Sunday Times 2
Launch of most expensive and artistic dessert
View(s):In its proud history spanning 125 years, the Grand Hotel has been known for its commitment to innovation. Their latest effort, billed as ‘the most expensive and artistic dessert’ is a unique creation that marries romance, heritage and culinary craftsmanship.
Priced at a kingly Rs.3.8mn, ‘Marry Me’ is a finely crafted dessert using an exotic array of ingredients, created by Master Chef Viraj Jayaratne to mark his 25 years in the culinary field. The exquisite dessert marries the famed Valrhona chocolate from Madagascar, the Cherry Jubilee which was served at the Grand as far back as 1897, all skillfully crafted with edible gold and silver, and to top it all, a precious stone specially crafted for the lady to cherish for a lifetime, perched on top.
An award-winning chef, Chef Viraj has shone at national and international culinary competitions and won Gold medals for his artistic and creative work with petit fours, showpieces and three-tier wedding cakes. He has worked as the team coach for international competitions representing the Sri Lankan contingent, of which the latest was in June 2017 for the East Coast Salon Culinaire, Dubai 2017, where he secured a silver and two bronze medals.
The ‘Marry Me’ dessert will be launched on the front lawn of the Grand Hotel. Doing the honours will be celebrity couple, Kumar Sangakkara and wife Yehali who will be the first takers of ‘Marry Me’. The Grand’s objective in launching this exclusive dessert is to showcase Sri Lanka as a culinary destination. The dessert will be available from January 3 at the Grand.