Let’s go bananas for dessert!
View(s):They’re three of a kind, but which is the best? Our column has us traipsing across Colombo in pursuit of our favourite things. We’re talking food and drink, massages and clothes, essential services and places to party: there’s nothing we won’t have an opinion on. We’d like to hear from you: what would you like to read about? Have a recommendation to share or a suggestion on how we can improve? Write in to take3colombo@gmail.com.
A banana is a delicious fruit but it’s one of those things that three scoops of ice cream and a dollop of whipped cream can only improve. Banana Split– the traditional triple scoop Sundae is a meal in itself and if you’re in the mood to share, it’s a bonding experience. (Incongruo-usly, it was allegedly invented by a pharmacologist.)
What is less clear though, is what a banana split actually entails. Among those who love to nitpick, there are rumours of pineapple toppings as well as specific pairings of sauce and ice cream flavours but as always, Colombo’s keeping things inventive. Here’s what you need to know:
The Gallery Café 2 Alfred House Road, Colombo 2. Tel: 011-2582162/ 2556563
Coconut and jaggery ice-cream made in-house ensures The Gallery Cafe’s banana split is unique among its kind. (My co-taster notes that even the banana tastes better than the other bananas we eat that day). Their clever take on the American classic is built on essentially Sri Lankan flavours: creamy coconut and the melt-in-your-mouth sweetness of the jaggery chunks mixed into the ice cream. Lashings of kithul syrup, a scattering of cashewnuts and rich cream complete the dish.
The café itself is a beautiful spot to spend an evening, lingering over a coffee and a serving of what are easily some of the best desserts the city has to offer. (Also coming highly recommended is the double chocolate cheesecake but just about anything off their list is good.) Of course at Rs. 864 (we’ve included the damage wrought by the + + for you) this dessert doesn’t do your wallet any favours.
Il Gelato ODEL Unlimited 7, Alexandra Place, Colombo 7 Tel: 011-4720584
We have our choice of flavours at Il Gelato and we’re asked to pick the three that make up the Sundae. In an attempt to stick with the original brief, we go for a tangy strawberry complete with slices of fruit and their truly incomparable Fondente dark chocolate and then totally lose the plot and opt for a mint because we think the green looks inviting. (What we really should have gone for was that delectable looking white chocolate.)
When it is served, it is in a boat laden with so much whipped cream and decadent chocolate sauce that we can barely see the ice cream underneath. We’re not complaining – Il Gelato’s banana split is a treat, made so by truly gorgeous ice cream. The chocolate is intense and rich and quite unlike anything you’ll taste elsewhere and the sourness of the strawberry is just what you need to cut through the rich sweetness of the toppings (in fact we suggest you pick tart flavours for your split).
It doesn’t hurt that we could customise it to suit our palate or that we’re actually getting something of a deal – if we’d bought three individual scoops we’d be paying Rs.290 each or Rs.400 for two, but at Rs.605 for the banana split you’re essentially getting all the add-ons for free. Consider yourself forewarned: it’s a big serving. You’re advised to either bring a prodigious appetite or find a partner in gluttony.
Roots Next to Pilawoos, Galle Road, Colombo 3. Tel: 011-3021125
When it arrives, the banana split looks like something Pop Tate would serve Archie at the Chock’lit Shoppe. This is a Sundae dressed to go out: pink, white and brown, covered in sprinkles and served with a jaunty little wafer. A maraschino cherry and some whipped cream cap the scoop of vanilla ice cream. Adding to the colours are pink, brown and green sauces of strawberry, chocolate and apple respectively. Fortunately, I can’t quite taste them. While this Sundae ticks of most of the boxes it isn’t something we’d go back especially for but at Rs.230 we can forgive it some of its flaws.
Incidentally, should we apologise for the unconventional address? In our defence, the employees themselves were uncertain of their building’s number but if you really want to find a Roots outlet, you won’t have to look very far. There are several around the city including at Majestic City and Crescat Boulevard.
Follow @timesonlinelk
comments powered by Disqus