Wine and dine in an ambience of romance

By Smriti Daniel

It is a truth universally acknowledged that of all the inducements the world offers, nothing is more conducive to romance than the flavour of fine cuisine melting in one’s mouth. Candlelight and wine, perhaps al fresco under the stars, followed by a chauffeur driven car ride home, can only enhance the experience. And if you could afford it, could you resist?

This Valentine’s Day, No. 18 is offering precisely such a package. The gourmet restaurant will undertake to pick you and your partner up, bring you to No. 18, Cambridge Place, and sit you down to a meal to remember. The evening will include delicious cocktails, an exquisite five course meal, together with a complimentary bottle of red wine. When you are ready to return home, your chauffeur driven vehicle will see that you get there with minimal fuss...all this for Rs.8000 net per couple.

No. 18 is known by local gourmands as Colombo’s best kept dining secret. In fact, the exclusive restaurant was the only Sri Lankan establishment to make Condè Nast’s Hot List of the top 82 restaurants in the world. Featured alongside restaurants from Paris, Milan and Barcelona, the No. 18 team prides itself on the personalised service and the memorable dining experience it offers. An expansive menu designed by executive chef Uditha Iroshan Wijewardana, includes such culinary gems as Seared Queensland Scallops with Asparagus and Tomatoes, and Pink Peppercorn Coated Salmon with Lemon Hollandaise.

Belying its reputation for exorbitant pricing, No. 18 falls well within that of other modish restaurants around town. Starters range from Rs.450 to Rs.1500, while dishes from the main course start at Rs.650. Certain dishes which feature the rarely available Australian Wagyu beef or Foie Gras are undoubtedly, but understandably, expensive. Vegetarians will also find much to entice them on this menu, which boasts dishes like Jerusalem Artichoke ravioli with Wild Mushroom and Basil Foam.

Deserts which on average cost around Rs.500 are amongst the restaurant’s biggest attractions. Highlights include poached pear with cinnamon ice cream and mixed berry crumble with vanilla custard and strawberry brulèe. The piece de resistance though, is the dish Chef Iroshan has christened Chocolate Decadence – an incredibly soft cake, filled with creamy chocolate and served with crème anglaise and home-made cardamom ice cream.

No. 18 has moved from being on the expensive side to rather affordable with the recent launch of their “lite menu”. All the dishes on the menu, which cost 500/+++ come in generous portions and are designed to entice even the most weary gourmand. Home-made tagliatelle with sweet and sour crispy pork, linguine with spicy calamari and cherry tomato salsa share the page with several other delights.

The restaurant is the brain child of renowned hotelier Taru Fonseka of Taru Villas. The simple architecture that singles out her other establishments is also in evidence here. A minimalist bar and lounge, all in white, offers a surprisingly welcoming ambience. Many guests often choose to spend some time there, before moving on to the main dining area for a meal. The tables are widely spaced, providing a measure of privacy. Even more so in the courtyard that adjoins the indoor dining room. Open to the sky and edged with high walls and greenery, it invites relaxation.

Combining ambience and excellent cuisine, the restaurant is definitely high on this year’s list of Valentine venues.