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Titillating the senses
By Esther Williams
Looking for a unique dining experience? You should probably head to Tantra, the recently opened lounge bar and restaurant. Overlooking the sea and the twin towers with a superb view of the Colombo skyline, the breezy open-air diner is an ideal place to chill out, come evening.

Conceptualised and designed by the dynamic duo, Krister Fernando and Ganaka Herath, Tantra offers a quiet place of relaxation after a stressful day. "Tantra is a religious term that means attaining a state of enlightenment by giving pleasure to the senses," explains Herath, adding that they want to give diners something nice to look at, good food and drink and mellow music.

"It is all about losing ones inhibitions and being open to new experiences," says Fernando. Tantra is an extension of Glow, a pub that opened in June 2003. A young vibrant place, it caters to youngsters and guests used to move on to the terrace to enjoy the open air. When someone asked, "Why don't we have a bar here?" the Tantra idea was conceived, explains Herath.

Tantra offers a different atmosphere to that of a pub. It is a place where people can sit and chat. "We believe that what a customer takes away is what brings him back," Fernando says.

While the lounge is more suitable for a quiet drink the champagne bar is set for fine dining. Open from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., Tantra will offer both dining and late evening cocktails. True to its name, the décor, minimalist in fashion is elegant with wood and cement taking pride of place. Wrought iron furniture interwoven with cane and glass topped cement tables arranged amidst ferns complement the dining area. Statues of Thai goddesses and other artefacts such as the Ajante dagger add an oriental touch. As for the lighting, it is subdued, allowing for comfort and intimacy.

Eastern fusion cuisine by Kollu dominates the menu, with a small yet fascinating choice of items. Try the grilled chillie prawn with a mango chillie dip or spicy meatballs with a coriander dip for starters or pick from the selection of soups. There is a choice of rice, noodles or kottu, with toppings including vegetables, seafood and meat, for the main meal. Kollu has retained some of his old favourites such as the chicken satay and seafood kottu. According to Herath western dishes including spicy Mexican ones will be added onto the menu within the next month. Trifle and ice cream come recommended from the dessert menu that is designed like an oriental scroll.

Tantra boasts of a wide selection of wine and cocktails. One only has to name it and the staff who have been trained abroad will whip up Cowboy Detox, Devil's Breath or Tantric Flame in a minute. Imported cigars, champagnes, speciality coffees and aperitifs are other options and the house specialities are the frozen Marguerites and Martinis.

An acoustic afternoon is on every other Sunday when four-member bands play '60s and '70s music unplugged. Flame will be one of the groups featuring soft rock while others will focus on Jazz. The restaurant that can accommodate around 100, is also open to private and corporate bookings.

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