Colombo's finest Italian Restaurant - The Bay Leaf - takes on a festive air this Christmas and New Year season and opens its doors with an epicurean feast replete with all the trappings of good cheer.

The Christmas menu conjures up images of a gastronomic fantasy with its Lobster Bisque, Prawn Mousse, Chicken Liver Pate, Cheese wrapped Ham, Smoked Chicken Breast, Home Made Duck Ravioli, Roasted young Turkey stuffed with Chestnuts, Fresh Salmon rolled with sun-dried Tomato, Marinated Leg of Lamb, and of course, the traditional Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce.

The special New Year's Eve menu offers diners a truly regal spread to choose from among a selection of international salads and appetizers, Oven Baked Lamb Rack with Pistachio Nuts and Herbs served with a Red Wine Sauce, Australian Beef Tenderloin grilled with Hollandaise Sauce, Pan-fried fresh Salmon with Champagne Zabaglione, Saffron poached Rock Lobster with Ricotta Cannelloni and Lemon Tagliarini with Duck Ragu, etc.

For sale in the Deli Shop throughout the Festive Season will be Roast Turkey, Honey Glazed Ham, Christmas Pudding, Mince Pies, Xmas Cookies, Traditional Christmas Fruit Cake, Choco Mocca Yule Log and Christmas Cake.

The Bay Leaf's traditional Pizza of the Month also takes on a festive air with 'Turkey Calzone' - turkey tossed in a cranberry sauce, mozzarella with fresh and dried mushroom stuffing.