Simply sensational sunday sustenance

Saturday, 1 February 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Hilton Colombo Residences offers over 100 dishes to delight diners at its Sunday Brunch By Cheranka Mendis A perfect Sunday for me is an idyllic day spent in bed with a book, while the aromas of Sunday’s lunch spread waft in and out of my room... I only remove myself from this perfect position to reach the kitchen – nothing else will induce any form of activity. So why did I find myself outside Hilton Colombo Residences last Sunday morning, accompanied by a colleague and photographer – all set for work? Because inside this building, on the third floor, overlooking its sparkling pool is a room boasting a sensational spread, making for perfect Sunday dining.

Sunday Brunch at Hilton Colombo Residencies offers over 100 dishes, with chefs at seven action stations whipping out dish after dish, sure to satisfy anyone who enjoys delicious cuisine. From the soups to salads, to mains and desserts, what is offered here at Rs. 2,400 nett is absolute value for money. Location Overlooking the pool, the Veranda Bistro and Poolside is ideal to relax and enjoy the cool breeze, while tucking into a delicious meal as the hours slip away. With both alfresco and indoor dining options available, one could choose to enjoy the gleeful cries of children splashing in the pool, or sit inside surrounded by the all-pervading aroma of food being prepared by experts. Ideal for those who seek a private and cosy ambiance, diners are treated to the sight of chefs flipping the rumali rotis before laying them ever-so-carefully on the curved surface of a pan, as sizzles emanate from the BBQ corner. There is also a special area for children to play next to the pool, releasing parents for a few hours. It is hard to think of a more ideal way to spend a Sunday afternoon in the city than at this restaurant, which seats 80 guests comfortably. Starters Every course had its unique propositions. The salad bar, a personal favourite, is filled with delicious salads in tiny red and black miniature dishes serving up individual portions while there are also plenty of ingredients to mix up your salad just the way you want it. Thick slices of ham and cheese varieties are laid out next to the sauces prepared in-house, while a large tray of smoked salmon is a key attraction. The salmon here is perfect. If we were to request one dish to be served at every course, at every meal, it’s got to be this. It’s hard to move past the salmon and concentrate on much else. However, for seafood lovers there will always be prawns and oysters, asserted Executive Chef Priyal Wijesuriya, even though the menus change every week. For those who love Japanese cuisine, the Sunday brunch offers beautifully-presented sushi and sashimi too. Mains

Wijesuriya, who joined us for a quick chat, noted that the menu, which changes every week, focuses on catering to all taste buds – from Mediterranean and Western to the more home-based flavours. The dishes are prepared accordingly to form a balance between the three, which ensures that the selection is widespread. Some of the all-time favourites include the shawarma corner, the pastas and spaghettis, the Indian rotis and the local crab curry. “We have a lot of repeat customers, hence the menu is altered every week, working around and keeping in mind the favourites that our diners ask for,” he said. “Whatever we are or whatever we eat, we still crave a good rice and curry,” Wijesuriya added, showing us the spread at the Sri Lankan section. “From red rice to white, the dhal to sambol, we like to cover as many bases as we can.” And that they do. The chicken curry here is fiery and the gravy thick, perfect with well-buttered bread or rotis. Right next to the Sri Lankan corner is the shawarma station and the chef was busy slicing thick pieces from the block of meat. Beautifully wrapped in crispy crepes, this is a must-try. Right next to it, pans sizzle as another tosses in cheese and chicken and prawn with the pastas and spaghettis. The ambiance is lively and the air is filled with the fragrance of delicious food. On the Mediterranean side there is ratatouille, seafood spinach rice, crispy fried chicken and many more. The chicken tikka served at the Indian section with the rotis is exceptional and is a very popular dish among regular diners. All the while, the BBQ corner never stopped sizzling since it opened, frying up golden brown sausages and succulent meat items. Dessert If you thought picking what to eat in the main section was hard due to its extensive menu, just wait until you get to the desserts. There are just too many goodies to choose from – both the best dream and worst nightmare of those with a sweet tooth. From ice cream and cones – a favourite among kids and adults – to cupcakes, cookies, delicate fruit tarts, scrumptious brownies, donuts, cheese cakes, and carrot cakes to chocolate mousse, every favourite dessert item is here. No matter how stuffed you feel after the mains, you cannot pass on these delights. The chocolate mousse and the double brownie were personal favourites. Verdict The verdict? Absolute value for money. The menu is extensive and the dishes are delicious. Almost every dish had the perfect combination of spices that we usually find lacking elsewhere. To add to it all, the staff is friendly and ever-willing to assist. Sunday brunch at Hilton Colombo Residences is a celebration of Sundays – the ideal chill-out spot before the weekday grind begins.