Valentine’s at Lakeside – As romantic as it gets

Little do we realise that although Valentine’s Day is synonymous with romantic and tender thoughts, it actually brings about minor anxiety attacks amongst those hoping to impress their Valentine.  What to do, where to go, what to wear and what present to get, are just a few of the vital questions we struggle with as ‘V Day’ nears.

Thankfully, Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, has thought it all out for their guests.  For the true romantic, there’s nothing quite like being ‘In Love by the Lake’, as they put it, referring to the five course, candlelit dinner at the Waterside.  This is the hotel’s latest waterfront venue – a lush, beautifully manicured lawn that stretches right up to the glistening Beira Lake.  Privacy is key, which is why the hotel will accommodate only a limited number of couples, allowing ample space between each for privacy. Two members of the national orchestra will set a romantic tone to the evening with soothing instrumental music to enjoy over a complimentary glass of Moët.

With the meal, choices are bountiful. To begin with, diners may choose from a blue lagoon crab cocktail and Tasmanian smoked salmon or a five spiced tofu and crispy cheese dish with Burgundy poached pears, which is followed by a baked pumpkin soup with roasted cashew nuts.  After a rose petal sorbet to neutralise the palate, the meal will continue at an easy pace with a crispy skin sea bass and king prawns, baked pumpkin and potato ripple, prune and nut stuffed chicken roulade and lamb, a hazelnut and raspberry dream with kirsch fruit salsa, walnut moingham pudding with citrus vanilla cream and bitter chocolate sauce amongst other choices.

The hotel has a Valentine’s gift for every couple too.  Ladies will be presented with a rose and a box of chocolates and gentlemen with a tie from Hameedia.  This breathtaking evening is available at Rs. 7,500/- ++++ per couple.  As reservations will be accepted for a limited number, it is advisable to make an early reservation by contacting 2491016.

On Valentine’s Day, the mood at The Dining Room will take a turn towards romance, celebrating ‘A Taste for Love’.  Famous for his prowess in international cuisine, Cinnamon Lakeside’s Executive Chef Wasantha Pieris has a special menu lined up for the evening.  Diners can expect an extensive array of appetizers that include a Seafood Glory on Ice featuring mussels, crabs, prawns, shoe lobster and oysters and deliciously fresh and crunchy salads like the Thai papaya salad, stuffed eggplant salad with tomato concasse and feta cheese, Waldorf salad and many more.  Soups will follow, with an option for vegetarians.

Main dishes at the buffet will include lobster and prawn thermidor, poached sea bass with beet balsamic, batter fried prawns along with Asian dishes such as crispy duck with plum sauce, five spiced cuttlefish and from the Tandoor, kadai mutton, chicken jalfrazi amongst others. A separate carvery will be available on Valentine’s Day with a host of succulent meats such as U.S tom turkey roll, Virginia sugar ham and Australian prime roast beef all accompanied by jus’, sauces and gravies to complement.  

The pastry chefs at the hotel too have a line-up of exotic desserts planned for the night that as always promise to be irresistible. The Dining Room Valentine’s dinner is priced at Rs. 1,800++++ per person.  Should you wish to celebrate the day of love with family and friends, this is the place to do so. For further information The Dining Room may be reached on 2491930.