Cutting edge restaurant with a French flair
View(s):As patron of the elite dining club The Nth Degree in London, Niranjan Deva Aditiya MEP has always felt particularly blessed.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe with Niranjan Deva Aditiya at the opening
“I have always had a passion for food, and it is through my association with the Nth Degree, and its Chairman Robert Walton MBE, that I have been able to immerse myself in the world of fine dining – to fully experience not only the best restaurants the world has to offer, but to also share the experience with top chefs and other food lovers”.
Now hoping to bring a holistic fine dining experience to Colombo, Deva Aditiya last month opened his restaurant down Horton Place , ‘Grand Gourmet at Nirj’s’, with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, and wife Maithree Wickremesinghe gracing the occasion.
“Whilst wishing Grand Gourmet and my childhood friend Niranjan every success, I hope this is a harbinger to Sri Lanka being a fine food destination,” said the Prime Minister.
The aim of Grand Gourmet at Nirj’s is to present fresh, local and seasonal produce in the best possible light while using the traditions of the French fine dining experience.
“While our intention with Grand Gourmet at Nirj’s is simple, it is also boundless, in the sense that we want to achieve Michelin Star status and put Sri Lanka on the world gourmet map.
The finest ingredients are only part of the step – we want to provide an internationally recognised and immersive fine dining experience,” said Deva Aditiya.
Grand Gourmet at Nirj’s will also be innovative and keep itself on the food industry’s cutting edge by flying in leading chefs.
With the intensive training of waiting staff, to wine selection and pairing, to the atmosphere and decor – the emphasis is on style and elegance of the French romantic period of the 19th century.
“ We want to share with our guests our passion for food and nourish them both in body and spirit. I think that is the true meaning of fine dining,” Deva Aditiya said.
Grand Gourmet at Nirj’s will be complemented by “Encore”, a sophisticated bistro-style restaurant / bar serving breakfast, lunch and high tea, before offering dinner to its exclusive invitation-only membership.
Encore aims to provide an enclave for the leading lights of Sri Lankan industry, society and politics, a place where like-minded individuals can network and socialise in a relaxed atmosphere.