Residence by Uga Escapes hosts Chef Mathew Macartney

Colombo’s Residence by Uga Escapes together with Chef Mathew Macartney hosted a curated wine dinner from 9-11 August at its acclaimed restaurant, Rare. 

The event which was open to all,was sold out, with tickets priced at Rs. 15,000 each. It also consisted of carefully and skilfully crafted gastronomical experiences spread across each evening. Guests were treated to a variety of dishes packed with flavour and an array of colours, to sample with a side of complementing wine. 

Some of the wines included in the menu were Italian Prosecco, Chilean Sauvignon Blanc, South African Rosé and Argentinian Viognier. The dishes were works of art as much as they were culinary marvels, with the likes of Shiso Cured Canadian Wild Salmon with Kohlrabi, Oysters, Passion Fruit and Roasted Sesame, Spiced Caramel Glazed Pork Belly with Celeriac Remoulade and Honey Crisp Apples, Roasted Salt Grass Lamb with Crisp Mint Hollandaise, Boulanger Potato and Organic Vegetables, and to round it off, Rose Geranium Gelato.

“The team at Residence and I worked together to create a menu for the evening with both international experiences and local inspirations. A unique experience requires a unique location, which meant I had to choose a restaurant in Colombo best known for its creativity to compliment the evening, which already embraces the concept of international cuisine an emphasis on local ingredients, Rare at Residence,” Macartney said.

Macartney himself first got his start as an apprentice at Café Cuccinain South Yarra which specialises in Italian cuisine. Following three years of training where he acquired essential skills and expertise as a young chef, he was then presented with an opportunity to work under Raymond Capaldi and Marcus Moore at Hotel Sofitel. Here, Macartney was actively involved in a range of culinary events, working hand-in-hand with industry leaders who would shape his career to come. Over the years, Macartney travelled the world, including countries such as Fiji, New Zealand and Dubai. 

Following many awards and accolades, Macartney most recently opened Char Dining in the leafy suburb of Balwyn (Melbourne, Australia) in 2016. The aim is to offer a convenient, high quality suburban bistro for culinary enthusiasts to hop into whenever they feel like it. 

Macartney’s next big project is slated for 2017, where he will be overseeing the kitchens at the newly redeveloped Village Belle Hotel in beautiful Saint Kilda. The hotel, which is scheduled to open later this year, is set to be a vision, encased in a double-storey glass winter garden and complete with an open kitchen.