Arts
Sweet and savoury: It’s strawberries all the way
One of the many attributes of a cup of tea is its ability to bring people together. That is just why High Tea, a tradition that began centuries ago (in the bedroom of the seventh Duchess of Bedford) is still a commonly sought evening breather.
An array of treats with the versatile strawberry. Pix by Priyantha Wickramaarachchi
While, the many high teas spreads offered around Colombo are pretty much indistinguishable from the traditional one, there is always a moment where something unique pops up. The strawberry high tea buffet held at the Hilton Colombo earlier was one such innovation.
The spread was a part of #EatDrinkHilton which is all about fresh produce, seasonal offerings and local palates. This month, the hotel’s focus is on strawberries.
“Our goal is to bring people together, have them talk whilst enjoying a cup of tea and that’s what this setting is all about,” Chef Robert Mujagic tells us.
On the table before us is a neat stack of ‘chocolate strawberry roulade with manjariganache.’ The temptation is irresistible. The first bite feels like a glimpse of heaven as the strawberry just oozes into your mouth.
Chef Robert has always associated strawberries with his childhood and his grandparents. He recalls fond memories of growing up on a farm they owned in Croatia.
“My grandparents had their own fruit and vegetable gardens, and also plenty of strawberries to go around,” he says. Chef Robert’s grandma always took him with her to pick the strawberries. It was also his grandma, who had inspired him to become a chef. His grandma passed away many years ago but her memory lives in the aroma of her food and her special strawberry jam recipe, which is the same one he uses to this day. “I just take the sugar out.”
Chef Robert Mujagic
“Strawberries could be paired with anything,” says Chef Robert.This was indeed verified by not only the dessert items but also the savoury items that were up for the tasting.
‘The mini lamb roulade on strawberry and oats blinis, was an interesting take on the strawberries.
The highlight for the evening however came in the form of ‘strawberry, prawn and walnut empanadas’. The hint of sourness from the strawberries only seemed to best bring out the freshness of the prawns which were tucked inside the beautifully baked empanadas.
Another indulgence was the ‘Strawberry and cinnamon infused savoury curry waffle lolly’. Light and fluffy, its presentation was reminiscent of a cotton candy stick, but the taste was a modern twist on waffle, strawberry and chicken.
The celebration of strawberries will continue at the Hilton Colombo and you could indulge in ‘dark chocolate chia pudding’ at Café Kai, or the ‘grilled strawberry and chicken or strawberry sushi rolls at InkoiTei. The Graze kitchen will also be serving up a three course strawberry meal, while the L.A.B Hilton promises a range of strawberry infused beverages.
For more information follow the hash tags #EatDrinkHilton and #Strawberries or call 0112492492.
