavinia Hotel has taken into account. The team leaders of these committees are then given an opportunity to propose an improvement plan for their unit and the mechanisms they will undertake to produce positive and indeed cost saving measurements for the hotel.

It is a tremendous achievement for the hotel and its team members to take on this initiative. Particularly, to give back to the environment that they work so closely with and indeed using the best practises of the world. His next phase which will begin next year will be the criteria of Green Globe certification and indeed registering with Ministry of Tourism so that they align with Sri Lanka Tourism's Green initiatives.

"More importantly, the going green slogan has provoked a sense of environmental responsibility among all team members. Quite simply, the team members are becoming more aware of the impact their efforts are on earth and their responsibility to change past behaviours, while at the same time, the service quality has to remain well maintained", Hemantha added.

By 2010 the hotel plans to utilize the certification to promote their hotel as a responsible hotel. This stance with regards to sustainable development as well as to raise awareness towards the environment in the tourism sector among hotel guests especially in South Asia where tourism plays such a vital role in economic growth.

With this commitment, Mount Lavinia Hotel reaffirms its primary goal, to be and to remain the benchmark in terms of trendsetters in hotel innovation but with 'green' in mind.

Green Hotel Certification is a leading third party certification based on internationally accepted documentation. The seal is an independent recognition of sustainability efforts. Environmental and cultural levels as well as Corporate Social Responsibilities are benchmarked against the highest worldwide principles.

California Grill September delight

This September the Galadari Hotel's California Grill Rooftop Restaurant will be focusing on serving the super premium prime steak, including a number of highly sought-after cuts.

Spice rubs crusts and sauces infused with chilies and other vibrant flavors are at the heart of California Grill's inventive cuisine for their up and coming Steak and Wine promotion commencing from September 14 to the 21.

The sizzling Dinner Special offers diners exceptional value with options of selected favorites from the menu beginning with the choice of a classic Caesar Salad, Bean Salad or the Grill Vegetables.

California Grill is acclaimed for its 'sizzle' with prime steaks that are legendary.

The Steak and Wine promotion offers a choice such as Grilled Delicate Tenderloin Steak Wrapped in Beef Bacon with Rosemary Hollandaise, Thick and Tender Rib Eye Steak with Peppers in Brandy Cream, Sirloin Steak, a generous cut grilled to perfection with Cracked Pepper Sauce, T Bone Steak Grilled as per your choice served with Fried Onions Flamed with Bacardi and reduced with Red Wine.

A Dill Marinated Pink Salmon Steak with Caviar and White Wine Butter Sauce round out the entree selections. Side dishes complement the a-la-carte entrees and a choice is included from signature items such as sautéed mushrooms, and mashed potatoes.

Dessert offerings include tropical flavored sorbet or Tiramisu or Chocolate Mousse to name a few.

Each steak will be served with fresh garden vegetables and baked potato, fried wedge potato, gratin potato or mashed potato. A 25 percent discount on selected wines will also be on offer during this promotional period.

H20 awakens once again

Demi Hewamanna

For the last couple of months this place was behind closed doors to the many night goers of Colombo. It was known and is 'still' known to be number one club that kept people coming back for more for everything it offered, from the mind blowing tracks spun by the best DJs in town to a place where most of the unforgettable gigs have been performed bringing world class performers to take the country by storm.

The most exquisite club in Sri Lanka comes alive and hits the hustle and bustle of Colombo's vibrant and entertaining nightlife once again. With a different array of lights, setting and sound, it is a club that has a sensual and unique concept that sets it apart from all the other clubs in Colombo.

As you walk in, you're welcomed with the colors, ambiance and a feeling of Euphoria. Valentinos Entertainment in conjunction with Carlos Entertainment brings to you the hippest, hottest and most daring club is awakened once again. H20 will awaken the night crawler in you again and this time making sure the crawler stays put TONIGHT as Colombo's hottest DJs Ranga, Romano, Roger and the one and only Missy Flame who will be the guest DJ spin you the latest in Hip Hop, RnB and House music.

They also offer royal treatment for the guests with the VIP lounge and guests are offered a separate bar/lounge area with barmen and stewards. The entire club is available for private events, private parties on Saturday and Sunday. To see all this in live action all one has to do is be there to experience a night of fun, great music and something to talk about all throughout the week. For more information call Ranga 0773016281,Carl 0776132643 or Gayan 0777488118.

Cuban Fare at its best

Combining elements of traditional Spain with foods original to the region, Cuban food provides a powerful link to island memories and traditions. Cuban dinners receive more time and care as there will be a place for family and friends to congregate at the end of the day. Domino playing, dancing and indeed the congas are a usual sight at a family dinner.

The special dishes begin with a flavourful mix of onions, green peppers, garlic, oregano and bay leaves which are sautéed together. From this blend, dishes such as Pork Picadillo, a ground meat and olive dish to, an oxtail soup are begun.

Many dishes are accompanied by the Cuban classic combination of black beans and rice as well as plantains.

The plantain, a relative of the more familiar banana, can be prepared in a variety of ways, from the sweet maduros to the twice-fried to stones. Due to Cuba's abundance of sugarcane, it is not surprising that sweet dishes are popular on the tropical island.

A rich egg custard dripping in caramelized sugar, called flan, is arguably Cuba's most famous dessert though it is by no means alone.

For example, those with a sweet tooth can choose from treats such as trés leche.

Another popular dish is Cuban Rice pudding, In fact, many Cuban sweet and savoury dishes are based on using what was readily available in the most appetizing way.

That is why the style has translated so well across cultures, the desire to share good food and good times with family and friends is a universal one.

On August 28, the Tropical Hut at the Mount Lavinia Hotel was changed to a typical family style dinner with one rectangular table seating 51 guests.

Chef Leonel Velazquez, President of the Slow Food Movement in Sri Lanka, was the creator of the second Slow Food evening dedicated to his Cuban background.

He stated, "All ingredients used were from local growers within Sri Lanka and that is the essence of Slow Food".

Hotdogs galore

By popular demand the Pasticcino Hotdogs and Cupcakes with Milkshakes has been extended till September 30 at the - Pastry shop of the Galle Face Hotel.

Mouth-watering fillings and sauces BBQ Sauce with Coleslaw, Mustard Sauce and Sauerkraut and with Spicy Thai Sauce. For vegetarian lovers they have yummy vegetarian Hotdogs.

Sweet Cup cakes will also be on offer with your favorite flavors like orange, chocolate, banana, vanilla and coffee cupcakes with iced- cold vanilla milk shakes at from 8am - 8pm during the promotion. The Galle Face Hotel will host a special offer for all kids who dine with their Parents at the Pasticcino. They are offering a free Hotdog or an ice-cream for all kids who are below 8 years. For more details please contact Pasticcino on 2-541010 EXT: 3333