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Thursday Nov 07, 2024
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Française de Kotte to present the French Spring Festival in Sri Lanka which celebrates French cuisine, culture, music and the arts.
7˚ North, one of Colombo’s trendiest bars kick started the French Spring Festival with a performance by the French Caravan Quartet. On Thursday, 22 June, the hotel’s alfresco bar and restaurant featured the French Caravan Quartet with an open invitation to the hotel’s patrons. The event was available to guests on a first come first served basis and the venue was filled with musical enthusiasts. The ambience by the Beira Lake contributed to a relaxing environment conducive to appreciating the fine music.
Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo harnesses the talent of its very own French Executive Chef Martin Becquart and a special guest Chef Jean Philippe Abbate to plan the gastronomic element of the French Spring Festival starting in the month of July.
Chef Becquart has a wealth of international experience under his belt from countries in all corners of the world, such as Uruguay, Argentina, Bahamas, Lebanon, West Indies, Morocco, Greece, New York and Hong Kong. Becquart brings a diverse level of culinary skill and is sure to introduce tastes from all his adventures at the French Gastronomic Week.
Guest Chef Jean Philippe Abbate counts over 35 years of experience in the culinary industry and displays exceptional skills in creating poultry, fish and seafood dishes. Abbate was awarded the best young apprentice in 1980, at the start of his illustrious career. Having worked at prestigious hotels around the world, he is currently the head chef at Paoli Calmete Institute in France. Chef Abbate’s love for Asian cuisine has taken him to many countries in the region and he arrives in Sri Lanka with the hope of creating memorable dining experiences for all those who visit Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo from 1 to 15 July. 
The French Gastronomic Weeks titled “Bon Appetit” spans from 1 to 14 July 2013 at The Dining Room, Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo. The restaurant is famous for dishing up top-notch international cuisine and the French Gastronomic Weeks will be no exception. To ensure a seat at themed dinners such as these, a reservation is recommended and can be made on 112491930.
The French Patisserie High Tea at The Lounge during the month of July will be an ideal way to savour the classics of French pastry alongside contemporary Parisian treats encompassing tea time savouries, sweets and hot and cold beverages to compliment.
The Lounge may be contacted on 112491945 for reservations.
A photography exhibition will be launched over cocktails on Monday 1 July presenting photographs by Seneka Abeyratne at The Dining Room Alfresco.
The exhibition, “De Mirissa à Bouzigues”, evokes a Mediterranean port and encompasses a collection of twenty photographs available for sale. Artist Seneka Abeyratne will be present for photography partisans who wish to discuss the finer points of his pieces. The exhibition will be open to public from 3 to 14 of July.
On 3 July 2013, the Kings Court ballroom will be transformed into a concert venue followed by cocktails featuring French fare. Saxophonist Jean-Pierre Baraglioli will be joined by renowned pianist Bridget Halpé and Tabla player Peshala Nanoj. The three talented artistes will perform at 7.30pm at an exclusive concert for invitees.
Parisian Jean Pierre Baraglioli obtained the Paris Conservatory First Prizes in saxophone and in chamber music. He is the solo saxophone player of the Paris Garde Républicaine Wind Orchestra and Colonne Concert Orchestra and the soprano player of the ‘Quatuor de Saxophones International’ and the ‘Quatuor de Saxophone Inédits’. Baraglioli adds Sri Lanka to a long list of countries at which he has performed including Japan, China, USA, Canada, Russia, Argentina, Australia, Thailand, Taiwan, Latvia, Hungary, Spain and Italy.
Sri Lankan born Bridget Halpé holds the L.R.A.M. in pianoforte performance of the Royal Academy, UK. With over 50 years of experience under her belt, Bridget Halpé is also a well-known choral director. She is also known for having composed music for lyrics in plays and for developing a compendium of musical theory for the use of her students whilst being engaged in research, making a structural evaluation of the 48 Preludes and Fugues of J.S. Bach.
Popular Sri Lankan tabla player Peshala Nanoj is featured in hits such as Denuwan (Dahasin Sadi Pem Sithiwili), Me Maa and Meth Budu (Sansaaraye Hati).
In keeping with the French theme, a special selection of Peugeot automobiles will be on display in front of the hotel throughout the festival, sponsored by Carmart Ltd.
