Top guest chefs host Ceylon tea dinner at Mahaweli Reach

Thursday, 6 November 2014 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Guests from Mahaweli Reach Hotel, Kandy and others savoured a four-course dinner with tea in every meal, prepared by guest chefs Austin Yancey and Dustin Freund from Chicago USA. The two chefs presented the winning menu from the Cooking with Tea Competition, which was held in Chicago and developed and sponsored by Napoleona Tea (www.napoleonatea.com). The evening started off with a welcome cocktail called the ‘Ceylon Silver Tip Tea Martini’, created by the chefs while they were in Sri Lanka. Chef Dustin’s winning tea menu highlighted a starter of tiger prawn with green apple and gruyere showcasing Ceylon Chai Tea in the preparation, followed by watermelon gazpacho with seared tuna, watermelon and mint showcasing Silver Tip Tea, then an entree of lamb, couscous and zucchini blossoms showcasing Ceylon Black Tea.

Dessert featured a unique tea infused with a goat cheese, cherry, cashew nut and treacle presentation showcasing Earl Grey Tea, which received rave reviews from VIP guests who attended this special evening event. Bill Campbell, one of the guests, noted: “This dinner is a creative example of what can be done with famed Ceylon teas. I applaud this concept and these wonderfully talented guest chefs.” Napoleona Tea, founder and owner Thresa Griffin, explained: “Tea is the world’s most popular beverage after water and the Napoleona Tea Competition honours the tradition and quality of Ceylon teas. Chefs Austin and Dustin are here in Sri Lanka on one of our seven-day Tea Tours to expand their own experience with local teas, and create further recipes for all to enjoy. “Furthermore, our representative in Sri Lanka, Bernard Holsinger, was invaluable. We could not be more pleased with the success of this premier dinner at Mahaweli Reach and the efforts of so many to make this event such a wonderful experience for all.”