94 • LIFESTYLE

Author: Marina

  • Social Media Etiquette to follow: Post-Covid19 

    It’s no secret that Covid-19 has transformed our lives, forcing us to adapt to a new world with technology. At the heart of this transformation are Social Media Platforms.

    Although as integral as they are, these platforms often provide their audiences with an escape from reality and can be the very source of an infodemic, especially during a pandemic.

    But what can your business, however large or small it is, do to keep its social media accounts active in the right way, during these uncertain times? What can you do as a brand to keep your audiences engaged with empathetic, informative and creative content?

    Keep scrolling to know about four simple social media etiquettes that you can use to stay afloat during a global crisis.

    Know your audience

    The best way to re-enter the digital arena is by listening to your audience.
    Researching and understanding your audience and their perspective will allow you to customise your products/services and create content that aligns with your audience’s sentiments.

    Ex: Launched as an online food ordering and delivering platform, Uber Eats later modified their services to provide other items such as groceries, especially during travel restrictions imposed due to Covid19

    Use but don’t Abuse

    Covid19 has taken a toll on everyone at every level in society. The pandemic may have opened up different opportunities for your business. But for another, it may have caused irreversible losses.

    Before you hit that ‘share’ button, review your content thoroughly to ensure that the tone, words and images used in your post will not offend anyone. Most importantly, do not use Covid19 as a platform to actively promote your brand on social media.

    Post Responsibly

    One can easily get lost in the infodemic which, can be detrimental at times. Staying relevant is necessary during a pandemic, but that does not mean you should share misinformation or bombard your audience with content 24×7. Identify the little cues your audience leaves on your social media channels with their engagement and create content accordingly.

    If you wish to share information related to Covid19, share such information from reliable sources such as WHO and relevant Government entities.

    Respond quickly

    According to a study conducted by Conversocial, 94% of your customers and prospects expect a reply to a complaint they make on social media within 24 hours. Use simple tools like Automated Messages on Facebook Business Suite to promptly respond to inquiries, comments, and feedback.

    In that way, you are not only retaining your business with the audience but also communicating with them directly.

    Tools such as Facebook Business Suite have made it easier for you to respond to your audience and monitor their activities on your Facebook and Instagram pages using your mobile device.

    Although we live in unprecedented times, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Let’s take this opportunity to use social media to change, be creative and stay positive.

  • 03 Recipes That will make Your Quarantine Cooking Easy & Fun

    Did you know that your kitchen could be an ideal place for you to navigate through the global Covid-19 Pandemic, with minimum ingredients but with a ton of creativity?

    Here are three simple recipes to make in quarantine that doesn’t require a long list of ingredients or time, but sure to nourish not just your tummy but your mind and soul.

    A gloriously delicious fruit smoothie

    Kick start your morning with a nourishing and visually appealing fruit smoothie. Since its time of the year where mangoes are in season, here’s a quick recipe for a mangolicious smoothie.

    Ingredients 

    • 01 large or 02 medium-sized, well-ripened mangoes 
    • 01 tablespoon of plain yoghurt 
    • 01 small banana
    • Water or milk of your choice

    Method

    Chop up the mangoes and the banana. Blend the fruits with yoghurt and add water or milk on steady stream to adjust the consistency of the smoothie. Make it a super delightful treat by topping it off with Vanilla ice-cream.

    If you want to make a smoothie that is a bit more nutritious and vibrant, check this awesome smoothie recipe by Aasif on his channel.

    A cosy Tomato and Egg Drop Soup

    Are you looking for a light-weight meal that will whet your appetite?

    Check out this recipe by Marion Grasby to create a simple yet delicious tomato and egg drop soup with only a few ingredients.

    A creamy, South Korean Coffee

    Have you still not succumbed to the joys of making whipped coffee? Without a doubt, Dalgona Coffee has become one of the most popular beverages to try out during the ongoing lockdown. Click here to learn how to create your version of Dalgona Coffee.

    There you have it. Three simple yet mouth-watering recipes that will make your quarantine period a little more interesting.

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  • Stay Home, Stay Sane

    It’s no surprise that 2020 started with an unforgettable bang. Humour aside, thanks to Covid19, the beginning of a new decade has proven to be extremely challenging to the entire world. No matter what part of the world you are in right now, the struggle to stay sane is real.

    Here are a few things that you can do to keep your sanity intact while in quarantine.

    1. Accept, DO NOT deny and be patient

    First and foremost, you have to accept that you are not the only one who feels anxious or overwhelmed by the new work from home routine. It’s ok to feel the uncertainty around you, as long as you push yourself to be positive. Do not let your anxiety get the best of you. Be patient enough to see the light at the end of this tunnel.

    2. Be Productive

    When you have got your commuting time cut down by 100%, you have all the time imaginable to get almost anything done. To get the maximum out of the 24 hours you have got, plan your activities daily and develop a routine that allows you to work from home productively. Prioritize your work and make sure you allocate time to do things that you have always wanted to do.

    If you would like to get more tips on how to make your day more productive during this pandemic, watch this video by Matt D’Avella.

    3. Discover the joys of home-cooked meals

    Right now is the perfect time to turn your kitchen into a Michelin Star-worthy home restaurant. Yep, it’s time to put the knowledge you gained by watching Master Chef into good use. Be creative with the ingredients you have and research new recipes to create fun and exciting dishes.

    The popular parenting channel WhatsupMoms ironically can teach you ways to create dishes that will surely appeal to your inner child too.

    4. Reconnect and Reconcile

    If anything Covid19 has taught us is that uncertainty is our biggest enemy. Nevertheless, let this uncertainty be a motivator for you to reconnect with your loved ones. Spend quality time with your family and let them know how much you love and appreciate them. Take time to pay attention to your kids or younger siblings. Listen to them and ask them how they feel about everything that is going on.

    It’s also the perfect time for you to reconnect with yourself. Assess yourself to find out ways to improve yourself (both intellectually and personally). Follow online courses that will sharpen your knowledge and skills in your respective fields. Start maintaining a journal which will help you to understand yourself better, express your thoughts more freely and gain perspective on your life.

    5. Pursue a new passion

    Take notes from the 60’s Ceylon and create a garden that can feed you in times like this. Spinach, Peppers, Tomatoes, Okra (commonly known as ladies’ fingers) are some of the vegetables that can be grown in pots. Gardening is a great way to teach kids about fruits and vegetables. Involving your kids in gardening activities can get them excited to try out different fruits and vegetables as well.

    6. Entertainment is key

    Nothing can cheer us up like a good movie or a book. Take this time to read a couple of books that you have always wanted to read or watch some movies and TV series.

    7. Pay attention to the essentials

    Check your supplies daily to make sure that you have enough supplies to help you get through this pandemic. If you have kids, young siblings, or elderly members in your family, pay close attention to their health and always remind them to stay clean.

    Let me know in the comments, what activity you would like to do and let’s not forget to stay positive and kind during these trying times.

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  • Mobitel launches the iPhone 11 – A phone that is ready for all actions

    Recently, Mobitel Sri Lanka launched the latest products from Apple, including iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max to its customers and I was thrilled to be a part of the event.

    Although I am an ardent Android phone user, here’s why I believe the new iPhone could be a convenient travel tool for you.

    iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max cameras feature the latest camera upgrades which will allow you to take perfect images even in low light. The night mode is another exciting new feature that turns on automatically for low‑light photos.

    The next‑generation Smart HDR recognises people and would enhance the facial features without messing with the background.

    The latest iPhone 11 also beautifully shoots sharp 4K videos. The Ultra-Wide camera is the perfect equipment that captures four times more scene, making it the perfect companion for all your adventures. And now you can edit videos just like you edit photos.

    We heavily rely on our phones when we travel because of its versatility to be a camera, a local guide and even a translator. It’s no surprise that we want the battery to last longer. The latest iPhone 11 Pro Max lasted 40.5 hours on a single charge, while the iPhone 11 Pro lasted 34 hours.

    Well, what do you think about the new iPhone? Do you think it’s a worthy investment? Let me know in the comments below.

  • Palmstone Retreat – An idyllic hideaway

    Surrounded by thick rainforests, mesmerizing waterfalls and streams, Kithulgala is a well-loved location among adrenaline junkies. 

    The Oscar-winning 1957 David Lean movie, Bridge on the River Kwai was also filmed at Kithulgala, giving this region more popularity. According to the locals, the remains of the train that blew up in the final scene can still be found in the Maskeliya river.

    Tucked away in a dense rainforest, is a small luxury boutique hotel named Palmstone Retreat where your love for nature and adventure is combined.

    Location 

    From the Kithulgala main town, you will have to travel 6km up the hills to reach Palmstone Retreat. The road to Palmstone Retreat is not the smoothest. But you will be treated to a picture perfect view on your way to the top.

    If your vehicle has less ground clearance it would be pretty challenging to travel on this road. An SUV or a 4×4 with enough ground clearance is strongly recommended.

    [googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m8!1m3!1d15839.99210051416!2d80.423923!3d7.009514!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x0%3A0xd5b56557c29b312e!2sPalmstone%20Retreat!5e0!3m2!1sen!2slk!4v1568652991109!5m2!1sen!2slk&w=1000&h=200]

    Accommodation

    At Plamstone Retreat, there are three Chalets. These Chalets are built among thickets, overlooking the lush waterfall. Each Chalet has two connecting suites named as Nelum and Araliya.

    Confusing? Think of it as a simple cottage that has two rooms and can be accessed through a passage. Each Chalet can accommodate up to a maximum of 04 people.

    We stayed in a Nelum suite and this spacious room is equipped with a King Sized bed, a mini couch, a vanity, a 40” Flat screen TV with Satellite TV, a closet, an iron+ironing board, a hairdryer, a safe, a mini-bar and bathroom slippers. The en-suite bathroom is also spacious and has an inbuilt Jacuzzi. Also, there is a private deck built in each suite, facing the gushing stream.

    You will receive the same amenities at Araliya suite except for the inbuilt Jacuzzi. Instead, you will get a private plunge pool as well as a sauna for further relaxation. Palmstone Retreat is a perfect place for you to literally disconnect from the virtual world as there will be no mobile phone coverage. Nonetheless there will be complimentary Wi-Fi in each suite.

    Architecture 

    The Chalets at Palmstone Retreat are built in a way to blend in with the lush greenery at the property. All the suites are spacious and designed in a way to get plenty of sunlight during the day. The wooden floors perfectly match with the walls and the large windows give a fantastic view of the beautiful waterfall. Unfortunately, the suite we stayed in, the view was blocked by the neighbouring rubber trees.

    Due to the bad weather, the pool was not in its best condition. Nevertheless, the staff at Palmstone Retreat did try their best to clean it up but the heavy showers kept them from succeeding.

    Food

    The lobby which also acts as the main dining area is built right by the pool. You can either enjoy your meals at the restaurant or dine in at the deck in your suite. For lunch, we had Sweet Corn Soup followed by Egg Fried Rice with Devilled Chicken and Chopsuey. For dinner, we were served Chicken Minnestroni Soup for a starter. For the main course, we had Caper Marinated Chicken with Cheese on top followed by a decadent serving of Chocolate Mousse.

    Other Activities 

    Palmstone Retreat is built, bordering an enchanting waterfall. Right towards the end of the garden, there is a natural pool that will literally call you for a dive. You can also visit the popular Mannakethi Ella which is located just 30 – 40 minutes away from the Retreat. The hotel staff will accompany you on your trek and will provide you with life jackets upon your request. Apart from these sites, white-water rafting, jungle trekking, bird watching and cave exploration are some of the most popular activities in Kithulgala. The staff at Palmstone Retreat will arrange any of the above-mentioned activities upon your request. A TV lounge, as well as a pool table, are also available if you wish to spend your time indoors.  

    Kithulgala is home to some of the densest rainforests in Sri Lanka. If you are an adrenaline junkie, visit Kithulgala from January to July as the weather in these months favor all the water sports activities such as white water rafting and abseiling. However, if you are looking for a place to rejuvenate and unwind, September would be the best month to visit Palmstone Retreat as the weather would be calmer and inviting. 

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  • Thalduwa Island Villas – A beguiling escape to serenity

    The southern coastline of Sri Lanka is home to some of the most pristine beaches, UNESCO world heritage sites as well as plenty of artistic boutique hotels and villas.

    If you are a traveller who seeks authentic experience in a location that draws inspiration from the region, Ahangama is the place for you. Combined with a surfing – friendly community, Ahangama, in my opinion, is now budding to be the new attraction in the South of Sri Lanka.

    Located away from the sandy bays and on the Goviyapana river, is a ravishing island known as Thalduwa Island – a sanatorium to mangrove, wildlife and a collection of four Dutch colonial villas.

    Location

    Exiting from the Southern Highway and drive down the Galle – Hambantota (A002) road till you reach Thalduwa Road. About 2 kilometres into the Thalduwa Road, you will see a small path that will lead you the collection at Thalduwa Island Villas.

    [googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3968.128167406102!2d80.3786727143419!3d5.977083495670619!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x3ae114bb1f67af1f%3A0x46aad9ca1e2f3d3!2sThalduwa+Island+Villas!5e0!3m2!1sen!2slk!4v1565614733795!5m2!1sen!2slk&w=1000&h=200]

    Accommodation

    Thalduwa Island villas consist of four different villas namely, Karmel Villa, Sisila Villa, Mr T Villa, and Vador Villa. Each villa is inspired by different cultural elements of both the eastern and the western world. Sisila Villa – the largest villa in the collection, reflects modern architectural elements combined with traditional Sri Lankan elements.

    Each room at Karmel Villa is outfitted with either a single or a double bed, a desk, a closet, a large mirror, attached bathrooms and of course a signature style bathtub. The bathtubs are evidently inspired by medieval Sri Lanka and it reminded me of the folklore that described the luxurious baths infused with sandalwood and various other exotic ingredients taken by the ancient kings and queens. Although I must say, for me sleeping next to a bathtub was a little bit eerie.

    The main living room is equipped with a large TV and a DVD Player as well as a large comfy couch that can easily accommodate about 02 – 06 people easily. The kitchenette is also located right at the corner of the living area and it is well equipped with a fully functioning refrigerator and a stove. If you wish to cook a meal or even make some snacks, you will find all the equipment needed, except for the ingredients.

    Architecture

    Karmel Villa which I stayed in, has altogether five rooms out of which two are located facing the mangroves of Goviyapana river. As you enter into this villa, you will be transported to a place where traditional architecture seamlessly blended in with the western culture. The Pavilion which can also be transformed into a dining place is located right by the pool and adjoining it is a wooden deck hidden that will let you enjoy unprecedented beauty of the Goviyapana river.

    The pool is in the perfect size for a private villa. The water does not contain a lot of chlorine which is beneficial for your skin. One thing we noticed about the pool is that during the day, the water absorbs the heat and emits it during the night, making the pool slightly warm.

    One of the important things that I noticed in this living area is the large statue of Lord Buddha. It’s important to note that although these properties are owned by non-Sri Lankans, their respect and love for the Sri Lankan culture were well reflected in each villa. If you stay at Sisila Villa, you will also notice the different retro-style posters that will surely be nostalgic.

    Food

    Without a doubt, the chef at Thalduwa Island Villa knows how to impress their guests with a gastronomical feast. For lunch, we had Paratha with spicy chicken curry and noodles. The paratha was soft and it paired well with the spiciness of the chicken curry. The noodles were flavoursome and had generous portions of chicken pieces mixed. For dinner, we opted for chicken shawarma accompanied with french fries and a fresh garden salad. It was a dish that combined all the right Mediterranean flavours.

    Activities

    The most popular activity in Thalduwa is paddleboarding on Goviyapana river. In my opinion, it’s the best way to explore Thalduwa island and experience the serene beauty of it. If you wish to participate in a yoga session, the staff can arrange you one upon your request. You can simply paddleboard it to the nearby location for Yoga and paddle your way back to the villa. The staff at Thalduwa Island Villas is very helpful and attentive to your needs.

    Visit their website to know more about other sites and places you can visit in the vicinity. What are your thoughts about this gorgeous collection of villas? Let me know in the comments below.

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  • 15 Hotels that are Perfect for a Romantic Day Out

    In Sri Lanka, not all of us have the opportunity to spend a night out with our partner or friends. Here’s a list of places where you can spend the day without breaking your bank.

    All of the selected hotels are located within an hour away from Colombo, allowing you to make the most of your day. You can always use the expressways for a hassle-free drive as well.
    All the rates are either for a base category double room or a twin room, excluding meals unless otherwise specified. The day rooms are usually available from 10 AM to 5 PM but the time may vary depending on the occupancy and hotel policies.

    Hotel Kabalana Galle

    Facing the graceful southern beach, Hotel Kabalana is located at one of the prime surfing areas in Ahangama beach. Inspired by the ambience of ancient Egypt, this hotel provides its guests with a swimming pool, an Ayurveda spa, a bar, a restaurant and a coffee shop.

    Price – 5,000 LKR (Including lunch and evening tea)

    Coco Bay Unawatuna

    This beachfront hotel is located in Unawatuna, a few meters away from the access road to the Southern Express Way. All their rooms are equipped with complimentary WiFi, satellite TV, a minibar, a Jacuzzi or a private pool. The hotel also has an outdoor pool, a restaurant and a pool table as well.

    Price – 7,000 LKR

    Turyaa Kalutara

    Turya is a 5-star hotel owned by the Turyaa Hotels which is located in a 6 acres oceanfront land. It has 2 pools, a sauna, a spa, a gym and a library too. They have five room categories and each has its own private balcony. There are five restaurants and a coffee shop in Turyaa.

    Price – 8,300 LKR

    Timeless Villa

    Timeless Villa is a small boutique hotel located in Ahangama. It has altogether 05 sea view rooms and a standard air-conditioned room is equipped with a mini bar, satellite TV, hot water facility and WiFi. They also have their own restaurant but you can opt for dining in.

    Price – 8,500 LKR

    Camelot Beach Hotel

    Located in the Portutota Road – Negombo, Camelot Hotel is the perfect spot for you to relax and unwind. The hotel offers you a restaurant with two bars and selected rooms with private balconies.

    Price – 10,000 LKR (including lunch)

    Yara Galle Fort

    Yara Galle Fort Hotel is located in the ever so popular Galle Fort. Although there’s no pool in this hotel, the interior and amenities will remind you of the colonial times. This hotel includes 14 luxury rooms with free WiFi, a restaurant and a coffee shop.

    Price – 10,000 LKR

    The Fortress Resort and Spa

    Another unique property located in the southern coast of Sri Lanka is the Fortress Resort & Spa. This luxury boutique hotel has a very large pool, a spa, three restaurants including a special seafood restaurant and a tea lounge. For a day, their rates include, access to the pool access, two cocktails, lunch, WiFi and reserved sun-bed for each.

    Price – 11,000 LKR

    Villa Thawthisa

    This luxury boutique hotel is located in the Unawatuna peninsula. The famous Japanese Peace Temple is just 600 meters away from this property. It has two ocean facing outdoor pools, all day restaurant and a fitness centre. All rooms are available with free WiFi. They also have rooms with private pools as well.

    Price – 12,000 LKR

    Club Waskaduwa Resort & Spa

    Located in Waskaduwa, this property is just one hour drive from Colombo. It has an outdoor pool, all-day restaurant, a spa and a bar. Their rather large garden is the perfect setting for glorious sunsets.

    Price – 13,000 LKR (including lunch for two)

    Arie Lagoon

    Arie Lagoon is another one of my favourite properties in Negombo. Located in between the ocean and the lagoon this hotel has two large pools, two restaurants, three bars, a spa and a gym. Also on demand, they will arrange your activities such as cycling and water sports. They have five different room categories including Premier Deluxe with Plunge Pool.

    Price – 13,000 LKR (Including welcome drink, lunch and evening snack)

    Amari Galle

    Amari is a beachfront property owned by the well know Onyx group. With 172 rooms under 06 different categories, a unique pool, a lounge, kids area, spa, fitness centre, two restaurants and a rooftop bar, this 5-star hotel provides you with many facilities.

    Price – 14,000 LKR (Lunch buffet 3,500 LKR)

    Anantaya Resort and Spa Chilaw

    Located in the calm Chilaw cost, this award-winning property is picturesque and features a large outdoor pool, spa, gym, two restaurants and a bar. On request, they will arrange beach volleyball, cycling, water polo and boat rides too. They have five room categories including Water Villas with Jacuzzi.

    Price – 16,900 LKR

    Le Grand, Galle

    The newest addition to the Asia Leisure group, this 5-star hotel is now one of the premium hotels in Galle with majestic views of the famous Galle Fort. This property has a large pool next to the beach, a spa, three restaurants and a gym. They offer five categories of rooms fitted with either a Jacuzzi or a private plunge.

    Price – 16,000 LKR (Pool charge is 1,500 LKR per person)

    Aditya Resort Hikkaduwa

    Aditya Resort is a boutique hotel with 16 suites. Every suite includes private plunge pools, jacuzzies or lap pools. 10 of the 16 suites are with an ocean view whereas the remaining have a garden view. They do have a pool, a spa and a restaurant.

    Price – 19,000 LKR

    Taj Bentota Resort & Spa

    Taj Bentota is another upscale hotel and this hotel has a large pool, three restaurants, a spa and a fitness centre. All the rooms have king-size beds and complimentary WiFi.

    Price – 26,000 LKR

     

    Disclaimer: All of these offers are valid for Sri Lankans only. Given rates and services may vary depending on the availability and hotel policies. All photo copyrights and all rights are reserved by the respective owners.

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  • Amagi Aria – Beyond the ordinary comfort

    Negombo is a modest beach town located just 10km away from the Bandaranaike International Airport. The friendly local community, freshly caught fish, the lagoon and the beach are some of the main reasons why I love visiting Negombo. Inevitably, above-mentioned reasons do attract many local and foreign tourists thus housing plenty of hotels and guest houses of all scales and sizes.

    One such hotel that caught my attention when I was looking for a place to stay in Negombo last year was Amagi Aria, a four-star hotel that belongs to Amagi Hotels.

    Location

    The journey to Amagi Aria will not take more than an hour from Colombo and less than 20 minutes from Bandaranayake International Airport in Katunayake. Framed against the picture-perfect lagoon is the deck that will surely allow you to enjoy a glorious sunset. The hotel is situated in an ideal location where travelers can easily access the beach and other attractions in Negombo.

    Accommodation

    Amagi Aria offers you 68 guest rooms including 02 suites that are sophisticated and equipped with modern amenities. The Standard rooms offer you a garden view with the pool moreover the Deluxe rooms as well as the suites, offer you a glorious view of the lagoon and the city.

    The Deluxe room that I stayed in didn’t have the best view of the lagoon however, the balcony served as a great place to relax. Each of the rooms are furnished with a flat-screen TV, a minibar and a cupboard. The bathrooms are spacious and have hot water facilities. The rooms are designed with a simple and minimalistic theme.

    The pool at Amagi Aira, in my opinion may not be one of the best pools I’ve seen in a hotel. It is located right by the reception and it’s quite small in size.

    Food

    The main restaurants at Amagi Aria are Moya, Pontoon, Catamaran, Tree House, Sunset Deck, and the Lagoon. For both dinner and breakfast, I dined at the Catamaran restaurant which is the all-day dining restaurant. For both meals, they had a buffet with a variety of food items but I was not totally impressed by the range.

    Breakfast was a spread that had a mix of both Sri Lankan and Western Cuisine. If you wish to dine while enjoying the sunrise or the sunset at the lagoon, Moya, Pontoon and the Tree House are the ones for you.

    Other Facilities

    The picturesque lagoon is not the only thing that you can look forward to at Amagi Aria. In fact, they offer water sports facilities, a gym and a spa to let you make the most of your vacation. The hotel would also arrange city tours upon your request.

    Framing the magnificent lagoon, Amagi Aria aims to offer you a memorable service. Comment your thoughts on this hotel below.

     

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  • The Runcible Spoon – A culinary journey capturing the essence of modern Sri Lankan fusion cuisine

    A few weeks ago, I got the opportunity to visit one of the most talked about Restaurants in Galle – The Runcible Spoon at Owl & the Pussycat Hotel. The hotel itself is a living rendition of the poem Owl & the Pussycat by Edward Lear and the restaurant stands as a true testament for Sri Lankan Fusion Cuisine.

    Signature dishes at OTP such as the Gotukola Gazpacho – a cold soup made using locally grown Centella and the Lamb Themparadu – slow Roasted lamb with Jaffna spices, modernizes the flavors of Sri Lanka that stands up to any high global cuisine.

    All dishes are created mainly using locally sourced ingredients and Ms. Reita is very keen about maintaining particular about cooking techniques. That’s why at Runcible Spoon you can indulge without having to worry about your health. Following the concept of ‘Pan to Plate’, Ms. Reita is strict about how each dish is prepared using only freshly produced ingredients. For her, wellness comes first and it is important as good taste.

    To commemorate the Chinese New Year, the head chef at Runcible Spoon – Chef Amila, under the supervision of the remarkable Reita Gadhkari, improvised a special 7-course menu which they included authentic Chinese dishes with a Sri Lanka twist and here’s my verdict on it.

    First Starter – Crispy Seaweed

    The 7-course menu started off with batter-fried crispy seaweed strips served with a fresh, crunchy salad. I loved the flavor that was created with the saltiness of the seaweed mixed with the freshness of the veggies. If you are someone who is looking for a healthier yet a flavorsome snack, this one is for you.

    Amuse-bouche – Vegetable Dumpling

    A staple in Chinese cuisine, dumplings are widely a popular dish around the world. Although it had a nice gingery bite to it, I was not blown away by the flavor.

    Soup – Clear Coriander Soup with Sliced Prawns, Fresh Coriander & Lemon Grass

    Without a doubt, the Clear Coriander Soup with Jumbo Prawns was one of my favorite dishes in this menu. The herbs not only flavored the soup but also added a refreshing note. The prawns, of course, were juicy and had a burst of flavor. It was a light soup packed with rejuvenaFlavoredors and I believe it could be an ideal mid-week dinner option too.

    Appetizers – Wok Tossed Noodles with Asian Greens

    No Chinese Menu is complete without noodles. Flavoured with fresh sesame oil and veggies, this dish had the perfect balance between texture and flavor. The noodles were succulent yet not greasy.

    Main Course – Wok Tossed Jumbo Prawns with Stir-Fried Asian Greens

    Undoubtedly,  this was my favorite dish from the entire menu. Served with steamed rice, the prawns were juicy and bursting with Asian flavors while the stir-fried greens added a subtle smoked flavor. For a dish that had a ton of spicy flavor and pungency, it was amazingly light.

    Dessert – Chinese Rice Pudding with Red Bean Sauce & Fresh Mango Slices

    Rice pudding is a moreish dessert that never fails to satisfy anyone’s cravings for a hearty dessert. However, this classic Chinese dessert got a little makeover at OTP thanks to fresh mango slices, fresh mint, and slivered almonds, making it irresistible.

    All in all, the food, the ambiance, and the overall service at OTP would undoubtedly make the special dining out experience even more special.

    I believe that at OTP, you will discover a different dimension where passion for delicacies, fine arts, and good music are always welcomed.

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  • Belt – Busting Dishes at the Rustic Kitchen

    Here’s another quick verdict on an eatery that is perfect for a quick bite or a hearty meal with your friends and family. Founded and headed by Majella, this family-friendly restaurant reflects her passion for all things delicious and enticing.

    Factor 1: Food

    From flavoursome Chinese dishes to homemade scrumptious desserts, Rustic Kitchen offers a wide range of food items that are both local and foreign. Interestingly, their specials are inspired by the wild west.

    For drinks, we ordered a fresh orange juice and a herbal juice. The herbal juice is a house specialty made using carrots, cucumbers, and lime. The sweetness of the carrot paired well with the acidity of lime, making it very refreshing while the orange juice tasted fresh. We skipped the appetizers and ordered the mains – Sea Food Chow Mein and Sizzling Pepper Styled Pork. The chow mein was full of flavour and had a generous serving of seafood mixed in. In my opinion, I’d like it to have a bit more sauce mixed in, to avoid dryness of the noodles. The Sizzling Pepper Styled Pork was spicy yet delicious and it paired well with the noodles. For dessert, we order Home Made Carmel Pudding. It was decadent and rich in flavour but the presentation of it wasn’t really appealing.

    Tip: When you are at Rustic Kitchen, don’t forget to try out ‘Aunty Rozanne’s biscuit pudding’, which is another crowd favourite.

    Factor 2: Service

    The staff at Rustic Kitchen is attentive to your needs. They would also guide you through the menu and recommend dishes for you. It took about thirty minutes for our main dishes and about five minutes for the dessert to arrive. However, the time depends on the dish you order.

    Factor 3: Ambience

    The interior at Rustic Kitchen is evidently inspired by the wild west. From lighting to the table arrangements, the restaurant sets the mood for a calm setting. The bright canary yellow sofas add a bright note and if you observe well you can find little blackboards with quirky notices. The basement hosts a bar aptly named as the Stables is where you can enjoy a drink or two on BYOB basis.

    Factor 4: Price

    At Rustic Kitchen, for a three-course meal for two, the price would range from 2,500 LKR to 10,000 LKR or more. However, you can have a quick yet filling snack for under 2,000 LKR.

    Factor 5: Location

    Located on the Negombo- Colombo main road, Rustic Kitchen is a little hard to notice with its spacious parking space in the front. From Colombo, through the Negombo – Colombo main road, you can reach Rustic Kitchen in about an hour. If you are heading towards Colombo from Bandaranaike International Airport through the expressway, you can reach Rustic Kitchen in less than an hour.

    [googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3959.7551033112036!2d79.89598895147884!3d7.038042318892538!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x3ae2f76d405d0e17%3A0xe6c9d06bcfeb99a3!2sRustic+Kitchen!5e0!3m2!1sen!2slk!4v1553775612453&w=1000&h=200]

    Tip: Make sure you skip the busy hours in the morning and in the evening when heading towards Rustic Kitchen from Colombo to avoid the heavy traffic.

    Factor 6: Parking

    As mentioned before, another reason why I think Rustic Kitchen is ideal for a large gathering is the availability of ample parking space which can easily accommodate about eight cars.

    Their motto, a recipe has no soul as the cook must bring soul to the recipe is certainly reflected on their dishes to their service. If you are living in or around Kandana or even passing by, don’t forget to pay a visit to Rustic Kitchen.

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